In late November, I will need to travel on business to either Atlanta or Phoenix. Which ever one I opt out of will be covered by a colleague. Having never been to either, I am having difficulty choosing. I may extand my stay a day or two. I will be traveling from Boston.

About me and my interests... late 30's, single, gay male, interest range from cultural (arts, reading) to outdoor activities (hiking, walking) to midless (sitting by a pool, shopping). If I take an extra day or two, I'd love to do a mix of both tourist-oriented activites as well as the more getting-to-know-the-locals stuff.

Help me pick!

OMG... Phoenix has it all over Atlanta!!!!
Hands down, no contest!
I don't even know where to begin...

I agree with TxTP that Phoenix would be a good choice based on your interests.

I love hiking Pinnacle Peak and Camelback Mountain, wandering aimlessly at Kierland Crossing Mall (outdoor mall), The Biltmore (upscale shopping), the Scottsdale Fashion Mall (huge indoor mall), touring Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West (school and studio), sipping drinks poolside under the lavender watered misters at the Fairmont Princess... There is also a great botanical garden and some very nice restaurants in the area.

Haven't been to gay bars in Scottsdale yet but there is a pretty large selection of nightclubs so I'm sure others will be in the know on where to go. The weather should be really great for escaping Boston that time of year.

Another vote for Phoenix...especially since it will be a great break from your Boston weather!

Another vote for Phoenix, with a side trip to Sedona. The scenery is unlike anything you would see in either Boston or Atlanta.

Check out www.hermosainn.com and click on "Activities and Points of Interest" for links to area sights. I completely forgot about the Heard Museum.

Yes, yes, yes - Pheonix.

Check out the ruins by the airport, the botanical gardens, hike up Camelback mountain, go to Scottsdale for shopping.
Go to a Mexican restaurant.

Weather will be perfect.

Wow... seems like it's Phoenix by a landslide! Thanks, everyone.

Don't forget to post a report with your impressions of the area.

Been to both Atlanta and Phoenix ... I would recommend Phoenix (as most other posters have). Lot's of great outdoor options ... If you have a couple extra days I would definitely recommend going to Sedona. There's much more to Sedona than just the center of town, which is a bit "touristy". It's an incredibly beautiful area of Arizona, with lots of great hiking trails. If you go there definitely go on one of the jeep tours.

Phoenix. I live in Dallas. I thought that Phoenix would be a lot like Dallas, only a bit drier/browner. No way - It's the honest to goodness desert-with cactuses and all! I was really taken with it.

If you like Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, don't miss Taliesin West.

If you happen to like mid-20s century stuff, Phoenix has some great "antique" malls. It makes sense....lots of people come to Phoenix to retire - they either get rid of their old stuff when they build a new house, or they pass away there...either way, the antique malls are full of cool stuff.

TxTP - awhile back you said you were going to Omaha and would report back your experiences with the restaurants.

Where did you go, and how were they ?

The range of activity options would be greater in Phoenix, but the gay population in Atlanta - midtown specifically is huge - so it would be a great place to meet other single gays - if that is a consideration for a short stay.
Piedmont park - great for outdoor events - limited, though, in November - the old Fox Theater on Peachtree Street - if I remember my streets correctly - Atlanta is full of great restaurants - Midtown has been nearly totally revitalized and so much is new and exciting. Weather in Phoenix would definitely be better - but if you didn't know those things about Atlanta, wanted to share.
Other neat places - Atlantic Station - a completely new "neighborhood" - with shopping, a theater, new condos and housing - very lovely.
Buckhead is nice too, as are many other areas.
Happy travels.

Plaid gave you good advice for Atlanta. I live here and love it but think Phoenix has more to offer from a tourist's point of view. I can't speak to the gay friendly clubs or areas in Phoenix but can say for certain that Atlanta has an active and vibrant community. Much is centered in Midtown, as Plaid told you...

Have fun! You're fortunate to be able to pick desirable locations for a biz trip