They should call it Freenix!

Description:

The Heard Museum is one of Phoenix's biggest cultural treasures. Founded by pioneer settlers Dwight and Maie Heard, the couple built a large, Spanish-style building in which to house their growing collection of Native American art. Today, their home is one of the best museums in Phoenix, with galleries filled with textiles, jewelry, paintings, pottery, statuary, kachinas, and other art artifacts representing tribes from across the Americas. The Heard is also a hub of culture events, sponsoring an ongoing film series and hosting numerous Indian art and dance events throughout the year.

Description:

The Phoenix Art Museum received a multimillion dollar expansion a few years ago, making a great museum even better. This has been Phoenix's main cultural hub since its founding in 1959, and the Museum shows no signs of slowing down, with high-profile exhibitions making a stop here on a regular basis. The impressive permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, and other art greats. The Museum also regularly hosts special film screenings, lectures, and other cultural events.

Description:

The friendly staff at this neighborhood eatery will make you feel at home. Sit at booths in a simple dining area and choose Mexican favorites like deep-fried chimichangas with your choice of chili flavor and meat. Other tasty items like tamales, nachos, burros, enchiladas and, deep-fried ice cream are offered. For those with less of a taste for spice: check out the "Gringo Plates" section for burgers and chicken strips. A catering menu is offered; please call for further information.

Description:

Enjoy comfortable stadium seating while you watch your movie choice. This newer facility in the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix is sure to please the avid movie-goer. You will smell the popcorn before you ever hit the door; a full snack bar is available in the lobby. Parking is nearby with easy access to shopping and restaurants. For current movie information, check their interactive Web site listed above. General admission is $7; prices will vary, so please call for current pricing information.

Description:

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is handily one of the city's best attractions. The Sonoran Desert comes to life in the miles of paved  garden paths, dusty nature trails, and interpretive displays. In recent years, the Garden has become a nexus of cultural activity, hosting wine tastings, seasonal fairs, music in the garden series, and outdoor art exhibits from world-renown artist. Truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Valley of the Sun.

Description:

This intimate, comfortable neighborhood diner offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch every day. At dinner, select from a wide range of carefully spiced choices like the Chicken Dopiaza, cooked in tomatoes and onions then doused in mildly spiced gravy Boneless Lamb Korma is also featured, combined with nuts, herbs, spices and yogurt sauce for an interesting taste treat. A wide selection of vegetable dishes is offered, including the lentil soup or the Aloo Gobhi, a concoction of potato and cauliflower. Beverages include Indian coffee, tea, and a mango or banana milkshake. Enjoy your selection at intimate little tables or take it back to your house.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Chinese Cultural Center offers so many great restaurants in one convenient place. Try the Golden Buddha for Saturday Dim Sum and eat until your heart's content!

Description:

Distinctive Asian shops and cuisine are surrounded by a traditional Chinese garden. Visit the upscale Asian supermarket for fresh fish daily. Gardens surrounding the area feature ponds and replicas of statuary and pagodas from cities in China. Restaurants like the Sampan Seafood Restaurant offer a variety of carefully prepared Asian cuisine. These gardens are located just south of Interstate-10 and 44th street, directly across from the Marriott Residence Inn downtown location. Admission is free; call for more information.

Description:

Encanto, which means "enchanted" in Spanish, is one of the largest and oldest municipal parks in the Phoenix area. The lush green environs are a welcome respite for visitors looking for a bit of shade, especially during warm weather days. Here you'll find joggers, central district employees having lunch, and families enjoying the on-site amusement park, Enchanted Island. At over 200 acres, the city park is well-equipped with amenities, including handball and racquet ball courts, lighted basketball courts, a softball field, and a large man-made lake featuring urban fishing, paddleboats, and canoes. The nearby Encanto municipal golf course is one  of the oldest and most popular public courses in the area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to watch your burger being cooked over open flames in a casual, pub-like environment.

Description:

The Original Hamburger Works, located across the street from Phoenix College, has been a central Phoenix institution for locals who know where to go for some of the best mesquite-broiled hamburgers in the city. The burgers are cooked in front of your eyes over an open flame, then you get to pile on the toppings yourself at the legendary fixin's wagon. Also on the menu are chicken sandwiches, broiled fish sandwiches, grilled ham sandwiches, and a bevy of sides. Specialty burgers include the Border Burger, Bacon Cheese Burger, Classic Burger, Fiesta Burger, and Hawaiian Burger.