The Arizona Republic launched a newsletter for newcomers to the metro Phoenix area. Get ready for a guide to everything you need to know about restaurants, road trips and local lore.

Welcome to Phoenix ! I'm Becky Bartkowski, the director of audience at The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. And, can I just say? I'm so glad you're here.

My colleagues and I launched a newsletter course called, wait for it, Welcome to Phoenix that'll introduce you to the best our community has to offer. Award-winning restaurants that you shouldn't miss? Check. Road trips with jaw-dropping views? Got 'em. A bucket list of things to do? But of course.

Once you sign up, each themed installment will arrive in your inbox. You'll get two editions the first week and then one email from us a week until you become a totally official Phoenician. Which we fully support bragging about, by the way.

Welcome to Phoenix newsletter: What to expect

Whether you just moved to Arizona or you're new — heck, even new-ish — to the metropolitan area, you'll learn a whole lot about the wonders and hidden gems that make this place awesome. But more importantly, they make it home.

Think of this as an introduction to Phoenix and folks in our newsroom. You'll meet restaurant-obsessed reporter Bahar Anooshahr , Valley 101 host Bill Goodykoontz , travel expert Michael Salerno , Arizona lore master Tiffany Acosta , music buff Ed Masley , entertainment connoisseur Meredith G. White and wilderness queen Jill Cassidy (for the record, her official title is deputy features editor!). This crew has a handle on everything from secret swimming holes to the best dive bars.

What more could you ask for? If you think of something, you can reach me at .