The Valley of the Sun or Phoenix metropolitan area also includes the cities of Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe and Mesa. Distances aren't great, so you can easily base yourself in one place and explore. Mountains, history, golf, amazing food and architecture as only the southwest does it.
There's an affinity many feel with the desert including renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. His desert masterpiece, Taliesin West, is nestled in the Scottsdale foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Construction began in 1937 and the winter home was crafted by hand over several years. With deep connections to the desert, Taliesin West was a true labour of love built entirely by Wright and his apprentices. Be sure to take the guided tour of the home which is also the location for the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
Continue the theme and visit Gammage Auditorium, in Tempe. This structure, built by Wright, resembles a tiered birthday cake and was originally intended to be the royal opera house in a city further north. Arizona State University is the proud home of this striking venue and routinely hosts concerts and Broadway musicals. 
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