Visiting Phoenix and Central Arizona

Valley of the Sun, originally Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa, now extending to Chandler, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Suprise and beyond. Famous for the heat of summer, but did you know- July is the busiest tourist month of the year. Reliably sunny, there is always something fun to do. Locals wake early to hike near local landmarks like Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and North Mountain Preserve. Fans flock to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball at Chase field. The venue features a swimming pool for a few lucky spectators, a retractable roof and big air-conditioners for summer crowds. Outdoor pools are jammin' at hotels like the fabulous retro-inspired Valley Ho, which offer reduced summer rates. Arizona doesn't stop just because it gets a little warm.

Valley of the Sun residents and visitors head north for diversions and a bit cooler climates. Prescott, a popular weekend get-a-way, is two hours away in Arizona's Bradshaw Mountains. Prescott hosts Territorial Days June 12th and 13th, 2010. Held downtown at the historic Courthouse Plaza, the weekend features the best local and regional artists presenting and selling their arts and crafts. The Best Western Prescottonian is centrally located in Prescott and is ideal for a weekend getaway from the warmer Phoenix area weather. Enjoy browsing for art, hiking or just relaxing by the pool for the weekend.

There are plenty of grand 4th of July celebrations in Central Arizona, from fireworks displays over the Colorado River in Ehrenberg and Parker to charming small town celebrations in Safford or Eager. Phoenix hosts the 25th Annual Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth downtown at Steele Indian School Park. One of the state's largest celebrations, this event features two stages with live entertainment, a giant misting area (you gotta love Arizona), exhibits and plenty of food and drink. Capped off of course by a huge fireworks display. Casa Grande, a bit south of Phoenix, hosts a celebration featuring a red, white and blue family parade that precedes the fireworks show. Something for all on the 4th of July!

National Day of the Cowboy is July 24th. Mark your 2010 calendars for a ride out to Apache Junction. Multiple events in the area will celebrate the day with unique events and festivities. Look for parades, shootout re-enactments, fast draw competitions and even a mustache contest – a lot of fun goin' on in them there parts. The Best Western Gold Canyon Inn and Suites in Gold Canyon and the Best Western Apache Junction Inn are ideal locations to take advantage of the weekend celebrations. Just west of Phoenix, you can enjoy the beautiful Superstition Mountains while relaxing at the pool.

The community of Payson Arizona claims to host the world's oldest continuous rodeo. The 2010 rodeo marks the 126th continuous year for the event. Held the third week in August, this year's rodeo is the 19th through the 21st. The August Doin's Rodeo, features traditional Pro-Rodeo events, a Saturday morning parade and two nights of Rodeo Dances. This summer rodeo is considered the Best Small Rodeo in the US. Gather family and friends and head up to Mogollon Rim country. The Best Western Payson Inn has a variety of rooms, including 2-bedroom apartments – there is room for everyone. This hotel is pet-friendly, so even the dog can come along.