Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State, is quite immense, being the sixth largest state. The state capital, Phoenix, is known for having LGBT-friendly businesses and a rapidly expanding artist community. Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona, with Tucson being second.
While the heat can be brutal at times in the summer months, Arizona is the perfect destination for Chicagoans who need a break from the long dreary cold months. The sun shines more than 300 days a year, so absorb that vitamin D as much as possible.
American Airlines and US Airways offer direct flights to help soak up that sun soaring straight from Chicago to this bright destination. Upon arrival, it's a breeze to hop on the Valley Metro Light Rail system, which connects central Phoenix with Mesa and Tempe. Along that train's trail, simply jump on and off using an all-day pass to see places like the largest art museum in the southwest, The Phoenix Art Museum. There is a dandy Andy Warhol exhibit currently running as well as regular collections that take art lovers through the ages on multiple floors.
Arizona is home to many Native American tribes. The Heard Museum hosts the most complete collection of Native American artifacts in the world.
A third museum to not miss is the Musical Instrument Museum, with a collection of more than 15,000 instruments. Guests are encouraged to beat their own drum in one room then stop at the celebrity collection room with past Taylor Swift outfits and Elvis Presley memorabilia.
While Chicago may forever be known for deep-dish pizza, Pomo Pizzeria stuffs its pies in a huge oven. The portions are large and in charge with fresh ingredients and a distinct wood roasted flavor.
Sticking to an organic sourdough crust using organic wheat flour has really paid off for the trained chef Matteo Schiavone.
Nearby is Matt's Big Breakfast, which serves straight-from-scratch cooking with cage-free eggs, humanely raised chickens and grain-fed Iowa beef. Even after moving to a new location ( at the airport ), there are still lines out the door for this early-bird hotspot. Another excellent brunch option is SumoMaya in Scottsdale, where Top Chef Master Herb Wilson combines Mexican and Asian cuisines to present offerings like the Chinese chicken salad and the ahi tuna tostada.
If you visit on a Friday, drive over to downtown Phoenix for Food Truck Fridays, where trucks line up from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., with everything from hot dogs to individual pies for dessert. Close to that area along Roosevelt Row, there is a variety of murals painted on buildings to see. Be sure to stop at Film Bar, which combines cocktails and movies.
After a long night of go-go boys and line-dancing at Charlie's Phoenix, just walk to the window inside the bar to order tacos from Taqueria Los Yaquis' trailer. The order taker just rotates the window and outdoor customers, but beware: A drag queen may cut you in line for a tamale since she apparently has dibs and takes priority over everyone else. The dollar tacos are worth the wait, though.
In October 2014, Arizona began recognizing same-sex wedding licenses and this region continues to evolve. Don't miss drag queens riding bulls during the down-home gay rodeo in the middle of February. There are free shuttles and party buses leaving from Hotel 502 and Charlie's Phoenix on Camelback Road. Save a horse, and ride a cowboy ( or cowgirl ).
Arizona celebrates an early Pride in the middle of April, complete with parade and festival. Work out the details at phoenixpride.org .
The Phoenix Pride LGBT Center is very informative, with helpful employees that will steer tourists in the right direction to taste the rainbow.
Currently being renovated Hotel 502 is the most convenient place to stay for Charlie's nightlife with the Southern Rail restaurant just next door. Chef Justin Beckett takes Southern cooking to a new level with smoked chicken and biscuit dumplings as well as pork ribs with a pickled watermelon-rind BBQ sauce.
In Scottsdale Hotel Valley Ho is another beautiful property with an upscale restaurant onsite called Cafe ZuZu. The hearty menu makes sure diners don't leave hungry with blackened shrimp and grits or be sure and try the herb roasted cornish hen.
The luxurious Talking Stick Resort takes guests to another world. There is plenty to do on property such as dine at the rooftop restaurant, appropriately named Orange Sky. Private romantic tables provide sunset views to enjoy the fine cuisine and award winning wine menu.
More casual dining affairs are located downstairs, with the Blue Coyote Cafe's sushi menu or the Cajun seafood at the Ocean Trail.
To break away from the casino where the Ellen Degeneres slot machine was a huge hit walk over the Salt River Grand Ballroom where acts from female celebrity impersonator Frank Marino to hunky Thunder From Down Under Australians can be found upon occasion.
Before leaving the resort treat yourself and schedule an appointment at the spa on the open air 14th floor to rejuvenate and relax.
Afterward, it's not a far drive to Mesa and the Liberty Market located at a historic corner of the city. Witness down home cooking like biscuits and gravy along with traditional Mexican chilaquiles for breakfast.
Mesa also is home to Sloan Park, where the Chicago Cubs have spring training. The facility opened in 2014, offering Chicago style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza to add to a Windy City experience.
Arizona has a lot to offer tourists from Chicago, so take some time to book a warm getaway today.
Try www.visitphoenix.com for more information on this southwest state .