Peoria

Founded in the 1880s, Peoria is a suburban community located about 11 miles from Central Phoenix. Following the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885, families from Peoria, Illinois moved in to work the fertile land. The pleasant climate and small-town atmosphere of Peoria continued to attract people and, by 1889, a school house and Post Office had been established. Today, the city is home to some 85,000 residents and covers about 117 square miles northwest of Phoenix. A major Peoria attraction is the Peoria Sports Complex, a 10,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium with 12 practice fields. The Sports Complex is the spring training home to both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, who play in the Cactus League each spring.

ATTRACTIONS

• Peoria Sports Complex.

  Spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, this complex is the only two-team spring training facility in the country. For game and season ticket information call 1-800-409-1511.

• Wildlife World Zoo.

  A favorite for children, the zoo offers over 30 species of tropical birds, five types of ostriches and has the largest number of kangaroos in the country. Located 3 miles west of Litchfield Road on Northern Avenue. (623) 935-9453.

• Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

  24,000 acres of hiking trails, desert/lakeside camping, swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The entrance to the park is located 2 miles north of State Route 74 off Castle Hot Springs Road. (928) 501-1710.

Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton Crescent Hotel

(602) 943-8200, 2620 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021. A deluxe hotel with resort amenities, including 342 luxurious rooms and suites and 28,500 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space.

Wyndham Metro Center Hotel

(602) 997-5900, (800) 996-3426,10220 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051. 284 rooms. Pool, spa. Adjacent to galleria of shopping, restaurants, nightlife, theaters, free cable, full guest amenities.

Best Western Sage Inn

5940 N.W. Grand Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301, (800) 333-7172

Comfort Inn North

1711 W. Bell Road, Phoenix , AZ 85023, (800) 428-2419, (602) 866-2089

Grand Inn

8955 N.W. Grand Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345, (800) 572-9295, (602) 979-7200

Hampton Inn Peoria

8408 W. Paradise Lane Peoria, AZ 85382 (623) 486-9918, FAX (623) 486-4842 Toll Free 1-800-426-7866 (1-800-HAMPTON)

Holiday Inn Express

7885 W. Arrowhead Towne Ctr Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308, (602) 412-2000

Hawthorn Suites - Phoenix North

2990 W Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85053, 1-800-527-1133

Holiday Inn Express

7885 W. Arrowhead Towne Ctr Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308, (602) 412-2000

Majestic Mountain Inn

602 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, (800) 408-2442

Ramada Hotel

502 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013, (800) 272-6232, (602) 264-9290

Travel Agents

Let one of our helpful travel agents help you with all your travel needs to Peoria! These agents are knowledgeable about the area and can assist in making your visit to Peoria and other Arizona destinations an enjoyable one.

Arizona Automobile Assn.

7380 W. Olive Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345, (602) 979-3700

CTN/Express Travel & Cruise Ctr.

9794 W. Peoria Ave. Ste. 16, Peoria, AZ 85345, (800) 977-8391, (602) 977-8391

Neill Travel Service

9620 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345, (602) 979-1607

Travel Reps, Inc.

7440 W. Cactus Rd. Ste. A5, Peoria, AZ 85381, (800) 419-8980, (602) 878-8980

Westland Travel, Inc.

Campana Square, 9817 W. Bell Rd., Sun City, AZ 85351, (800) 342-5118, (602) 972-3396

R.V. Parks

Grand Inn RV park

8955 N.W. Grand Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345, (800) 572-9295, (602) 979-7200

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

(primitive lakeside camping -- no hook ups available until late 1996), (602) 506-2930

Turf Soaring School RV Park

8700 W. Carefree Highway, Peoria, AZ 85382, (602) 439-3621

Paradise RV Resort

10950 E. Union Hills Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373, (800) 847-2280, (602) 977-0344

Pleasant Harbor RV Resort

8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85382, (800) 475-3272, (602) 566-1035

Short Term Rentals

The Lodge at Sun Ridge

12211 W. Bell Road, Suite 100B, Surprise, AZ 85274, Contact: John Caldamon, (602) 583-0993, (800) 337-6667

Cedar Meadows

8560 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345, (602) 979-8853, (602) 979-5340 FAX