Why you should, or shouldn't vacation in Phoenix during the coronavirus


It's October, and here in the Phoenix, Arizona area, it's just absolutely glorious. I've always said a lot of nice things about Phoenix, but it's at this time of year that I wouldn't blame you if you thought that I was getting some kind of kickback from the Chamber of Commerce.

This is the time, from now through March, that I call "Chamber of Commerce weather". No matter how much you try to exaggerate the wonderful temperatures, and the blue skies, you really can't say enough. It never fails to astonish me, year after year, and I've been here longer than I would care to admit. I moved here from Minneapolis when I was 19, and my enjoyment of living here has never wore off. So if you're thinking of getting away from the snow and cold of where you are, and heading over to Phoenix, I strongly recommend it. Or not, since this is the time of coronavirus, and it will depend on what you like to do.

Speaking for myself, I like to be outdoors as much as possible. I'm not really an outdoorsman, not like "huntin', and fishin', and shootin'", I'm more like someone who likes to have coffee on the patio. For whatever reason I can't stand to be indoors if I don't have to be. I don't even like to sit in the waiting room at the dentist, I go outside. I have all of the windows and doors of my house open right now, and if I could I would retract the roof. A convertible house!

On the other hand, if you're like most of the people that I've ever known in my life, you prefer to be indoors, like sitting in a stadium, or inside of a theater, or inside of a restaurant, or inside a bar. And I gotta tell ya, this is not a good time to visit Phoenix - there ain't a lot going on with that kinda stuff. And really, with coronavirus around, you probably don't really want to be spending a lot of time indoors, with a lot of people. I've never been a nightlife kind of person, and I really don't know exactly what's going on out there, but I just imagine a lot of people trying to stay six feet away from each other, wearing masks, and doing the kind of things that they would normally be shoulder-to-shoulder doing. Like I say, this has never been my world, I've been out playing tennis, or golf, or just pedaling around.

That being said, if just getting away from the snow and cold and breathing that wonderful sunny desert air appeals to you, I have a suggestion - visit Phoenix. Actually, I'm gonna recommend that you find a place to stay near me, in Peoria, or Glendale. No, there's nothing going on, and while you'll find food, it won't be 5-star cuisine. But Arizona has never been known for its fancy cuisine! Get a burrito, they're wonderful. And don't worry about reservations, there are a LOT of rooms available, and these places would roll out the red carpet for you. Stay a while, see if you can find a place with a little kitchenette.

Of course, if you have family or friends that live in the Phoenix area, you can try to go visit them. Not sure how that would work out, but at least it would be cheaper than renting a place. Chances are very good that they'll have a pool, and you can have it all to yourself - people who live in Phoenix hardly ever use their pools, no matter what the weather is like, and certainly not if it's below 80. As a disclaimer, you may have to listen to them talk about how the gov'ment is planning on coming and taking their guns, but if you just smile and nod, they'll stop talking. Yeah, Arizona has a lot of people like that, just give them some space, smile and wave, and eyes front, and you'll be fine.

Get yourself some sunscreen, and get an inexpensive bicycle. Get out in the morning, and you'll be astounded at how few locals take advantage of the great weather. You'll find open tennis courts, and overall just wide open spaces. And if you see someone on a recumbent trike in Peoria, wave, it's me!

I just love it here!

*Not sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
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