Ask The Expert: Travel
there, be sure and give yourself plenty
The
Sunniest City
ON EARTH! Y
by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
uma is a hidden jewel! It’s nestled halfway between Phoenix, Arizona, and San Diego, California and just 12 miles north of the Mexican border. It’s also home to the Marine Corps Air Station that houses thousands of Marines and their families. And from January to March, the Yuma population nearly doubles with sun-seeking snowbirds. Word has gotten out about this beautiful southwestern Arizona city. Yes, it has earned the title for being the “Sunniest City on Earth” because they have sunny skies 91 percent of the year. The average summer temperatures range from 76°F to 106°F, usually cooling down for pleasant nights. The average winter temperatures range from 41°F to 68°F with an average of only three inches of rain annually.
of time to read about all the prisoners
and learn their stories because this is one fascinating “Wild West” landmark from another place and time!
Castle Dome Museum, is another place
worthy of a stop! Here you can take a tour of this ghost mining town bursting with
history. I was in awe of the underground
fluorescent and phosphorescent mineral walls. You can easily spend the day
moseying through this mine museum and looking at artifacts from over 300 mines. Another favorite was our stop at one of
the many date farms in the Yuma area.
We had an educational tour at Martha’s Garden, which is a family-owned and
operated Medjool Date Farm. It was truly fascinating learning all about Medjool Dates and the very involved scientific
process of growing these delicious sweet
dates and stunning trees. We finished our tour with a tasty date milkshake!
Also, we discovered more of Yuma’s rich history at the Colorado River State Park
and Museum. It was really informative! We learned how the Colorado River was once the lifeline to area military posts through
the Yuma Quartermaster Depot. Here you will learn the history and importance of
the Colorado River, then and now. It plays such a significant role in this area.
I did not realize that Yuma is a year-round
USA Today’s “Best Haunted Destination
cuisines, outdoor adventures, historic
for history buffs. Original prison cells and
history, with buildings that have been
artifacts, will take you back to 1865...
famous Hollywood stars who have visited
actually go inside the prison cells. And the
Yuma features numerous outdoor activities
travel destination. They boast unique
landmarks, and events that attract visitors from around the globe. In fact, the
historic downtown looks like a movie set. It’s packed with lots of cute local shops
and restaurants. And right in town is the
Colorado River, which offers water sports, trails, and scenic views.
in the U.S.” This museum is a must-see
Historic Downtown Yuma has its own
stories of the inmates, as well as preserved
wedding chapels. There are tales about
before Arizona was even a state! You can
Yuma and even gotten married there.
“Dark Cell” is a place and story that I will
never forget! The Yuma Territorial Prison
might just be one of the most interesting
Major Attractions in Yuma include The
Yuma Territorial Prison Museum: Voted as
historical places we’ve ever toured in the entire United States. So, when visiting
from tubing on the Colorado River to
off-roading at the Buttercup Sand Dunes. They even host extraordinary events like
the Medjool Date Festival, Rio de Cerveza, and Midnight at the Oasis.
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58 | LANTANA LIVING | OCTOBER 2021
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