Phoenix, Arizona- A Romantic Getaway -Article by: Norm Goldman -Paintings by: Lily Azerad-Goldman Driving from the airport to Phoenix, we knew we were experiencing a city that was very much unlike many of the major metropolises in the USA or Canada. Our first clue was that everything seemed new to us, even the expressways with their unique architecture paying
tribute to the city's Native American heritage.
Nicknamed the "Valley of the Sun," and blessed with over 300 days of sunshine, Phoenix is set within a flat valley at an elevation of roughly 1,100 feet. With its unusual cacti, desert colors of reds, tans and brown, pink bougainvillea vines and greens, brown grove date palms, spiky Yuccas, and glorious sunsets on its mountains, it can probably boast of being one of the finest natural settings of any in the USA. History of Phoenix For hundreds of years, prior to its incorporation as a city in 1881, a very well civilized and resourceful community known as the Hohokam lived in the area between 700 A.D. and 1400 A.D. Their name means "the people who have gone." Apparently, they had disappeared without a trace. I say resourceful, when referring to these Native Americans, as they tamed the Salt River and built an irrigation system that consisted of some 135 miles of canals thus creating a fertile land where they could grow beans, corn, squash and cotton. They were in all likelihood the first to introduce cotton and weaving to the Southwest, and probably the most sophisticated ancient culture north of Mexico. In the mid-1800s one of the first white settlers to arrive on the scene was John Y. T. Smith. One day Smith invited his friend, Jack Swilling of Wickenburg, to visit him at his hay camp. I
It was not too long thereafter that an Englishman, Darrell Dupa, gave Phoenix its name. Just as the mythological Egyptian bird rose to life again from the ashes of its own funeral pyre, so did the new city rise from the ashes of the Hohokam culture, and Phoenix was off and running. THE LEGACY GOLF RESORT- A ROMANTIC TRIBUTE TO THE PAST
In 1901 Heard, together with Adolphus Clay Bartlett, purchased 7, 500 acres of land at the base of Phoenix's South Mountain. Little did he know that 100 years later the site would become a world-class golf resort dedicated to preserving his legacy- The Legacy Golf Resort. Heard's property was originally set up as a model ranch, raising prized cattle, alfalfa, citrus trees and cotton, as well as introducing new plants and tropical horticulture to the Southwest from around the world. Upon entering the Legacy's grounds we immediately became aware of its Spanish mission-style architecture. It is this design theme that is a tribute to Heard's model ranch which included similar architecture incorporated into the bungalow-style farmhouses for the ranch's workers and foremen as well as Heard's family. To recapture the romantic Spanish ambience of the past, The Legacy Golf Resort is built around courtyards with prominent archways and wrought iron accents comprising 12 casita (little houses) buildings that house 328 spacious one and two bedroom condos. The interiors of the condos are decorated in a Southwest motif, comprising Mexican tile floors and bright desert colors. Another feature embracing the legacy of Heard's farm is the lush native vegetation and horticulture he had introduced to the area, and this has been blended into the design of the resort's first class golf course. Also "cool" are some of the structures of the original farm that have been preserved as the original
grain silos along the 18th fairway of the golf course, and the Sierra Vista House along the 1st fairway.
After the tour, which lasts about an hour, you are ready to enjoy dining fit for royalty. Wright's is where you will indulge in a memorable culinary experience tasting creative New American cuisine with a delightful choice of wines from their magnificent wine list. It is here where guests understand why Wright's has received many accolades including the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine and the "DiRona Award" from Distinguished Restaurants of North America. As a starter you may want to try the delicious pan-fried scallops followed by mixed baby greens, and then onto the main course- roasted veal porterhouse. Don't forget to leave room for the mouth watering strawberry soufflé topped with strawberry sauce. Additional Information The Legacy Golf Resort, 6808 South 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ Tel: 1-800-828-3673 Email: infor@legacygolfresort.com Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri, Phoenix, AZ Tel: 800-950-0086 Email Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau History of Phoenix
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