While Arizona is still perceived by many outsiders as an isolated small town oasis, locals know that the performing arts and special events abound in Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the U.S., and in locations throughout the state.

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As Phoenix has grown in size, so too has it grown in its cosmopolitan appeal. Today the capital city boasts several theater troupes, a symphony, ballet and opera company. Local clubs and resort lounges feature a myriad of musical talent for all tastes. Throughout the state, university and community theater groups thrive.

Arizona plays host to art festivals in small towns and cities statewide, rodeos, and many Native American festivals. Tucson hosts the annual Arizona International Film Festival in April and offers a year-round glimpse into country western film making at Old Tucson Studios. In January, Scottsdale rocks the international car collector scene with two world class car auctions, the Kruse and the Barrett-Jackson. The Arizona Renaissance Festival, just east of Mesa, lets you step back in time every February and March.

Entertainment options are endless in Arizona, however the beauty of the state can be expressed best with a visit to the Grand Canyon, just a two hour drive north of downtown Phoenix. It's one of the seven natural wonders of the world, its sheer magnitude and stark beauty elude mere words or photographs, and it is Arizona's greatest treasure and most popular destination.

The Grand Canyon, located in Northern Arizona, is a sight to see! Over 275 miles long, 10 miles wide and a mile deep, the Canyon takes the breath away of even the worldliest spectator.

While the Canyon itself is not that old (only 5 or 6 million years old!) the rock layers at the bottom of the Canyon are over two billion years old! There is no other place on Earth where geologic time has been captured so well.

Most Canyon visitors go to the South Rim of the canyon to experience its splendor through hiking trails, walking trails mule rides and camping.

If not catching the races, or seeing the sights, you may be spending your extra time on the more than 275 golf courses in Arizona. Many are signature courses, designed by the world's most famous golfers, like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. A lot of them are public courses.

If you are an avid golfer, Arizona affords you the chance to play a different 18-holes, 275 days a year.