Phoenix Articles

May 6th marks the 3rd annual National Public Gardens Day. Created to bring awareness to the importance of public gardens in promoting environmental stewardship and plant and water conservation, the day will see some 500 events across the country to celebrate America's public gardens.

February marks the peak of winter doldrums for most people – cold temperatures, dreary weather, and the onset of cabin fever after months of short days.

But on the bright side, the shortest month of the year is also sprinkled with plenty of reasons to escape on a trip, including Valentine's Day and President's Day Weekend. Packages and pricing tailored for those dates are widely available. Many winter sport destinations experience their best conditions in February, and there are plenty of warm weather options for those looking to get some sunshine. Here are our recommendations for where to go in the month of February.

Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program will be returning for a 14th season this year, allowing B of A and Merrill Lynch debit and credit cardholders free admission for themselves (after presenting their card) to 150 arts and cultural institutions around the United States. The promotion kicks off the weekend of February 5, and is effective on the first full weekend of every month in 2011.

As the country shakes off the recession slowly but surely, it's time to take a vacation. But don't worry, you don't have to spend a fortune. These 10 destinations offer cheap hotels plus all the beaches and culture you need for a memorable trip.

My family of five loves spending time in Phoenix. The kids are still little (4, 3 and 9 months) so we tend to go to places that don't mind if they run or are too loud – the kind of places that are completely unfazed with a three-year-old temper tantrum or a bad diaper. We need changing tables in the men's restroom or, better yet, a family restroom. If I could plan a perfect family day in Phoenix with kids, I would get everyone up early, pile them all in the car, and head into town.