Phoenix, USA
Introduction
Located in southern Arizona, just a couple hundred kilometers from the Mexican border, Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. It’s big, but for those of us used to cities with a concentrated downtown area of highrises and bustling pedestrian areas, it can be a bit disconcerting. In Phoenix you rarely see a building more than about 3 or 4 stories high and nobody walks here, period. This is a car town and you will definitely need a rental during your visit.
This sprawling, Arizona city is located in the Salt River Valley, surrounded by mountains on pretty much every side, which means there is beautiful scenery no matter what direction you look. Just drive 20 minutes and you’ll find yourself at the foot of some mountain. It is hot and dry here, which makes Phoenix a lovely autumn, winter or spring getaway, but not necessarily the place you’d want to visit in high summer when temperatures can skyrocket to 120 fahrenheit (49 celsius).
So that’s all great, but where are the girls, you ask. In Phoenix there’s no real gay village where you can walk around, but there is an area some refer to as “the queer corridor” in the Melrose district (or M7). It’s a two-mile wide area, from 7th Avenue on the west to 7th Street on the east, between Camelback Road and Indian School Road, where you’ll find a high concentration of gay and lesbian bars and restaurants. If you want to go from one spot to the next it still demands driving though, so always think about designated driver or taxis if you’re going out for the night.
Greater Phoenix is actually made up of a number of surrounding cities, including Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa. Most people wouldn’t even know that they’ve gone from Phoenix into another one of these cities unless someone actually told you as they all weave together so seamlessly. Of these other cities, Tempe is definitely the most gay-friendly you’ll find. Tempe’s Mill Avenue District is one of the few spots in Greater Phoenix where you’ll actually do any walking. This charming street is filled with restaurants, boutiques and cultural venues that are extremely popular with the local queer community.
Many visitors to Phoenix use the city as a launching pad to other spots in the American south-west, be it Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Vegas or the Grand Canyon. All of these other destinations are in easy driving distance, which makes Phoenix a great place to start a vacation. Visitors generally come here for the amazing spas, golf courses, hiking areas, museums and galleries (especially the renowned Heard museum with its extensive collection of Native art).
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