Since Williams was hosting the Disney Christmas Carol train recently, I had the pleasure of seeing this quirky and historic northern Arizona town.
Billed as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams is about 55 miles from the major attraction. They are small, but their marketing is powerful. (more…)
A visit to 80-year-old Boyce Thompson Arboretum will inspire and delight nature enthusiasts.
If you are in the vicinity of Phoenix, it is well worth the drive. Located 55 miles east of Phoenix, just after mile marker 223 on US 60 before reaching Superior, Boyce Thompson Arboretum demonstrates the labor of love that Colonel Boyce Thompson began in the 1920s. He considered it a place to “instill in humanity an appreciation of plants.”
Breathtaking view at Boyce Thompson
Frank Lloyd Wright is an iconic figure in the world of architecture. His buildings, which blend into the landscape, use geometric shapes to create eye-pleasing designs.
Taliesin West with the pool
Exploring nature can be a colossal adventure – especially when it’s underground!
Colossal Cave entrance
Many of us hover near sea level and never get on top of things to get a broader perspective. When the temperatures climb and the snow melts in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Arizona Snow Bowl opens up its ski lift, the “Scenic Skyride” for non-skiers. The ride to the top of the tallest mountain in Arizona is an adventure in itself. (more…)
Mo Sheldon has a vision – and it’s high above the earth. Although he declares himself afraid of heights, Mo is one of two certified flight instructors in Arizona who teaches powered paragliding. He has always wanted to fly like a bird and, since 1998, he’s had his wish. Like the ancient-fabled Greek, Icarus, who flew too near to the sun and whose wings melted, since early man, many people have wished to fly. Mo makes people’s wishes come true with his company, Airparamo.
Powered Paragliding - Exhilarating!
When I was given a choice of anywhere to travel within eight hours of my central Arizona home, I immediately, without hesitation, chose Bryce Canyon National Park as my destination. Why?
See the photo – and you’ll start to understand.
Inspiring spires at Bryce Canyon
Following the Apache Trail in Arizona, you can just imagine what it might have been like in the days of the gold rush. Horses and stagecoaches traveled the rough mountains and winding paths back in the 1800s to reach Globe from Phoenix. The romantic imagery of the old west is palpable!
Apache Trail Scenery
Nowadays, a four-wheel drive vehicle makes the trip in less than three hours (traffic permitting). In some areas, the road is reduced to a narrow, unpaved one-lane road that dangerously skirts the edge of a mountain with the valley spreading out below. (more…)
Sometimes, travel is not at all what you had hoped to experience. Despite best intentions and great facilities, a stay becomes memorable for the wrong reason.
I can give several examples of travel that should have been great, but wound up being anything but.
For several years, I had saved a promotional card for a hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico that looked perfect for a romantic stay. The photo made the place look perfect for an opportunity to be really immersed in the culture and center location of the old Santa Fe. I couldn’t wait! (more…)
Out on the highway caught up in traffic, speeding is not an option. Join a Bondurant SuperKart class and speeding is required. (more…)
