Your First Visit to Sedona - Books, Tips, and Interactive Map

I recently had out-of-state guests who decided, on the spur of the moment, where they would be going and staying. So, I didn't have time to advise them on where to go and what to see in Sedona. Of course they wanted to go to Sedona, the land of red rock formations, gourmet food, and vortexes! If I had been given the opportunity, I would have shared with them some Sedona advice for first timers.

Orient Yourself to Sedona Attractions

A great place to start is to visit the Sedona Chamber of Commerce's 3D online interactive map of Sedona attractions.

Sedona Map (click link above for an interactive version)

Go to the full size map in the link above, click around and explore Sedona. The map will also help you decide where to stay. Not knowing what was there, my friends headed for Uptown Sedona, the most crowded area. They were disappointed. "Too many people," they reported. But look what else is there to see if you just venture out of the crowded areas!

Stay in a Peaceful Setting

To soak in the natural beauty of the Sedona Red Rocks, you need to retreat to a setting by Oak Creek or out of town a little bit. I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Amara Resort, convenient to Uptown, but down on the creek with a Red Rock view. It was quieter down there and the onsite restaurant, Salt Rock Southwest Kitchen, serves excellent food and libations. Next to the Amara Resort is the beautiful L'Auberge de Sedona, also located on the creek but with separate cabin accommodations complete with relaxing porch. 

Great Margaritas with a view at Amara!

 

Another place to stay, this one with a killer view, is the Sky Ranch Lodge, up on Airport Mesa. It's not a fancy hotel, but it has a fantastic location. Airport Mesa is where people gather at sunset to watch the Sedona magic and get some great photos. I haven't stayed there but it's high on my list (pun intended) as a desirable place to check out. 

Vista from Airport Mesa

Another recommendation for a peaceful place to stay is up Oak Creek at Oak Creek Cabins. I haven't stayed there but friends told me they went every year around Halloween. You'll have your own cabin and can explore the creek and woods there. Cooking in is common as you'll need to drive into Sedona proper to go out to dinner. 

Seek Sedona Advice

Read up, ask around and get some information before going to Sedona. Wander With Wonder, where I frequently publish my articles, has some great Sedona information. And, of course, I have my favorite places including:

Red Rock Crossing via Crescent Moon Ranch Day Area

It’s a quick drive from Uptown via 89A, past the turnoff to the airport to Upper Red Rock Loop Road. You then follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing and Crescent Moon Ranch Day Use Area.

It’s a place I have visited often, sometimes to photograph beautiful Cathedral Rock, and sometimes just to wade in the creek. I recommend arriving when they open at 8 a.m. After paying the $11 day-use fee, park in one of the first parking lots (very few cars are there at that hour) and take the pathway past a giant tree to the creek. Farther on, there are trails along the creek, swimming holes, and Buddha Beach, where people make and leave rock cairns.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

High on a red rock cliff is a Catholic Chapel that you can visit. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was created by a local rancher and a sculptor. When you enter, you'll be taken by the beautiful crucifix on the "tree of life" and the soaring windows with the Red Rock view. It's beautiful and peaceful.

Tlaquepaque

Always fun is the little shopping village with art glass galleries, restaurants, and even a brewery. The Tlaquepaque village is reminiscent of a Mexican village and is fun to wander and shop. Of course, during the height of tourist season in the middle of the day it will be crowded. 

Tlaquepaque shopping and dining in a little scenic village.

Schnebly Hill with a Jeep

Get away from it all and drive up Schnebly Hill (accessed not far past Tlaquepaque) for some stellar scenery and hiking. However, the road will become rutted and stoney not far out of town so you will need a jeep or other off-road worthy vehicle. If you don't have one, check with a local Jeep tour company like Pink Jeeps for a guided tour up there. This is not a loop trail so you'll need to drive up, check out the scenery, and then turn around to go back into town.

My favorite view of Sedona is accessible via Jeep

Sedona Reading List

#NationalPieDay In Search of the Best Pie in Arizona

It's National Pie Day, an annual celebration of pies started in the mid-1970s by Boulder, Colorado nuclear engineer, brewer, and teacher Charlie Papazian. He decided that his own birthday, January 23, would be National Pie Day. Now that's interesting because my favorite birthday treat is... pie!

While on a press trip around Utah and Arizona my birth date was looming. I shared with a couple of confidants (whom I later realized would spill the beans) that pie was a special treat for me on my birthday and it had to be fruit pie—apple, cherry, berry, peach or mixed fruits and a wonderful flaky crust.

My fellow journalists and pie fans on the road in Bryce Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Grand Pie

So it began. Days before my actual birthday, my traveling companions did all they could to help me find the absolute best pie in the state of Arizona. First, at the Grand Canyon, El Tovar trotted out their best candidate for the designation of "Best Birthday Pie." It was a glorious crumb-topped fruit pie with the decoration of the season—red and green. It was beautiful and the pie was delicious. If there was a category for best presentation, El Tovar would have won it!

Festive Dutch crumb apple pie at El Tovar

As it was, it was great fuel for a day of walking, enjoying the spectacular scenery and enduring a bit of winter chill.

The Grand Canyon in winter.

The Hopi Pie a la Mode

We were touring the Hopi Mesas enjoying visits with jewelry artists along the Hopi Arts Trail when it was time to stop for lunch. At the Hopi Cultural Center, we enjoyed the authentic tastes of meals based on corn, beans, and rice (the three sisters). After the tacos, the posole, and the stews, it was time for dessert. One option, much to my delight was pie a la mode. We enjoyed fruit pies with refreshing ice cream... excellent, but the crust was not flaky enough. (By now, I was feeling rather like Goldilocks hunting for the "just right pie.")

Berry pie a la mode at the Hopi Cultural Center restaurant.

The Sedona Vortex Pie

When we visited Lake Powell, we were entranced by the vistas, the magic of sunrise on the cliffs and the excellent dinner we enjoyed at the Lake Powell Resort. Add in some amazing California wine hand-selected by wine writer Barbara Barielle, and we easily drifted off to sleep. At dawn, the birds were chirping and the sunrise drew me outside. Little by little, the lake was lighted by the sun as I watched.

Dawn at Lake Powell Resort

Our host, Robin Marquis, had yet to hear about the pie-quest but by the time we all reached Sedona and she joined us for a hike around the Bell Rock vortex, apparently, she had heard. After our hike and some magnificent photo ops, Robin surprised me with a glorious pie. This one, from Marie Callender's, hit the spot after our day outdoors. It was an excellent pie. But was it to be the absolute best in Arizona?

Robin Marquis surprises me with yet another pie to try!

Rock Springs Cafe

On the last day of the trip, and my actual birthday, writer Barbara Barielle and I headed south from Flagstaff and planned for a stop at Black Canyon City. You see, this little desert town is rather famous for pie and bar-b-ques (Rocky Mountain oysters anyone?) and wouldn't a travel and food writer need to stop in and see what all the fuss is about?

This little desert oasis (food-wise, that is) has been there for over 100 years. In 1918 it started out as a little general store. Rock Springs Cafe has been a must-stop on the drive north from Phoenix up I-17 for decades and became a favorite stop of mine when I lived in the West Valley fifteen years ago. I could remember picking up Thanksgiving pie and needing two hands to carry the weighty fruit-laden pie to my car. And now I was back and the anticipation was growing. Would this be the best pie in Arizona?

Tough decisions at Rock Springs Cafe

Pies filled the cold cases and the shelves at Rock Springs Cafe but in order to experience this much-anticipated piece of pie, we were directed to the "pie counter." We perused the chalk board and found that a few of the selections had sold out. It was only mid-day and they were sold out? So I opted for a piece of simple peach pie. No whipped cream, no ice cream—just a good old fashioned piece of pie.

The pie slice was soon delivered from the kitchen and it looked great. The peaches were a deep color and the crust looked flaky enough. Once I took my first bite I knew—this was the best pie of the trip. Rock Springs Cafe had delivered just as they did when I lived in Arizona many years ago.

Rock Springs Peach Pie—the best pie in Arizona!

Right then and there I dubbed that Rock Springs Cafe piece of pie as THE BEST PIE IN ARIZONA!

So on National Pie Day in rainy Washington State, my thoughts turn to sunny Arizona and that wonderful piece of pie. 

Note: The author toured as a guest of the Grand Circle Association. As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Phoenix in the Fall for Baseball: The Arizona Fall League

We all think of Spring Training as a reason to travel to Arizona. But did you know about fall baseball?  Baseball reporter Perry Van Hook lives in Surprise, Arizona and provides you with yet another reason to visit Arizona.

Courtesy: AFL

The Phoenix area is a great travel destination and in the fall has very nice (80’s day, 60’s night) weather for you to enjoy during your stay.

For six weeks in October and November the Phoenix area has the added benefit of having one of the best baseball leagues of the year.

The Arizona Fall League, AFL for short, is THE developmental league for major league baseball. Consider just a few of these numbers for the league’s 19-year history:

• More than 59% of all players appearing in the AFL have reached the major leagues
• 247 of those have been MLB All-Stars
• Fifteen have been MLB MVPs
• Six Cy Young Award winners
• Four World Series MVPs
• 26 MLB Rookies of the Year (not counting this years – both Corey Seager and Gary Sanchez the top candidates in their league played in the AFL

Here are the six AFL teams for 2016 with their home ballpark and the five MLB teams sending them players and some information about the areas near the stadium:

EAST Division

Mesa Solar Sox, Sloan Park – Cubs, Athletics, Blue Jays, Indians, and Marlins. Mesa is just East of Phoenix but very close. Plenty of hotels in the area from Days Inn and EconoLodge all the way up to the local Hyatt or Sheraton and the Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort. It is also a short easy drive to Talking Stick Resort in the East side of Scottsdale. Golf courses are plentiful in Mesa and surrounding area as they are in all of the Phoenix area. There are a lot of good restaurants in the area in all price ranges, but a couple of favorites would be D-vine Wine Bar & Bistro, and Dolce Vita Italian Grocer (save room for the gelatos)

Salt River Rafters, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Diamondbacks, Rockies, Braves, Brewers, and Tigers. Salt River Fields is in Scottsdale, west 101 (east) loop while Talking Stick Resort is just on the other side of the freeway and an excellent hotel with a top valley restaurant in Orange Sky. There are also plenty of hotels and restaurants in the Scottsdale area.

Scottsdale Scorpions, Scottsdale Stadium – Giants, Angels, Mets, Phillies, and Yankees. Scottsdale is a valley leader in golf resorts and destination hotels and restaurants. Scottsdale Stadium, spring training home of the San Francisco Giants is tucked into downtown and walking distance of many of those hotels and restaurants.

WEST Division

Glendale Desert Dogs, Camelback Ranch Stadium – Dodgers, White Sox, Astros, Cardinals, and Nationals. Camelback Ranch Stadium, the spring training home of the Dodgers and White Sox is just across the 101 (west) loop from Westgate Entertainment District which includes University of Phoenix Stadium home of the Arizona Cardinals (home games on 10/17, 10/23, and 11/13); Gila River Arena home of the Phoenix Coyotes; Westgate 20 theater complex; Tanger outlet stores; and several restaurants including an excellent Yard House.

Peoria Javelinas, Peoria Stadium – Mariners, Padres, Orioles, Rays, and Reds. Peoria Stadium is just off 83^rd Avenue south of Bell Road and next to the 101 (west) loop. There are half a dozen restaurants and economy hotels just a block or two away off 83^rd, and close to the Arrowhead Mall.

Surprise Saguaros, Surprise Stadium – Rangers, Royals, Pirates, Red Sox, and Twins. Surprise Stadium, the spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals is fifteen minutes West of the 101 (west) loop off Bell Road (with construction for the Bell/Grand overpass visitors coming from Phoenix or Mesa might be better off using the 303 highway to the West of the Stadium). Surprise is a residential community but there are several economy hotels close to the stadium (two just a block away) and plenty of restaurants in the area, notably Amuse Bouche and Vogue Bistro.

The AFL plays Monday through Saturday with (most) afternoon games starting at 12:30 PM Mountain Standard Time, and night games starting at 6:30 PM MST.

Play will begin on Tuesday, October 11 and continue through Thursday, November 17 with the one game league championship between the division winners on Saturday, November 19 at Scottsdale Stadium. That game and the Rising Stars All Star game which will be played on Saturday, November 5 at Surprise Stadium will likely both be televised on the MLB Network as they were last year.

About the writer: Perry Van Hook

Perry retired to Arizona to watch baseball all year long and lives less than a mile from Surprise Stadium. Writes about baseball and football at Mastersball.com

Petrified Forest National Park – A Rainbow of Petrified Wood

The colors in the petrified wood are amazing.

What I love about the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is the colorful array of petrified wood. You’ll see reds, yellows, purples and more as you walk the trails and enjoy these colorful giants. The park has one of the best collections of huge colorful petrified logs in the world!

What truly amazed me was that the park was once a lush forest with small invertebrates and varied sizes of dinosaurs living there. Scientists are still working the area and finding fossils. When you see the grassy, high-desert plains of the Petrified Forest, it will be hard to imagine that it was once a forest.

This area is also Route 66 country.  Petrified Forest National Park is the only park in the National Park System containing a section of Historic Route 66.

When to Visit the Petrified Forest
If you plan to walk the trails and see the beautiful logs and amazing vistas, you’ll want to visit in good weather. The park and trails are pretty much out in the open. Remember, it USED to be a forest! It will be hot in summer and you’ll get wet when it rains. The park is open every day except Christmas, though.  Please check here for more information

Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark (a museum and bookstore only) is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST year-round.

Even small pieces unearthed by a rain, are
worth looking at... all are different. All have
different mineral content.

I visited one sunny October day when I was on my way to the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. We spent the night in Holbrook , the gateway to this expansive park.

Tips for Visiting the Petrified Forest National Park
– The Park is large. Allow ample time even if driving through.
– Wear walking shoes as you’ll love exploring the rocky trails
– Never think you can pick up a piece of petrified wood. It is not only against the law, it may bring you bad luck!

- Ideally you’ll be able to spend most of the day. You’ll want to start at the south end, spend time at the Visitors Center, drive through the park, stopping to enjoy the trails and end with views of the beautiful Painted Desert.

Stop in Holbrook to purchase a souvenir or
just peruse the amazing pieces offered at Jim Gray's

Bring Back Real Petrified Wood
Since you can’t do any souvenir hunting in the Park, I recommend shopping at Jim Gray’s in Holbrook. Be sure and choose a piece of Arizona petrified wood.

More Information
Park Website
Book a Place to Stay in Holbrook and Save

Planning your Fall Foliage Trip in Arizona

Yellow aspen leaves glowing against black and white bark trunks. Shimmering red leaves falling into a creek. These are the images we have in our memories that mean autumn. But this is not the northeast US. This is Arizona!

Across Arizona you’ll find fall colors at different times of the season, mostly due to elevation changes.  There are websites that will announce the fall color.

Where to Go to See Arizona Fall Colors
You can enjoy the aspens in the high country outside of Flagstaff. The season for the changing of the leaves runs from late September through December. Watch the websites to catch the leaves at their best. When you are in the right place at the right time, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. Be sure and bring your camera!

Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon
One of my favorite places for fall foliage is the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. Look for fall foliage in Oak Creek Canyon any time between October and December. The Visitors Center is a good resource. Plan a “leaf-peeping” trip to Sedona that revolves around a scenic drive though Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A.  More on driving beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

Flagstaff
Take a drive to Flagstaff. All around the mountains and surrounding areas you’ll find a variety of fall colors from late September to early October.  You might even enjoy an off-road trip in search of Aspen groves and deep canyons. Here is a great site describing where to find the fall color in Flagstaff.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is known for their Fall Foliage Finale on Thanksgiving weekend. This is an easily accessible place from the Phoenix area. No off-roading needed here! If nature cooperates, the best time for colorful foliage will be at the Arboretum in November, with peak color typically during Thanksgiving weekend. More on the Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Fall Foliage.

More Information
Fall Color in the Coconino National Forest
FallColor in the Rim Country
Fall Color Road Trips

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose

Tucson's Mission Xavier del Bac: White Dove of the Desert

Mission San Xavier del Bac just south of Tucson, Arizona is often called "The White Dove of the Desert." The mission does seem to rise in stark white glory from the desert sands of the Tohono O'odham  Reservation. It is an amazing sight. 

The San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. It is said that the mission is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona.  Inside the church you can see original statuary and paintings.  It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.

This is a beautifully restored Mission church.  San Xavier Mission is acclaimed by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. The white church has domes, towers and spires. It is amazingly graceful and beautiful. Don't forget your camera as the mission is beautiful to photograph in the light of morning, noon and evening.

The mission still serves as an active Catholic church. And, the restoration continues to save and maintain this beautiful building.

When You Go

Hours: The mission church opens 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM each day. When there is no service, docents lead tours.

Location: 1950 W. San Xavier Road, San Xavier District off Interstate 19 South. This is about nine miles south of Tucson.

Admission- Parking is Free. Donations are appreciated. Often there will be vendors selling food and craft items.

More Information: San Xavier del Bac Website

North of Phoenix, Visit Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot

Just north of Phoenix, Arizona, traveling north on I-17,  you'll find the Verde Valley. While many go there to enjoy the Verde Valley Wine Trail or take the Verde Canyon Railway excursion train, there are mysteries to be discovered in the remnants of the ancient cultures of the area.

The people that settled this valley came for the water and the abundant rich soil along the river. Visitors today can enjoy the massive "Montezuma Castle" cliff dwellings, drive a little farther north and hike in to see Montezuma Well and take a side trip to Tuzigoot National Monument with some great ruins to explore and a visitors center for information.

This is the way to get a sense of how these early people lived and, perhaps, why they moved on.

Visiting Montezuma Castle
Montezuma Castle isn't a castle at all. It's an impressive collection of ancient Sinaguan cliff dwellings. It is easy to see why ancient people stayed awhile to farm this land. What isn't clear is why they left. It is interesting that the people have been named the Sinagua (without water, in Spanish). You'll first stop at the Visitors Center where you'll learn about the ancient Sinaguan people.

The construction of Montezuma Castle began around 900 years ago and was abandoned about 600 years ago. The paved trail will take you to great places to view and photograph the cliff dwellings high up on the face of the cliff.

There are plenty of sycamore trees to shade you as you walk the short path to view the impressive dwellings.

As you continue on the path, you'll be able to visualize where the Sinaguans farmed and where they were able to draw water. And yes, there was water when they lived there. The name was given to them by archaeologists who noted, at the time of their work, that there was not much water in the valley.

You can no longer climb into the cliff dwellings as they are much too fragile and have had to be partially reconstructed. But the view from the pathways is striking.

Montezuma Well
Just north of Montezuma Castle is Montezuma Well, a fascinating sinkhole with some smaller cliff dwellings visible in the rock wall that surrounds the well. Formed long ago by the collapse of a limestone cavern, over one million gallons of water a day flows continuously into the Well. This constant supply of warm (74 degrees), fresh water provides an aquatic habitat like no other in the world, and has served as an oasis for wildlife and humans for thousands of years. If you look into the caves at the bottom of the path, you'll likely find some bats.

Not far from the well, follow the water to a lovely, grassy park. It is a quiet place to read a book in the shade.

Montezuma Well's outflow has been used for irrigation since the 8th century. Part of a prehistoric canal is preserved at the picnic ground.

Tuzigoot
Tuzigoot, not far from Montezuma Castle is an ancient village or pueblo also built by the Sinagua. The pueblo consisted of 110 rooms including second and third story structures. The first buildings were built around A.D. 1000. It is not a cliff dwelling.

The Sinagua were farmers with trade connections that spanned hundreds of miles. As you walk the trails and along walls, you can see the area where the ancient people farmed and it is easy to imagine corn, beans and squash being grown and stored in rooms of the pueblo.

This site is closest to Cottonwood.

When You Go
Tuzigoot, Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well can all be visited in a day.

Take a picnic and plenty of water. The best place to picnic is at the grassy area near the trailhead and parking for Montezuma Well. There are picnic tables and shade.

Avoid visiting in summer as it is just too hot.

Phone: (928) 567-3322 x221
Montezuma Castle Visitor Center phone line. Answered by a ranger during normal business hours.

Map of AZ Ancient Sites

Downtown Phoenix: A Destination for Art, Food and Community

The new mixes with
the historic in downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is becoming a destination for visitors and a place to live for locals. While not so long ago we saved the area for an occasional Diamondbacks game or a performance at the Herberger, there are changes in central Phoenix that have drawn people to live, work and dine there. And, I like what I see. 

I once lived in the West Valley and we found few reasons to venture into downtown Phoenix. But that is years ago. Buildings are being renovated, new condos are filling with residents excited about being part of the downtown vibe. And the vibe is there. Things are different. You want to be in downtown, now.

One morning we hung out at the Phoenix Public Market Café, a casual urban gathering place where you can have a meal, sip on a great cup of local Cartel coffee and pick up your CSA allotment. Focused on building community through food, the Café has become a gathering place for the downtown community. The Phoenix Farmers Market sets up there on Saturdays.

CSA shares waiting to
be picked up

Another change is transportation. The Valley Metro Light Rail runs from central Phoenix, through downtown, to Tempe and Mesa in the east. Stations are close by and run right by some of the area’s top attractions, such as the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Science Center, Chase Field, Talking Stick Resort Arena (formerly US Airways Center), Arizona State University and more. It’s cheap. A one-way pass on the light rail costs $2 or an all-day pass is $4, which can be purchased at the ticket vending machines at each station.

The new Hilton
retained the old classic touches

We toured the new Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown on East Monroe and loved what we experienced. Once a 1930’s bank and professional office building, the amenity-filled urban hotel is located in a historical architectural gem. The art deco building was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1993. The building retains its original character and elegance with original marble floors, Phoenix birds crafted into bronze work and original touches such as the beautiful elevator doors. 

The Hilton features 170 ultra-modern guestrooms, a rooftop terrace and event space. The views from the windows of the cityscape reminded me that while things are changing for the better, the history of Phoenix is being lovingly retained.

Amazing view from the rooms includes
the Westward Ho, in the distance.

And, you don’t need to go far to experience one of the best dining spots in the Valley. You’ve probably heard of the popularity of Nook Kitchen, housed in Gaslight Square in the Acadia neighborhood. Nook is known for its wood-fired pizzas and both classic and creative modern Italian dishes. Chef Nick LaRosa recently opened the downtown version of Nook in the Hilton.

It’s a rather swanky place to be termed a “kitchen,” with central bar, 19 ft. tall windows and art deco accents. But the comfort and friendliness is retained. Chef Nick creates fresh, made from scratch dishes. Be sure and try their arancini appetizer, fried balls of risotto, house-pulled mozzarella and pomodoro sauce with a basalmic reduction. The pizzas from the custom-made, imported Italian Forno Bravo oven did not disappoint but why stop there. Nook Kitchen serves up steak, shrimp dishes and lamb all with a modern twist.

While we discovered a vibrant downtown, we know there is room for more. I was in a room on an upper floor of the new Hilton looking out over the city, and saw the venerable Westward Ho building… still there, ripe for additional (it is now a low income residence with ASU health services) renovation and just begging to be the center of attention once again. The Westward Ho once held the title of tallest building in Arizona for over 30 years.

One of Nook Kitchen's refreshing desserts.

A huge wood-fired oven is the
centerpiece of Nook Kitchen.

 If you have been resistant, in any way, to venturing downtown for an evening out or just to walk around and see what’s happening, now is the time. Roosevelt Row (RoRo), Phoenix’ eclectic arts district has First Friday gallery openings, there are small theaters, restaurants and boutiques. It’s an area worth exploring. 

The Arts District connects downtown Phoenix to historic neighborhoods including Garfield, Evans Churchill, F.Q. Story, Willow, Roosevelt, Historic Roosevelt and Grand Avenue.

Things are changing in central Phoenix. Get away to downtown. Take a look.

More Information
Roosevelt Row
Visit Downtown Phoenix
Visit Phoenix

This experience was part of a media tour provided by Visit Mesa and Visit Phoenix. While this has not influenced this content, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Spray Can Art - Mesa Arizona

The city of Mesa, Arizona actually commissions aerosol artists to paint murals on downtown walls. There are murals, like this one that relates to the cultures of Arizona. This young woman is wearing her hair in the traditional Navajo bun.

On another street artists depicted some vintage neon signs familiar to locals who have been around awhile. Both nearby Tempe and Phoenix are supporting mural art. There's no need to have a blank wall! Learn more about public art in Mesa.

Liz's Travel News and Views: Santa Fe, Portland Ice Cream and Historic Arizona Inn

Interesting travel and foodie news from across the West.

Travel + Leisure Selects Santa Fe as #3: Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most eminent travel publications, announced that Santa Fe placed #3 Favorite Town In America with a population under 100,000 in their 2016 America’s Favorite Places survey. This six-month survey asked respondents to submit their favorite place and rate it in over 65 categories including affordability, notable restaurants, and public parks.

The magazine’s editors noted that “not surprisingly” the city ranked near the top of this year’s survey for its art scene, history, restaurants and peaceful atmosphere. They even cited excellence in margaritas although the survey was conducted prior to the highly successful May 5 opening of the new Santa Fe Margarita Trail.

“Santa Fe has over 400 years of history and unique multicultural achievement in art, food, shopping and wellness—all set against one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world,” said Randy Randall, Executive Director of TOURISM Santa Fe. “We’re a small town of only 80,000 people but we have over 400 restaurants, 250 galleries, 14 museums, 1.6 million acres of National Forest and dozens of world class festivals all summer and throughout the year. We’re honored that Travel + Leisure readers recognize that we are called The City Different for many very good reasons.”

Summer is for Ice Cream in Portland: Salt & Straw, the iconic Portland-based, family-run ice cream company known for its artisanal, chef-driven approach to an American classic, will be featuring a series of limited edition seasonal menus at scoop shops in Portland this summer.

The seasonal menus rotate every four weeks and showcase the compelling stories of what is happening in the community. Starting in June, Salt & Straw brings fermentation to the forefront, creatively using sourdough, fish sauce and fermented honey for the flavor-packed fermentation series.

Throughout the month, explore the nuanced flavors that can be achieved through fermentation, beyond just salty and funky.

In July, the summer berry bounty will steal the show, from the marionberry to the blackberry.

Lastly in August, Salt & Straw will work with the community of local farmers and producers on a suite of flavors available in neighborhood scoop shops from green fennel and maple to caramel corn on the cob. Each flavor in the series features fresh, locally grown ingredients, as well as a few from farms working to make fresh produce equitably accessible to all.

Flavors rotate each month and are available locally at Salt & Straw scoop shops, and are also available for national shipping.

Historic Arizona Inn Celebrates 80 Years: The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, near Phoenix, the onetime home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee, is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year with renovations and a resort package that tells the story of the property’s historic charm. This quaint hacienda-style property is sure to impress with cozy, remodeled casitas, a new roundabout and 24-hour valet, and a brand-spanking-new resort lobby that features a comfy fireplace.

Rejoice in all that’s old and new at The Hermosa Inn with the 80^th Anniversary package, which celebrates Lon’s innovative spirit as a painter. Kick off the celebration at check-in with a glass of sparkling wine. Later, meander over to the resort’s signature restaurant LON’s with your $80 dining credit and head off-site for a dose of culture with complimentary admission for two to Phoenix Art Museum. Upon your return, settle into bed with an enhanced turndown service that features a nightcap of the “Alonzo 80” signature cocktail. Rates start at $289 per night and are available through Aug. 31

5 Popular Things to Do When Visiting Phoenix, Arizona

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun have outdoor activities, great museums, historical sites and much more. We all have our favorites. But these are what people usually rave about. We have chosen 5 must-dos for your visit to Phoenix.

1. Enjoy Baseball Spring Training
15 professional teams train in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States. Cheer on your favorite team up close and personal every spring. Cactus League Website

2. Explore the Desert Botanical Garden
The meandering paths of the Desert Botanical Garden wind through red buttes of Papago Park. The Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants of the Southwest. The Garden is a fun place to explore no matter what the season. In early spring there are often special delights with butterfly exhibits, wildflowers and blooming cacti. Desert Botanical Garden Website.

3. Take the Scenic Apache Trail Drive into the Superstitions
A drive on the Apache Trail is one of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area. This well-travelled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season. There is mining history and wild west intrigue on a trip to the Superstitions. Take a day and schedule a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. ApacheTrail Tour  DollySteamboat Cruise

4. Visit the Heard Museum

The Heard museum is one of the nation's top places to see Native American artifacts. The museum displays some of the more than 35,000 artifacts in a permanent collection. Three additional gallery spaces, a 400-seat multipurpose auditorium, a well-stocked Museum Shop and Bookstore, and the indoor/outdoor Courtyard Cafe are all features of the famous Heard Museum. If you are in town during a special event at the Heard such as the Indian Market or Spanish Market be sure and fit it in. Heard Museum Website

5. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale
Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright's style of desert architecture on the beautiful site of Taliesin West. I highly recommend that you include Taliesin West in your list of things to do while in Scottsdale or the Phoenix valley. You'll see Wright's home as he left it, the art-filled grounds and learn about the education young architects received on the desert grounds. Taliesin West Tour Information.

More Phoenix Information
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Phoenix Visitors Bureau

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

Discover Wild West ghosts in Arizona

Arizona is a land full of exciting history and unexplained phenomena. With old mining ghost towns, historic hotels and Wild West towns with a history of violence, you'll find some interesting destinations in Arizona, especially if you are a fan of the supernatural.

The stained glass at the Gadsden Hotel is worth a visit.
Can you picture Poncho Villa on a horse on the stairs?
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Haunted Hotels
Arizona's Wild West history makes the state an ideal place for ghostly activity.

Way down south on the Arizona-Mexico border you'll find The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas. The Gadsden is home to a headless ghost who has been seen in the hallways and in the basement. Legend has it that this is the ghost of Pancho Villa. 

Legend has it that that Pancho Villa rode his horse up the stairs and chipped the 7th stair from the bottom. And the chip is still there for visitors to see.

Employees, staff members and guests alike have seen a rather startling apparition wearing old-fashioned, khaki army clothing and with a cloth cap perched on its headless shoulders. More about Hauntings at the Gadsden Hotel.

Walk through the Monte Vista lobby and
cocktail lounge. You never know what you will
encounter!

Up in the Arizona high country you'll find an old railroad hotel. The Monte Vista Hotel opened on New Year’s Day of 1927 and during the 1940’s and 1950’s was a popular spot for Hollywood guests.  More than 100 westerns were filmed nearby. One of the ghosts you'll hear about at The Monte Vista is the phantom bellboy who knocks on doors and then vanishes. Sometimes the bellboy is joined by the ghost of a woman. This female ghost has been seen outside of the Zane Grey suite. Another ghost, a former bank robber, is said to haunt the saloon. More about the Ghosts of the Monte Vista.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
A visit to Yuma in southwest Arizona is not complete without a visit to the scary looking historic prison. The first seven inmates entered the Territorial prison at Yuma, Arizona on July 1, 1876. These seven inmates were locked into cells that they had constructed with their own hands.  During the time the prison was open, 111 of the prisoners died, mostly from tuberculosis.

Watch re-enactments at the old prison in Yuma
Source: Gathering of the Gunfighters

You'll find many of them buried in the prison graveyard, which is within walking distance of the prison. Legend has it that ghosts still inhabit the cells.

Remains of the prison include cells, an entrance gate and a guard tower. A museum at the park houses artifacts and interpretive displays of prison life a century ago. Park hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Entrance fee is $6 for visitors 14 or older and $3.00 for those 7 – 13 years of age. Those six or younger get in free. Read More About Yuma's Territorial Prison.

A great time to go is during the Gathering of the Gunfighters at the prison. Gunfighter re-enactment groups in traditional dress will bring the Wild West alive.

Ghostly Towns
Bisbee
Bisbee is thought to be one of the most haunted towns in southern Arizona. Founded in the late 1800's as a mining town, Bisbee has been the scene of mining accidents, saloon brawls, and tragedy in general. Bisbee, with its old brick buildings and hillside stairways is a fascinating place at Halloween. Visiting Bisbee.

Jerome
Jerome is another hillside mining town. And, like Bisbee, has many intact old buildings with ghostly inhabitants. More on the Ghosts of Jerome.

Vulture Mine
The old Vulture Mine, and Vulture City, just outside of Wickenburg, Arizona is said to be one of the most haunted places in Arizona.  Paranormals have been invited to visit the ramshackle buildings on the site and have held ghost tours.  The conclusion. It's definitely haunted! You can visit Vulture City on Saturday mornings and see what’s left of the town and the mine.

Ghost Tours
Bisbee: Bisbee is an amazing old mining town in southern Arizona. Visitors can take a walking tour of the 125-year-old town. The 90-minute guided Old Bisbee Ghost Tour tells the stories of local haunts, including Nat, the miner, who owed money and paid with his life; and the lady in white, who saved three children’s lives.

Bisbee is an old mining town with hillside hotels
and plenty of stairs.

The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour takes place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday  evenings and begins at 7:00 pm MST. Tickets (save $2 by reserving online) cost:  Adults - $15.00, children Under 12 - $13.00, free private tours are available upon request. Here's more about the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour.

Jerome: Tours of Jerome, located near Sedona, offers daily ghost tours. Whether you believe in ghosts and haunted spirits or not, you will be fascinated and entertained by this trip into Jerome’s back streets while hearing local legends and visiting sites known to be haunted by spirits from the past.

More Information

Haunted Places in Arizona
Haunted Places website.