You know it as a quiet Phoenix suburb, boasting an old town brimming with antiques shops and tea parlors. But with the 2003 opening of a hockey arena and last year's opening of a football stadium, Glendale has become the city in Arizona for sports.
And its rep will only get bigger with the playing of Super Bowl XLII on February 3. This month is a good time to enjoy both the athletic and genteel sides of Glendale, with summer's heat abating and Super Bowl frenzy still months away.
GETTING THERE
Glendale can be reached by exiting State 101 east at Glendale Ave. For more information, contact the Glendale Visitor Center (623/930-4500). Go to www.glendalesgotgame.com to find out about the city's latest sporting events.GOJobing.com Arena Root for the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes hockey team, whose pre-season starts September 17. INFO: Tickets from $15; 9400 W. Maryland Ave.; 623/772-3200.
University of Phoenix Stadium The NFL's Arizona Cardinals football team roosts here, with a first regular-season home game on September 16. Want a preview of the Super Bowl? Try a tour of the Peter Eisenman–designed facility. You won't see a halftime show, but you'll learn how the retractable roof and field work. INFO: Tickets from $25, tour $7 (check website for schedule); 1 Cardinals Dr.; 623/433-7100.
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| Gina Sabatella |
| Head to Haus Murphy's German Restaurant for beef stuffed with onions and bacon. |
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Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area Learn about the city's agrarian past at the preserved 19th-century farm. Walk through citrus orchards and the rose garden, then tour the main house. INFO: Free; no tours Mon–Tue; 9802 N. 59th Ave., 623/930-4200.The Bead Museum Check out Greek worry beads and a Native American heishi (shell) necklace while exploring the history of the bead. Pick up crafty supplies in the museum store. INFO: $4; 5754 W. Glenn Dr.; 623/931-2737.EAT
Haus Murphy's German Restaurant Chain restaurants beckon, but you'll find gemütlichkeit (friendliness), schnitzel, and beer at this popular eatery. Visit during Oktoberfest (Sep 21–23 and Oct 12–14). INFO: $$; closed Mon; 5739 W. Glendale Ave.; 623/939-2480.
STAY OVERNIGHT
Housed in a storefront dating to 1925, cozy Glendale Gaslight Inn (9 rooms with private baths from $99; 623/934-9119) offers overstuffed furniture, pastries for breakfast, a wine bar, and piano jazz on Fridays and Saturdays (8 p.m.–11 p.m.; $5 cover charge) — not to mention a historic district locale.Browse more stories about Arizona »
