[caption id="attachment_865" align="aligncenter" width="470"]west-valley-memorial-day photo: casita at The Wigwam[/caption] Yes, the temperature is rising, but that's no reason to retreat! There is still lots of fun to be had in Glendale, Peoria, Surprise and beyond; here's some inspiration to get out and explore and relax this holiday weekend. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="800"]holiday-inn-blue-pool photo: Holiday Inn Express - Glendale[/caption] - SPLISH SPLASH! It's warm, but not too hot yet - nothing feels better than exploring around town in the morning, going back to your hotel and taking a dip in the pool. summer-spice-cerreta-peppers - A LITTLE SPICE IN YOUR LIFE A little heat never hurt anything. Many restaurants offer grilled hatch chiles/jalepenos this time of year, but you can get them dipped in chocolate year-round at Cerreta's, too! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"]saguaro-and-sunset saguaro greets the sunset with open arms[/caption] - NATURE AT ITS BEST Ain't nothing like a wide open, colorful and awe-inspiring Arizona sunset. As long as you have an unobstructed view of the horizon, you will catch a great sunset. But you can always take a walk around the regional parks such as White Tank, Estrella, and even up to the Hassayampa River Preserve for a sunset serenade of bird calls. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="4928"]woman-at-spa relax and drift away.[/caption] - WELLNESS, INSIDE AND OUT With many resorts offering in-house spas, and many more only minutes from your doorstep, you're never too far from a facial, massage, or special interest class to really put your health and wellness at the forefront of your mini-vacation. flashlight-tours-dbg - VENTURE OUT There are plenty of things to do just minutes from places in the West Valley, including the Cave Creek Balloon Festival and Flashlight Tours at the Desert Botanical Garden! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1125"]salt-river-tubing smooth sailing from here on out[/caption] - FLOAT ON DOWN THE RIVER If the pool is a little small and you're looking for a slightly bigger "dip" but not too far out of town, tube the Salt River. Bring sunscreen, bring snacks and water, and bring someone to drive you home so you can enjoy that early evening nap in the car, to start it all again the next day!