US Airways - February 2013 - (Page 38)

explore by Martha-Page althaus Destination 48Phoenix Spending a few days in Phoenix? Lucky you. America’s sixth-largest city is the urban heart of the Sonoran Desert. DAY 1 Hikes & Climbs Below: Desert botanical Garden, aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass resort. Opposite, clockwise from top: Camelback Mountain, Crescent ballroom, and South Mountain Park and Preserve The region averages 310 sunny days a year, so get outside! Spend a morning strolling the Desert botanical Garden (dbg.org) and its 50,000 plant displays. On the Desert Discovery Loop Trail, see cactuses and succulents from around the world. During March and April, the two-acre Wildflower Trail springs alive with blooms. For something more challenging, head to South Mountain Park and Preserve. With 16,000 acres and 51 miles of hiking and biking trails, it’s the country’s largest municipal park (phoenix.gov /parks). Serious hikers can trek the 15-mile National Trail, which crosses the length of the park and offers stunning desert views. Or, hike the more moderate Kiwanis or Holbert trails and keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs. These prehistoric rock carvings depict animals and hunters. (Look, but don’t touch!) One of the area’s best-known hikes is up Camelback Mountain, located in the middle of the city (phoenix.gov/parks). Two tricky trails wind to the top. But be warned: These red-rock summits are for experienced hikers only. For an easier pace, check out the trails that loop around the base of the mountain. Want spectacular views with minimal effort? Book a hot-air balloon ride and float over the valley; go to visitphoenix.com for a list of tour operators. photos courtesy of phoenix cVB; south mountain By jill richards Spa Time All that hiking may leave you with sore muscles. No worries; this area is home to dozens of top-ranked spas, so go ahead and treat yourself — you’ve earned it! At the swank Phoenician resort spa, (thephoenician.com/spa), relax with the Desert Serenity treatment, which moisturizes with 38 february 2013 usairwaysmag.com http://www.dbg.org http://www.phoenix.gov/parks http://www.phoenix.gov/parks http://www.phoenix.gov/parks http://www.visitphoenix.com http://www.thephoenician.com/spa http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - February 2013

US Airways - February 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Literary Pilgrimages
Wine & Dine: Top Chefs on This Year's Trends
Wine & Dine: Comfort Food
Great Escapes: Secret Mexican Hideaways
Adventure: Best Hikes in the Valley of the Sun
Gear Up: Romantic Gestures
Destination 48: Phoenix
Travel Feature: La Magnifica Costa del Pacifico
US Airways Feature: Sky-High Sips
Best of Living: Scottsdale Saddles Up
Special Section: Chateau on Central
Best of Living: The Reef Residences at Atlantis
Williamsburg: Rediscovering the Revolutionary City
Arts Spotlight: Ovation
Special Section: Kentucky
Riding Lessons: Miller School of Albemarle
The Arts of Orange County
Must Read: Pandora's Lunchbox by Melanie Warner
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Giving: US Airways' Do Crew
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - February 2013