Phoenix
The Phoenix metropolitan area, known as the Valley of the Sun, is home to almost 3 million people and includes the cities of Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, and Mesa. The area's explosive growth over the last decade has made it one the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Sunny days and comfortable temperatures are the rule November through April, making this time the most enjoyable and popular time of year to visit. Vacation resorts are plentiful throughout the valley and the most popular outdoor activities are golfing, hiking, hot air balloons and scenic day trips in to the nearby desert or to one of the nearby mountain towns. Downtown Scottsdale has always been a entertainment and shopping center with a focus on art and things trendy, but now downtown Phoenix and the Biltmore area continue to offer more and more top rate restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping and sports venues. All the major professional sports leagues have Phoenix teams and in March every year Major League Baseball's Cactus League spring training is a huge draw for visitors and locals alike. The Salt River and Verde River reservoir system east and northeast of Phoenix provides scenic mountain lakes very popular for power boating, water skiing and fishing. Several Reservation casinos, greyhound tracks and horse tracks are available both in town and on the outskirts of town. Be sure to visit and dine at some of Phoenix Arizonas best restaurants, cafes, pubs and fine dining establishments.