So, since I know next to nothing about PHX (I know there's a lot of defibrillators there )... how would one get to Downtown Phoenix from the airport?

Taking advantage of the cheap PHX-NYC fares, and flying in early.

Out here in Phoenix we don't exactly have the best public transportation system, its limited to our often late bus system called Valley Metro

http://www.valleymetro.org/

Or you can take a cab, downtown is not very far from PHX so a cab shouldn't be more than $10-15.

Enjoy the Valley of the Sun!

I wouldn't visit downtown Phoenix - "downtown" is a pretty shaky concept along Central Avenue.

Instead try Old Town Scottsdale for the touristy thing and shopping at Fashion Square, or Mill Street in Tempe for the bar scene.

Forget public transport - rent a car or take a cab.

Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe (which is better than Downtown Phoenix 10,000-fold) is accessible by public transport from PHX. Just take the Red Line East. It will take you to University and Mill. To go back, just board the Red Line West on the northwest corner on University.

\rec

Forget getting on a bus to almost any place. Not a good transportation system.

Do you have to go to a meeting downtown? If not, there is not much downtown except baseball, basketball, concerts, and Alice Cooper's restaurant (the food is NOT very good, IMHO). If you are just going to downtown to go DOWNTOWN, don't. Go to Scottsdale, as recommended by others. You can Priceline a PHX rental for about $20.00 per day (mid size). Taxis will cost that much, if not more. Parking around Scottsdale is either free or pretty reasonable. Enjoy our sunny weather!!!

Thanks for all the tips! ^

No meeting in Downtown Phoenix... I have about 7 hours to kill, so just wanted to see the area, since I've never been before, and looking for something to do, especially if it's unique to the area.

Looks like Tempe or Scottsdale is the way to go. Any suggestions in a great uniquely-PHX-area place to grab lunch?

If you have only seven hours, I don't know that I'd recommend trekking up to Scottsdale, especially if you are intent on using public transporation. The Red Line bus will take you directly from the airport to either DT Phoenix or DT Tempe.

http://www.valleymetro.org/Transit/7...html#wp1111497

The DT Phoenix Hyatt has a revolving restaurant on the top floor. I am sure the food is less than stellar, but it would give you a bird's eye view of the valley.

I needs dem geography lessons!

PHX > Scottsdale, AZ
Distance: 14.3 miles

PHX > Tempe, AZ
Distance: 8.6 miles

Sounds like a trip to Scottsdale will require a car.... with which I can hit Tempe as well. Priceline here I come!

I find Phoenix very easy to get around as long as you don't hit the rush hours but a car is a must.

Central Ave runs north south in the middle of Phoenix and streets run n/s from 1st to nth East of Cental and aves run n/s 1st to nth West of central. Washington is the dividing line for the North south addesses. You can make a big circle from the airport depending on the time you are landing. if it is time to lunch time, try a little pizza, either Oreganos or Pizzeria Bianca details below. Bianca is downtown at 623 E Adams St and many people say it is the best - yes best - in the US. I don't know, will be there in February so I will try it then but I do like Oreganos. There is one on Camelback, about 1000 E Camelback iirc. Here are some restaurant reviews.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ix+restaurants


If you do go downtown, you can head north on Central ave (or the one next to it if it is one way, I can't remember) and stop at the Heard Museum, worth a couple hours, but not the best imo. certainly my kids complained about it as we prefer outdoor activities. What i would do instead would be to head north up rt 51 and head East on Lincoln Dr and stop at the base of Piestiewa (Squaw) Peak (just 1/4 mile from 51) and maybe even hike up a short way for a nice view then head back east on Lincoln and work your way onto the back side of Camelback Mountain. Again, I like to hike these mountains when in town, but for 7 hours and no shower, I guess just cruise the neighborhood and try to get as close to Camelback as possible, near 44th Street and McDonald.

If you follow Lincoln Dr east, you will come to Scottsdale Blvd. Take a right and head to Old Town Scottsdale. Stop at the Sugar Bowl (4005 N. Scottsdale) for an ice cream and check out the Family Circus cartoons. You can walk around this area for shops. Personally I have little use for shopping and malls, but if you want there are plenty of malls around here, instead saddle up and head south again on scottsdale to McDowell Rd. Take a right onto McDowell and and a left and head into Papago Park and see the buttes (climb the hole in the rock butte near the zoo if you want, you won't get too sweaty and you will like it) or check out the botanical gardens if you want to see some really neat cacti.

your exercise is over. head over to Tempe and walk along Mill Ave. There is a Greek Place right on the main drag I like or just find a bar where the ASU coeds dance on the tables and have a couple cold ones. Then back to the airport and off you go.

Realistically, how much of this would I do? Pizza, Piestewa base, camelback base, ice cream in Scottsdale and a short stroll, Papapo hole in the rock and a cocktail on Mill Ave. Have fun.