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Interesting Facts
- Geronimo! The fierce Chiricahua Apache, Geronimo, was a war leader who defended the land of his ancestors against Mexico and the U.S. Born in 1829 in southeastern Arizona, Geronimo spent much of his life there until he and hundreds of other Apaches were transported to military outposts in Florida. Eventually he ended up at Fort Sill in the Oklahoma territory. Before his death in 1909, Geronimo expressed his desire to return to Arizona. Today, however, he is buried in the Apache cemetery in Fort Sill.
- Spring Forward and Fall Back. But not in Arizona: it's one of the few regions in the United States that does not observe Daylight Savings Time. As a result, when the rest of the country adopts Daylight Savings Time, there is a three hour difference from Phoenix to the east coast. When the rest of the country returns to standard time, there is only a two hour difference.
- Despite the fact that Arizona is a favorite place in the United States to retire, it's also a place that has plenty to do at night. In the Valley, you'll find just about any kind of nightclub from country to rock and blues to sports.
- Have you Heard the news? When it comes to museums, the Heard is not to be missed. No other museum focuses so much attention on Native American culture. Its internationally renowned collection of fine arts and crafts includes more than 32,000 works of art and ethnographic objects that span several centuries. The Heard Museum annually attracts 250,000 visitors from all around the world.
- Be sure to notice the "White House," which is located on the hill near 24th Street and Lincoln Drive. Located in Phoenix's "uptown" Biltmore Estates neighborhood, the house was a 50th anniversary present from chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr., to his wife. After serving as a home to the deceased Geordie Hormel, heir to the Hormel fortune, the mansion is a top location for social events to be held.
- With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it seems as though anytime would be a great time to visit Phoenix. That's really not the case. In general, even though temperatures can reach 120 degrees, the humidity is low and you can get comfortable. However, during the late summer, humidity builds up and releases itself during the rainy season known as the Monsoon. In just minutes, the pitter patter of rain-drops can accumulate to massive amounts of water and cause devastating flash floods.
- Desert, anyone? While hiking in the desert, it's important to know that you and your comrades aren't alone. Sixteen species of rattlesnakes, twenty species of scorpions, and the Gila Monster all live there. No need to panic, though they're likely to stay out of your way during your hike, and they avoid populated areas. The most brutal enemy is the sun, so remember to put on sunscreen you can burn in less than twenty minutes while you're admiring the gorgeous desert scenery.
- When it comes to active sports in Phoenix, golf is the fore-runner! With more than 200 golf courses within 50 miles of downtown Phoenix, you can pretty much pick your favorite. It may not be quite so easy from late December through April golf's high season. That's when the temperatures are mild and the sun is aglow. The highest fees are also charged during this time, but if you wanna play, you gotta pay!
- You've come this far why not go all the way ... to the Grand Canyon. A trip to the south-rim of the canyon is well worth the 5-hour drive from Phoenix.
- Whether you're inside or outside, you and the kids have plenty of choices when it comes to entertainment. Phoenix has its own Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting with more than 100 restored firetrucks and equipment dating from 1725 to 1961. While you're there be sure to dress up in fireman's gear and climb into the seat of one of the big red trucks. It's just one of the many attractions Phoenix has to offer!
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