Principales destinos: Phoenix, AZ

Get lost on the Tropics Trail at the Phoenix Zoo, enjoy a baseball game at the air-conditioned Chase Field, enjoy a concert at the U.S. Airways Center or explore native plants at the Desert Botanical Garden.

The Phoenix Zoo is divided into four trails, including the Africa Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Discovery Trail and the Tropics Trail. A large petting zoo, a prairie dog village and various animal-encounter programs are sure to delight visitors. For more information, call 602-273-1341. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

The U.S. Airways Center, formerly America West Arena, is home to the NBA Phoenix Suns, WNBA Phoenix Mercury, ECHL's Phoenix Roadrunners and the AFL Arizona Rattlers. Glass walls, a 12-by-20-foot video screen, and stylish bars and eateries make the pavilion easily accessible for sporting events, musical concerts and family entertainment. For more information, call 602-379-2000. 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix.

A retractable steel roof and pool in right center field make Chase Field a unique ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at this 49,000-seat, air-conditioned stadium in downtown Phoenix, across from U.S. Airways Center. During baseball's off-season, see a monster truck rally or super-cross events. For more information, call 602-514-8400. 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix.

Explore the Discovery Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden, for aloe, century plants and more than 1,300 cacti. Thousands of species and plants adaptive to the arid landscape are on display. For more information, call 480-941-1225. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

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Shopping denizens can find their niche in central Phoenix and downtown Scottsdale. Cowboy collectibles, folk art and outlet malls all add a distinctly Southwestern flavor to Phoenix shopping. The northwest suburb of Glendale offers Arrowhead Towne Center, featuring more than 170 shops, department stores and eateries. A movie theater and play area are convenient extras. For more information, call 623-979-9764. 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale.

Brick walkways, hacienda fountains and blooming landscapes make up the open-air setting of Biltmore Fashion Park, featuring stores such as Gucci and Cartier as well as upscale cafes and restaurants. For more information, call 602-955-8400. 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.

Scottsdale Fashion Square is home to the Southwest's premier shopping destination, offering more than 225 retailers, a full-service concierge and valet parking. Shops include Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Sephora. For more information, call 480-990-7800. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

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Southwestern and Mexican flavors blend together for unique cuisine that caters to every predilection. Curiously, some of the city’stop restaurants are found in hotels or shopping malls.

La Hacienda's signature dish is the roast suckling pig, marinated in tamarind and bitter orange, and carved tableside. Located on the grounds of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, La Hacienda greets guests with classic Southwestern décor and carved wood furnishings. For the more adventurous food aficionado. For reservations, call 480-585-2721. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale.

Continental cuisine infused with Southwestern flavors is featured at the Palm Court in the Scottsdale Resort. Come for Sunday brunch and experience the restaurant's flambéed desserts and flaming coffees. For reservations, call 480-991-9000. 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale.

Upscale Mediterranean cuisine is a treat for patrons of T. Cook's at the Royal Palms Resort. Specialties include lobster and regional dishes from Barcelona and Tuscany. For reservations, call 800-672-6011. 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.

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Phoenix events are enjoyed year round, thanks to the pleasant weather in the winter, spring and fall.

Shop locally at the weekly Downtown Phoenix Public Market, where vendors from across the state bring fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products and baked goods each Saturday. For more information, call 602-493-5231; located at the southeast corner of Central and McKinley streets.

More than 80 art galleries and businesses open their doors in downtown Phoenix the First Friday of every month for one of the biggest artwalks in the country. A good starting point is the Phoenix Public Library for a brochure with information on all the member galleries and locations. Admission is free. For more information, call 602-256-7539. Downtown Phoenix.