Around Arizona...Yes, we do have seasons...

It has always bothered me a little bit that people always say they miss the "seasons" when they move here. Well, it simply takes a 1.5 hour drive North of here to see the "seasons" that everyone seems to be talking about. There is nothing more beautiful than taking a drive on Highway 89A in October. You will not only see the seasons change right in front of your very eyes but you will see rocks as large as they come only to remind you how small we as humans really are. It can be a really good reality check!

We dedicate this issue to those of you that do like to take some of those backroads trips. There are many of them in our beautiful state. Some that are to the very South and East of our state are some of the most historic in our Western culture. It is where it all began if you will.

So...the next time you hear someone say they need to "see the seasons" tell them to get in the car and drive...we have beautiful country all around us.

Things to see and great links for your Arizona travels!

Sedona:

With the growth of Anthem, this trip seems so quick to get to and yet can get you to 20 degree cooler temps. Visit www.sedonachamber.com for more info.

Must Sees while there...

Dry Creek Scenic Road:

This 6.5 Dry Creek Scenic Road, making a fun family adventure with plenty for the eyes to see. Side trips in this part of town are plentiful as you travel on this road to find Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek, many shops, restaurants and plenty of conversations about old ruins of the past to keep the kids looking at the rich Arizona history.

Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Road, off State Rourt 89A in uptown Sedona. $3 adults, FREE 12 and under. Call 1-928-282-7038 for more information and visit www.sedonamuseum.org

Flagstaff:

For more to do than a week than Disneyland (really) the Arizona history, museums, educational tours and fun shops and restaurants will more than give your family the break you might be looking for. Visit www.flagstaffchamber.com for more info and special staycation rates for Arizona residents.

A must see:

Lava River Cave

Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. Route 180, turn left to Forest Rd. 245. Continue for 3 miles to Forest Road 171 and turn left (south). Travel 1 miles to Forest Road 171Band turn left, then continue on to the cave. Vehicle parking is $5/day. Call 1-928-527-3600 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino.

White Mountains:

Situated in the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the world, Pinetop-Lakeside offers visitors a cool alpine retreat in the heart of the White Mountains. Incorporated in 1984, the town of Pinetop-Lakeside sits at an elevation of 7200 feet. Its year-round population of 4,055 jumps to 35,000 in the summer months, as the mountain opens to seasonal visitors. This trip will stimulate many family conversations about our State's history and those tribes that came much before us. The nature walks to be found in the White Mountains are like non-other. Visit www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com for a list of family friendly things to do and cabin/motel availability.

A Must See..

Woodland Lake Park, a 583 acre recreational haven. Tennis courts, softball fields, fishing, hiking and horse trails, biking, boating, volleyball courts and all things outside. Referred to as the "crown jewel" of the are.  Call 1-928-368-6700 for more information.

Tucson Area/Southern Arizona:

Talk about Arizona history! From the Anza Trail to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, there are things to see that will amaze the eye and the brain! For even more fun, take a ride further south to Benson area for to see the Kartchner Caverns! Visit www.tucsonchamber.org for more information on things in and around southern Arizona.

A Few Must Sees

Kartchner Caverns State Park , Benson
Kartchner Caverns is located at the southern city limit of Benson in the beautiful Whetstone Mountains. The Caverns are touted as one of the most pristine in the US. With camping facilities, hiking trails, bird sanctuary and a visitors center this incredible attraction awaits your visit. Kartchner Caverns State Park opened to visitors November 12, 1999. Call (520) 586-CAVE (2283) to make your reservations. For General Information, please call (520) 586-4100. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson

A botanical garden, zoo and natural history museum all rolled into one, it's a great place for children and adults to learn about the Sonoran Desert. Prices go down in summer months so take the opportunity to see something beautiful right in our own backyard. Visit www.desertmuseum.org or call 1-520-883-2702

Arizona Highways..An Arizona Tradition for over 40 years.

If you are wanting to see where to go, what to do, where to eat, the most spectacular photos of our state, you need look no further than Arizona Highways for all of your travel needs. It has become an institution for the state and people from all over the world receive their subscriptions just to look at the photos. We are proud to link you to their Award Winning publication through out site for more fantastic things to do with your family Around Arizona. Please see their site and all they have to offer at www.ArizonaHighways.com