Vol. 9 Issue 5
LOCAL VENUE
The Great American
Sunset Crater Arizona
T
here are hundreds of zoological facilities in the United States, each showcasing different exhibits, environments, and unique attractions. Check out this list (in no particular order) of the country’s very best zoos from coast to coast and learn what makes them special. SAN DIEGO ZOO (San Diego, California)
Just north of Flagstaff sits Sunset Crater, the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. More than a thousand years ago, the land and the people living there were forever changed by the violent volcanic eruption that gushed lava to heights of 850 feet or more. This national monument offers an incredible opportunity to see the now dormant cinder cone up close, as well as the ancient lava flows that cover the landscape. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails, ranger-guided programs, stunning outlooks, and a 34mile scenic loop drive through the Ponderosa Pines to the painted deserts of Wupatki.
With more than 4 million visitors each year, San Diego Zoo is a wildly popular attraction. In the beautiful climate of southern California, visitors can tour exhibits of more than 12,000 animals. Highlight exhibits include red pandas and platypuses. This facility was one of the first to use open-air, cageless exhibits that recreate natural habitats for a more organic experience for both animals and humans.
Source: NPS.gov
FORT WORTH ZOO (Forth Worth, Texas)
BRONX ZOO (Bronx, New York) Laid out over 265 acres, this zoo is the largest urban menagerie in the country. More than 6,000 animals of 700 species are housed at the facility, including gorillas, tigers, and various reptiles. A standout feature of the Bronx Zoo is that it had the world’s first in-house animal hospital since 1916. Today, the zoo is very family-friendly with playgrounds, petting areas, and other special experiences for guests of all ages.
The Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909, making it one of the oldest in the nation. It has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings of less than 15 animals – it is now home to 7,000 animals of 540 species. Fort Worth Zoo is the only in America to home all four great ape species. Visitors always enjoy their experiences, as the zoo has appeared on several lists of best zoos in the country. OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM (Omaha, Nebraska) This zoo facility is known for its amazing work caring for rare and endangered species. Visitors can see a wide assortment of wildlife among the 17,000 animals across 962 species. Trams and railways provide a convenient and accessible way to tour the park, where guests can walk below swimming sharks, feed lettuce to giraffes, interact with koi fish, and much more. DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM (Orlando, Florida) Part of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Animal Kingdom adds an element of entertainment to the zoo atmosphere. The park is divided into seven sections including Africa, Asia, and more whimsical areas like DinoLand USA and Pandora – The World of Avatar. The zoo features less variety than others on the list (2,000 animals of 300 species), but boasts musical shows, character mascots, and theme-park features.
LIFEWISE
On the Road Again
R
oad trip, anyone? We’re anxious to hit the pavement and go exploring and we bet we aren’t the only ones. To make the most of your journey, be sure you pack all the essentials. Here’s our handy list of must-bring-along items. Don’t leave home without them! First, off, it’s imperative you get your car checked out by a mechanic before a long road trip. Get the oil and filters changed, make sure your tires are good to go, fill up on windshield washer fluid, and ask to have your vehicle looked over for any potential problems. The last thing you want is for your car to break down in the middle of nowhere and have to get it towed to some overpriced mechanic. Additionally, check that you have a spare tire, jumper cables, and extra oil. Blankets, flares, water and energy bars, and an extra set of car keys are also critical. A roadside emergency kit will contain some of these and other emergency items. A first-aid kit and flashlight are also must-haves. Check that you have your license, registration, proof of insurance, credit cards, cash, and any other documents you may need if travelling out of state. A paper map of the area is also smart for when you may be out of cell phone coverage.
FLAVORFUL
In terms of more personal items, be sure you have packed any medications, food, and plenty of water in your car. In addition to your regular clothes, pack a raincoat, heavy sweatshirt or coat in case the temperature plummets, and an extra pair of comfortable shoes.
Sunglasses, a hat, and hand sanitizer should be up front in the car, as well as cash for any possible tolls. Sunscreen and bug spray should always be in the car during the summer months. As for electronics, make sure you have your cell phone and extra chargers. And if you wear contacts, it’s always smart to keep a case, solution, and your glasses on hand so if your eyes get tired you can switch over. Back up lenses are also easy to pack. Of course, no road trip would be complete without tunes. Be sure your phone has plenty of playlists and all your apps are up to date so you can enjoy music or podcasts as you roam. Keep easy-to-open snacks nearby and a cooler of water or drinks on hand. We can’t wait to travel again. See you out there!
Coffee Hazelnut Ice Pops INGREDIENTS 2 ½ cups
Prepared coffee, chilled
¼ cup
Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
1/4 cup
Dark Chocolate Morsels
DIRECTIONS Combine coffee and Coffee mate natural bliss Creamer in small pitcher. Divide chocolate morsels between 10 ice pop molds. Pour coffee mixture into molds. Insert sticks. Freeze for several hours or overnight before enjoying.
GoodNes.com
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$1,449,500
O
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It’s a seller’s market and great time to sell. Please call us if you or someone you know is thinking of selling and we can provide you with a free evaluation of what your property may be worth.
Suzanne Rabold Broker Associate
West USA Realty Gallery Collection
480-986-6696 Suzanne@RaboldGroup.com RaboldGroup.com
Contact us for more information on all of our home site inventory! WE HAVE A LIST OF QUALIFIED BUYERS WAITING TO PURCHASE.
Erin Elliott Agent
West USA Realty Gallery Collection
480-986-6696 Erin@RaboldGroup.com RaboldGroup.com
Call us today for all of your AZ real estate needs! If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
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