9 minute read
Only in Arizona
Looking for something unique to do in Arizona? Here are eight attractions and destinations you can only experience and visit while in the Valley of the Sun. Find a range of historical sites, cultural and art exhibits, local cuisine and endless ways to explore Arizona’s expansive and varied landscape.
By Maya Leachman
Go on a ghost town tour
With thousands of abandoned mines and an estimated 200 to 300 ghost towns, Arizona is filled with historical and spooky sites. Scattered throughout the state, there are many ghost towns to choose from — from the more well known towns of Jerome and Bisbee, to lesser known towns, such as Tip Top and Kentucky Camp. Some of these towns are currently populated, while others remain abandoned. Step back in time by exploring on your own or through a guided tour.
visitarizona.com
Visit Willcox Wine Country
Willcox is Arizona’s wine country. Located in the southeast region of the state, the area grows 74 percent of Arizona’s wine grapes due to a unique combination of elevation, climate and soil. With 14 partner and associate wineries making up Willcox Wine Country, there are many locally grown and produced wine options to choose from. Make it a day trip to visit one of the many tasting rooms, or stay in a local hotel or bed and breakfast to explore more.
willcoxwinecountry.org
Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square
Historic Old Town is a walkable district in Scottsdale known for its array of local shops that can be enjoyed year-round due to cooperative weather. Visit trading posts, antique shops, clothing stores or the Native Art Market for unique items made by local indigenous artisans. The area also offers an abundance of bars, restaurants and tap rooms to wind down after a long day. Round out your Scottsdale experience by splurging at Fashion Square, the Southwest’s largest retail destination.
experiencescottsdale.com
Sedona visitor spots and restaurants
Find endless adventures among Sedona’s high mesas and rocky cliffs. The iconic red rocks of Sedona offer opportunities for horseback riding, climbing, fishing, golfing and outdoor recreation. Stay at one of the area’s scenic resorts, bed and breakfasts or cabins offering stunning red-rock views. Stop in shops filled with unique gifts of jewelry, antiques, collectibles and Native American art and before you leave, try a dish at one of Dahl Restaurant Group’s many restaurants, serving anything you might crave, including burgers, pizza and Italian or Latin American cuisine.
visitsedona.com
Roosevelt Row
Sedona Williams Scottsdale
Museums in Phoenix
Discover history at a center of art and culture in downtown Phoenix by exploring one of its many museums. The Musical Instrument Museum offers a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. The Heard Museum offers award-winning exhibits dedicated to American Indian art year-round. Other notable museums include the Phoenix Art Museum, which has offered contemporary and historical works of art for over 60 years.
visitphoenix.com
Roosevelt Row/Arts District
While visiting downtown Phoenix, visitors can explore Roosevelt Row, a walkable arts district filled with award-winning galleries and impressive murals. This district in Phoenix is also home to restaurants, bars and boutique shops in a landscape dotted by colorful street art. Find the 1½ Street Mural Project next to The Churchill, a nine-story installation of civil rights activist James Baldwin on Central Ave., the Prince Tribute on the side of Rodriguez Boxing Gym and more murals throughout the area.
rooseveltrow.org
Downtown Tucson
Visit one of the six historical downtown districts in Tucson to experience the city’s casual Southwestern atmosphere. Visitors can explore Tucson’s many attractions, including the Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, the Reid Park Zoo and the Tucson Museum of Art. Downtown Tucson offers a unique dining experience that reflects the culture of the Sonoran Desert. While in Tucson, make sure to visit Biosphere 2, a unique scientific facility where visitors can learn about Earth through an interactive tour.
visittucson.org
Adventures in Flagstaff
Surrounded by the largest contiguous emerald green ponderosa pine forest in the United States, Flagstaff is filled with endless adventures for the outdoor enthusiast in all seasons. Explore mountain bike trails or stroll through Flagstaff’s historic downtown, stopping at a local brewery on the Flagstaff-Grand Canyon Ale Trail. Flagstaff is also home to the Lowell Observatory, an astronomical research center where visitors can enjoy stargazing in the world’s first “International Dark Sky City.”
flagstaffarizona.org
FLAGSTAFF EXPERIENCES
DOWNTOWN FLAGSTAFF Enjoy dining at local favorite spots including cafes and a brewery, shopping at over 30 places or take a guided haunted ghost tour. downtownflagstaff.org
HIKING AND BIKING Explore the outdoors on many biking and hiking trails and take in breathtaking views of countless photo opportunities. flagstaffarizona.org
THE LOWELL OBSERVATORY Check out the location where Pluto was discovered — and explore different programs and tours to check out the sky. lowell.edu
HOTEL MONTE VISTA During your stay at the allegedly haunted Hotel Monte Vista, visit the Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge, which was the first speakeasy in Flagstaff. hotelmontevista.com
PRESCOTT EXPERIENCES
HIKE A SCENIC TRAIL Take a hike on Thumb Butte, just 10 minutes from downtown Prescott. From the top you can see panoramic views of Prescott and surrounding mountain ranges. prescott.com
VISIT THE SHARLOT HALL MUSEUM The Sharlot Hall Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Central Highlands of Arizona. sharlot.org
HERITAGE PARK ZOOLOGICAL SANCTUARY This nonprofit wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals including mammals, birds and reptiles. heritageparkzoo.org
THE COUNTY SEAT Enjoy breakfast, sandwiches, salads, entrees and locallyroasted coffee, craft cocktails, beer and wine at this bright and spacious restaurant. countyseataz.com
MORMON LAKE LODGE
THINGS TO KNOW: This Northern Arizona destination is a scenic 30-minute drive south of Flagstaff and offers cozy cabin rentals ideal for your next outdoor adventure. Mormon Lake Lodge has scenic cabins with amenities including fireplaces and decks to enjoy the serene surroundings. Enjoy camping at the Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground and horseback riding, plus various dining and stop by the Country Store for supplies and snacks.
INFORMATION: mormonlakelodge.com
WHISKEY ROW
THINGS TO KNOW: Whiskey Row is Prescott’s — not to mention one of Arizona’s — most famous streets. In its heyday, Whiskey Row was lined with saloons that welcomed many well-known cowboys and outlaws on a regular basis. Some of the saloons still operating today include Matt’s Longhorn Saloon, which has been operating since the early 1960’s; Bird Cage Saloon established in 1967 and the Whiskey Row Pub. Today, Whiskey Row is the ideal place for unique shopping, dining, entertainment and a nightcap.
INFORMATION: prescott.com
—— 10 TO TRY —— Summer Escapes PAYSON & PINETOP
PAYSON EXPERIENCES
FARGO’S STEAKHOUSE Savor Angus beef steak, seafood and house specialties for lunch or dinner in a cozy setting or on the patio. fargossteakhouse.com
STRAWBERRY SCHOOLHOUSE The Strawberry Schoolhouse has been in place since the 1800s and was restored to the museum it is today. pinestrawhs.org/schoolhouse
PAYSON AREA TRAILS SYSTEM Hike seven trails of varying length and difficulty as you take in scenic landscapes on your outdoor adventure. paysonrimcountry.com/hiking
END THE DAY STARGAZING Spend the evening taking in unobstructed views of the stars and see if you can spot any constellations. paysonrimcountry.com/star-gazing
PINETOP EXPERIENCES
DARBI’S CAFE Enjoy breakfast or lunch classics at this charming cafe nestled among pine trees in the heart of Pinetop. darbiscafe.com
WOODLAND LAKE PARK Play sports on one of the courts or fields, stroll along a walking path, hike or bike on a trail or relax by the lake with a picnic or barbecue. pinetoplakesideaz.gov
THE GINGERBREAD CABIN Find the perfect Pinetop souvenir in this quaint gift shop. Browse clothing, books, jewelry, cards and try the homemade fudge. visitpinetoplakeside.com/shopping
WHITE MOUNTAIN FAMILY FUN PARK Experience this family-friendly park with go-kart racing, laser mazes, mini golf and arcades. whitemountainfamilyfunpark.com
MOGOLLON RIM
THINGS TO KNOW: The Mogollon Rim is the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States with stunning views of pines to desert from a 2,000 foot drop. Stretching 200 miles from Yavapai County to New Mexico, Mogollon Rim is a perfect way to reconnect with nature through hiking, biking, horseback riding along its historic system of trails, rock climbing, fishing, boating and camping at Camp Colley. And if you bring your telescope and blankets, a night full of stargazing awaits after your day adventure.
INFORMATION: paysonrimcountry.com
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER
THINGS TO KNOW: The Nature Center, which sits on 10 acres in Lakeside, provides family-oriented fun for visitors through their Nature Discovery programs to educate and promote awareness about trails, wildlife and history that make the White Mountains a must-see for outdoor recreation. Their programs include hands-on, outdoor presentations, hikes and workshops that involve hiking and biking, wetlands and wildlife and art in nature. They also host a Discovery learning camp for children ages three to nine.
INFORMATION: whitemountainnaturecenter.org
A DAY IN
CAVE CREEK/CAREFREE
Savor some of Cave Creek’s dining gems including coffee at Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue and The Horny Toad, plus attractions like Cave Creek Regional Park and Frontier Town and enjoy an array of outdoor activities in Carefree like the Desert Gardens, golfing and hiking.
3BEST BETS
CAVE CREEK REGIONAL PARK
The 2,922-acre park in the Sonoran Desert provides hikers and equestrians many trail loops to explore with majestic views. It’s home to cacti, desert trees and other plants, plus bird life ranging from hummingbirds to hawks. Enjoy biking, hiking and horseback riding in this outdoor oasis.
carefreecavecreek.org
EXPLORE FRONTIER TOWN
Take a couple of hours to explore this western entertainment destination with the authentic town, Greasewood, which is also a stunt theater that’s home to Wild West acting and stunt performances. And stop in the many shops and boutiques to take home a souvenir.
frontiertown.info
EAT AT THE HORNY TOAD
Cave Creek’s oldest and most famous restaurant, The Horny Toad serves the most loved and sought-after fried chicken in the state. Or try other specialties such as their homemade meatloaf, BBQ chicken, mesquite grilled steaks and their award-winning Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.
thehornytoad.com
ROASTERY OF CAVE CREEK
Start your day right by sipping a cup of ROC2’s organic coffee. roc2.coffee
EL ENCANTO UNO
Dine at the romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine. elencantorestaurants.com
CAREFREE DESERT GARDENS
Visit the four-acre gardens filled with a variety of desert plants plus the landmark Carefree sundial, fountains and a splash pad. visitcarefree.com
SPEND THE NIGHT AT CIVANA
CIVANA offers a chance to relax in nature-inspired rooms, experience tranquility at the spa and savor healthy culinary offerings. civanacarefree.com
BRYAN’S BLACK MOUNTAIN BARBECUE
Discover Cave Creek’s award-winning pecan wood-smoked barbecue featuring must-try ribs, brisket and homemade ice cream sandwiches. bryansbarbecue.com
PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
Enjoy breathtaking views while golfing at world-class golf courses including the Rancho Manana Golf Club and The Boulders. carefreecavecreek.org
