Cold Weather Drives Midwest & Canadian Visitors to Plan Winter Vacation Getaways in Sunny Arizona, Featuring Top Golf Courses in Arizona and Cactus League Spring Training

Tempe, Arizona February 28, 2007 — With a daily average high of 70 degrees during the winter months, Sunny Arizona (www.visitsunnyaz.com), and its collective cities of Chandler, Mesa and Tempe, has become the “hotspot” for visitors coming from the Midwest and Canada as they flock here looking for a winter vacation getaway to escape the frigid winter cold.

In 2005, the number of Canadian visitors steadily increased by 19% and Midwest visitors accounted for a total of 3.5 million overnight visitors, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism and D.K. Shifflet & Associates.

Midwestern & Canadian visitors who love a winter blanketed in white may still yearn for a little break from the harsh winds, ice-covered cars and dreadful shoveling. Anyone looking for a little frost-less weather for their winter vacation getaway should look no further than Sunny Arizona.

Golf is one of the key attractions for both young and old, and Sunny Arizona is home to many of the top golf courses in Arizona. Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa has matured into one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses and is ranked as the 12th most challenging course in the nation according to ZAGAT Surveys. San Marcos Golf Course, the first grass golf course in Arizona, opened in 1913 and is situated in the heart of Historic Downtown Chandler. Visitors interested in playing one of these top golf courses in Arizona should be sure to reserve tee times in advance.

Another March must in Sunny Arizona is Cactus League Spring Training where 12 Major League Baseball teams prep for the upcoming season. With 12 of Major League Baseball's 30 teams camped in Arizona, the Cactus League Spring Training draws more than a million fans and rivals Florida's Grapefruit League as a springtime attraction. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play at Tempe Diablo Stadium and the Chicago Cubs play at Mesa’s Hohokam Park. Additional Cactus League Spring Training teams include the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants. In all, there are over 170 Cactus League Spring Training games in 30 days in Sunny Arizona. For ticket information, complete game schedules, accommodations and more go to www.visitsunnyaz.com.

For visitors who are less interested in baseball, March also marks the annual bloom of wildflowers in the desert. Take a drive down the historic Apache Trail for an unparalleled look at the colorful wildflower display, in addition to stops in a ghost town or two.

Explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Sunny Arizona on your winter vacation getaway. Hike the wilderness trails, experience the desert flora, look for the Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine and maybe even discover exposed ancient Indian artifacts at the Superstition Mountains. Or visit Papago Park, well-known for its many distinctive geological formations and its wide variety of typical desert plants, including the giant saguaro cactus.

Sunny Arizona has numerous dining options to take advantage of during your winter vacation getaway. Monti’s La Casa Vieja in Tempe, known for delicious steaks and its historic significance, is the largest full-service restaurant in Arizona. Eclectic American culinary specialties and wine is a must at 98 South in Historic Downtown Chandler. And, for first-rate authentic Mexican food, Rancho de Tia Rosa in Mesa is the place.

For more information on any of the Sunny Arizona cities, Mesa, Chandler or Tempe, or to plan your winter vacation getaway, visit www.visitsunnyaz.com or call 800-283-6734.


About Sunny Arizona
Sunny Arizona is a non-profit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Chandler and Mesa, Arizona as a desirable visitor and group destination site. Sunny Arizona’s mission is to also provide visitors, media professionals and meeting planners with information on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and local points of interest in Tempe, Chandler and Mesa. To learn more about Tempe, Chandler or Mesa, or to plan your winter vacation getaway in Arizona, please call 480-894-8158 or 800-283-6734 or visit us at www.visitsunnyaz.com.