Giants road trip 2011: Phoenix

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park can be seen 10 miles away in the shadows at sundown looking from the South Rim by the El Tovar hotel. The wonder of the Grand Canyon amazes no matter how many times a tourist visits. Credit: KRT, 2000
The Giants travel to Phoenix to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 2, the team's third road game in the first four weeks of the season. If you're going to make the trip to watch the Giants, here's a list of 10 other things to do while you're in the Phoenix area. Use the comments section at the bottom to share your favorite places.
1. Caramba
5421 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-934-8888
Caramba has a few locations in Glendale and one in Phoenix. It specializes in Mexican food that is cheap and quick. The portions are very generous making sure you leave full. They also have an extensive menu just for Margaritas.
2. La Piazza al Forno
5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-847-3301
La Piazza al Forno is consistently ranked one the best pizza joints in the Glendale area. They also serve many pasta dishes and calzones. It was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives." If it's good enough for Guy Fieri, then it should work for you.
3. Historic Sahuaro Ranch Museum
9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
623-930-4200
Construction of the ranch began in 1887 and does a great job capturing the agricultural history of the West Valley. There are 13 buildings and a rose garden and all tours are free.
4. Cerreta Candy Company
5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-930-9000
cerreta.com
The Cerreta Candy Company has been operating for more than four decades. Get an inside look at how these delicious sweets are made and packed. See how a sea of caramel becomes wrapped into tasty treats. Learn how cream centers are enrobed in luscious chocolate. Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Don't forget to visit the store on your way out.
5. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix Water Park
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale
623-201-2000
wetnwildphoenix.com
Arizona's largest water park contains a roller coaster powered by what else? Water! It's a great way to cool off with the kids with water slides and an interactive water playground for the young ones.
6. The Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
602-273-1341
phoenixzoo.org
The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals that features camel rides, a petting zoo and a safari train. The 125 acre zoo has more than 2.5 miles of walking trails so families can see the mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. Bike riding is allowed on the grounds and picnic tables are available for snacks and lunch.
7. Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
602-716-2000
azscience.org
The Arizona Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a planetarium in a state-of-the-art dome that takes you on a journey through the galaxy. The center also features an IMAX theater in the newly renovated building.
8. Alice Cooperstown
141 E. Jackson St., Phoenix
602-253-7337
alicecooperstown.com
This sports bar is owned by Alice Cooper, so don't be alarmed when your server is sporting the rocker's signature eyeliner. It was featured on "Man vs. Food" because of its "Big Unit" hot dog that weighs one pound and is 22 inches long. BBQ is a big staple on their menu. It is located near Bank One Ballpark and the US Airways Center and open late after Suns and Diamondback night games.
9. Arizona Military Museum
5636 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
602-267-2676
azdema.gov/museum
Uncover Arizona's rich military history and involvement in the Civil War, World War I and much more.
10. The Grand Canyon
450 AZ Hwy. 64, Grand Canyon
928-638-2468
nps.gov/grca
Want to see what many consider the most majestic site in all over America? You can experience the Grand Canyon by hiking, biking, rafting or helicopter and plane tours. The South Rim of the canyon is open year round and has restaurants and lodging available. The North Rim is open from May to October. Fun fact: The average distance across the canyon is 10 miles. However, traveling from the North Rim to the South Rim is 215 miles, a five-hour drive.
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