Places to Visit: Phoenix, Arizona

With most of the country getting the wind, rain, snow and ice of mid-winter, those in the sunny Southwest are enjoying sunny weather that is substantially warmer than that of the Northern states. Highs in the Phoenix area in January are usually in the upper 60s, which is comfortable and warm. A trip to the Phoenix area may be just what the doctor ordered if you’re suffering from wintertime blues! If you can take off from work for a few days to fly south this winter, here are some things to check out:

• Desert Botanical Garden  With 50 acres of property covered in desert plants of 139 species, the Desert Botanical Garden will have you looking forward to spring in the dead of winter! There’s a butterfly habitat and children’s activities on the weekends, if you are bringing the family along. Admission is $18 for adults, but on the second Tuesday of each month, admission is free after 1:00. The Garden is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days per week.
• Scottsdale Art Walk  Scottsdale, which is adjacent to Phoenix, is home to the Scottsdale Art Walk every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. During these hours, over 100 galleries are open to the public, so you can walk in and out at will, exploring watercolors, oil paintings, pottery, ceramics, glass art and more. You might even see artists working during your Walk!
• Take a Hike  The landscape of the greater Phoenix area is breathtaking, and at this time of year, you can hike for hours without getting too hot. Be sure to pack enough water and snacks, and check out of of the awesome trails in the area. Hike or ride a horse (or drive) to Dobbins Point at South Mountain Park, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Valley of the Sun. Or climb Piestewa Peak for a fantastic glimpse of the city from 2,608 feet.
• Step Back in Time  At the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, you’ll be able to see reenactments from the Wild West, as well as several other historical buildings and replicas. See a one-room schoolhouse, an old Arizona farmhouse, a reconstructed bank and blacksmith house, and much more. The Museum is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

While you’re in Arizona, you’ll be able to spend some time in the sun, forgetting about the cold and snow up north. If this sounds like paradise to you, plan your January getaway to Phoenix today.

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