By Nina Makofsky
Arizona is a fascinating state, full of natural wonders, cultural treasures and bustling cities. Many Arizona cities include events and attractions related to the Native American cultures that thrive in the region. Tribal communities maintain reservations and host powwows, festivals, dances and feasts. A tour of Arizona's cities can include dining on Navajo tacos, hiking through desert landscape, attending neighborhood gallery openings, hopping on carnival rides and watching rodeo clowns.
Phoenix
Arizona's capital city includes fine dining and shopping, cultural attractions like Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park, and places of natural wonder, such as North Mountain Park, Papago Park and the Japanese Friendship Garden. Consult the official website for the state of Arizona (see "Additional Resources," below) for a virtual tour of the capital grounds courtesy of the Arizona State Legislature's site.
Flagstaff
One of Arizona's smaller cities, Flagstaff has more to offer than just being situated near the Grand Canyon. The turquoise jewelry shops and cafes along North San Francisco Street are set against the backdrop of desert, mountains and canyons. The Artists Gallery, at 17 North San Francisco Street, is a collective of regional artisans and craftspeople that hosts regular openings and events with opportunities to see works in progress and meet artists.
Scottsdale
Known as a site for major league baseball training, Scottsdale is located amidst the lush Sonoran Desert. Nature lovers head for McDowell Sonoran Preserve and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. People who prefer indoor activities visit the city's numerous galleries, studios and museums. The Bentley Gallery, at 4161 North Marshall Way, features contemporary painting and sculpture by up-and-coming regional artists.
Sedona
Often called Red Rock Country, Sedona offers a stunning backdrop consisting of stone monoliths called Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain. The singular landscape attracts artists, writers, outdoor enthusiasts and visionaries. People congregate at Sedona's trails, which wind through hidden canyons or lead to sacred sites. Sedona's vortexes (see "Additional Resources," below) hold particular interest. Said to be centers of energy, these vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon and Cathedral Rock.
Tucson
Averaging 360 days of sunshine per year, Tucson is a place for hiking the Pima Canyon Trail or the Sabino Canyon Recreational Area. Mt. Lemmon is popular for rock climbing. Circle Z Ranch offers horseback riding. Birdwatchers hit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Madera Canyon, Sweetwater Wetland, Agua Caliente Park, Catalina State Park and Saguaro National Park West.
Resources
About the Author:
Nina Makofsky has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. She specializes in art, pop culture, education, travel and theater. She currently serves as a Mexican correspondent for "Aishti Magazine," covering everything from folk art to urban trends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Mills College.
