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Learn more about Phoenix Hotels & Travel:
The local Government has laid down pretty strict regulations on parking in Phoenix.
Therefore, it is essential that you have a first hand knowledge of these regulations if you intend driving around in a car in Phoenix. For your convenience, the parking structure close to the Orpheum theatre is reviewed below.
1. Overview
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-camelback-esplanade-standard-parking-phoenix#hrid:W4v3run3H_hyCMtFLbFuLA
Surrounding the Orpheum theatre there are three different parking structures. One is behind the escalator leading to the movie theatre which also constitutes the main structure, another structure that is vertically up the theatre, another by McCormick & Schmitz’s and a third is the sub street parking which can be accessed from the back of the theatre. Each of these parking lots connect differently and have their own unique ingress and exit. If you ever need to drive a friend home, you can identify the parking lot only through the color on the tag, but even that only the staff around can correctly identify.
Each parking level has a name, but the same name may be duplicated in another structure. That makes it essential for you to remember the name of the level as well as the structure on which you have parked. Many people have found out that going up to the higher levels from the second level and up is advantageous because the space appears to get bigger and you have lesser crowd making the entry and exit easier.
2. Be your sober self to avoid getting “lost”.
Another important point to remember about these parking structures is that it is very easy to get “lost”. Around the theatre, you have several liquor outlets and if you are insistent on patronizing them, chances of your getting “lost” are much higher. It is best to retain your sober self until after you have reached your home or hotel from the theatre.
The Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona has now been upgraded to Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. A detailed account of what this exotic appointment with Mother Nature and some of her creations can provide you can be found when you visit the link below.
http://www.wildlifeworld.com/
1. Brief History
The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium is located in western Phoenix and started functioning from 1984. In 2004, with the addition of the Aquarium, Wildlife World cemented its position as Arizona’s best collection of exotic animals. Over 3000 animals from 600 different species are there to greet you when you visit them. Annually, the Wildlife World and Aquarium plays host to some 400,000 people which includes over 75,000 children. This is a privately owned enterprise and receives no support from the exchequer.
This attraction is open throughout the year with no breaks. Every day, the Zoo opens to its visitors at 9 am and closes at 6 pm. Admission for children under 3 years is free while adults pay $26.50 and children between 3 and 12 pay $14.25. Applicable taxes will be levied extra.
2. Focus
With the addition of the aquarium, some people feel that the focus has perhaps shifted to the aquarium and for good reasons too perhaps. The well appointed aquarium itself is cause enough but it is the dining room that steals the show. Every seat in the dining room offers exotic views of some of the top predators of the ocean. Two gigantic acrylic panels span the huge tank of 60,000 gallons. The menu is equally enticing and includes variety of seafood too.
Another option available is the outdoor seating overlooking dozens of ‘graceful Caribbean flamingos’.
In the immediate vicinity of the Grand Canyon University, your choice of hotels is pretty much limited. But, in the Downtown Phoenix area you have better options though in the pricey category.
1. Hotels closest to the Grand Canyon University
Comfort Inn Phoenix
http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-phoenix-arizona-AZ824?promo=gglocal
Comfort Inn Phoenix is one of the few hotels closest to the Grand Canyon University and your next best option is the Redroof Inn
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/find-an-inn.aspx?propertyfound=no
2. Other options
The other options you could consider are:
Google maps is a very useful tool in understanding the exact location of your hotel and aligning the attractions you intend to visit.
For some of us the spending priorities while on a vacation are different. Most promotional efforts on hotels are around the big ticket hotels in major tourist destinations. But, when you are contended with just about a decent place to rest your head at night and the minimum comforts to start all over again in the morning, you should be looking away from those alluring advertisements.
1. Finding some of the cheap hotels in west Phoenix
http://phoenix.about.com/od/hotel/a/hotelswestphx.htmhoenix
When you choose from the hotels listed below, you will be closer to the following attractions.
Wildlife World Zoo, Arrowhead Mall, Cricket Pavilion, Metrocenter Mall, Castles and Coasters etc.
The hotels for your selection are:
2. Are they in line with your expectations?
When considering cheap or cheapest hotels, it would be a nice idea to study the amenities and conveniences the hotel offers. Consider whether extra charges are applicable for parking, additional person and such factors which can ultimately impact the amount you finally pay the hotel. Does it justify some of the comforts that you would sacrifice to get a cheaper accommodation?
The Phoenix art museum holds a respectable collection. The architecture is engaging and four floors full of exhibits. The exhibits themselves are diverse and intriguing. The collection of fashion designs, the sculpture garden, the collection of contemporary art - and you have so much to engage your time.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/phoenix-art-museum-phoenix-2
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/phoenix/A19070.html
Admission to the Museum is FREE on all Tuesdays. An audio guide is in place to help you. It would be a good idea to carry headphones. For the locals, the museum is simply PAM, the shortened version of its full name. On days other than Tuesdays tickets cost $10 per adult with some discounts for students, senior citizens etc. Children under 6 years are admitted free. The closing time differs on certain days and the link above has the fine details.
The Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus is at:
411 N Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
The hotels in the neighborhood of the University are:
http://www.hotels-rates.com/hotels/locations/Tucson/AZ/usa/
A number of hotels are available in the vicinity of the University and beyond. The most proximate are:
Arizona Inn - 0.2 miles from the University
Flamingo Hotel - 1.7 miles from the University
Econo Lodge Tuscon - 1.7 miles from the University
and
Best Western Royal Sun Inn and Suites
More hotels are listed in the link provided above.
The Heard museum is where you should head for when you want to appreciate superior Native American art or gain quality information on Native American History. Not to forget that some of the best authentic gifts are available at the museum. The gifts would be well worth the price you pay, since they are fully authenticated by the museum.
1. Brief History
http://gosw.about.com/od/bestsightstosee/p/heard.htm
The Heard museum, Phoenix is well known for its dance exhibitions, American festivals, and special sales.
It has been a landmark of Phoenix for nearly 8 decades now and attracts visitors from across America as well as other nations around the Globe. Each exhibit at the Heard has an educational objective attached to it and is well ingrained in the planning process itself. In most other museums you get to see objects put on a shelf and may be some inscriptions on paper accompanying the object. But, in Heard museum, each object is provided with the perceptions and voices of people who created the object. A number of Native American consultants are responsible for adding value and developing each exhibit.
2. Facts You Should Know
The Museum opens daily at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm. The museum remain closed on important National holidays such as the New Year’s day, Independence day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving. Adult admission costs $10 with concessions being available to children and students possessing valid ID. Admission is free for children <6 years old, members of the Heard museum, and American Indians. Guided tours are available every day between 1.30 and 3 pm and are free. Adequate parking is available inside the museum as well as in its neighborhood.
1. The Trails and beyond
http://dvrac.asu.edu/about/museum/trail
The Deer Valley Rock Art Center is housed in 47 acres of pristine desert in the Northwest valley. The museum sports a ‘hill’ of basaltic boulders covered in more than 1500 ancient petroglyphs, native wildlife, an ethno botanical garden and during spring copious wildflowers. The center is also an ideal picnic spot with outdoor tables and an amphitheater.
2. The Gardens
http://dvrac.asu.edu/?q=about/museum/garden
The Neil Nelson Memorial Heritage Garden constitutes an outstanding educational experience showcasing the crops which the Native Americans are supposed to have planted several centuries ago. The ingenious farmers in those days chose such crops that were adaptable to the conditions prevalent in the desert region. Survival in the desert region called for vast skills not just in the cropping patterns but also in conserving the most precious resource in the region - water. You will gain a first hand experience of these conditions and techniques at the Gardens.
3. The Exhibits
http://dvrac.asu.edu/?q=about/museum/exhibits
The Exhibits at the center include a wide array of rock art photographs. The Center is also currently preparing itself for another alluring exhibit titled “knowing our neighbors”. This deals with the Javelinas. Though many may like to dismiss them as neighborhood nuisance, the center will focus on their distinctive characteristics in adapting to the demanding conditions of desert living.
1. Wide choices from 5 star luxury to cheap hotels
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=5983/crti=3/hotel-room-and-rates
Phoenix is hauntingly beautiful and the vast expanses of desert vegetation make it even more exotic. Adding to the alluring beauty is the breathtaking mountains and bright rocks in red, yellow and orange shades. Phoenix attracts several thousand tourists every day and Downtown Phoenix therefore has a number of hotels to cater to every visitor. Your difficulty, if at all could lie in choosing between several hotels which are equally inviting. Irrespective of whether you visit Phoenix on vacation or business, several websites provide you bargain rates on your choice hotels. The link provided above gives you an exhaustive view of some of the best hotels in downtown Phoenix.
2. Wholesome vacation
http://phoenix.about.com/od/lodging/a/dowtownhotels_2.htm
Phoenix offers over 3 dozen luxury resorts across the valley with most of them providing spectacular spas with special treatments that are native to Arizona. The dining scene too is exceptional with a wide spread from some of the best steaks to Southwestern fare that is simply exquisite. When you are finished with the dinner, there is a dynamic night life to indulge in. Phoenix also offers wonderful shopping opportunities for the avid shoppers. Given below are some of the more popular hotels in down town Phoenix and the link provided above will be useful to consider various other hotels.
Ramada Inn Downtown Phoenix
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Best Western Central Phoenix Inn and Suites
Wingate Inn
Hilton Suites Phoenix
La Quinta Inn Phoenix Thomas Road
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_Science_Center#History
After a humble beginning in the parking garage of Phoenix Hyatt in 1980, today the Arizona Science Center has grown to be a full fledged with over 100,000 visitors every year.
1. Impressive growth over the years
Over the years, this Science center has grown into a prominent cultural attraction in its home state of Arizona. Apart from a massive facility housed in 120,000 square foot, the centre has an additional 22,500 square foot class room facility and 40,000 square foot gallery space. It also has a gallery space that is dedicated to the traveling exhibitions.
2. Special events
http://www.kidscantravel.com/familyattractions/arizonasciencecenter/plan/index.html
http://www.azscience.org/
At regular intervals, the Arizona Science center holds various special events. Popular among these special events are:
- Family Programs - Special themed events and activities for visitors of all age profiles are offered throughout the year. The visitors have the rare opportunity of hands on experience on a wide array of science topics.
- Daily demonstrations: Throughout the education staff of the Center present free demonstrations lasting 15 to 20 minutes in the stage and theatre areas.
- Science camps: The center organizes winter and summer camps to engage the youth across different ages in exploring this world and gaining valuable hands on scientific experience
- Stroller Science - This program from the center combines educational offerings and exhibits aimed at increasing the engagement of families with children in the younger age profile. This program provides children of pre-school age with exposure to science. The tender age is considered right for kindling interest in learning through various measures of exploration.
- Spring break camp: This camp is specifically targeted for the spring school break when parents get the opportunity to engage their young ones in educational learning in a fun environment.
- Science on Wheels: This is the center’s flagship program. This outreach program is designed to deliver the excitement associated with hands-on scientific discovery direct to the classrooms or other community-based outfits. The program serves no less than 10,000 children in Arizona annually.
Do visit the link above to know more about these special events.
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