ESPN

Forget the image of Phoenix as a quaint metropolis tucked away in the American southwest; this rapidly developing city is bearing down on Philadelphia and on the verge of entering the top-five most-populated U.S. cities. Such explosive growth has been both a blessing and a curse for the Valley of the Sun. While the downtown and greater metro areas have been rejuvenated and are booming economically, Phoenix is also experiencing the predictable pitfalls of urban expansion - smog, traffic, sprawl. It's not the best recipe for attracting visitors desperate for a hot, sunny day in mid-winter, but they don't seem to notice.

Phoenix isn't just huge in terms of population; it also covers a surprisingly vast area, third among U.S. capital cities, behind Juneau and Oklahoma City. As a result, a car is a must for getting around, especially outside the downtown area. Still in the works is a light rail system, but in the meantime the only option for public transportation is the bus. The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) loops around downtown, while Valley Metro Transit heads further out into the suburbs. Both are $1.25.

Sky Harbor International Airport is just east of Phoenix, and taxi fares into downtown are metered and may run up to $15 as some charge minimum fares. Valley Metro service is also available via Route 13.

Check Out a Brand-New Stadium
The NFL's Arizona Cardinals are moving to Glendale for the 2006 season as their still-unnamed retractable roof stadium makes its debut. An area outside has already been designated Pat Tillman Freedom Plaza in honor of the former Cardinal who died while serving with the Army in Afghanistan.

Enjoy Cactus League Baseball
Besides Florida, Arizona is the other spring training site for the major leagues and welcomes nearly all the teams from the western U.S. each March, plus a few who travel further from home like the Cubs. The Surprise Recreation Campus 20 miles away - spring home to the Royals and Rangers - is one of the better facilities.

Root on the Run-and-Gun Suns
Phoenix's popular NBA franchise plays its home games at US Airways Center and is one of the most electric and high-scoring teams in basketball. The team last went to the Finals in 1993, when recent Hall of Fame electee Charles Barkley starred for the Suns and was named league MVP.

See the Great One Behind the Bench
Not only does Phoenix have a hockey team in the desert, but they're doing it in style. Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player in NHL history, is currently serving as head coach of the Coyotes, his first time taking on the job with a pro squad.

Pack Your Clubs
The Valley of the Sun is famous for its golf courses - more than 200 of them in the area - and is the main attraction for many visitors. Many of them are quite expensive, particularly in the winter, but Gold Canyon Resort has been the top-rated public course in the state and has rates as low as $55 in the late spring and summer.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008, 480-941-1225
This is a 50-acre love note to the delicate beauty of desert flora. It is a place of cacti and desert roses, mesquite and wildflowers. The garden is home to 139 rare, threatened or endangered species from around the world. Hike the grounds; it's also a great place for birding and spotting butterflies. The botanical garden is located nine miles east of downtown Phoenix. There is ample parking or take a taxi.
http://www.dbg.org/

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-252-8848
This extraordinary museum is devoted to the art and culture of Native Americans, particularly those tribes who populated Arizona - including the Navajo, Apache and Hopi. Many weekends, there is native singing and dancing. Local artists often appear to discuss their works. The museum is located in downtown Phoenix. There is ample parking. Or take a cab or public transportation.
http://www.heard.org/

Taliesin West
12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259, 480-860-8810
In 1937, Wright built this collection of buildings to serve as his winter home and office. It is now a campus/museum that teaches his philosophy of organic architecture - and one of his masterpieces. The buildings are constructed, mostly, of local materials. The foundation is desert stone. Like all his buildings, he sought to meld home and environment. This is a wonderful setting to study his work. Taliesin West is located 28 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. There is ample parking. Or take a cab or public transportation.
http://www.franklloydwright.org/

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-257-1222
This museum excels in Spanish colonial furnishings and western art. It also has a strong 20th century art collection, including works by Picasso, Rousseau, Calder, Rodin and O'Keefe. Don't miss the Thorne Miniature Collection - period homes meticulously decorated and scaled the size of a dollhouse. The museum is located in downtown Phoenix. There is ample parking or take a taxi or public transportation.
http://www.phxart.org/

Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum
6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008, 602-275-3473
The world's largest firefighting museum, the Hall of Flame features more than 90 fire engines, dating from 1725. The 1725 model - designed to be pulled by hand- is English. The earliest American fire engine displayed saw service in 1825. All are beautifully restored. And yes, most are fire engine-red. Sorry, no Dalmatians. The museum is located eight miles east of downtown Phoenix. There is ample parking or take a cab or public transportation.
http://www.hallofflame.org/

2001 Arizona Diamondbacks (defeated New York Yankees, 4 games to 3).