By Melissa Wenzel, Special to Independent Newsmedia

This week marks the start of National Travel and Tourism Week and to celebrate,  the city of Peoria encourages residents to explore the city’s premier destinations right in their own backyards. Known for outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities, Peoria offers a number of ways for people to create memorable experiences during National Travel and Tourism Week.

“Peoria is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Valley,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Nestled among pristine open desert, the Valley’s largest lake, more than 60 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, and exceptional dining and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why so many people are discovering our gem in the Sonoran Desert.”

Take a sunset dinner cruise at Lake Pleasant

With more than 23,000 acres of water and beautiful, unblemished desert landscape, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the most scenic recreation areas in the Valley. There are a number of adventures to embark on including kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and swimming. For a relaxing evening adventure, book a sunset dinner cruise – a perfect way to treat mom for Mother’s Day this weekend! Visit www.lakepleasantcruises.com for more information.

Go stargazing at Challenger Space Center

Peoria is known as a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of kids’ activities for a reasonable price. Check out Family Star Night this Saturday, May 13 at Challenger Space Center. The evening begins with fun, hands-on activities and an opportunity to explore the center before a professional stargazer gives an interactive presentation on constellations and planets. Visit www.azchallenger.org for details.

Attend a show

With the weather heating up, it’s a perfect time to bring the entertainment indoors by attending a show. Peoria’s Arizona Broadway Theatre is the Valley’s only year-round professional theater company offering professional musicals and a refined dining experience. Oliver! is playing now through May 21 before Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes the stage June 2.  If musical comedy is more your taste this week, check out Theatre Works’ production of “Once Upon a Mattress” at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. Visit www.azbroadway.org  and www.theaterworks.org for tickets and information.

Savor the Local Fare

Dining in Peoria is a culinary experience that will leave you savoring Peoria. From Mexican street fare and sushi to handcrafted burgers and brews, there’s something for every palate. For dining experiences that are sure to provide plenty of Instagram-worthy photos, check out The Haymaker on Lake Pleasant Parkway for gourmet burgers and eclectic flights of whiskey and Angry Crab for tables-full of steaming seafood – don’t forget to wear a bib!

Check out an event at Peoria Sports Complex

From the brand new Peoria Cove, featuring an ocean-style splash zone for kids, to the largest scoreboard in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, Peoria Sports Complex is one of the country’s best facilities for Spring Training. This year Peoria Sports Complex had the fourth highest attendance in the Cactus League. But baseball isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. Nearly every day of the year, Peoria Sports Complex is bustling with activity, including the July 4^th All American Festival, one of the Valley’s largest 4^th of July celebrations. This family friendly affair features everything from fireworks, multiple stages of music, food, games and water activities for kids of all ages. Be sure to register early for the cornhole tournament. For more information, visit www.peoriaaz.gov.

Editor's note: Ms. Wenzel is a spokeswoman for the city of Peoria.