I consider myself a true American. We have lived all over the country, experiencing numerous cultures and lifestyles throughout the United States. Whether you know it or not, we do speak different dialects, enjoy different foods, and partake in different hobbies, depending upon where we live. We also learn what’s cool in one place might be curious in another. So teachable moments are a way of life for us. So, why Phoenix?
Cowboys? No. Our initial visit to Arizona was honestly to find a warmer place to spend winters upon our hiatus from Yellowstone. We had never explored the southwest and figured tacos and margaritas by the pool, in winter, would be a fun alternative to the typical, comfort foods of football season. We were attracted to the notion that is it a place where there is always something to do, and with our kids nearby, it was a natural choice.
Is it my favorite city?
Sometimes, but I think the word favorite offers an unfair comparison, since my favorite place is usually exactly where I am at the moment. It is also relative to the day. I think of New England in the autumn, Washington in the summer, or Wyoming in the spring. So instead of favorite, we call Phoenix our forever home.
In the 1930’s marketing gurus deemed it the Valley of the Sun in an effort to boost tourism. Named for obvious reasons, the name stuck. And again for obvious reason the people did too. It has it’s challenges like any place, but at the end of the day, it is exactly where we are meant to be.
Why?
It is a Sports Mecca: There are numerous professional sport teams in the Phoenix area and it is the perfect venue for baseball’s spring training. Cactus league teams are located throughout the Valley, making it a perfect opportunity to explore what else is in the city. That includes the Phoenix Open, but if spectating sports isn’t your forte’, pick something. It’s here.
City Parks: Many parks are at the foothills of mountains, so the city seems to mingle with nature. The mountains throughout the city are used for hiking, biking and exploring. It is possible to summit almost all of them, and it is interesting to view the city skyline while watching roadrunners, coyotes and wild burros on or near the trails with you.
Lifestyle: There is always something to do. Boating, golf, and gardening are not seasonal in Arizona, and instead every season. There are theaters, concerts, sports, casinos, spas, and nightlife. Or maybe you just like impromptu road trips? The car enthusiasts do too.
The Grid: If you live here you know exactly what that means. If you vacation here, you get it right away, but for me it means I can’t really get lost. The road system was designed on a grid with its major freeways going north and south, and Central Avenue going right up the middle. The cross streets are the same on both the east and the west.
Interesting Landmarks: We do have cathedrals and courthouses like other cities. They just look a little look different. Take for example, Courthouse Butte.
It’s a Foodie Town: There is a wide range of cultures that have landed in the Valley of the Sun, and with the influx of snowbirds, there is food from countless regions. So a piece of advice, when you want to dinner. It’s not necessary to think about where to go, and instead, what you want that matters. Narrowing down is the hardest part, unless it’s local fare.
Weather: Yes, the weather is a given. It is sunny almost every day of the year and the sky stays a brilliant blue. If you don’t have a pool, your friends do. Fortunately, if it’s still too hot in August, an hour road trip north, or a weekend getaway to the California coast will remedy that.
And finally: Those sunsets we all blast on social media are real.
Wind Kisses from the city,
Donna
I hope to visit Phoenix one day. But I don’t think I could with the lack of “green”. I am so used to being surrounded by forests and streams and migratory birds.
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HI Khürt, thanks for your note. I took a look at your bio and your site, very nice by the way. I was curious where you were from. You have certainly had an interesting and well traveled life. Loved your story. I agree with your comment. Prior to our move here that was probably one of my greatest concerns, as an avid hiker and gardener. WE had lived in Yellowstone, for two years prior to our time here and before that Oregon. Arizona is very different and beautiful in its own way. Most are surprised when they get here to explore. And birds. oh gosh do we have birds all year and we feel the sense of migration too in our winter months. I do find when I go back east which is where I have family, It is the large trees that I had missed the most. Thanks for stopping by.
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I’m originally from a small tropical island in the West Indies. Nothing wrong with a desert landscape but I can’t image living without streams, rivers, and creeks and the associated flora and fauna. Have you heard of forest bathing?
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Just read about forest bathing. I believe I am completely familiar intrinsically. Definitely feel in touch with myself in the outdoors.
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I guess I’ll have to try “desert bathing” at some point. 🤪
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Hahaha. You should. If you ever plan a trip send me a note, I’ll make sure you see Arizona as it should be seen. We get lots of company, so I have lots of ideas for peoples travel. PS. We can drive to the forest and even ski in the winter an hour north. We hike up there in the summer months.
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You can learn more about our AZ living on a tab in my blog, but I guess I should do more posts about being in the woods. You have inspired some new blog ideas. 🤗
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I look forward to reading the new posts.
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Thank you.
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FYI. Philadelphia has a nart installation similar to the one in your first image in an area called “Love Park”.
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What a lovely ode to Phoenix ! Thoroughly enjoyed the tour .
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Thank you. It was such a “blink” but it was fun to narrow down. Thanks for popping by.
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Thank you, Frank
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Courthouse Butte? Isn’t that in Sedona? Not that Sedona is too far away from Phoenix – certainly worth a day trip at least. What I enjoyed most in Phoenix was the Botanic Gardens. I love desert landscapes, and while I love the green in nature, I appreciate landscapes in the deserts of Arizona.
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Yes. Room for all of that. Yes, Courthouse Butte is Sedona and only an hour from where I live as I am north Phoenix.. a quick road trip. I, too, love the Desert Botanical Garden. I am a member there and took a landscape certification course specific to our desert. It’s a great place to learn how to appreciate what we ARE seeing in the desert. Thanks for chiming in.
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Thank you for such an amazing tour of Phoenix 🙂
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Thank you for visiting🤗.
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Perfect embodiment of what it’s like living in the valley, and everything that there is to do around here. New to the state but I have to say I caught the bug pretty quickly after moving.
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