The centerpiece of the Valley of the Sun is the city of Phoenix, Arizona which is nestled in a sprawling valley embraced by the Superstition, White Tank, McDowell, and Estrella Mountains. What started as a dusty little town of a few square blocks when it was incorporated in 1881 has grown into the fifth-largest city in the United States, encompassing nearly 500 square miles. Along with the natural majesties of Mother Nature, Phoenix houses a population of more than 1.5 million residents supported by a thriving “man-made” arts community, and in fact, the arts are both abundant and approachable in Phoenix.

Let’s start with the recently renovated Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, home to the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony, all of which offer full seasons and a broad spectrum of programming that appeals to a wide audience. Just across the street from Symphony Hall is the Herberger Theater Center, home to several theatrical companies as well as a dance company. A bonus is that upstairs from the Herberger’s lobby area is a gallery that exhibits an ever-changing display of works from local artists.

Elsewhere in and near downtown Phoenix, small venues such as the Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix Theater and others showcase both touring artists and local troupes. The Dodge Theater is a theatrical chameleon of sorts, morphing into a comedy club, a concert venue or a theatrical production stage through as-needed repositioning of both seating and stage.

Numerous Phoenix artists and musicians participate in First Fridays, a monthly evening event when downtown galleries, studios and businesses open their doors and encourage visitors to wander down the streets, stopping to meet artists and artisans and learn about their work.

Those who get their art-fix at museums definitely have a bonanza waiting for them in Phoenix. From the world-famous Heard Museum, to the Phoenix Art Museum, to the Hall of Flame, there are museums for all ages and interests. Check out the specialty museums such as the Mining and Mineral Museum and the Arizona Capitol Museum, where you can learn about the origins of the state of Arizona. Many museums offer free admission one day of the week, so check with them and plan your excursions accordingly.

why not take advantage of being in the great American Southwest, with its unique and spectacular landscape, and do a day trip or two using Phoenix as your hub? You will easily find a Phoenix cheap hotel located right on Interstate 10, for you to use as a base for your explorations to a few world-class tourist destinations. and one of the true wonders of the world, is the Grand Canyon. If you travel up from Phoenix by car it is about 5 hours away, but it is absolutely feasible as a long day trip. Most people think that just the drive up is a treat in itself, moving as you do from the low desert in Phoenix up to 10,000 feet around the Flagstaff area, and then to a high desert landscape as you jog the last few hours over the Canyon. Be sure and pull over for a few glimpses of the Canyon; from any angle it is a site that is worthy of your expectations, believe me.

Another great side trip from Phoenix is the smallish town of Sedona, Arizona, just a couple of hours away, set amidst amazing red sandstone boulders and with an interesting counter-cultural feel about it. If you are inclined you will find great spas and fine restaurants in Sedona and surprisingly, even a burgeoning wine industry. It is true that prices are a little bit higher in Sedona, but as a destination it is so attractive that many people make the trip all the way from East Coast to visit. For a taste of the Wild West in a place where some of it actually happened, head south from Phoenix to Tombstone, Arizona, site of the OK Corral. There are tours and the town is a real step back in time. “The Town too Tough to Die” is probably the closest you will come to an authentic experience of the old West, and it still attracts many visitors.

Arizona is a big state, but you will find within it are easily visited if you are prepared to do a bit of driving through some amazing desert landscapes. Phoenix has reasonably-priced hotels as well as excellent southwestern regional cuisine that you will enjoy while talking over the adventures you had earlier in the day. A Phoenix cheap hotel is a perfect base to explore both the Phoenix area as well as the state of Arizona. You’ll have your pick of independent motels and hotels, as well as the large chain hotels that you know; either way you’ll find many Phoenix cheap hotels that fit your budget and are great value.