About Phoenix Articles and Features: 2002

Everything you need to know to enjoy the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Find out which teams play in Arizona's Cactus League, and how you can get in on the action.

Here are my top picks for things to do and see in Tempe, Arizona--and many of them are free!

Here are my picks for the ten most romantic places in the Phoenix area. Whether you are planning a special Valentine's Day, anniversary, birthday or you just want to say, "You are special to me!"

Just five hours from the Valley of the Sun you can visit one of the most fantastic natural wonders in North America. Here are my top picks for guide books about the Grand Canyon.

East of Apache Junction, Arizona is transformed into a 16th century Royal Faire every year for two months. Don't miss the fun, suitable for all ages.

The Maricopa County Assessor has determined that median home valuations have increased significantly. That also means that taxes are on the rise.

Here are all the resources you need to get through both your Arizona and Federal taxes this year.

Two National Monuments are within an hour and a half from Phoenix, and they are well worth the drive. See incredibly well-preserved ancient Sinaguan cliff dwellings and multi-story homes at these historical sites.

Be careful when shopping at the Tucson Gem Show, or any gem show for that matter! Here are some things you should know.

Maybe this statue should never have been built. At least some residents of the City of Chandler believe so.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, an inline skater or a skateboarder, there are some great places around town to have some fun on wheels.

Prepare yourself for one of the most unusual festivals in the country, right here in Chandler, Arizona. It's the Chandler Ostrich Festival, complete with ostrich races!

There are new rules for Cactus League baseball games this year as a result of generally heightened security announced by Major League Baseball.

Every winter professional tennis players stop in Scottsdale, Arizona. Some big names will be competing this year!

This little lunch and wine-tasting bistro in downtown Chandler is associated with Arizona's Kokopelli Wineries.

With several locations in the Valley of the Sun, this isn't just your typical Chinese restaurant.

Many locations in the Phoenix area. I didn't find it to be the best in Arizona, or the world. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even go back.

Africanized Honey Bees are becoming more and more prevalent in the Phoenix area. In fact, they are all over Arizona. Here's what you need to know about these aggressive insects.

They have a new location in Downtown Phoenix, and we went to check it out.

Are are some neat ideas for the margarita lover in your life.

With an extensive menu, great portions and wonderful desserts, Claim Jumper rates well on my list.

The vehicle registration process can be intimidating. A recent transplant from New York had already been through the process and is here to help you do it, too.

Dateline: April Fool's Day. The State of Arizona, in an effort to curtail growth and to facilitate resolving the budget crisis, will be assessing a fee to new incoming state residents.

Where did Phoenix rank in this Forbes study about the 40 largest cities in the country?

We're Number One! We're Number One! Uh, but this is not a good thing....

It has been a long time, and Robert Fisher is still at large. He has been indicted for killing his wife and two children. Maybe you can help to locate him.

Chandler, Arizona is one of our fastest growing communities. Whether you live in Chandler or are just visiting, check out this list of things to do and see in Chandler.

Sometimes you want a physical book that you can peruse, dog-ear, highlight and carry around with you. And sometimes you'd like a souvenir book or a gift for someone else. Both types of books are included in this list of my top picks.

Considering a job change? Unemployed? Want to start your own business? Here are my top ticks for books that can help you organize, apply, interview and plan and implement!

This is my annual special, based on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For. Out of their top 100, 47 of them are in the greater Phoenix area.

Whether you are looking for a gift for a newcomer, or an addition to your own library, you'll find some great selections here.

You might want to round out your personal library with some of these wonderful books that can help you discover the beauty and adventure of Arizona.

The Palo Verde's yellow blossoms are beautiful when they bloom each spring. Check out these photos.

Have you ever wondered? Here's the answer, and photos of Phoenix sunsets.

Here are some facts about our state bird, and some photos, too!

Our state flower is unique and gorgeous. Here's a photo, and some information about the saguaro blossom.

You may be surprised at the growth that Surprise, Arizona has experienced. Check out all there is to do in this city just northwest of Phoenix.

A small, scenic town just east of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills is surrounded by mountains and has a lot to offer its visitors.

If you have ever hummed along to "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley" or heard a song about a fateful trip on the "M.T.A" you were listening to The Kingston Trio. It's 45 years later, and Phoenix resident Bob Shane and his pals still tour 28 weeks out of the year.

This Italian eatery has several locations in the Valley. We enjoyed it very much, and we're looking forward to going back again!

If you have an unusual schedule, or you find that you need something in the middle of the night, here are some places in the Phoenix area that have 24 hour operations.

Here is what you need to know to avoid being one of the 500,000 people in this country each year who are diagnosed with skin cancer.

Peoria is the 9th largest city in Arizona, and there is plenty to do there for both residents and visitors.

This restaurant with a view may be pricey, but it is worth the trip.

If you are planning an outdoor wedding this summer, here are some important tips to for your special day.

Twenty five photographs taken by your Guide to Phoenix.

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon but you don't have a lot of time? Here are details and tips for a day trip or overnight trip to the South Rim of this amazing natural wonder.

Gilbert, Arizona is one of the fastest growing communities in the country. Located in the East Valley, southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert continues to develop recreational opportunities.

This important water conservation campaign provides easy but important tips on how every one of us can help to save water.

Find out about this very informative and free booklet that can help you to conserve water while enjoying your landscaping.

Ever wonder who can compete for the Miss Arizona crown? That young lady gets the opportunity to vie for the title of Miss America in September. Here are all the details about competing in local pageants, getting tickets to the 2002 Miss Arizona Pageant and meeting the competitors.

Here are the details about the biggest and best Independence Day festivals and fireworks displays around town. You can also find links to smaller neighborhood celebrations.

Mesa is the 3rd largest city in Arizona, and there is plenty to do there for both residents and visitors.

In the midst of a serious drought, wildfires are devastating Arizona. Here is the information and links to important resources about Arizona's forests and national parks.

Want to know which baby names were the most popular in the United States and in Arizona last year? Here's the answer!

If you are considering getting a degree, here is some important information for you to consider, along with ten tips for selecting your online university.

A new Miss Arizona was crowned on Saturday night, and she'll go on to compete for the Miss America crown in September.

With more than 300 golf courses in the State of Arizona, you are sure to find the perfect course for your game. Here are some books and golf items that every Arizona golfer should own.

Ping Golf Clubs are manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona by Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. Ping is a popular brand of golf clubs among professional golfers as well as aspiring amateurs.

When it gets hot in the Valley of the Sun, you can be sure that the golf courses will lower their prices. Here are some of the best deals on summer golf in the Phoenix area.

A very popular comedy which has played in Scottsdale for more than three years puts you as student in an adult catechism class. Don't miss the fun!

The newly appointed Surgeon General of the United States is an Arizonan. His appointment to the position was no surprise, especially because of his background in bioterrorism prevention.

Considering a job change? Here are some statistics about what kind of jobs there are in the Phoenix area, and what you can expect the salaries of those jobs to be.

Here is a selection of my top picks for protecting your eyes in the harsh Arizona sun. These are almost all 100% UV protection, and all under $100.

Hundreds of movies have been filmed here, but I have selected a few from each decade to create this, my top ten picks for movies filmed in Arizona.

These are some recommendations for sun protection clothing and accessories to help you avoid the damage that the sun can do to your skin.

If you know a kid who is old enough to read, color or do puzzles and has an interest in Arizona, these books with Southwest and Arizona themes would make the perfect gift.

These are some of my recommendations for books for little ones and preschoolers with Arizona dn Southwest themes. Read them aloud to your children, and soon they will be reading and enjoying them themselves.

When it gets really hot--like 115 degrees hot--in the Valley of the Sun, your best bet might be to stay inside your nice, cool home and watch some cool videos. You know, the ones with lots of snow and ice.

A step-by-step primer with instructions on how to register to vote in Arizona.

After a 12 year absence Cirque du Soleil is back with their wonderful production of Dralion. Get all the details here!

Laura Lawless was crowned Miss Arizona 2002 this past June, and she will go on to compete in the Miss America Pageant. Here is an interview with the new Miss Arizona.

Here are my top picks for some great gifts for that Arizona Cardinals football fan in your life.

A brief history of the Arizona Cardinals, along with some trivia that will be a surprise. Also includes the 2002 season schedule, information on where to get tickets for the football games, and more.

Every October Arizonans get a treat when the Arizona State Fair opens its doors. Rides, concerts, rodeos, exhibits and lots more!

West Nile virus is expected to get to Arizona in the near future. We can't prevent it, but don't panic. Here is what you need to know about West Nile Virus.

Out of 300 cities surveyed, Tempe came in as the 4th best city in which to live and work. Get the details here.

Once again this October we will focus our attention on the war against breast cancer.

These are descriptions of my favorite attractions in Phoenix. Not in the greater Phoenix area, but really in the City of Phoenix.

A local entrepreneur provides five key tips to getting started in your own business.

A local Scottsdale bartender will be the youngest contestant on Survivor 5 in Thailand.

Just a couple of hours from Phoenix you can take an enjoyable and educational train ride through the Verde Canyon.

We recently ate at a popular seafood restaurant, and even though there is only one location in the Valley, it is worth the trip.

Here's a great selections of calendars with beautiful photographs of Arizona. A great gift idea!

Many people who visit Arizona or are considering moving here are concerned about Valley Fever. Here is what you need to know.

I have put together some of the best photos from the Phoenix site, and made them into a card shop so you can send them to family and friends with your own personalized greeting. You can even add music to the cards. Enjoy!

Thousands of valley bikers parade in memory of the victims and heroes of 9-11. See the photos, and check out the resource links for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Just when you think baseball season is over, there's more baseball! The Arizona Fall League brings the top prospects of Major League Baseball to the Valley of the Sun to play on 6 teams around town during October and November. What great family fun!

This is the third time the members of the Phoenix Forum have gotten together for lunch. Not all the same forum members come each time, but we always enjoy ourselves. See the photos!

Scottsdale is a very popular tourist destination, but even if you are a local you'll enjoy these wonderful Scottsdale attractions.

Here are some of the best haunted houses, festivals and other Halloween-related information for the Phoenix area.

These tennis gift ideas are sure to please that tennis player or future tennis star on your holiday list.

If you think that you might alleviate some of your asthma symptoms by living in the dry climates of Phoenix or Tucson, think again.

A local certified Pilates instructor tells us about this popular training method.

The University of Phoenix now offers online doctoral programs. Find out more about how you can get your PhD online.

Make your plans to enjoy one of the top ten New Year's Eve celebrations in the country.

We visited RA, a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant. Read the review of our dining experience.

Here are some unusual recipes from local Arizona chefs that you can use to give that Southwestern flair to your holiday feast.

Here are some guide books to help you find hot springs around the Southwest United States.

One of our regular visitors to the Valley of the Sun tell us about his visits to El Dorado Hot Spring in Tonopah. He calls it a rustic jewel in the desert!

Don't have the time or money to get to Vermont or Colorado to ski? If you have a craving to get to the snow, you can do it right here in Arizona!

There are many colorful people who have called Arizona home. Here are some books that you'll want in your Arizona library about Sandra day O'Connor, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, Erma Bombeck, Joe Arpaio, and more!

Dralion is a feast for the senses. The ticket prices may be high, but this performance is one you should not miss.

Check out these pictures of tattoos with Arizona and Southwest themes.

Here are some details about the best and worst retailers in Arizona when it comes to UPC scanning errors, along with some shopping tips to avoid the errors.

Are you an interior designer, or just someone who loves to look at beautiful homes? These Southwest interior design books will give you some great decorating ideas.