By Roseanna Lane
With its warm, dry climate, Arizona has long been popular with retirees and those with health problems. However, there is much more to Arizona. Rich in culture, history and, of course, its beautiful, diverse landscapes, it's worth exploring. When you plan your next vacation, here are some things that may attract you to this amazing state.
Visiting the Grand Canyon
A blanket of winter snow in the Grand Canyon
Camp in one of America's most famous national parks, or bring your RV to Trailer Village. The canyon's wonders include natural springs coming right out of canyon walls and majestic bighorn sheep. There are organized tour buses for those who like guided tours, as well as airplane, helicopter and jeep tours, and even mule rides. There are plenty of trails for hikers, no matter what one's experience. For the best view of the canyons, try the West Rim Drive and the East Rim Drive. You can visit the nearby Havasupai and Hualapai reservations to learn about Native American ties dating back thousands of years to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor's Bureau
PO Box 3007
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2901
A Golf Lover's Paradise
Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet
Take a golf-course tour of the state; Arizona has about 300 courses. Among the most scenic is the Sedona Golf resort, which is set against Cathedral Rock, a national landmark. There is also the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, one of the top finishing holes on the PGA Tour and the toughest, with the opening tee set across a lake. If you're all about setting, try the Arizona National Golf Club, which holds some of the most beautiful views of Tucson, It is immaculately kept. For individual gulf course reviews, special booking rates and other hot deals:
Golf Arizona
http://www.golfarizona.com/courses/
(866) 444-0992
Plan a (Scenic) Road Trip
Along Apache Trail
Plan a road trip that lets you capture the best of Arizona's scenery. Be part of history as you travel down the famous Route 66. See the Sonoran Desert as you cruise the Coronado Trail and the conifer forests along Mingus Mountain Scenic Road. Stop for photo-ops among the volcanic landscapes found along the Apache Historic Trail in Phoenix. To learn more:
Arizona Scenic Roads
http://www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
Resources
About the Author:
Roseanna Lane published her first poem in 1998, while still an undergrad. She has written a variety of articles for Demand Studios and has published work on both eHow and Travels.com. Lane has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts in poetry from the University of Michigan.
