In some giant US cities, they build up with multi-storied skyscrapers. But, with the vast spaces available in Arizona, they have built out and even have had height restrictions on how high buildings can be built.

So, welcome to Phoenix.  Spread out and still in the desert.

Saguaro cacti and mountains are a short ride from the hustle and bustle

The convoluted routes

In recent years, the road system has been improved with “loop” routes that circle the built up cities and allow travelers to get places more quickly.   If you want to travel to the more northerly areas of Phoenix, take the 101 loop to Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Glendale and Peoria.  The “101” also connects to the north-south Interstate Route 17, which has recently been widened to four lanes in the northern segment. The 101 also connects to Interstate 10, which wiggles all around and, at times, going west when it is really heading north, etc.

Previously, getting out of town to Sedona and other points north has been a nightmare, but with the widened area, that is improved.  That does not stop (note – STOPPED – totally) the occasional road stoppage as when there were brush fires near the road and traffic was stopped for significant chunks of time.

The completed loop 202 allows traffic to flow more freely in the southeastern part of the “Valley,” connecting travelers to the 101, Route 60 (east/west road) and Interstate 10.

So, what I’m saying is that traffic issues can still be problematic.  Avoid traveling on major interstates, if at all possible, during rush hour.  On some of the arterials, two or more people in a vehicle can take advantage of “HOV” – high occupancy vehicle – lanes and move along faster than ordinary mortals.

Downtown Phoenix

Why travel around in the Phoenix area?

Well, for one thing, there are lots of things to see and do, spread out in many directions.  As a resident of the area, we don’t always go to the tourist spots, but we often go to the different extremes.

East

We have enjoyed the Boyce Thompson Arboretum  – out east – in Superior several times.  Route 60 will get you there for a great view of desert plants, both especially cultivated and native.  It’s worth the drive, both for the scenery and the respite from the hustle and bustle.

http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/index.html

Cacti at Boyce Thompson Arboretum - one of many displays

There are indications that copper mining is reviving in the area as well.

North

Taking the loop 101 to Scottsdale or points further north like Cave Creek and Carefree (don’t you just love that name!) will get you some culture, laid back cowboy and arts environments, and open desert.

By the pool at the Carefree Resort

West

Before you hit the open road on the way to Los Angeles on Interstate 10, you’ll be able to see Glendale, noted for antiques and their bead museum, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear and Buckeye.

http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/

Way out west is the Wigwam Resort, an interesting throwback to a gracious cowboy era. Originally a location for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company execs to vacation, since the company had bought land to cultivate for cotton, the Litchfield Park area was ‘way ‘way out in the country back almost a century ago.

http://www.wigwamresort.com/about-us.html

South

In the south Valley, although many communities have grown up in the last 10-20 years, there are still some rural areas where they cultivate cotton, raise cattle and dig for copper (part of the 5 “C’s that made Arizona famous – Cattle, Citrus, Climate, Copper, and Cotton).   On an occasional day, you might even be able to see the wild horses for which the Wild Horse Pass area near I10 is named.

Cattle - a major "crop" in Arizona

Why visit Phoenix?

Despite the bad publicity that the misguided “SB1070” law has created for Arizona, Phoenix is still a great place to visit.  If you’re used to the cramped quarters of most large US cities, the Phoenix area can be a revelation.   There are still wide-open spaces, desert landscaping (original, not cultivated), and a sense of peace with fabulous sunsets to enthrall you.

Sunset in Arizona

This time of year, travelers can take advantage of great hotel rates, since the weather typically tops 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) until close to October.  You won’t notice the heat, unless you decide to sit by a pool, but then you can take a dip so it won’t matter. Otherwise, air-conditioning reigns supreme – you might even need a light wrap inside!

On my first trip prior to moving to the area, I came out in the middle of June with temperatures around 115 degrees.  Even with my 3-piece business suit, I fell in love with the climate.  I’ve been healthier in Phoenix because of the infamous dry climate (humidity is typically less than 20%).

Although I’m not a paid tourist bureau rep, I’d suggest you take a trip to Phoenix.  It is a great place to unwind.

Saguaro on a slope

Join us next week as we surprise you with more about Arizona and the Southwest

With a population of over 200,000, Boise still seems like an accessible and people-friendly place to live, raise children, work, and enjoy leisure time.

Boise Zoo entrance

Within a few blocks, there is a lovely park with a rose garden, a zoo, both a historical and art museum, an impressive university campus, a river, and a very moving memorial.  The city has a 25-mile green belt, so there is space to breathe and stretch, as you walk along the river.

Rose Garden in Boise

We spent an afternoon trekking around, just walking and seeing the city.  We left our car behind and took in the sights, which we’ll share with you –

Idaho Historical Museum

After a quick visit to scope out the library, usually one of our first stops, we walked through the Julia Davis Park where we saw the Idaho Historical Museum, the Discovery Center (an interactive science museum) and the Boise Art Museum.  As we passed the Art Museum, they were setting up for a private party on the rear lawn.

The Municipal Rose Garden provided a few eye appealing minutes as we walked through the profusion of roses in bloom.

We walked by the Boise Zoo, but they were going to be closing soon, so we continued on.

Morrison Center for the Performing Art at Boise State

We crossed a bridge leading to Boise State University, where the architecture was modern and appealing.  In this day of budget cuts, it was good to see the campus, obviously well kept.

Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Our last stop before we headed to dinner was the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a sculptural center with waterfalls, interactive exhibits, and evocative statements showing the evils of war from a human perspective.  It was a somber and moving experience to read the words of those whose lives have been less fortunate, the innocent victims of war.

Another child victim of war speaks

If you are in the northwest, don’t miss Boise.  When we have more time, we’ll be back to visit …

Come back next week for a visit to an impressive dam.

A view of downtown Boise

Just east of downtown Boise by about three miles, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a great stop for a chance to amble about and enjoy nature.  Because they are located next to the former penitentiary, there is also a tour there to enjoy, if that’s of interest.

Since they have an “outlaw” connection, Outlaw Field, adjacent to the Garden, is also the site for concerts.  Coming up, they’re hosting concerts with big names like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Chris Isaak, and Jackson Browne.

The Old Penitentiary forms a backdrop to the Idaho Botanical Garden

Inside the Garden

Once you’ve paid your admission ($4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 6-12), strolling the grounds gives you a chance to see what’s in bloom.  Irises in many colors were profusely growing in the late spring.

Some gorgeous hybrid irises

Quite lovely are the various paths with benches available for quiet contemplation.  We noticed a definite trend, with almost every bench being unique.  There are other interesting embellishments such as interesting gates, stone work, and sculpture.

Benches were quite unique

An Asian touch - with bench

Another bench

Demonstration gardens show you which types of plants are most appropriate for different environments.

A gate - one of many - all different

We spent several hours enjoying the gardens, photographing the natural and manmade beauty, and just relaxing.

Old Penitentiary frames the gorgeous gardens

If you’re in the Boise, Idaho area, we highly recommend a visit.  (And you can walk next door to the Old Penitentiary, if you’re so inclined, and pay to join a tour.)

NEXT WEEK: Join us at the Falls – Idaho Falls

Papago Park

"Hole-in-the-Rock" - great view

An actual park, Papago Park has ramadas (covered picnic areas) and a rock formation that visitors can climb.  It is that rare stone in which nature has carved a window, called “Hole-in-the-Rock.”  Climb up from a path leading behind the opening and get a great view!  It is not a handicapped accessible visit – at least not the entire pathway. 

Other activities include hiking trails, fishing (license required), and archery.

In warm weather, you will want to bring water and a hat and arrive early in the day.  This time of year, the weather is perfect to take the several minute walk to the “window,” then go back and have a picnic lunch.

http://www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/papago.html – facilities

Next we talk to the animals… 

Phoenix Zoo

Next, you will want to visit the Phoenix Zoo.

Entrance to the zoo and all the fascinating creatures to visit

Until January 10, Phoenix Zoo has their “ZooLights” program running every evening from 6-10 P.M.   Thousands of lights and special exhibits make this a memorable event with the “Land of the Dragon” theme entrancing children of all ages.  Admission is $10 for a ticket good any day of the week; there are $9 tickets fro Sunday through Thursday nights.

Otherwise, there are many animals to see during the daytime.  There are monkeys to see, plus camel rides, a petting zoo, giraffes and many other animals to visit. A safari train can take you around and point out animals and things to

There’s a lot to do at the Phoenix Zoo!  So, allow several hours.  If you get hungry, they have several on premises food opportunities with pizza, burgers and the like.

There are handicapped accessible paths, but there is a lot of walking.  Both strollers and wheelchairs may be rented during your visit.

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/

And don’t leave yet…

Desert Botanical Garden

Entrance to Desert Botanical Garden with 3 Chihuly "agave"

If desert plants are new to you, a trip (in the vicinity of the zoo) to the Desert Botanical Garden will amaze and delight you.  Set out in a park-like area, DBG has some unusual desert plants, a butterfly garden, endangered plants and some wonderful paths to stroll to see the plants. 

This time of year, (until December 30), Las Noches de las Luminarias lights up the walkways with thousands of small candles, a shimmering, glowing experience. 

DBG has numerous events to see a new aspect of the gardens.  Food is also available on the premises.

One exhibit left from a multi-month display is the “agave” from the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit.  The agave greet people just as they walk into the entranceway.  Although they are not real, they add another dimension to your experience as art mimics nature. (See our blog on April 3, 2009 showing the Chihuly exhibit intermingled with DBG.)

Again, allow at least two hours to see the many areas of the park.

http://www.dbg.org/

These three locations will easily fill a day with memorable experiences and they are all within 20 minutes of Sky Harbor Airport. (traffic allowing)

More next week as we take you to other great places to see, things to do and places to shop in Phoenix and nearby locations in Arizona.

 
When the people of Vancouver British Columbia established Stanley Park in 1888, they created more than just a park. They provided a place for their citizens – and visitors – to enjoy the country right in their own city.

Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends

More than just some grassy lawns, Stanley Park has a miniature train ride, a children’s farmyard, several playgrounds, an aquarium (admission fee), totem poles and great trails for riding bikes and walks.

Thunderbird House totem pole - replica from Stanley Park

Tall fir and other old growth trees provide shady areas. Water surrounds most of the park, so ships in the harbor and the Lions Gate Bridge form a scenic photo op.

Canada Place view from Stanley Park (ship dock, convention center)

Lions Gate Bridge

In season, there are theater performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and shuttles to the different attractions.

 
This is a place for families or just people who want to enjoy nature – and it’s just down the street from the busy downtown business district. Just outside the park, shops rent bicycles so people can enjoy the miles of trails.

 
More on the train

 
We trekked down a pathway to where the train was resting between gigs.

Miniature train ride

When we visited, Krista, from the park’s staff, was readying a Halloween display, so the miniature train ride was on hiatus for a few weeks. She shared the following times that the train runs: (weather permitting) weekends in February from 11-4, spring break (11-4), Easter (11-4), summer through “Labour” Day (we were in Canada where they use the letter “u” in spelling), the October Ghost Train (6-10 PM) and their “December Bright Nights” (3-10 PM).

 
Stanley Park is a great place to get back to nature or let your inner child loose. There are  1,000 acres in which to let yourself roam!

 
There is no fee to enter the park, but if you’re parking a car, there are meters from which to extract a receipt that you place in your dashboard for hourly or daily parking. Rates vary depending on the time of year. The meters accept credit cards.

 
http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

Tomorrow.. Come back for a heightening experience – the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

When we first arrived at Mt. Vernon, I didn’t realize it was going to be as extensive as it was. From the outside, the visitor center looks like any other visitor center, with its statues, gift shop and counters full of brochures and people to inform you of the wonders of the place you are about to see. Once you get through the visitor center, it is a whole other world outside.

Mt. Vernon visitor Center - with statues of George, Martha and the children

There are guides to show you around or you can look around on your own. It is best to tag along with one of the guides, because they are very knowledgeable about George and Martha Washington and all the buildings on the estate and what went on in each and every one. There is usually a line to walk through the main house, but the wait is never too long. They only take small groups through at a time, because of the narrow hallways and small rooms within the mansion.

Mt. Vernon

We were not allowed to take pictures within the mansion, but could at any other place on the grounds. The mansion has been restored to as close to original as possible and the furniture and fixtures, which did not originally belong to the Washingtons, are true to the period. The colors in the rooms were as authentic as possible as chosen by Martha and George. Your can purchase reproductions in the Lady Washington Shop in the visitor center.

George Washington's carriage

We wandered around the plantation, which is built on rolling hills and overlooks the Potomac River, located about 16 miles southwest of Washington, DC. We toured important outbuildings such as the wash and ironing houses, the stables and the carriage house, which houses one of Washington’s original carriages. The slave quarters can also be viewed, along with the shops that they toiled in – the blacksmith shop, the shoemaking shop, and the meat smoking house. Washington’s tomb is also on the grounds, along with the tombs and gravesites of relatives of George and Martha.

The Mt. Vernon Ladies Association saved and preserved the estate in 1853 and oversees the day-to-day operations yet today. The original estate contained over 8,000 acres; today only 500 are preserved. To walk the paths and grounds of Mt. Vernon is a trip back in time and walking shoes are recommended!

http://www.mountvernon.org/

Tomorrow – Travel to the Museum of the Pacific – which is in Texas – go figure!

As promised from yesterday, we’re continuing our journey down to Edinburgh.

Day 12

Aviemore to Edinburgh

Distance: 126.0 miles
Time: 2 hr 48 min

We are going to make a few stops and hopefully we’ll have time for all of them.

1st Stop

Blair Atholl

The village of Blair Atholl is approximately a 90-minute drive north from Edinburgh or Glasgow just off of the A9, 35 miles north of Perth.

Blair Castle

The seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl is touted as Scotland’s most visited historic house and is also the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army. (I think I’ll see if I can rent them out for a few jobs that I have pending around the house.)The tour takes in some 30 rooms including an ornamental Victorian armoury which includes weapons used at the Battle of Culloden, and the ballroom with 175 pairs of antlers . . . now that’s a lot of venison!

The castle grounds are part of an estate of over 145,000 acres of farmland, forests, housing, industrial development and marked trails.

A 9-acre walled garden, a deer park, peacocks roaming the grounds and those strange, Old English Sheepdog looking, Highland cattle are all part of the castle area. And, the kids can play in the woodland adventure playground.

The on-site restaurant (Tullibardine) serves lunch and afternoon tea, and a gift shop is available.

It is possible to tour only the grounds at a reduced fee.

Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm
Admission: Castle and Grounds / Grounds Only
Adults: £8.25 ($13.20) / £4.00 ($6.40)
Senior Citizens: £7.20 ($11.52) / £4.00 ($6.40)
Children: £5.10 ($8.16) / £2.00 ($3.20)
Family Ticket: £22.50 ($36.00) / £10.00 ($16.00 )

2nd Stop

Just down the road (A9), a little over 10 miles from Blair Castle, is the small village of Pitlochry with an even smaller claim to fame in the hills above …

Edradour Distillery

Edradour is touted as the smallest whisky distillery in Scotland. It might even be the smallest legal distillery in the world. John Reid and his two assistants hand-craft Edradour without any kind of automation. And the location is right out of Brigadoon … complete with a rolling stream and a wooden bridge just in front of the distillery’s white-washed buildings.

With a minute production of only twelve casks of whisky a week, this could well be the most difficult whisky in the world to find! Added to the after production maturity of at least 10 years to reach its peak, Edradour is a rare find.
Tours are FREE … let me repeat that … FREE! And it’s available almost every day of the year. And, yes, there are samples!
And don’t worry if you can’t find it on a map. I have the best paper map of Scotland available and I could hardly find it! And even their website declared its difficulty.
From Pitlochry, follow the A924 Braemar/Blairgowrie road 2½ miles through the village of Moulin. After climbing the hill and passing over a small bridge you’ll see, on a sharp bend, the signs for Edradour.

http://www.edradour.co.uk/main.html

3rd Stop

Two miles north of the city of Perth on A93 is the entrance to Scone Palace.

Celebrated as the crowning place for Scottish Kings, the history of this estate is renowned throughout Scottish history. Shakespeare even mentions this place in his historically and factually inaccurate play, Macbeth. The real Macbeth was actually crowned here in 1040.

Touring the Palace is at your own leisure with docents available to answer questions in each room.

Gift and food shops along with a Coffee Shop and limited engagement full service restaurants are available.

On the grounds, which are able to be toured at a reduced fee, there are several points of interest:

Moot Hill – Deemed Scotland’s most historic site where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II arrived for their crowning ceremonies on the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone.

Wild Garden – Woodland walk including the first Douglas Fir introduced by David Douglas, a Son of Scone.
.
Pinetums – Redwoods and Fir trees from 1848.

The Murray Star Maze planted with Purple and Copper Beech to resemble a tartan.

And watch out for those crazy peacocks that seem to spring up at every Scottish estate.
The Palace is only open from April until the end of October, while the grounds are open all year, but, only on Fridays after the Palace closes down for the season.

Admission: Palace and Grounds / Grounds Only

Adults: £8.50 ($13.20) / £4.80 ($6.40)
Senior Citizens: £7.30 ($11.52) / £4.20 ($6.40)
Children: £5.30 ($8.16) / £3.20 ($3.20)
Family Ticket: £24.00 ($36.00)

Well, we finally make it back to our last extended stopover, Edinburgh. From here we will also journey out from the city on two of our four days.

Next Week: Day 1 In Edinburgh + Battlefields, Castles and Monuments

March down the street in Williamsburg, Virginia following the Fife and Drum group – dressed in British Colonial red – and you’ll feel the excitement of visiting Williamsburg.  

Fife and drum performs on the green in front of the Governor's Palace Photo provided by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

There’s energy in the air that gives you a sense that you have stepped back in time. It’s easy to immerse yourself and your family (children love it, too!) in the life of 300-plus years ago in the “colonies.”  It wasn’t an easy life, but exploring it is a fascinating experience.

Take a tour of the Governor’s Palace, exploring the gardens in the warm seasons, and see what is was like to have an opulent life. 

Governor's Palace and Gardens

 Tour the Capitol and you can know what it was like for Virginians like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry to make life-changing decisions prior to our nation’s independence. 

The buildings were carefully reconstructed based on careful excavations.  It’s the closest you may ever get to a glimpse of the early life of America.  The tour guides, many who are college students from the College of William and Mary down the street, are bright and engaging and explain the history and answer questions in a very evocative way.

Capitol - Photo courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Colonial Williamsburg gives you a view of the life of the average person, too, with tradespeople plying their trades, like blacksmiths, bakers, wigmakers and apothecaries.

Sheep greet visitors - Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Blacksmith plies his trade - Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

And, they are unflinching in showing a side of American history people are not particularly proud of, the lives of slaves, whose lives are shown with dignity.

Musical performers - Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

 The pageantry and passions of the colonial era are on display and invite visitors’ involvement, from playfully posing for photos in the stocks, to watching a reenactment.  Museums also show artifacts of the colonial era. 

Although there are charges for touring the more prominent buildings, like the Capitol and Governor’s Palace, it is worthwhile to join the tours. Williamsburg may not have the thrills, say, of a Disney park, but it is a thrill to know what life was like over 300 years ago in probably the most authentic experience you’ll ever have.

The joy and learning are wonderful for a family to share.  A know, because I came to Williamsburg with my family as a child and I never forgot it.  Then, I was lucky enough to bring my child and return many times to celebrate the holidays.  I never grow tired of Williamsburg! 

Note: We have not been paid to endorse Williamsburg.  

The glass radiates light, warmth and sunlight (at night some of the works are lit) and allows the viewer a spectacular visual treat.  Just inside the entrance, “The Sun” greets visitors with orange, yellow and red tendrils exploding from a core.

Another display consists of floating geometric-like figures that give an otherworldly feel as the glass shifts with the water’s flow.

Floating geometric figures

Nestled in an area with numerous cacti, the “Float Boat” appears to have giant marbles in array of colors on display in a rowboat.

Like giant marbles

With nearly every new curve in a path, the installations amaze and dazzle.  My recommendation – if you can get to Phoenix before the end of May – GO!
Note: Desert Botanical Garden is using timed entry sessions in four-hour blocks.  Admission is charged.  Go online to http://www.dbg.org/ for further details, admission registration and images.