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IT MAY BE PEAK SEASON IN PHOENIX, BUT YOU CAN STILL EXPLORE THIS SIZZLING CITY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Home to world-class golf courses, relaxing spas, designer shopping and warm weather year-round, Phoenix is an attractive- albeit expensive-winter getaway. But these days, it's all about saving money. Th e good news is you can still escape the cold without spending a ton of money-you just have to know where to look. Check out these desert deals, and get ready for a vacation you can afford to enjoy.

ACTIVE

Averaging more than 300 sunny days a year, the Valley of the Sun is the perfect place to escape winter temperatures and get outdoors. Grab some hiking boots and make tracks for the area's most scenic trails. The best part? Th ey're free.

Take a trek up the 2,889-foot Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale. Ranked moderately difficult, the trail has plenty of spots where you can rest along the way, and the view from the top is phenomenal.  
Advanced hikers will want to check out the 2,704-foot Camelback Mountain; the summit trail is a steep and tricky 1.2 miles. A family favorite is the 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak; hearty young ones can handle the moderate 1.2-mile summit trail. At Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which covers more than 36,000 acres, there are more than 100 miles of trails open to the public. Insider tip: Hit the trails early, especially on weekends, when they can get crowded.

To many visitors of Phoenix, getting outside means donning polo shirts and stepping onto the golf course. And why not? There are more than 200 courses from which to choose in the Phoenix/  
Scottsdale area. While golf prices generally skyrocket during the winter months, there are still deals to be had.  
While a round at the famed TPC Stadium Course (which will host the FBR Open, Jan. 26 to Feb. 1) will set you back a whopping $272, across the street you can play the TPC Champions Course ( www.tpc.com) for a more aff ordable $131. In addition, many of the area's golf resorts off er "stay and play" packages; find the latest deals and book online at GolfArizona.com.

There are other ways to save money on the links: For example, you can play like a local. Th e Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department (www.phoenix.gov/sports/golf.html) runs eight courses, all open seven days a week, including holidays. Just make sure to book tee times a week in advance. Another money-saving option is purchasing a Southwest PGA Golf Pass (www.swsgolfpass.com). The pass-which costs $175 and is good from the time of purchase through October-allows you to play at 76 courses in the Phoenix area with 50% off Monday through Thursday, and 25% off Friday through Sunday and holidays.

CULTURE

Your first stop before diving into the area's cultural off erings should be ShowUp.com, a comprehensive guide to attractions in the Phoenix area that's ideal for those who want to see it all. Purchase the ShowUp NOW pass ($50 for adults; $26 for children), which grants access to 13 top attractions. And there's no rush to take everything in-the pass is good for nine consecutive days after you first use it.

One stop included on the pass is the Heard Museum (www.heard.org), famous for its collection of Native American art. If you skip the ShowUp NOW pass and pay for a ticket, just hang on to your stub for $1 off at the Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org ). The deal also works the other way around.

Art lovers will feel right at home at the Phoenix Art Museum (www.phxart.org). Its impressive collection includes American, Asian, European, modern and contemporary art, as well as photography and special exhibits. It's included on the ShowUp NOW pass, but without that, the entrance fee is still a very reasonable $10. Better yet, go on Tuesday evening, when admission is free from 3pm to 9pm, or on the first Friday of each month, when the museum participates in a First Friday arts program, offering free admission from 6pm to 9pm.

Similar to First Fridays is the Scottsdale ArtWalk (www.scottsdalegalleries.com), just a few miles away. Dubbed "America's Original ArtWalk," it takes place every Th ursday. With more than 100 galleries and museums in Scottsdale, it's no wonder the event is weekly instead of monthly. During this 30-year tradition, galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way stay open from 7pm to 9pm. Park your car for free and hop on the free trolley from downtown, then prepare to appreciate a wide range of artistic styles.

Before you head over, though, take in the stunning works at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (www.smoca.org). Tickets are $7, and admission is free every Th ursday, when the museum stays open until 8.

NIGHTLIFE

Everyone loves a good laugh, especially when the prices won't make you cry. At Scottsdale's Comedy Spot Comedy Club (www.thecomedyspot.net), tickets start at $10. On Fridays, ladies get 50% off , and a $2 off coupon is always available on the website.

If you want to mix your comedy with a bite to eat, head to Tempe Improv (www.tempeimprov.com), where tickets start at $15. Diners also get priority seating- plus a free pass to a future show.

Pay another visit to ShowUp.com to save some more: There are links to free events, as well as a ticket marketplace for discounts and special off ers on theater, music and dance off erings.

Sure, winter is peak season in warm Phoenix, but that doesn't mean it's inaccessible if you're watching your wallet. In fact, whether you're a golfer, an art lover or just looking for a good time, you'll find it's exactly the opposite.

SUN DEALS

AFFORDABLE EATS

PEARL SUSHI LOUNGE

www.pearlsushi.net
480-947-3275

At this hip sushi place, it's all about the scene and great happy hour deals.

Starter
Miso soup $3
Cucumber salad $4

Entrée
Spicy tuna roll $6.50
Soft-shell crab roll $9

TOTAL $22.50

BARRIO CAFE

www.barriocafe.com
602-636-0240

This little neighborhood Mexican eatery is popular among locals.

Starter
Roasted sweet and spicy pepper soup $8

Entrée
Grilled chicken breast topped with black mole sauce $12

Drink
Mexican beer $4.75

TOTAL $24.75

THE STOCKYARDS RESTAURANT

www.stockyardsrestaurant.com
602-273-7378

The weekend dinner special at "Arizona's original steakhouse" is a bargain.

Starter
Soup or salad
Relish tray
Baking soda biscuits and cornbread muffins

Entrée
Choice of 8-oz. prime rib, salmon, salad with chicken or baby back ribs

Dessert
Choice of dessert

TOTAL $24.95

PILLOW TALK

SHERATON PHOENIX DOWNTOWN
www.starwoodhotels.com
602-262-2500
Stay one night and get 50% off the next, Thursday through Sunday.

THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH
www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale
480-515-5700
This desert superstar is offering a "Stay Longer" package: Get three nights for the price of two, averaging $196 a night (the usual rate is around $500).

THE PHOENICIAN
www.thephoenician.com
480-941-8200
This AAA Five-Diamond property is offering 25% off a three-night stay if you book online.

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