Visiting Phoenix and Central Arizona

The Valley of the Sun – Phoenix. There may not be another city more appropriately nicknamed. Arizona's state capital and one of the five largest cities in the country, Phoenix enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 74 degrees. Now is the time to take advantage of the weather and enjoy amazing winter and spring temperatures, even outdoors.

While many cities are under winter watch, Phoenix in winter and spring are the time to get out and golf. With over 200 courses, there are plenty of options. One of the best options is the public Dinosaur Course at Gold Canyon Ranch in Apache Junction. Good enough to compete? Enter the 2010 Phoenix City Amateur Golf Championship. This event is played over two weekends in March at four different Phoenix courses. Play Maryvale, Encanto, Cave Creek, and Aquila courses with a bit of pressure to perform and great bragging rights for the winner. The 45th annual Phoenix Metropolitan Women's Golf Championship is also played in March. Amateur female golfers, enjoy the Cave Creek course while competing in this long standing Phoenix tradition.

Play Ball! Spring in the Valley of the Sun brings the Cactus League – Baseball's spring training circuit. The 2010 season welcomes the Cincinnati Reds to the schedule. Nine of the eleven stadiums used by the Cactus League are in the greater Phoenix area. Fifteen well known Major League Baseball teams from across the country gather for pre-season play and gear up for the regular seasons back home. Games are played everyday through March and early April. No experience can beat spring training for baseball fans. Pick your teams, the days you want and come on out to the ballpark.

14th Annual Arizona Bike Week 2010 presents Cyclefest at WestWorld mid April. WestWorld is Scottsdale's premier special events facility. With pre rally events, this is a full week jammed with activities for any motorcycle fan. Events include nightly concerts with top name entertainers including; Dierks Bentley, Vince Neil and George Thorogood. The Riding for Kids Charity Run kicks off the official events. This event benefits children's charities and starts at Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson. The final ride of the 2010 Bike Week, which also benefits kids, is a 110 mile ride through the beautiful Sonoran Desert in spring bloom.

NASCAR Fans, the Phoenix International Raceway presents NASCAR'S Subway Fresh Fit 600 even the second weekend in April. Featuring a full weekend of events, culminating with the Sprint Cup Series Subway Fresh Fit 600 race on Saturday. The weather will be perfect to spend the entire day at the track. Bring the family and enjoy a weekend of NASCAR Events.

Tickets are on sale now for the Heard Museum's 52nd annual Indian Fair and Market. Held the first week in March, this is a must attend festival for collectors and aficionados of Native American arts and culture. This Heard Guild Festival is Arizona's largest Native American market.

Best Western Hotels are located throughout the Valley of the Sun, ready to meet your travel needs. Conveniently located and affordable, choose Best Western Hotels to make your stay complete.

Phoenix and Central Arizona Hotel Map