ARIZONA
Arizona, known as The Grand Canyon State, is a vacationland best enjoyed for its seasons, climates, cultures and outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, camping and exploring.

Arizona's most populated cities include Phoenix (1,650,00o), Tucson, Mesa, Chandler and Scottsdale (250,600). Surprisingly, many of the popular destinations have less than 100,000 residents! They include Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Prescott, Bullhead City, Kingman, Winslow (home to the meteor crater,) and Williams.

Arizona is bordered by five other states of the great Southwest, plus Mexico. Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and California all are neighbors of

Take time to enjoy an Arizona vacation, and stay at one of the luxury or budget hotels in most cities. During the summer its mountain destinations such as Flagstaff are popular escapes for those seeking a reprieve from the Phoenix heat that can stay above 100 degrees for several months. Phoenix and Scottsdale then become popular winter resorts hosting cold weather climate escapees during the months of January to April, especially.

From stark desert contrasts to lush, tropical oases at luxury hotels, visitors can pick and choose the type of vacation they prefer. Among its highlights, Arizona is known for its natural landscapes seen in The Grand Canyon, one of the top 10 national parks destinations in the U.S., Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge; Sedona, the spiritual place believed to offer a vortex into other dimensions; Scottsdale, popular for artists, sculptors, galleries and cuisine; and historical attractions such as Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater.

Desert Botanical Garden amid the red buttes of Papago Park, hosts one of the world's finest collections with over 20,000 desert plants including thousands of species of cactus. There are walking trails and exhibits, plus butterfly pavilion, open from March to May. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, the Garden includes a cafe, garden shop and library. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Call: (480) 941-1225.

The Grand Canyon National Park stretches several hundred miles and is over a mile deep, offering stunning vistas, great hikes, camping, mule rides, river rafting, helicopter tours and more! An ideal destination to enjoy the Grand Canyon vacation is Williams. One of the top rated hotels in Willams is the Best Western Inn, where you'll find unique Navajo Hono Clown statues.

Scottsdale Art District and Old Town – A mecca for art collectors, Scottsdale, Arizona is home to more than 100 galleries. The Scottsdale Gallery Association ArtWalk” is a 30-year tradition emulated by other cities around the nation. Held Thursday evenings, the event includes exhibits, artist receptions and live music during special street fairs.

A surprising oasis that many travelers are hardly aware of is Yuma, Arizona. Travel writer Barbara Steinberg visited Yuma on a road trip and came back with a story to tell. This California author has discovered that the desert holds many surprises. See her travel piece, The Y's of Yuma.

Arizona's Natural Wonder – The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a vast and beautiful expanse that spans 277 miles in length. Most who visit come to stand and look out from vantage points that offer dreamlike landscapes that even the novice photographer can capture in award-winning pictures only nature can provide. Yet the Grand Canyon offers more than just pretty pictures with its spectacular geographic formations carved through millions of years of erosion. It also offers a sportsman's paradise of challenging hikes, river rafting, camping and other physical activities that afford spectacular views and opportunities to experience the mostly dry desert climate.

One of the nation's top ten national parks attractions is guaranteed to be the highlight of a vacation trip through Arizona. From popular destinations with accommodations such as Flagstaff and Williams (where you can hop aboard a train and tour the canyon by car), the South Rim offers the closest entry point to the Grand Canyon, though additional access roads include the North Rim and the eastern edge. Canyon View Information Plaza at the South Rim offers brochures, maps and other information about the park, as well as a non-profit bookstore and gift shop.

Once you gain your bearings, you'll discover amazing options for viewing the terrain of this deep canyon that reaches more than a mile to the canyon floor! Hiking, a train ride, mule, river rafting, helicopter tours (out of Grand Canyon Airport) and even an IMAX film all provide methods for exploring the canyons heights and depths, though many require reservations, especially when crowds are at their peak. Within the park are several hotels, plus camping by permit which is required for overnight stays below the rim.

You can spend nearly two weeks exploring the grand canyon on a rafting trip or spend half a day on a brief motorized boat ride along the Colorado River which meanders through this natural wonder. For those who fly over Arizona in a commercial aircraft, take a look out your window to observe the unique colors and shapes we captured on one such commercial flight, shown in two photos above. It's been a long time since we've explored the Grand Canyon, but the views from above bring a flood of memories.

SCOTTSDALE
Scottsdale hotel and vacation values are offered during the summer months, while winters are the high tourist season in this desert destination.

Scottsdale is extremely popular in the winter months when temperatures are mellow and the skies are blue. With over 70 Scottsdale hotels ranging from budget to luxury resorts with golfing and spa treatments, you'll find this is truly a playground for those seeking pure escape. With over 20 resorts and hotels offering golf on site or nearby, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is one of the finest for luxury golf experiences. The real values come during the summer when resorts and activity bargains are hard to beat. That's when locals leave town because it's too darned hot. If you're looking to relax and rejuvenate, look no further! Just plan on a vacation poolside, or indoors in the air conditioned comfort of a suite, casino or other such place.

Parents who want a vacation that includes the whole family can enjoy accommodations at a variety of hotels, including Kimpton. Scottsdale Resort & Athletic Club, Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa, and Paradise Valley Ritz Carlton with high-end modern decor will cater to a hip, young clientele who seek the ultimate in lavish accommodations.

Scottsdale's culinary offerings are some of the best, with Geisha A Go Go that includes a granite rock garden and an open floor plan back-dropped by weathered, chocolate-hued walls and backlit Japanese shoji” screens. Bar North at Kierland Commons, the brainchild of Fox Restaurant Concepts, features an extensive wine list accompanied by a perfectly paired menu of Italian-inspired small plates, salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. Eddie's House in downtown Scottsdale serves up Mediterranean-style dishes bursting with bold flavors along with a seasonal menu. Guests can revel from couches and comfortable dining tables as they savor the flavors or select from alternative, lighter menu options for the health-conscious diner.

For culture Heard Museum Guild examines Native Peoples of the Southwest among its exhibits.