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Dear Arizona Travel: How to See the South Rim in Just a February Afternoon?

Jan 21st, 2010 by christinatoo

Dear Arizona Travel:

I am visiting my son in February who lives in Phoenix, my sister and daughter are coming along and have never been to Arizona.  We are only there 4 days and I want to give them a crash course of the area.  We will be in Sedona for a night and would like to drive to the Canyon from there.  If we arrive at around 11:00am can we see some of the overlooks by just spending the day??  Say from 11:00 to 5:00?? Can’t find anything that gives me the distance we need to travel once we arrive? Realize this is all weather permitting but none of us have seen it and this could be our last shot. My son graduates in June!!
Any help our suggestions would be appreciated.  I have a triptik from AAA showing how to get there from Sedona, just don’t know how much time to allow, or if doable in a day?   Thank you for your time.
–Marlene

Read my suggestions for an hour-by-hour timeline on seeing the South Rim in just an afternoon, after the bump.

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Dear Arizona Travel: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Monument Valley

Jan 21st, 2010 by christinatoo

Photo by snowpeak on flickr.com/creativecommons

Photo by snowpeak on flickr.com/creativecommons

Coincidentally, we had two visitors email us at theCanyon.com this week asking how they could see the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in one day trip. Hmm, okay, yes you can do that. But both these visitors specified that they’ll be starting their trips from Las Vegas, Nevada and wanted to see the West Rim and South Rim. Whoa. Ooookaaaaaaaaayyy.

Listen, we get it… people want to see two spectacular vistas in one day, especially since images of these two parks have become iconic representations of Arizona. But you have to understand that going Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley and back will span no fewer than 900 miles and 19 hours of driving.

In this post, you’ll find two realistic itineraries, one a 3-day plan and the other a 4-day plan, that each originate in Las Vegas, include sights like Hoover Dam, West Rim, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, helicopter and boat rides, the South Rim, the Cameron Trading Post, Monument Valley and Flagstaff. Shwew!

But PS: Before we do that, it’s interesting to note a couple misconceptions featured or implied in the email questions. First, the West Rim is not actually a part of Grand Canyon National Park, It’s on Hualapai Reservation land. Second, Monument Valley is in Utah, not Arizona. It’s in the Four Corners area of the US where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado intersect. Neither of these things is a big deal… we just want to be clear as a bell.

Okay, ready to learn how to go from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Monument Valley? Me, too! C’mon!

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Arizona Snowbowl: Ski & Snowboard Rentals & Peaks Card Discounts in Flagstaff

Jan 5th, 2010 by arizonachrissy

Slopes at Arizona Snowbowl

Flagstaff, Arizona during ski and snowboarding season is a great time to experience a different side of Arizona from what most visitors expect. Flagstaff is one of the few places in Arizona where Christmas, pine trees, scarves, beanies, mittens, sledding, tobogganing, hot cocoa and snowball fights are truly part of the season. Though it’s wonderful to be able to play golf in 68 degree weather in Phoenix in December, there’s something very invigorating about playing in the snow during the winter.  

The slopes at Snowbowl opened on December 17, 2009 this season, and you better believe we were there to test the snow out! As Arizona residents know and accept, Snowbowl is great for a quick snowboarding fix. If driving from Phoenix, it’s a two-hour drive into a Winter Wonderland. For those who are avid boarders or skiers who are used to Colorado or Utah slopes, please realize that Flagstaff is located in a state that is primarily a desert. We’re just happy to have decent slopes.

Having said that, the conditions at the beginning of 2010 are looking great. It’s packed powder; all 4 lifts are in full operation (that means Agassiz to the top!); 9 boxes, 2 rails and 4 hits.  You can check out the current conditions and any updated slope/rate info at ArizonaSnowbowl.com

Over the last few years, we’ve collected a few favorite places to make part of our snowboarding ritual. In addition, we’ve learned a few tricks to make our adventures a little more budget friendly and/or painless.

 

Snowboarder making a jump.

Peaks Card

For a multiple visit skiers and snowboarders – but not often enough to justify purchasing a season pass:

The Peaks Card is $50, which discounts your lift tickets for five days throughout the season and gives you one of those days for free. Not bad!  Card holders can buy lift tickets Mondays through Fridays for $10 off, while weekend and holiday tickets are available at $5 off. These Peaks Cards are available for adult passes only and can only be used by one person per day.

A full day lift ticket at Snowbowl is $49, so basically, it is a $1 to purchase the ability to have your next four lift tickets discounted. The cards may be purchased online or at the Guest Services office in Hart Prairie Lodge when you visit Snowbowl for the first time. A picture ID is required to purchase the discounted lift tickets with the card.

 

Mid-Week Discount Coupon

This has specific dates, so just click here on Flagstaff Snowbowl Mid-Week Discount Coupon to see if the dates match up for you.
  

Ski & Snowboard Rentals

Peace Surplus  Tel: 928-779-4521
 14 West Route 66
 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
 Email: info@peacesurplus.com

Snowboard and Ski Rental Packages: $21.00 out the door

Ski Haus
Tel: 928-774-7671
204 West Sullivan (800 Block of North Humphrey’s)
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

Basic Snowboard Package: $22 +tax
Premium Snowboard Package: $27 + tax (newer demo Burton setups)

Basic Ski Package: $20 + tax Premium Ski Package: $28 + tax (Rossignol Bandits, Head Cybers, Rossignol RocX, or dealer demo)

 

Best Place to Warm Your Aching Bones: 

Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant 
Tel: (928) 774-2243
14 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5502

 

 

 

Best Place to Drink Away Your Sore Behind:

Beaver Street Brewery 
Tel: (928) 779-0079
11 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5500

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Arizona Festive Fall Follies – Greater Phoenix Edition

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

As a second installation to my Arizona Fall Follies story (see the first chapter on Prescott) I thought I’d turn to my own community of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the nation, so no doubt there are tons of things to do in the Valley of the Sun over the next couple of months. Here, I highlight five don’t-miss fall activities that span the city from north to south:

Fall 2009 Events in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch – North Scottsdale: Daily, October 3 – 31

Mule-drawn hayride at MacDonalds Ranch

Mule-drawn hayride at MacDonald's Ranch

This North Scottsdale mainstay offers families classic pumpkin patch experiences like horse and mule-drawn hayrides, petting zoo, hay maze and sack races. But they also offer unique activities like a gem mine and a western golf game. And the fact that they allow you to pack a picnic lunch (save $$$) and they’re open 7 days a week sets them apart from the weekends-only pumpkin patches and festivals elsewhere in the state.
MacDonald’s Ranch is located at Jomax and Scottsdale Road, just 5 miles north of the Loop 101. Click to download their Pumpkin Patch flyer, or call 480.585.0239 for details.

Mariposa Monarca at Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix/Scottsdale: Daily, September 26 – November 15

Mariposa Monarca exhibit. See www.dbg.org for more.

Mariposa Monarca exhibit. See www.dbg.org for more.

This annual event is one of the Desert Botanical Garden’s most popular exhibits and it’s no wonder why. Stroll through the Marshall Butterfly Pavillion now through November 15, 2009 and surround yourself with hundreds of live Monarch butterflies.

This engaging experience features interpretive displays about the lifecycle, migration patterns, environmental threats, and conservation efforts of the monarch butterfly.

Ongoing daily at Desert Botanical Garden 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway – (on the shared borders of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe)
Free for members and children under three. $3 for General Public with paid Garden admission.
Email monarchs@dbg.org or call 480-481-8128 for more information. www.dbg.org

Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral – Phoenix: October 25

The Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude is a favorite community event that doesn’t get all the fanfare and spotlight of local news coverage, but certainly deserves it. This Catholic community and school’s fundraising event welcomes all who enjoy delicious foods, family-friendly games, raffles, activities and happy memories of your childhood church bazaar. Located in Central Phoenix at 6351 North 27th Avenue (27th Avenue between Maryland and Bethany Home Road), there’s ample free parking and inexpensive food and raffle tickets. Be sure to check out two special features of the festival: Sister Raphael’s Irish Tea Room and Father Clement’s Touch Down Lounge! Call the parish office at (602) 242-1300 or visit www.simonjude.org.

Arizona State Fair – State Fairgrounds: Daily/Nightly Except Mondays October 16 – November 8

Arizona State Fair - Oct 16 - Nov 8

Arizona State Fair - Oct 16 - Nov 8

A fall events post would be incomplete without the Arizona State Fair. This long-running event is an autumnal favorite and an impressive showcase of headline concerts and entertainment, delicious food, exciting rides, shows, demonstrations, exhibits and more. Be sure to try the Fair’s (in)famous adventures in fried foods, and see big, big performances by Bob Dylan, Stone Temple Pilots, The Black Crowes, and Raven-Symone.

Visit the Arizona State Fair website – www.azstatefair.com – for comprehensive information on daily discounts, parking, directions, map, hours, prices, tickets, rides, food and more.

Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms – Queen Creek: Every Thursday – Sunday in October

This is the big time when it comes to pumpkin festivals. Voted “”Arizona’s Best Family Fall Experience” by Phoenix Magazine, the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party offers hay rides, miniature golf, 4 acre Sonic Burger Maze, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races, carnival rides for children young and old, Pumpkin Launch, Witch Mountain giant slide, Arizona’s only gravity roller coaster (must be 32″ tall to ride), SRP Earthwise interactive experience, rock climbing wall, live entertainment, bonfires & marshmallow roasting (6:30pm), Lil’ Farmers play yard, Schnepf Family Museum, sweet shop, country store, gift shops, holiday gift tent and a spectacular fireworks show on Friday & Saturday nights to celebrate 68 years of farming!

The key to enjoying this huge pumpkin and food festival is to skip the tickets line and save $2 on admission by purchasing discount tickets in advance at any Fry’s Food Stores location. You’ll pay $14 per person over the age 2 versus the $16 regular price.

There’s tons of information about times, activities, food experiences, entertainment, showtimes and more on the Schnepf Farms website www.schnepffarms.com

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Verde Valley Readers Name Hilton Sedona Resort Best Hotel 2009

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

In a recent poll on VerdeNews.com, Sedona readers selected the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa for Best Hotel 2009. Readers honored the 219-room property as best in its category among other hotels in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

“It is always a great honor to be recognized by your peers,” said Edgar Lozoya, General Manager, Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. “Hilton Sedona prides its self on being a boutique resort that offers guests the world famous Hilton hospitality.”

Learn more about the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, the only Sedona-area property with a 25,000 square foot full-service spa and championship golf course on-site at their website – www.hiltonsedona.com

Congratulations to the Hilton Sedona Resort - Sedona Reader's Choice Best Hotel 2009

Congratulations to the Hilton Sedona Resort - Sedona Reader's Choice Best Hotel 2009

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All-American Scenic Byway Distinction Gives New Meaning to “Sedona Drive-In”

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

The view spreads across the Sedona drive-in screen

The view of Sedona's red rocks spreads across the scenic byway like a "drive-in screen"

When you hear the phrase “drive-in,” do you picture the movie-screen-al-fresco of yesterday? Well, Sedona’s drive-in is something of a different sort.

Recently given the distinction of the only All-American Road in Arizona by the US Department of Transportation, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is the road on which most visitors “drive in” to Sedona. When you drive Highway 179 from Interstate 17, this 7.5 mile scenic stretch gently winds through Coconino National Forest rather unassumingly…and then BAM! the view from the byway opens up into a spectacular panorama of red rock formations including Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.

Hilton Sedona Resort - Red Rock Scenic Byway Artist's Rendering

Hilton Sedona Resort - Red Rock Scenic Byway Artist's Rendering

“Visitors have always known that Sedona’s topography is truly unique,” said Edgar Lozoya, General Manager at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. “And with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official All-American Road designation, we anticipate the area will attract even more sightseers.”

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa plays a key role in experiencing the Red Rock Scenic Byway as a “destination unto itself.”

“The designation of the Red Rock Scenic Byway as an All-American Road positions our resort as the welcoming point to Sedona,” said Lozoya.

Hilton Sedona Cascades Pool

Hilton Sedona Cascades Pool

The Hilton is Sedona’s only resort with a 25,000 square foot full service spa and championship golf course on-site, and it sits at the end of the Red Rock Scenic Byway with sweeping views of the entire area, known as the Gateway to Red Rock Country.

The 219-room boutique resort offers guests quick access to Sedona and majestic views of the red rocks. Its close proximity to the Red Rock Scenic Byway allows guests to explore miles of hiking trails through Coconino National Forest, access two of the world’s famous vortexes, and experience exceptional shopping and dining along the state’s All-American Road.

Near by Byway adventures include:
• Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding – Some of the best trails in Sedona can be accessed off the byway. Enjoy over 200 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
• Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock Vortexes – Only minutes away from the resort, both vortexes are considered strong centers of positive energy.
• Coconino National Forest – The second largest national forest in Arizona boasts diverse landscapes, including deserts, flatlands, ancient volcanic peaks and alpine tundra.
• World Class Art – Village Gallery is a show room for 40 local artists, and regularly hosts events to allow artists to display their pieces and connect with visitors.
• Film History – Sedona’s unique beauty has been used in feature films, video productions and commercials and still serves as a film destination by annually holding the Sedona Film Festival.

Read more about the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa at their website – www.hiltonsedona.com

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Review: Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival in Chino Valley Arizona

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

After my recent post about Prescott pumpkin festivals and other fall things to do, I just had to see the Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival for myself.  And boy am I glad I did!  It was so much fun, charging into the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin to take home, watching the informative Saddlebred horse demonstration, riding the little train around the perimeter of this working farm, getting up close to the sweet goats, pig, cow and sheep inside the petting zoo, and generally enjoying the glorious 72 degree sunny weather.

Here is a photo gallery and more of the story after the bump…

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

I was so happy that I got to experience this festival in its third year, which translated to not-overwhelmingly-large crowds and easy parking. However, if I am to be completely honest in my review, it was clear to me that Freeman Farms still has some kinks to work out.  We waited an hour for a hot dog and nearly missed paying for our entrance fee and pumpkin take because the ticket booth / pumpkin cashier was set back on the property so that it was not obvious that we would indeed owe an entrance fee ($3 per person.) It wasn’t until we were leaving that we realized we should really get in the (quite long) line to weigh our pumpkins and pay our entrance fee.

Suggestions for the farm for next year: Include a couple weigh-it-yourself stations with honor-system dropboxes for cash owed.  I would have gladly paid far more than the pumpkins’ price just to avoid the line and donate to the cause. Second, they need better signage at the intersection of Road 3 South off of Highway 89 (the farm’s website driving directions said look for signs but I didn’t see any and nearly missed the turn.)

If you go (and you certainly should):

  • Driving: If coming from Prescott (or any point south), start looking to turn onto Road 3 South just after the roundabout on Highway 89 entering Chino Valley.
  • Food: Bring your own. We had packed a cooler of snacks and drinks and we were glad we did… the wait for concessions was a long one.
  • Wear: Sunscreen! It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day, with not much shade to be had.  Wear long pants and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the pumpkin patch.
  • Bring: Your own cutting tool for pumpkins and maybe even a gardening glove… Many pumpkins are detached already but you’ll need hand-held lawn clippers to cut those *prickly* pumpkin stems.
  • Bring: Cash in small denominations. Food and tickets for entrance, train rides, hay rides, the corn maze and horseback riding lessons are required, and most things are affordable…priced around $3.
  • Stay: Make a weekend of it… book your hotel on Prescott.com, find restaurants, other attractions and other events and festivals nearby.

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Thanksgiving Weekend INSPIRED Event

Oct 8th, 2009 by christinatoo

Get INSPIRED this Thanksgiving

Get INSPIRED this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, get Inspired by works of fine art at the first-ever Fine Arts Exhibit & Sale at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Spanning the holiday weekend, November 27 – 28, 2009, this INSPIRED ‘09 special event invites people from the entire Sedona and Verde Valley area and visitors from around Arizona, other states or overseas to take a holiday and come enjoy this “All Sedona Arts Weekend” event and its festivities.

Bring the Family – This inaugural event also provides a unique, INSPIRING educational opportunity for parents, teachers, students and others in the field of education to visit this exhibition of multi-media arts in every imaginable form from all over the globe. What an inspiration this will be for aspiring young artists to talk directly with these artists!

The stars of this arts event are thirty-two outstanding Sedona artists. Among the best in the greater Sedona area, they have been invited to exhibit and to sell their unique array of artistic collections.  Artists’ offerings range from art works and gifts for holiday buying as well as incredible pieces suitable for collectors.

Featured artists to include: Barbara Vickers, Celesty Claudio, James Latham, Jeannette Tuscher, Shermane Frei, Nora Graf, Jan Saunders, Betty Carr, Robert Albrecht, Mariann Leahy, Clyde Ross Morgan, James Muir, Kaayla Fox, Barbara Ragalyi, Jerry Buley, Mary Dove, Beverly Copen, Philip Ponvert, Pat Kaufmann, Dennis Ott, Jan Sitts, Gene Dieckhoner, Joan Roberts, Mel Copen, Chris Navarro, Lorraine Fexas, Daniel Hochstein, Madak Kadam, Betty Kaufmann, Shirley Eichten Albrecht, Jack Durrwachter and Gretchen Lopez.

UPDATED: Art buyers and attendees will be able to preview artists’ biographies, plus one image illustrative of their work and their contact information on the Hilton’s website. There will be live demonstrations by several of the artists during the show.

Event Details:

Dates: Friday & Saturday, November 27 & 28, 2009 – All day
Admission: Free
Location: Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa’s Grand Ballroom – 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona
Information: Beverly Copen 928-284-2520
Opening Night Reception: Friday, November 27 at 5pm. Admission & entertainment is free; food & wine tickets are $25 per person and a cash bar will also be available.

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Dear Arizona Travel: Best Way to See Flagstaff’s Fall Leaves?

Sep 17th, 2009 by christinatoo

photo credit: Doug Paul

photo credit: Doug Paul

Another timely and universal question from a visitor came in to our Flagstaff hotels and visitors guide, Flagstaff.com. I know lots of people want to know exactly when to come to Flagstaff to see fiery gold, red and orange fall foliage.  Today, Jared specifically wanted to know when to visit, where to stay and where to go to see the best of Flagstaff’s fall leaves.

Dear Arizona Travel:

My wife and I are planing a trip to Flagstaff and want to go when the changing of the colors is best, when would that be this year? If we were to stay a night where would a good place be to stay that we can take a walk or something in a good forest area to look at the colors?

–Jared W.

My answer, with some really helpful links, after the bump…

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Dear Arizona Travel: Grand Canyon from Las Vegas… with Kids. Help!

Sep 16th, 2009 by christinatoo

We got an email from a visitor to theCanyon.com, our Grand Canyon tours and hotels guide, today that totally struck a chord with me. I think Diana’s question is really common and who better to answer than another mom? Check it out and see if it will help you with your Grand Canyon vacation plans.

Dear Arizona Travel:

My fiance and I are getting married in Vegas in July 2010. From Vegas we want to visit the Grand Canyon. We only plan on spending 1 day there and we will have 3 small children with us. What is better? the North, South, or West Rim? Would you suggest renting a car and driving from Vegas or taking a tour? I am totally lost at what to do. Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you so much!
–Diana R

Read on for my answer: Continue Reading »

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