Thanks to the mythological tale of the persevering bird, the name Phoenix conjures up images of rising from the ashes and it is an appropriate moniker for a city that made the transition from deserted Native American ruins to upscale playground for spa-goers, duffers, arts lovers and other city-dwellers.

The Hohokam farmed the land as early as 300 BC and built a sophisticated network of canals more than 135 miles long. But despite their ingenuity, the society soon disappeared experts believed the area suffered a fatal drought. The name Hohokam is derived from what other tribes called the area Ho Ho Kam, the people who have gone.

The modern city was formed in 1865 as an outpost for the U.S. Army. Originally dubbed Punkinsville for its bounteous pumpkin crop, the city was later renamed Phoenix in hopes that it would undergo a dramatic resurrection. The name proved to be prophetic, as the area saw dramatic growth during the second half of the 20th century.

Today, Phoenix is just one part of the Valley of the Sun, which includes closely linked cities such as Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe. Each section has its own unique look and feel, and with good reason these are individual towns that meshed into one thanks to rapid population growth and the consequential urban sprawl. Each has maintained its unique character, and the Valley as a whole offers an abundance of history, culture, leisure and natural beauty.

Downtown Phoenix is where commerce and government are found, but it also boasts a litany of entertainment options, including Bank One Ballpark (BOB), home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and American West Arena, where the Phoenix Suns play. Attractions such as the Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center and Heritage Square dot the area.