When the weather starts to get cold the snowbirds start to migrate south and one of the favorite snowbird destinations is Phoenix, Arizona. The weather is warm, there is very little rain in the winter and there is a variety of things to do including shopping, golfing and hiking. So while you are in Phoenix why don’t you:
1. Take a drive to Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home – Taliesin West.
Visit Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous desert masterpiece located in Scottsdale. The house and grounds host Wrights winter architecture program which has students designing and building their own accommodations. Take one of the many tours offered from the 1 hour guided Panorama tour that takes you inside and outside of this fabulous estate to the 3 hour behind the scenes tour that provides an in-depth, intimate look at Taliesin West. Tour prices start at $20/person for the Panorama tour to $46/person for the deluxe Behind the Scenes guided tour.
http://www.franklloydwright.org/index.cfm?section=tour&action=taliesinwest
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/flw/bio.HTML
http://www.travelwithattitude.com/Taleisin%20West.htm
2. Fly a fighter plane
Ever wanted to be a top gun or a stunt pilot? Well here is your chance. You can fly a fighter plane and engage in a dog fight with another fighter pilot. No flying experience is required, you will be flying a real fighter plane, a German built Extra 300 L. If you don’t want to fight it out in the skies, take a Power Ride where you will do aerobatics in the air. Loops, rolls, spins, tumbles and much more with you at the controls under the guidance of an experienced fighter pilot. Prices start at US$695 for a half day introduction to air combat. Power rides start at US$445 for a 20 minute flight.
http://www.fightercombat.com/
If you don’t want to fly the plane yourself, how about taking a 30 minute ride in an authentic WWI B-25 Bomber. Cost is US$375/person and comes with a tax receipt.
http://www.b25barbieiii.com/
3. Drive the historic Apache Trail.
Take a day trip along the historic Apache Trail. Visit an old gold mining ghost town, take a steam boat cruise on Canyon Lake, have lunch at Tortilla Flats, an old stagecoach stop, see the Roosevelt Dam, and stop at the Tonto National Monument and take a walk through a well-preserved Sinagua Indian cliff dwelling.
The Apache Trail (State Route 88) starts in Apache Junction and loops to Globe. Not suitable for RV’s or trailers.
Goldfield Ghost Town: http://www.goldfieldghosttown.com/
Dolly Steam Boat Cruises: http://www.dollysteamboat.com/
Tortilla Flats: http://www.tortillaflataz.com/
If you are a fan of Indy racing you won’t want to miss this museum. The museum has 11 winning Indy cars, and 18 race and vintage cars on display including several NASCAR racing cars. Try your driving skills at the custom designed test track and off road course. Described as “a luxury roller coaster thrill ride for adults” the course was designed exclusively for land rovers. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8 am to 4 pm, Sunday noon to 4 pm, closed Mondays. http://www.penskeracingmuseum.com/
5. Go to the dogs, the Dog Races that is.
The Phoenix Greyhound Park has live greyhound racing seven nights a week as well as daily simulcast wagering from race tracks across the country. Try your luck at handicapping the greyhounds. General admission is free; clubhouse admission is US$3 which includes a free program. Post time 7:30 pm, simulcast starts at 4:30 pm daily.
http://www.phoenixgreyhoundpark.com/
