Once regarded as just a comfortable oversized bedroom community, the now cosmopolitan City of Phoenix offers townspeople and visitors a variety of attractions and activities in and around town. As Phoenix has grown in size, so too has its level of sophistication. Along with its obvious appeal to those seeking sun and fun, the Phoenix area boasts several theatres, a symphony orchestra, automobile and horse race tracks and golf courses galore.

Nature is in abundance in Phoenix. Visit the beautiful Phoenix Zoo, home to over 1,200 animals. Nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. Just a 2 hour drive to the north, visit the magnificent Grand Canyon, one of the most popular natural destinations in the world. And who can not marvel at the spectacular vistas of Sedona, one of the world's most scenic locales, and a mecca for those seeking spiritual retreat.

Golf is king in Phoenix, which plays host to several championship golf clulbs. The Moon Valley Country Club, which features a 7210 yard par 72 championship golf course, offers plenty of challenge to the tournament player as well as the casual golfer. Nearby Cave Creek Golf Course is Phoenix's most popular municipal golf course, with about 100,000 rounds played annually.

If you have a need for speed, Phoenix International Raceway is truly a great place to race, both for drivers and fans.Today, Phoenix International Raceway has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing. The annual Fall NASCAR weekend - including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, Craftsman Trucks and Featherlite Southwest Series races - is one of the biggest events in the state. The Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race is arguably the largest one-day sporting event in Arizona. In addition to the four wheeled variety, Phoenix also has the four legged variety of racing at Turf Paradise, only 4 miles away from the Ramada. Racing begins in October and ends in May the following year.

Cultural options are many in Phoenix. Steep yourself in the Southwest at the Heard Museum, one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of Indian life in the world. In the evenings, take in a concert at the Phoenix Symphony, or a ball game at either US Airways Center (formerly America West Arena) or Bank One Ballpark(baseball). The Arizona football Cardinals anxiously anticipate the opening of their new home at Cardinals Stadium, scheduled to open in 2006.