As much as I love Phoenix and all of its glorious desert beauty, there comes a time when the hot is simply too hot and it’s time to hit the road, even if for just a few days. This week, I’m in San Francisco for a huge conference and I have to admit, I’m enjoying the cool (and sometimes even chilly) weather. Last night, I watched my hometown Chicago Cubs whoop the San Francisco Giants 5 to 2 at AT&T Park. It had a great view of ships in the Bay and, it was quite an experience. It always amazes me how cities incorporate their surroundings and culture into their ball parks. On the big screen, somewhere in the earlier innings, we watched two guys (one in a tux, no less) paddle it out on surf boards in the cold San Francisco Bay. The guy in the tux won. It was definitely something we would never see at Chase Field in Phoenix. Water, where? Not even in the Salt River. Oh, and no one wears tuxes in the desert either, unless they’re going to one of those rare holiday fundraisers. So, it’s okay to get away, even from the places you love. It makes for memorable experiences and the contrast can remind you just how unique the place where you live really is. And make you appreciate it even more. I missed the Diamondbacks’ jogging condiments.

	Even when it is hot outside, you can head to Chase Field to catch a Diamondbacks game in the nice cool air conditioning. Home runs, hot dogs and air conditioning make for a good cool Phoenix afternoon or evening.
	On the way to or from the the Diamondbacks game, you can always stop at the AZ Science Center for another cool indoor activity.
	For those who plan ahead, a stop at Pizzeria Bianco on the way to the ball park will not disappoint. This iconic downtown pizza joint is small and crowded but well worth the wait.