Phoenix

In Egyptian mythology, the phoenix consumed itself by fire and rose from the ashes. Likewise, newcomers to Phoenix, Arizona may well believe that their goose is cooked. Let there be no mistake, Phoenix is a city in the sun, and no luxurious trappings are going to keep you from breaking a sweat.

Although it's the largest city in the southwest, Phoenix's greatest attraction is the land that surrounds it: a vast expanse of untamed desert. As the state capital, Phoenix is as modern as any American metropolis, with a hyperactive arts scene and a brisk economy.