Jeremy Poland/Getty Images
Phoenix, a desert oasis that has experienced explosive growth in recent years, presents a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
The city offers a thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and a burgeoning culinary landscape. However, as someone who travels to the Phoenix area several times a year, I tend to leave the city proper fairly quickly, heading over to nearby Scottsdale or Mesa — or further north to Sedona or Flagstaff.
Although Phoenix has a lot to offer as a growing metropolis, I find that I’d rather spend my time outside the city, where I can access nature and more serene wellness resorts.