Monday, March 06, 2006
Downtown Phoenix is COOL!
Phoenix in May is very “cool,” so don’t let the temperatures keep you from getting out and seeing the town. Average Phoenix temperatures in May are high of 92 degrees and low 64 degrees with little or no precipitation. The afternoons are warm, but buildings are kept refreshingly cool. Bring a hat or umbrella for sun shade, but you shouldn’t need it for rain showers. The annual meeting in Phoenix calls for casual attire. Cotton or linen clothing is the most comfortable choice for the weather. You may need a light jacket or sweater for the air conditioned meeting rooms, but otherwise don’t pack suits, ties, or hosiery. Do pack sunscreen, sunglasses and always carry a water bottle with you on your outings. Visitors to the desert sometimes are not aware of the extreme dry air and necessity to stay hydrated.
If you have leisure time while in Phoenix, here are some ideas on how to enjoy your visit. The Herberger Theater is walking distance from the hotel and annual meeting. Enjoy a performance at the Herberger of “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” or “Tuesdays with Morrie.” See http://www.herbergertheater.org/ for ticket information.
Phoenix Symphony Hall is another venue near the MLA meeting. Beethoven will inspire you at Symphony Hall with performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony May 18, 19, and 20. See http://www.phoenixsymphony.org/ for information.
Explore at the Arizona Science Center http://www.azscience.org/. Located only a few blocks from the MLA meeting and hotels, the Science Center boasts a planetarium, IMAX Theater, hands-on learning, exhibits, and the Atomic Café for lunch.
If you prefer sports, the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team is at “home” during MLA. Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks, in downtown Phoenix is seven blocks or a short taxi ride from the Hyatt. Check out the game schedule http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/.
If you would like to step outside the Annual Meeting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are convenient cafes and restaurants nearby. If you are in a hurry in the morning, you can grab a Starbucks coffee at the Wyndham Hotel or stop at Einstein’s in the Hyatt Hotel lobby. Tom’s Tavern (http://www.tomstavernphoenix.com/) at Central Avenue and Washington Street is known for its friendly, quaint pub-like atmosphere. Since 1929 they have served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kincaid’s, America’s Fish, Chop and Steakhouse, http://www.kincaids.com/index.php?cook=1&locations=Phoenix is located downtown and only a few blocks from the MLA meeting.
Your welcome packet will have a copy of the Phoenix Restaurant Guide. Please also check the hospitality desk for specific dining information and sample menus. The metropolitan Phoenix area has an enormous selection of restaurants to choose from. Many of the restaurants and bars have casual patio dining complete with misting systems to keep you cool and comfortable during your Southwest dining experience.
A warm welcome is extended to all MLA meeting attendees. Phoenix is known for its western hospitality, so come to the annual meeting and enjoy your stay in the “Valley of the Sun.”
The very first-ever MLA Hospitality blog is up and running, and is being used and tracked. Members are asked to make use of the blog by reading it, and by submitting your own comments and questions. Find the blog at: http://mla-lac.blogspot.com/
Please visit the MLA’06 website to learn more about our annual meeting in Phoenix. http://www.mlanet.org/am/am2006/index.html.
