Nonstop Love: Phoenix Phast

[scott-camacho]

Beginning October 13, Dallas Love Field is FREE!  The restrictions of the Wright Amendment will be gone, ushering in nonstop destinations that span from coast to coast.   Southwest has been counting down the years and weeks (literally—we have a billboard at the Love Field entrance and a countdown clock in our Headquarters lobby) until we can say, “Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"   We are excited to begin this new era by serving five new nonstop destinations on October 13, followed by ten additional new nonstop destinations on November 2.  The addition of these 15 new nonstop destinations will bring Southwest to a total of 31 nonstop destinations from Love Field. In anticipation of this momentous event, each week we will take a look at one of the cities that North Texas Customers will be able to soon visit nonstop on Southwest.  Each post is written by a Southwest Employee who is affiliated with the city and can give an insider’s view of what to see and do while visiting.  Enjoy! In the 14 years I’ve been living in the “Grand Canyon State,” I’ve had plenty of FUN experiences that make me proud to call Phoenix home.  Some of my favorite memories come from tubing down the Salt River in Tonto National Forest and visiting Tombstone for a gun fight at the O.K. Corral.  With all of the many different things to experience in Arizona, a stay in my hometown will be well worth your time. In terms of daily departures, Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport is Southwest’s fourth busiest airport.  With that many People coming to this great city, it’s no wonder Phoenix will be getting some nonstop love!  Here’s a list of some of my favorite things to eat, do, and see that I think you will LUV too! Your Phoenix to-do list: To Eat:

• Carolina’s Mexican Food: This restaurant is a must when you’re in Phoenix!  The homemade tortillas at Carolina’s are worth the trip alone; they just melt in your mouth.  But you don’t have to stop there—the menu serves up every kind of Southwestern food you can imagine.
• Rustler’s Rooste: If you want a truly unique dining experience, head to Rustler’s Rooste.  After you slide down the “tin” slide into the dining room, make sure to order the fried rattlesnake and take in the amazing views of Phoenix from the restaurant’s patio.

To Do:

• Hiking: Phoenix has plenty of options if you enjoy being outdoors, but I recommend hiking South Mountain and Camelback Mountain.  Both locations allow you to fully experience Phoenix’s desert landscape, including the area’s native plants and animals.  Remember to bring water; it gets hot in the desert!
• Visit Jerome: Nicknamed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” Jerome rests above what was once the largest copper mine in Arizona.  Nowadays, you can still visit this old mining town and walk through its local shops, spend an evening at one of the saloons, and even do a wine tasting at the Jerome Winery.

To See:

• Sedona and the Grand Canyon: Arguably one of Arizona’s most famous landmarks, the Grand Canyon is a must-do for some breathtaking views when your travels take you to Phoenix.  Not far from the Grand Canyon you’ll find Sedona, with a landscape equally as stunning.
• Montezuma Castle: The Sinagua people inhabited these ancient cliff dwellings hundreds of years ago.  After President Theodore Roosevelt declared it one of America’s first national monuments, Montezuma Castle is now a popular tourist destination for visitors looking to take a trip back in time.

My City Secret:

• Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden boasts an impressive 140 acres of distinctly desert plants, where themed exhibits change with the seasons.  Visitors to the Garden can take guided tours of the grounds and even eat dinner in the Sonoran desert.