Glendale

Northwest of downtown Phoenix, Glendale sparkles with attractions. At Westgate Entertainment District, shows of fountains, music and lights dazzle at WaterDance Plaza, which also hosts outdoor concerts. Surrounding the plaza, you’ll find Desert Diamond Arena and the adjacent State Farm Stadium (home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals). Tours of State Farm Stadium provide a behind-the-scenes look at this engineering marvel. There's also restaurants, shops, a 20-screen movie theater and a splash pad. Try a beer flight — along with bowling and billiards — at State 48 Funk House, or head to The Lola for craft cocktails and small plates (pineapple churros, anyone?).  Two miles north, gaming awaits at Desert Diamond Casino. And in spring, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox train at Camelback Ranch for Cactus League Spring Training.  

Glendale also caters to those in search of a Main Street experience by way of its historic downtown. Here, tree-lined streets house independent boutiques housed in homes and carriage houses, many dating back to the first half of the 20th century, as well as a diverse array of restaurants, such as Little Saigon and Haus Murphy’s. Don't forget to try cactus-flavored taffy from Cerreta Candy Company.  Antique shopping along brick-trimmed sidewalks is big here, too, with stores purveying everything from secondhand furniture to vintage handbags.