Should I visit Phoenix? (Scottsdale, Tempe: condo, hotel, theater)

[AussieLuLu]

Hi!

Im an Aussie gal coming to the states in Jan, I have friends in Phoenix and was going to head over there and stay for a week or so. But after reading some of these threads, Im not sure if I should?

I just want to have a chilled out time, and meet knew people. Is Phoenix fun for the young??

Any help would be great!

Thanks

[Arctic Fox]

My opinion: No.

If you're planning to do something beside just sit here, like take a road trip up to Prescott, over Mingus mountain then down through Jerome, past the Cottonwood area, up into Sedona, drive through Slide Rock park, up the winding mountain road into Flagstaff, take the long journey (2 hours) to visit the Grand Canyon, and then backtrack into Flagstaff and down Interstate 17 into Phoenix... then YES, COME ON OVER!

But if you're coming here to walk around Phoenix, save your time and money.

[vegaspilgrim]

Why the heck not? I'm not totally sure if I want to continue living here full time, but I've always liked visiting Phoenix and always will. For one week, there's plenty of stuff to do, assuming your friends have cars and you can go on some mini road trips. Even if you're just hanging out with friends, it could still be fun. January the weather is nice and comfortable-- maybe a little chilly, but you can be outside all day if you want without baking to death. Isn't this your summer right now, being in the land down under? For you, going to Phoenix might be a chance to cool down!

[silverbear]

Most of the naysaying on this board comes from people who do not or did not enjoy living here for one reason or another. Putting those considerations aside, you would really have to try hard not to get something out of a one-week visit, especially if you already have friends here and visit during January when the weather is mild. Maybe if you can post about some of your interests, you'll get more specific recommendations of places to see and things to do.

[Think (Freedom)]

I just recently went to Phoenix for the first time and I had a great time. Definitely do a couple of short trips, as Arctic Fox suggested. But I think for a first timer any new place is fun cause everything you see will be new. Is this your first time to the US? Head over to California if you have time too, you'd definitely love it there. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy your time here

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by DragonOfIllFaith

I just recently went to Phoenix for the first time and I had a great time. Definitely do a couple of short trips, as Arctic Fox suggested.

This is a good suggestion. Phoenix makes a good base station even if some of your week is spent on road trips to other parts of Arizona.

[AussieLuLu]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Most of the naysaying on this board comes from people who do not or did not enjoy living here for one reason or another. Putting those considerations aside, you would really have to try hard not to get something out of a one-week visit, especially if you already have friends here and visit during January when the weather is mild. Maybe if you can post about some of your interests, you'll get more specific recommendations of places to see and things to do.

I am spending the first bit of Feb in L.A so I'll have plenty of time to do the touristy thing. I guess I really just wanna meet some cool Americans cause I've heard you folk party hard! Cause I'm travelling by myself at this point (my family have opted to go back to the stinking Australian summer) I want make sure I'm not sitting by myself in a hotel room somewhere and doing tourist walks during the day.

My interests?? Hmmm I like theatre, roadtrips, random adventure trips, having a quiet beer with mates (or a not so quiet one ) anything fun really!

Thanks so much for everyones help on this!

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by AussieLuLu

I am spending the first bit of Feb in L.A so I'll have plenty of time to do the touristy thing. I guess I really just wanna meet some cool Americans cause I've heard you folk party hard! Cause I'm travelling by myself at this point (my family have opted to go back to the stinking Australian summer) I want make sure I'm not sitting by myself in a hotel room somewhere and doing tourist walks during the day.

My interests?? Hmmm I like theatre, roadtrips, random adventure trips, having a quiet beer with mates (or a not so quiet one ) anything fun really!

Thanks so much for everyones help on this!

Thanks for the clarification. I'm not very cool and I don't party very hard (if at all), but here are some thoughts:

Beer -- Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe, the Roosevelt in Downtown Phoenix

Theater -- Arizona Theater Company, Actor's Theater of Phoenix -- both perform at the Herberger Theater Downtown. ATC is mainstream and high production values; ATOP is bit edgier despite the annual production of the Christmas Carol.

Road / Adventure Trips -- Artic Fox's reply, despite its anti-Phoenix sentiment, has some good suggestions in that department.

[AZ Tracy]

For night life, you should check out the Scottsdale area.

[PhoenixSugar]

Originally Posted by AussieLuLu

Hi!

Im an Aussie gal coming to the states in Jan, I have friends in Phoenix and was going to head over there and stay for a week or so. But after reading some of these threads, Im not sure if I should?

I just want to have a chilled out time, and meet knew people. Is Phoenix fun for the young??

Any help would be great!

Thanks

I have a better idea... go visit Rick Morey at his gay condo building in Midtown Atlanta, GA.