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ArizonAexperience
the
A SUppLeMent tO the SepteMBer 2009 iSSUe OF
water water
everywhere
Golf in Unexpected
pLAceS
FAMiLy FriendLyescapesthingS thAt
MAke yOU gO hmmmmm
the arizona experience
88 East Pender Street, Suite 555Vancouver, BC Canada, V6A 3X3
Tel: (604) 699-9990Fax: (604) 699-9993Printed in Canada
Published 12 times a year by
Contents © 2009 by ACT Communications Inc.All Rights Reserved. ISBN 1207-1463
ARIZONA – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE OF CANADIAN TRAVELLER
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only in arizona
Greens with envy
escapes with the family in mind
the “cool” side of arizona
water adventures
things that make You Go hmmm
what’s new
selling arizona
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Written by: Judy WadeCover: Watson Lake, Prescott.Credit: Prescott Area Coalition For Tourism
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onlY in arizonaThere are some things that your clients have to come to Arizona to see. Nature had a hand in creating most of them, and all are spectacular. In many ways they define a state that is filled with superlatives. They are unique, they don’t exist anywhere else, they are inimitably Arizona.
Grand Canyon. One of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and one of the country’s oldest National Parks, the Grand Canyon’s history is layered in its geology. These rocky pages of the past afford spectacular 29-kilometre vistas when seen from the South Rim. On its 2,320-kilometre journey to the Sea of Cortez, the Colorado River has carved a legacy of sublime beauty that is 1.6 kilometres deep and 443 kilometres long. Its folds and furrows reflect more than two billion years of nature’s crafting.
While early explorers had only the Colorado as a means to traverse the canyon, today’s travellers have a choice. At the South Rim visitors can take an easy stroll or a longer hike as they look into the canyon’s depths. Or, hop a sightseeing bus headed for landmarks, catch a helicopter for a flight that skims the rim, or hike into the canyon for an overnight at Phantom Ranch on the Colorado.
For a memorable overnight, book a room at the Canyon’s historic El Tovar Lodge, which has welcomed guests for more than a century. Linger for supper in a dining room with a canyon view. Visit Hopi House for authentic Native American crafts, and explore the Kolb Brothers 1906 photography studio. It all adds up to an adventure offered nowhere else.
Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. Millions of years ago the forces of nature replaced the woody pulp of ancient trees with bright jasper and quartz crystals. Today this 378-square-kilometre park offers breathtaking scenery along a 43-kilometre drive through the
largest concentration of petrified wood in the U.S., and possibly in the world. The park’s northern reaches are called the Painted Desert, for the multicoloured formations pigmented by minerals that reflect light. Although visitors cannot legally take petrified wood from the park, authorized pieces are for sale at the park gift shop. The beautiful rock is treated as a semi-precious stone in jewelry, and as an ornamental stone in objects like bookends and clocks.
Meteor Crater. This gigantic hole in the ground was created 49,000 years ago when a massive meteor impacted the earth at nearly 72,000 kilometres per hour (yes, it just missed the gift shop.) You can view the enormous chasm from observation decks that overhang the rim.
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NASA saw the value of the moonscape-like site, and used it to train Apollo astronauts in becoming familiar with the lunar surface. It also played a part in the 1984 film Star Man, in which space alien Jeff Bridges woos an attractive terrestrial. Space fantasies are instantly fulfilled by touching the largest remaining piece of the meteor. It has a place of honour in the crater’s Museum of Astrogeology, its once-rough edges polished and shiny from the touch of millions of hands.
Monument Valley. Located in Arizona’s far north corner, this magnificent expanse of red sandstone is a 12,120-hectare Navajo Tribal Park within the Navajo Reservation. A seven-kilometre loop road meanders past crumbling rock creatures with names like Elephant Butte, King on his Throne, Three Sisters and others that have become famous through appearances in countless commercials, motion
pictures and TV shows. The new View Hotel inside Monument Valley offers overnight accommodations with private balconies that afford unobstructed views of the famed formations called Left Mitten and Right Mitten.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Quite close to Monument Valley, the towering walls of Canyon de Chelly shelter a Navajo community that herds sheep and cattle, grows corn and squash as they did hundreds of years ago. Clients can drive their own 4-wheel drive vehicle along with an authorized Navajo guide, or take a guided jeep tour to explore ancient cliff dwellings. Beneath a sheer 150-metre cliff, White House ruins look down at a shady setting where Native American jewelry and crafts are for sale.
Mogollon Rim. This dramatic 320-kilometre-long escarpment marks the beginning of Arizona’s high country. The little resort community of Pinetop/Lakeside in the White Mountains, sits directly on the rim, with cabins, resorts, restaurants and shops catering to visitors to the piney woods. The Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail follows the rim’s edge, providing amazing vistas on one side and fragrant forests on the other. Shaggy ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, pinon pine and gnarled, wind-twisted juniper speak to an area that winter treats harshly, but summer smiles on with benevolence as temperatures stay cool when Arizona’s deserts heat up.
Kartchner Caverns State Park. There are lots of caves around, but few are “living.” That means the limestone formations are still growing in near-100 per cent humidity. Another amazing thing about Kartchner Caverns is that the two spunky spelunkers who discovered it in 1974 managed to keep it a secret from the public until protective measures were in place, 14 years later. Airtight doors, misters, a controlled lighting system and
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Grand Canyon
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designated pathways allow visitors to enjoy the cave, while protecting its priceless treasures. Two enormous 365-metre rooms are filled with brilliant colours, the result of natural chemical reactions, plus stalactites, stalagmites and whimsical geologic features created from hollowed-out limestone. This “live” cave has more than a kilometre of underground trails and a constant 68 degree temperature, despite the desert heat. Hour-long tours may be booked in advance.
Saguaro Cactus. This spectacular desert dweller is one of Arizona’s best visual ambassadors. When mature, a saguaro can be massive and many-armed, reaching a height of more than nine metres. Slow to grow, its first arms don’t develop until it is 50 to 100 years old. The spectacular pale, waxy flowers that appear on arms that are a year or two old are the Arizona state flower. They last just a few hours, then die. These iconic giants grow only in the Sonoran desert in Southern Arizona, and in a small portion of the Mojave Desert as it extends into Southern California. They are spectacularly concentrated in Saguaro National Park in Tucson. Yet the most
recognizable cactus on earth shows up in strange places. If you’re watching a movie about Texas and you see a saguaro, you know it was filmed in Arizona.
Sedona Red Rocks. Hundreds of millions of years have gone into creating the buttes, spires, mesas and cliffs that define the red rock country surrounding Sedona. Water carrying dissolved iron has passed through strata of sandstone, leaving a legacy of red iron oxide on every cliff’s face. Their spiritual beauty has been acknowledged as sacred by Native Americans for centuries. Present-day gurus say that certain areas of highly concentrated energy called
Sedona Red Rocks
Saguaro Blooms
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vortexes exist in formations including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa. Other observers are content enjoying the spectacular sandstone scenery simply for its dramatic visual impact. A leisurely drive through the area lets each individual decide for himself.
Hubbell Trading Post. For more than a century, Hubbell Trading post in Ganado on the vast Navajo Reservation, has been a bartering centre. Blankets and baskets are stacked next to canned goods and display cases of turquoise jewelry. Started by John Lorenzo Hubbell and his sons as a means for Navajos to trade their wares for life’s necessities, it operates today much as it did then. The post trades for cash or barter. If you’re looking for an authentic Navajo rug, this is the place to come. Talented weavers, whose skills are sometimes the product of generations of craftspeople, still bring rugs to sell or trade. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several
thousands of dollars. It seems a small price to pay for a work of art, and a piece of history.
Taliesin West. Of course there’s another Taliesin, in Spring Green, Wisconsin, but Taliesin West is unique, and as different from its eastern counterpart as day is from night. At the Scottsdale Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright built his studio, home and architectural campus in 1937, and occupied it until his death in 1959. With an enthusiastic guide, you can explore its walkways, fountains and terraces as well as the Wright’s private living quarters. Taliesin West still welcomes students, and is a working educational facility. n
Arizona is proud to be an official signatory of the National Geographic Geotourism charter. Geotourism is defined as “Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” It covers the Sonoran Desert region, which encompasses Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico.
In that context, the state has created Arizona Origins, a celebration of culture, nature, history and heritage. It includes Arizona’s ties to Sonora, the Mexican state that lies just to the south. When planning your trip, contact the Arizona Office of Tourism for a copy of the National Geographic Arizona-Sonora Desert Region Geotourism MapGuide. It highlights more than 80 experiences such as How to Shop for Native American Crafts, Following the Trail of Geronimo, Exploring Arizona’s Mines, Mineral Museums and Gem shows. On the Mexican side, it features El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, and Fishing in Puerto Penasco.
Cochise Origins, a 22-minute video, focuses on themes unique to Cochise County in far Southern Arizona. See it at visitor centres in Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Willcox as well as a number of attractions including Kartchner Caverns and the Amerind Foundation.
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with envYArizona’s golf courses are legendary. Their amazing diversity includes classic courses, desert target layouts and those that meander among towering pines and craggy and rolling foothills. With more than 300 golf courses throughout the state and an average temperature of 22.5 degrees in which to play them, Arizona is a golfer’s nirvana. And, 330-plus sunny days annually doesn’t hurt.
Over-the-top mega-courses, with every imaginable amenity, are of course the focus of many golfers. Misted and air conditioned carts and a luxury condo as part of the package are easy to arrange. These courses are perhaps the Holy Grail for golfers, and not to be missed.
But the state is dotted with an enormous variety of other course that offer challenging, exciting play at a fraction of the cost. You never know where they’ll pop up. For a complete Arizona course listing with rating and score cards, go to www.azgolf.org.
tUcSOn & SOUthern ArizOnAIn Southern Arizona, Green Valley is an affordable golf mecca with almost a dozen courses concentrated within a 95-kilometre radius.
San Ignacio, an 18-hole championship desert course, meanders through groves of mesquite, while Haven has attractive, wide fairways that keep even the worst duffer out of trouble. Torres Blancas, another 18-hole championship course, has been sanctioned by the Audubon Society as a provider of habitat for migrating birds. The two 9-hole Quail Creek courses wind through a community of lovely retirement homes.
South of Green Valley, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is located on the historic Otero Ranch. The 27-hole championship course was featured in the 1996 golf movie Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner. At a couple of points fairways cross the Santa Cruz River, and a challenging par-3 hole has an island green. Adjacent
to the resort, Tubac Village is a renowned arts colony with interesting galleries, boutiques and crafts shops.
Half an hour south of Tubac in Rio Rico, Esplendor Resort offers a Robert Trent Jones Sr. 18-hole championship course. Fairways, along the Santa Cruz River, are lined with huge cottonwood and mesquite trees, requiring skill in shaping shots. Because fairways are tee to green, it is high-handicap friendly, but also offers significant challenges for long hitters.
Farther south, Kino Springs Golf Course in Nogales is a regulation 18-hole course with vastly different front and back nines. Situated in grasslands ranching country on the historic Estancia Yerba Buena Ranch, it’s on a major North American flyway and attracts an amazing number of bird species.
Fort Huachuca, a bit further east in Sierra Vista, is best known as a military base, but its Mountain View Golf Course is open to civilians. The 18-hole course follows
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the base of the Huachuca Mountains and has water on five holes.
Tucson golf courses run the gamut from desert to Scottish traditional, and everything in between. Standouts in the uber-golf category include the Canyon and Mountain courses at Loews Ventana Canyon (stay for dinner at the Ventana Room, one of two Five Diamond restaurants in the state). The PGA tour often has been held at the 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility at J. W. Marriott Starr Pass. The challenging up-and-down terrain in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains creates spectacular vistas. Jack Nicklaus designed the course at the Westin La Paloma, which is known as one of the top courses in the country for both men and women golfers.
Golf that’s more moderately priced is available at Tucson’s Arthur Pack Desert Golf Club, El Rio Golf Course characterized by flat terrain and mature trees, and the North and South Courses at Randolph Park, where the PGA was held a number of times. The long and challenging North Course has eucalyptus-lined fairways and sneaky water hazards. At Tucson’s Santa Rita Country Club it’s hard to keep your eyes off the gorgeous mountain scenery and on the ball. Heritage Highland is another course where views take centre stage. The course meanders through the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains.
Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs, a newer course, is known for its preservation of native plants and ecological sensitivity in leaving desert springs undisturbed. Among all the desert courses in the Tucson area, the 27-hole Tucson National is a standout as a more traditional course. Generally considered one of Arizona’s top ten golf courses, the Golf Club at Vistoso (an upscale subdivision north of Tucson) was designed with the desert in mind. Native
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Randolph North Golf Course, Tucson
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Mountain View Golf Course, Fort Huachuca Sier
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SAN Canadian Traveler #2 8.09:Layout 1 8/26/09 6:06 PM Page 1
Downtown Chandler Art Walk, 1st Wednesday of the month (excluding July) - An evening, juried showcase of local artists displaying works for purchase, live music and artist demonstrations along the historic square.
Downtown Chandler Farmer’s Market, every Thursday fresh
produce, fresh baked breads, specialty foods and local
arts & crafts in Dr. AJ Chandler park. The third
Thursday of the month is spiced up with live
entertainment.
Chandler Events Calendar
Please check out visitChandler.com for a complete events listing.
Hispanic Heritage Festival September 19, 2009Mariachis, dancing, live entertainment kick off this first annual event in downtown Chandler.
TASTE. Chandler Culinary Festival October 3, 2009 The premier of Chandler’s inaugural culinary festival celebrates the diverse and award winning restaurants of Chandler in this evening festivity. The event is for those 21 and older and will feature local cuisine from 35+restaurants, craft beer, Arizona wine, and a more personal glimpse into the Chandler culinary scene. Ticket prices begin at $45 and available at www.tastechandler.com
Dia de los Muertos November 7, 2009Dia de los Muertos, aka the Day of
the Dead, is a Celebration
of Life and a traditional celebration of Hispanic culture so prevalent throughout Arizona. The event is highlighted with live musical performances, arts & crafts, and tasty treats!
Tumbleweed Tree November 28, 2009Join in for the lighting of the Tumbleweed tree that stands over 50 feet tall and has been a Chandler tradition for over 50 years!
Classic Car & Hot Rod Show February 27, 2010Celebrating pre-1980 autos and recent Barrett-Jackson Auction purchases, the car show incorporates arts & crafts, live entertainment, and wonderful food along with the displayed automobiles.
Ostrich Festival March 12-14, 2010A unique tradition this event celebrates
Chandler’s role in Ostrich ranching of the early 1900s and features various local and national entertainment on numerous stages along with arts & crafts, food vendors, and carnival rides. Ostrichfestival.com
St. Patrick’s Day FestivalMarch 17, 2010Kick your heels up for one of the Valley’s largest St. Patrick’s Day events and fill the downtown square with a brimming cup of cheer!
Chandler Jazz FestivalMarch 26-27, 2010Downtown Chandler feels a little more like Bourbon Street with all of the local and national jazz bands filling the stores, restaurants, park, and along the historic square. A jazz lover’s delight for sure!
vegetation has remained undisturbed, which adds greatly to the beauty of the landscape. Among more water-oriented courses, Silver Belle Golf Course follows the west bank of the Santa Rita River. With multiple lakes and a flat terrain it is a forgiving course unless the Santa Rita intervenes.
phOenix & centrAL ArizOnAThe Phoenix/Scottsdale area has become legendary for over-the-top courses that attract players from all over the world. Most notable are Troon North where 36 holes of superb golf are woven into the Sonoran desert, TPC Stadium Scottsdale, the home of the PGA Tour’s FBR Open and Grayhawk, where the Talon and Raptor courses wind through stunning desert landscape. The two 18-hole courses called We-ko-pa in Fountain Hills on Scottsdale’s eastern edge are owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and were recently ranked by Golfweek as the #1 public access course in Arizona.
There are also plenty of courses that offer more affordable golf. The three 9-hole courses at the Kierland Golf Club create 27 holes of championship golf that’s attractive even in the summer because it offers air conditioned golf carts. A notch in price below the area’s top tier courses, Camelback Golf Club is Arizona old-school golf at its best. Mature trees, great views of Camelback Mountain and classically styled holes create a memorable golf experience on this American links-style course.
With three 18-hole courses to choose from, the Wigwam Golf and Country Club in Litchfield Park truly has something for everyone. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the Gold course in the 1960s, and it’s been renowned as a classic ever since.
Sanctuary Golf Club, a Scottsdale city-owned golf course at Westworld, is not only a superb 18-hole course, but is the first course in Arizona to garner the prestigious Audubon Signature Status as a haven for native plants and wildlife. McCormick Ranch Golf Club in the heart of Scottsdale features two championship courses. It’s been around for 37 years and tends to be overlooked, but it’s fun and sporty to play and the price is right.
In Phoenix, the revamped Papago Golf Club recently hosted the LPGA event. The course has been a local
secret for years, attracting golfers of all levels with its iconic red buttes that provide terrific scenery. Eighteen-hole Encanto Golf Course in central Phoenix is the state’s third oldest course. Wide, level fairways and a limited number of obstacles mean you can’t get in too much trouble here. In Cave Creek, just north of Scottsdale, Rancho Mañana’s par 70 championship layout takes on some of the rustic charm of the historic dude ranch that now is part of the resort property. The course poses a significant challenge for low handicappers, but is satisfyingly playable for golfers at all levels.
Desert Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills is a desert mountain layout that plays through an upscale residential community. With strategic elevation changes and classic views of iconic Four Peaks, it accommodates all levels of play with challenging, interesting holes. In North Mesa, Longbow Golf Club was redesigned in 2003. This mid-range 18-hole course is ideal for all-around play.
Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler is managed by renowned Troon Golf, which means players enjoy the highest standards of service and course conditions. The traditional-style course with three nine-hole courses is known as one of the state’s finest daily-fee facilities. Also in Chandler, San Marcos Golf Course has a past studded with presidents, dignitaries and celebrities. Opened in 1913, the course is nestled in the midst of a property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Its 18 holes are lush, beautiful and challenging.
In the shadow of the legendary Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction, at Gold Canyon Golf Resort players can choose from two Golf Digest
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The Kierland Golf Club
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four-star rated championship courses. The Dinosaur Mountain course has been rated the #1 public course in Arizona for two consecutive years. Aptly named, the Sidewinder course snakes around the base of Dinosaur Mountain, through natural arroyos and dry creek beds. Both provide a Sonoran Desert experience that’s big on scenery and challenges.
Just south of Phoenix’s beautiful South Mountain, Whirlwind Golf Course at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers 36 holes of championship golf woven around the cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. The Gary Panks-designed courses take full advantage of the scenic beauty of the mesquite, saguaro, paloverde and cottonwoods that dot the course. Golfweek magazine recently named Whirlwind as a “Course of Distinction” among its list of the top resort courses in the United States. For an apres-golf treat, the resort’s Aji spa offers muscle-relaxing massages designed specifically for golfers.
Sundance Golf Club in Buckeye, in West Phoenix, offers dramatic views of the White Tank and Estrella Mountains from its challenging 18 holes. The Greg Nash-designed course blends the best of the desert with occasional areas that are lush and green. Another Greg Nash design, Hillcrest Golf Course, entices players to Sun City West. A previous host of LPGA and Senior PGA events, it’s noted for tall palms, rolling terrain, bold bunkers and sparkling lakes.
South of Phoenix in Casa Grande, Francisco Grande Golf Club is the longest course in the state. The site was the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants in the 1960s and the course was built to entertain players when they weren’t training. Remnants of those days are apparent in the bat-shaped pool and wading pool in the shape of a ball. A “visor” extends from the top of the resort tower building.
Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club, part of a historic guest ranch in Wickenburg, gets rave reviews from low handicappers for unexpected challenges. The Signature hole number 13 is consistently rated as one of the state’s most challenging par fives. Apres golf, schedule some time at the Ranch House Spa for a Golfers Relief Massage.
nOrthern ArizOnAIn the state’s northern reaches, even Little Williams has a pretty 18-hole golf course. Elephant Rock Golf course is a mature layout named for a nearby rock formation. The back nine were built in the 1920s on the town’s north side by railroad workers. Open seasonally, it closes “when the snow sticks,” says the pro.
Amazing views are the hallmark of Lake Powell National Golf Course. Situated on a high bluff overlooking Vermillion Cliffs, Glen Canyon Dam and beautiful Lake Powell, it’s difficult to know whether to watch the ball or enjoy the scenery. The 18-hole facility is located in Page, on the state’s northernmost border.
nOrth centrAL ArizOnACourses in mile-high Prescott include StoneRidge Golf Club, where the altitude, and views, can quite literally take your breath away. Considered an adventuresome course for the arroyos, rocks and ridges that frame the fairways, the thrills come at bargain prices. The traditional layout of Antelope Golf Course has been drawing golfers since 1956. Nestled in a pretty valley between the Mingus and Bradshaw mountain ranges, Prescott Golf & Country Club offers great views and lush tree-lined fairways.
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Sedona’s red rock country provides spectacular scenic backgrounds for courses in the area. The Sedona Golf Resort winds around the famed sandstone cliffs. Designed by Gary Panks, Golf Digest voted it one of the top five best public courses in the state. In Oak Creek Canyon, the Oakcreek Country Club course, designed by the Jones father and son, fairways are classic tree-lined doglegs. The course, say golfers, is player friendly, allowing room for error and space to recover. Canyon Mesa, an executive course with holes averaging 140 yards, caters to those just learning the game as well as those working on their target golf skills.
ARIzONA’S WEST COASTOn Arizona’s West Coast, Yuma attracts snowbirds by the thousands with well-priced, well-kept, challenging courses. Desert Hills municipal is an 18-hole championship course that has hosted professional events that include the Ben Hogan and Nike tour events. The little Foothills Executive Course is a sporty challenge for those who play a shorter game. Westwind Golf Resort is part of an RV park, and offers well-priced play on an interesting course. The 18-hole championship Emerald Canyon Golf Course in Parker is laid out along the scenic Colorado River. Carved out of mountains and canyons, it is considered a hidden treasure for its interesting layout, natural beauty and fees that are substantially below those of metro Phoenix courses.
The Refuge Golf Club in Lake Havasu City is the centrepiece of a private, gated community bordering the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The 18-hold Arnold Palmer Signature Design is laid out to take advantage of stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding mountains. Experienced golfers face changing elevations, unique water hazards and formal and wasteland bunkers from the challenging 7,083-yard championship tees, while beginners (and everyone in between) can get the feel of championship golf from the 5,199 yard front tees. A beautiful Tuscan-style clubhouse and full practice facility make play here a world-class golf experience. n
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© 2009 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Westin is a registered trademark of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.
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escapes with
the familY in mindArizona’s amazing demographic diversity means that there is something to capture the imagination of all ages. Kid-friendly attractions and venues with something appealing for adults as well abound in Arizona.
UP, UP AND AWAyThe geothermal conditions in Arizona make hot air ballooning a particularly appropriate sport. Gondolas range from family-size, to little “sports car” gondolas that hold two. Sunrise and sunset flights are the equivalent of a magic carpet ride over the Sonoran Desert in the Phoenix area. Skimming the tops of saguaro cacti and getting friendly waves from early-morning golfers is part of the fun. When your balloon reaches its highest point, you can see for more than a 160 kilometres in all directions.
In the northern part of the state, seeing the monoliths, buttes and spires of Monument Valley from a hot air balloon is unforgettable. You can book flights over Sedona’s spectacular red rock country, and soar with eagles over the Verde Valley, startling rabbits and cattle below.
FAMiLy reSOrtSArizona excels at entertaining the kids while pampering mom and dad. Attractive summer rates can lower the price of a family vacation by more than half. A case in point is the Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand in Phoenix. An eight-storey tower with three water slides and a gigantic wave pool challenge kids, while adults can hop a tube and meander along a lazy river pool. The adjacent golf course blends desert target links with traditional golf, and hiking trails in South Mountain are accessible from the resort.
The two Pointe Hiltons in Phoenix, Squaw Peak Resort and Tapatio Cliffs Resort, are especially kid-friendly. At Squaw Peak, the Hole-in-the-Wall River
Ranch, themed dining experiences and a children’s adventure program called Coyote Camp engage kids 12 and under, and those ages 13 to 17. At Tapatio Cliffs, the Kids’ Korral at The Falls Water Village occupies the youngsters while adults head for Lookout Mountain Golf Course, shared by both resorts.
The water playground at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch keeps kids busy for hours while parents can tee up at the adjacent championship golf course or indulge at Aviana spa. Young ones ages 3 to 12 can be entertained at Camp Hyatt Kachina.The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador proves itself kid-friendly with the Desert Springs Oasis that features a 43-metre “slide rock” waterslide. The pool for
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Monument Valley
smaller tykes, Shallow Springs, is shaped like a fish with interactive water features in the tail.
MUSeUM eScApAdeSFar from the staid, stuffy museums of bygone days, today’s museums offer as much fun as a theme park. The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix is filled with interactive exhibits that entertain everyone from toddlers to grandparents. A Lego castle adventure, dancing metals in a sound and music exhibit, the process of creating a house and an echo chamber that teaches about sound waves are among the big crowd-pleasers. When it’s time for a rest, the Dorrance Planetarium has shows that immerse guests in the imagery of the galaxy.
The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff is a real child-pleaser for its life-size model skeleton of Dilophosarus, a flesh-eating dinosaur that once roamed the surrounding woods. At Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, located on the military post, a series of museum buildings house exhibits ranging from one dedicated to the famed Buffalo Soldiers to all types of military wagons. Displays help impart a sense of U.S. Army history on the southwestern frontier.
The Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson appeals to wanna-be astronauts, fighter pilots and
35 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 1733 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 17
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Pima Air And Space Museum
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18 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 34
history buffs. More than 275 aircraft and spacecraft from around the world are at home here. One of the biggest draws is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the strategic reconnaissance aircraft operational from 1966 to 1990. Visitors can climb aboard the last prop-driven Air Force One, used by John F. Kennedy as well as Lyndon B. Johnson.
More of an extension of the desert than a museum, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson is a showcase for the natural desert and the creatures that live there. It is truly a wild place because only 12 of its 40 hectares are under exhibit. Always garnering attention are the prairie dog colony, Mexican wolves, desert bighorn sheep, white-tail deer and mountain lions. Great gift shops and an outstanding café‚ round out an entire day of exploring.
In Phoenix, the nationally-acclaimed Desert Botanical Garden is an excellent starting place for becoming acquainted with the arid places of the world. It exhibits, conserves and studies the world’s arid-land plants, with special emphasis on the ones native to the Southwestern United States. Nature trails criss-cross the garden, with interpretive signs and helpful docents to introduce guests to the mysteries of the many-armed saguaro cactus and the secrets of the colourful Gila woodpecker. From February through
April Mother Nature schedules her own special event. The wildflower season bursts into bloom in the desert in general, and in a concentrated way at the garden. For desert plants to take home, check the March and October Landscape Plant sales. Helpful attendants will advise on which ones will flourish in other parts of the world. At the gift shop, check out the treasures with a Southwest flair to take home.
rOAd tripSArizona is the state for your clients to experience the original road trip. A drive along historic Route 66 covers some of the Mother Road’s most interesting territory as it passes through the state. Guidebook in hand, travellers actually can drive on parts of the original road. For a taste of the real Route 66, stop in Seligman for a frosty treat at the Snow Cap drive-in, overnight in a 1950 concrete and wood wigwam-cum-motel in Holbrook, stop at the Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, and visit the magnificent arboretum in Flagstaff. They’re all among the treasures that keep Route 66 alive.
Outside of Phoenix, a National Scenic Byway called the Apache Trail leads to Roosevelt Dam. Used as the dam’s original construction road, it passes volcanic fields and interesting buttes. Stop at the old mining town of Goldfield, at Tortilla Flat where dollar bills
hang from walls at the Superstition Saloon, and Lost Dutchman State Park to enjoy a picnic.
The Mogollon Rim Road scenic drive follows Forest Road 300 through pine forests. It roughly parallels the rim, providing amazing vistas and views and, in summer, weather that’s many degrees cooler than the desert floor.
About a half hour north of Globe, the descent begins into the Salt River Canyon, creating white knuckles in some, but that others find exhilarating. Kids love the switchbacks, and straight-
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to-the-bottom views. Stop at Heiroglyphic Point for more views and a close-up of petroglyphs carved into huge black boulders.
One of the most spectacular drives, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway snakes for more than 194 kilometres through craggy mountains and fragrant pine forests. From the town of Alpine south to Morenci, the road descends almost 1,500 metres, passing through life zones similar to those between Canada and Mexico, testing the nerve of drivers with white-knuckle curves. Fall colours are a showy spectacle and spring wild flowers are a bloomin’ blast of wonderful. A 1,200-metre drop at Blue Vista Overlook creates dramatic views of the Blue Range Mountains and the valleys below. Stop at historic Hannagan Meadow Lodge for lunch in a charming rustic setting.
RIDIN’ THE RAIlSThe Verde Canyon Railroad is a comfortable excursion train that does four-hour forays into the Sycamore Wilderness, the only way to see this spectacular area.
Family-friendly cars have indoor seating as well as outdoor observation gondolas with trained guides to help passengers spot bald eagles among the cliffs, and great blue herons in the silvery river below. Kids love the vintage FP7 engines that pull the train along at a sedate, rattly 19 kilometres per hour. The train depot has a marvelous museum filled with Verde Valley history.
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Grand Canyon Railway
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An exciting alternative to driving to the Grand Canyon is to leave your car in Williams, and board the Grand Canyon Railway for a three-hour chug to the South Rim. Choose from vintage cars with traditional train seating or a domed observation car with a 360-degree view of forest and high desert plains. Watch out for “bandits” on the return trip.
wiLd weSt AdventUreSThe image of the cowboy and his dusty herd riding into the sunset is alive and well in Arizona. Outdoor cookouts that have become civilized sundown soirees, recreate the experience without losing a sense of the past. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction, offer sundown cookouts that consist of traditional chuckwagon grub. Guests hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon for the ride to an outdoor cooking and dining area called Maricopa Wells. Before diving into cowboy vittles, take the time to see a Wild West stunt show, pan for gold, ride a mechanical bull, an old west train or a stagecoach, climb a rock wall or try your luck as a sharpshooter. On weekends a farmers market showcases fresh foods grown in the Gila River community.
Slices of the Old West known as guest ranches combine Arizona history with soft adventure for your client’s entire family. Dude-friendly steeds are carefully matched to riders under the watchful eyes of well-trained wranglers. Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson offers days of riding through saguaro-studded terrain, as well as swimming in indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and nature and exercise hiking trails. Evening programs are geared to kids of all ages.
In northern Arizona near the little town of Greer, Hidden Meadow Ranch is true family luxury combined with a close-to-nature experience. Log cabins tucked into the beautiful White Mountains are home base for horseback
Rawhide At Wild Horse Pass
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riding, fly fishing, hiking, archery, horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides, canoeing and mountain biking.
At Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, a resort-style ranch, activities are about evenly divided between dude-style doings and golf. Tennis, trap and skeet shooting, hayrides, cookouts and a swimming pool keep everyone busy. Also in Wickenburg, the Kay el Bar is noted for its homey family-friendly feeling and according to one guest, “humorous” wranglers and hearty meals.
ghOSt hUntingAs with many states that have a mining history, Arizona is filled with ghost towns. When the ore played out, the miners left and the ghosts moved in. The state’s most famous ghost town is Jerome, which clings tenaciously to the side of Cleopatra Hill. Because the hill is honeycombed with old mine tunnels that shift constantly, Jerome often is moved by ghostly tremors. Have lunch at the Haunted Hamburger, dinner at the three-diamond Asylum (in the one-time mine hospital, now the Grand Hotel). For those who
are there on Ghost Hunter night, it’s quite possible that the spirits might oblige and appear.
The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas is famed for its ghosts, as is the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott. Saloon Row ghost tours in Williams start with divining rods that help locate spirit forces.
In Bisbee, guests report that a female ghost hangs out at the Copper Queen Hotel. For a truly spirited adventure, a “Ghost Host” will lead a walking tour to learn about Julia, who enjoys the company of married men staying alone in “her” room, Nat the Miner who owed money and paid with his life, and the Lady in White who
saved the lives of three children.
And in Tombstone, the Haunted Birdcage Theater, Big Nose Kate’s and the OK Corral are happy hunting, or haunting, grounds for ghosts. Visitors report everything from icy breezes to phantom hands gently caressing their faces.
expLOring UndergrOUndIn Bisbee, once the social and economic hub of southern Arizona, retired miners help guests onto mine cars where they don hard hats and straddle open seats to tour the Copper Queen Mine. The enormous mine has been closed since 1943. A “claustrophobia stop” as the tour enters the mine
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Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee
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enables the faint of heart to change their minds.
In Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction at the base of the legendary Superstition Mountains, families can tour the Mammoth Gold Mine, pan for gold, visit the museum and take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. Gunslingers, saloon gals, gold panners and horseback riders lend a lively air. For a history of the real thing, the Good Enough silver mine in Tombstone recently opened for walking tours, suitable for older kids. Guests descend wood stairs into the main tunnel where a guide points out veins of ore and mineral outcroppings.
Threads of gold still are embedded in the walls of the “glory hole” of the Gold Road mine in Oatman that runs directly under Route 66. Scheduled tours are offered on a daily basis.
Seeing StArSArizona’s spectacularly clear, dark night skies, with minimum light pollution over much of the state, are a dream come true for your clients who are star-gazers. Opportunities for gazing at heavenly bodies are everywhere.
Outside of Tucson, Kitt Peak National Observatory is home to the largest collection of research optical telescopes anywhere in the world. The facility invites families to tour the visitor centre, and to participate in hands-on nighttime programs in which they’ll see everything from planets to distant galaxies using 40- and 50-centimetre telescopes. For the truly dedicated, all-night programs are also offered.
In Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory is carved in the annals of astronomy as the site from which the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930. Never mind
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that Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Lowell lives on. The classic observatory was heavily involved in the Apollo program, hosting Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. Today families can tour the observatory and, on nighttime tours, marvel at the mechanics of the dome that rolls open to reveal the huge Clark refractor telescope.
Mount Graham International Observatory, an astrophysical research site near Safford, sits on top of a spectacular mountain range in the midst of a dense pine forest. Visitors check in at a base camp and museum at Discovery Park for a van ride to the mountaintop and a guided tour. The scenic ride includes an elevation gain of more than 2,128 metres. After-dark star gazing is available using a 50-centimetre optical telescope at adjacent Gov Aker observatory.
Evening Sky Tours offers a session of scintillating astronomy under the canopy of Sedona’s brilliant night sky. Professional astronomers use custom-built state of the art telescopes and high-powered laser pointers to guide you around the night sky. Many
Sedona resorts also offer star gazing events, taking advantage of the area’s clear, dark nights that produce outstanding viewing conditions.
At the new planetarium at Mesa Community College, adjacent to Phoenix, visitors can view the night sky and explore the universe and solar system, at no charge. As part of the Astronomy Nights program, the planetarium runs 30-minute programs every first Friday, with complimentary telescope viewing.
cActUS LeAgUe BASeBALLEveryone loves the sharp crack of bat against ball, especially when the sun is shining and the weather is wonderful. In February and March, the best of major league teams move into the Phoenix/Tucson area for pre-season training, much to the delight of baseball fans. This is the time when managers take a look at players, and determine who will make the season’s final roster based on their performance. The great news for fans is that they get to see many of their favourite players, at prices truly on the cheap. They start at US $6 and go to a whopping US $30!
Teams that regularly participate include the Diamondbacks, Rockies, White Sox, Angels, Athletics, Brewers, Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Indians, Padres, Mariners, Royals and Rangers.
Glendale’s Camelback Ranch is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. When the teams are home, you can take the field and see what it’s like to be in the big leagues. The Ranch offers special fantasy camps throughout the year for kids and adults who want to play with and learn from the pros.
Arizona truly is a family playground with something for every age. The challenge is to fit everything in. n
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“cool” side of arizonaThere’s the kind of cool where soft breezes whisper among the branches of stately pines, and water laps gently at a sandy shoreline. Where lofty altitudes create a naturally cool environment and seasonal snow flurries bring a softness to the terrain. Where chilly nights mean snuggling into a down sleeping bag.
Then there’s “cool”, which covers places where the chic and trendy meet, shop and eat. Where hip insiders know things are happening that are exciting and new. Where respecting nature and the environment means it’s cool to do the right thing. Arizona has them both in abundance.
During summer months everyone heads for higher elevations for temperatures guaranteed to be milder than those on the desert floor. Destinations like Pinetop/Lakeside, Flagstaff and Greer embody the cool, piney-woods side of Arizona’s multifaceted personality. These are the places for drives along forest roads, rim trail hikes, and nestling under fluffy comforters in little cabins in the woods.
Pinetop/Lakeside is filled with shops and boutiques, including a well-established antiques and collectibles area that stretches along White Mountain Boulevard. Steak houses and small cafés
are there to fill a void when hunger hits. Many hikes start from Woodland Lake Park, a delightful city park with ramadas and picnic tables, a large kids’ playground, tennis courts, softball fields a little boat dock and fishing. The easy stroll around the lake is a good opportunity for birdwatching. The area is dotted with housekeeping cabins that may be rented for weeks, or just a few days.
Lyman Lake State Park is just one of Arizona’s true jewels. Cabins and yurts offer rustic accommodations that are filled during summer months, but can be almost deserted during Spring and Fall. A well-kept secret, the park has a large reservoir that’s home to bass, catfish, walleye and northern pike. Boaters love it, too, for its calm waters. For an interesting side trip, visit Casa Malpais Archaeological Park, originally occupied by the ancestors of the Zuni and Hopi. A guided tour winds past an astronomical observatory, a ceremonial plaza and a Great Kiva.
Crisp, clean pine-scented air is the hallmark of Flagstaff, about a two and a half-hour drive north of Phoenix in the Coconino National Forest. The 2,100-metre elevation practically guarantees cool temps even in the middle of August. Historic hotels, family-friendly motels and bed and breakfast inns supply overnight accommodations. Winter fun includes skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl just north of the city, or sledding and snowplay on gentle slopes within the forest.
A visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument just east of Flagstaff is high on the list of summer pursuits. The home of the ancient Sinagua from 1120 to 1250, a well-documented history is left in more than 300 cliff dwellings. Trails descend into the canyon’s depths and also skirt the rim, for varying views of what an ancient people left behind.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is the place to spend the better part of a day, participating in a docent tour, pondering magnificent ponderosa and enjoying a picnic lunch. The woods are filled with colourful Steller’s jays and bright red cardinals. In town, a visit to Riordan Mansion State Historic Park reveals how an unusual family lived in an unusual and fascinating home.
26 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 42
Museum Club, Flagstaff
The Museum Club or “The Zoo” as it is affectionately known, is a bar, dance club, roadhouse and unquestionably a museum with so much to chronicle its passage through time that it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Made of ponderosa pine logs, its name comes from the collection of stuffed animals hanging on the walls, which the former owner bagged and had preserved.
In Flagstaff’s downtown area, guides in period costume take visitors on free historical walking tours. Stop at Heritage Square to enjoy a free concert on summer Saturdays and Sundays.
Greer is one of those tiny towns with a big personality. Wonderfully removed from urban hustle and bustle, it is set at more than 2,400 metres in a picturesque high alpine valley. Its attraction is its remoteness. The idea is to tuck into a cabin, lodge or B&B, and do as little possible. North of town, three small lakes are stocked with trout, as are the headwaters of the Little Colorado River nearby. Hiking in the adjacent forest is a prime pastime. During June Greer Days the little hamlet is crowded with arts and crafts booths, a variety of food vendors and Wild West entertainment.
Ripping your britches as you bounce among the Red Rocks is the way to have fun at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona. The cool, clear water of Oak Creek rushes between steep, slippery red rock walls, creating a natural 9-metre water slide. Wear old denim shorts and tennis shoes, and be prepared to cool off quickly, as the water temperature is usually a chilly 18 degrees, or less. When you’re ready to dry off, take a stroll on any of a number of cool, shady, short trails. Picnic tables and rest rooms provide all the comforts.
Just an hour or so East of Phoenix, the Australian Interpretive Pavilion at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park now showcases the “land down under” with new interactive displays. Aboriginal Australians’ ceremonial instruments, food-gathering tools and information on their spiritual life are part of the experience. The park is a delightful 140-hectare haven for plants and the creatures who depend on them, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Ayer Lake is a magnet for ducks, birds, toads and tortoises. Bring a lunch to enjoy in the shady picnic area.
As for Arizona’s “cool” side, a lot of it is in Tempe. This college town adjacent to Phoenix is the home of Arizona State University. Among its coolest cultural assets are close to 20 museums, including the contemporary art-rich ASU Art Museum. Other
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The Arboretum, Flagstaff
Slide Rock State Park
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museums house photography and historical artifacts. The Tempe Center for the Arts encompasses a theatre, studio and gallery with rotating art exhibits. ASU Gammage, a historic hall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, hosts Broadway shows, concerts and dance performances. The Lion King and Wicked have played there recently. The new METRO light rail provides easy access from many parts of the city.
Some of the coolest of cool stuff is found in Scottsdale. The SouthBridge district, along the route of the Arizona Canal as it runs through downtown Scottsdale, is a sort of urban village filled with upscale restaurants and shops. Eateries thrive under the direction of local culinary talent. Shops in the three-building fashion and design centre called The Mix are independently owned and inspire shopping therapy. There’s nary a chain store in sight.
SouthBridge serves as a metro-connector to other pedestrian-friendly areas including the venerable Hotel Valley Ho. An icon in Scottsdale during the 1950s, it hosted glittering stars and celebs. Recently renovated to its hip glory days, it’s an ideal base for a retro weekend. Don’t miss Café‚ ZuZu, where the American Comfort
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Food menu includes macaroni and cheese and liver and onions. Nearby, Trader Vic’s is a Polynesian classic reborn with Valley Ho cool and flair.
Shopping in Central Phoenix, or “CenPho” in the lexicon of hip locals, is a departure from the mall scene. Here, independent shops reign. You can discover new designers and funky fashions in Roosevelt Row, where historic homes have been turned into boutiques, live/work spaces and art galleries. Or you can hunt for vintage treasures in the Melrose District, where the street is lined with locally owned retro shops and home and garden stores.
Even the malls in central Phoenix are cool. You can mix in some sunshine with your splurging at Biltmore Fashion Park, where garden-park grounds are surrounded by upscale retailers, including an Apple Store and Arizona’s only Saks Fifth Avenue, and distinctive restaurants such as Andrew Eil’s True Food.
In Southern Arizona, way cool is a winemaker named Kent Callaghan whose award winning vintages have been served at the White House. His bordeaux-style blend called buena suerte is smooth, silky and wonderful. Who knew Arizona could produce fine wines? A drive to the Elgin-Sonoita area with a wine trail map in hand proves they’re there, and leads to the discovery of some terrific, unexpected vintages.
In the Verde Valley north of Phoenix, estate wineries cluster along the banks of the Verde River and Oak Creek. For devoted oenophiles, there’s even a “Water to Wine” tour that allows guests to kayak to a vineyard and tasting room.
Arizona undisputedly excels in the cool food department as well, with two AAA Five Diamond restaurants to its credit. Cool for its locavore sensibilities as well as over-the-top food, Kai at Sheraton Wild
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30 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 46
Horse Pass Resort & Spa is fine dining at its best. Much of the food it serves is produced right within the Gila River Indian Community. What isn’t sourced there comes from other Native American communities, such as buffalo from the Cheyenne River Tribe, and Chippewa walleye from Minnesota. Lettuces are hand picked by local farmers and children of Gila Crossing School.
The source for the amazing olive oil used at Kai, and available in Kai’s signature blend, is nearby Queen Creek Olive Mill. Olives grown within the community are processed at the mill, which sells their top-rated blends in their visitor centre. You can spend an interesting couple of hours at Queen Creek Olive Mill, tasting olive oils, tapenades and the flavourful stuffed orbs used in martinis. Stay for lunch and a tour to round out the day.
Queen Creek olive oil also is used at Chef Chris Bianco’s pizzeria, which has become a downtown Phoenix legend. New York Times food critic Ed Levine writes that Bianco creates what “might just be the best pizza in the world”. Come early and enjoy the historic
Heritage Square scenery and wine bar next door while you wait for a table.
In Tucson, the much-accoladed Five Diamond Ventana Room at Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort encourages a leisurely, relaxed evening centred around a three-, four- or five-course meal. Servers help you “build” each course precisely to your liking, complemented by the perfect wines.
Taking care of the environment is always cool. To that end, the Nature Conservancy in Arizona’s goal to save the lands and waters that sustain the state’s beauty, economy and rich quality of life. Restoring a population of otters and beavers to the Verde River is one of its success stories.
The Conservancy’s Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg invites visitors to come for top notch birdwatching along a river that bubbles to the surface to support a fascinating Sonoran Desert streamside habitat. Docent-led programs reveal the mysteries of the preserve’s many butterflies and dragonflies.
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TAXI CANADA INC495 Wellington Street WestSuite 102, TorontoON M5V 1E9T: 416 979 7001F: 416 979 7626
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Book today at westjetvacations.com or call us at 1 877 737 7002.
WestJet Vacations is now available on SIREV.
*$400 credit is based on one $200 credit per adult (age 18+) maximum two credits per room booked, for each WestJet Vacations air and hotel booking made by September 30, 2009 for travel between November 1, 2009 and May 15, 2010 (blackoutdates apply). Applicable for minimum 7 night bookings made to U.S. and international destinations only. Credit is valid for WestJet air only bookings, expires one year from issue date and is not applicable towards group, online or WestJet Vacations bookings. Non-transferable. Subject to availability. New bookings only. See westjetvacations.com for full details. †Winter schedule starts late fall 2009. Schedule is subject to change.
Book a 7 night package and your client receives a $400WestJet travel credit*
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47 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 31
South of Sierra Vista, the shady, green arroyo in the Huachuca Mountains called Ramsey Canyon Preserve is practically a shrine to hummingbirds. From spring until early autumn, the canyon hosts more than a dozen species of the tiny jewel-like creatures, attracted by an all-season stream that also appeals to other wildlife. Deer and the amusing long-tailed coatimundi are easy to spot and photograph.
Mother Nature’s cool creations are abundantly evident in Slot Canyon, or Antelope Canyon, near Page and Lake Powell. One of the most-photographed spots in the area, it is a cave-like passage of petrified sand that winds for a half mile. Formed when rushing water swirled and curled through the soft pink sandstone, it is a shadowy, ethereal place where the temperature stays about 21 degrees even during the heat of summer. Water-sculpted rock, impregnated with quartz crystals, reflects shafts of sunlight, creating ever-shifting rainbows and deep blue shadows. It attracts photographers from all over the world. Tours are conducted only by permitted companies, some of which have photography as a special focus. n
www.visittucson.org
Relax your body. Soothe your spirit. Be pamperedat the Red Door Spa, experience the challenge ofJack Nicklaus Signature golf, the nationallyacclaimed cuisine at Janos, and the plush comfortof Westin’s Heavenly Bed®.
For reservations call 1-800-WESTIN1 or visit westinlapalomaresort.com
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water adventuresRather than being a whole lotta beach without any ocean, the Sonoran Desert is dotted with oases, some natural and some man-made. There are not many land-locked states that can claim more than 1,600 kilometres of shoreline. Arizona can, easily. It is widely considered the world’s greenest desert for its abundance of naturally-occurring water.
rAFtingWhitewater rafting and float trips are classic Arizona adventures. Snow runoff flows from the White Mountains into the Salt River in the early spring, creating great rafting conditions. The Colorado River as it flows through the Grand Canyon is legendary. Here, rafting assumes classic status on trips that can take from a single day to 19 days with hiking, camping and good food all part of the adventure. It’s possible to motor, oar or paddle, in a neoprene raft, hard-hulled dory or boat, depending on the desired degree of participation. Large motorized rafts in which guests just hang on can hold up to 15, plus food and gear. The Colorado is not a wimpy river. It is a stretch of wild whitewater that requires knowledgeable, experienced guides. However you do it, the experience is one of endless adventure, filled with American history, and scenery unrivaled anywhere in the world.
The Salt River north of Phoenix offers experiences that range from mellow to real high-class abuse. Among memorable moments is a challenging swirl called Maytag Rapids that leaves no doubt about the origins of its name. These usually are day trips with lunch included. For a more easy-
going experience, a 13-kilometre stretch of the Gila River is a gentle float with frequent stops for swimming and picnicking.
LAke pOweLLOne of Arizona’s busiest aquatic playgrounds is Lake Powell in the state’s far northern reaches, on the border with Utah. With the completion of Glen Canyon Dam, which corralled the Colorado River, Lake Powell was formed. Besides serving as a reservoir, the lake supplies endless opportunities for water sports.
Houseboating and Lake Powell were made for each other. The lake’s placid waters require a minimum of boating skills, and multiple families can rent one boat to accommodate all. Ski boats, wakeboards, personal watercraft, fishing boats and kayaks are readily rentable. The lake also attracts anglers after largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass as well as walleye, pike and scrappy little bluegill and crappie.
Scuba divers report that beneath the surface the lake has an off-beat appeal. Unlike the dramatic colours of Caribbean coral or the Great Barrier Reef, the austere beauty of underwater pinnacles and sheer vertical walls has a unique interest. The visibility is good enough so that snorkellers also can enjoy the underwater world. Jet skis and waverunners are rentable for surface fun, as are boats and water skis.
32 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 48
Lake Powell
The moment you real ize you’re part of history.
Rates starting at $ 1 79, includes continental breakfast for two, room upgrade, 20% off spa and salon services.
2400 Eas t Misso u r i P hoe n i x , AZ 850 16 800 .950 .0086 a r i z o n a b i l tmo re . c om
* Room upgrades based on availability at check-in. Rates plus tax and resort charge. Use group convention code CTM when booking.
34 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 50
LAke hAvASUArizona’s West Coast, marked by the lower Colorado River, comes to life at Lake Havasu, where this narrow body of water is sometimes so chock-a-block with boats that the river is hardly visible. The 72-kilometre-long lake has a number of natural sand beaches that are jumping-off points for windsurfing, jet skiing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, fishing and swimming. The river is lined with hotels and motels, so planning a water-themed vacation is quick and easy.
ClOSE-TO-PHOENIx lAKESEast of Phoenix, Saguaro, Canyon and Apache Lakes form a chain below Roosevelt Lake along the Salt River Canyon. All three are regularly stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill and walleye. On Canyon Lake, kayaks, runabouts and pontoon boats are rentable for fishing and exploring, but many visitors prefer the comfort of the Dolly. This replica paddle-wheel steamboat does 90-minute narrated cruises, some of which include lunch or dinner. Passengers regularly report seeing bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Twenty-nine-kilometre-long Apache Lake has a
marina with boat rentals, and a ramp to launch your own.
At the end of the Apache Trail, which roughly parallels the lakes, Roosevelt Dam is the edifice that forms the lakes. This impressive construction feat corralled the Salt River and Tonto Creek to create Arizona’s largest body of water, Roosevelt Lake. Anglers can fish from shore, or launch a small car-top boat or larger trailered craft to pursue their wily prey. Water skiing is generally good on the lake’s calm surface.
Just 56 kilometres from downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant has developed into a close-in aquatic playground. It was created when Waddel Dam stopped the flow along the Agua Fria River. Arizona’s second-largest lake, its long sweep makes it good for sailing, and is also favoured for fishing. Picnic sites and a full-service marina supply sustenance, personal watercraft rentals, and fishing gear.
wetLAndSWith so much of it desert, it’s not readily apparent that Arizona is home to a number of wetlands. In Yuma, the Wetlands Restoration Project provides a close-up look at the natural world. Highlights of a mid-morning hike might include glimpses of elegant
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great white egrets poised in the branches of cottonwood trees, and pretty little Gambel’s quail scooting among the salt cedar. Invasive species like salt cedar are being eradicated and replaced with native cottonwood and mesquite. The restructured habitat already has attracted bobcats and increased bird life as well as once-abundant beaver. Nature lovers can explore more of the area’s great outdoors at Yuma’s famous Birding & Nature Festival, held in April.
In Lake Havasu, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge has for thousands of years supplied essential winter food for migrating geese, sandhill cranes, ducks and other wildlife. Besides being a bird-watcher’s paradise, its calm beauty forms a fitting backdrop for a leisurely boat tour of the refuge.
UrBAn AqUAtic experienceTempe Town Lake, formed by damming the Salt River as it flows through the Phoenix area, is a great venue for spending a day picnicking on grassy knolls, lazing
on the lawn and getting out on the water. You can rent a small sailboat, or get a fishing licence to pursue any of the 11 species with which the lake is stocked. Tempe Beach Park connects to eight kilometres of paths that circle the lake for bicycling, jogging and in-line skating. New are Segway tours that let you explore the pathways around the lake in a whole new way, on the world’s only self-balancing personal transporter. Just 30 minutes of training is all it takes to be ready for an hour tour of Tempe Town Lake. n
Tempe Town Lake
greAter phOenix cvB
GRAND CANYON, ARIZONARESORT
www.grandcanyonplaza.comFor reservations: 800.995.2521 or 928.638.2673
GRAND CANYONA world class destination...with the service your clients deserve.
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Southwestern Gift ShopOn Demand Movies & Nintendo Located 1 mile fromGrand Canyon National ParkSouth Rim Entrance
(PAID PROMPTLY)
to CanadianTravel Agents
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COMMISSION15%
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thinGs that make You
Go hmmmBet you didn’t know you can do some of these things in Arizona. The state is full of surprises, some that have been hidden for years, others that seem to pop up on a regular basis to supply new experiences and adventures.
A date shake? You bet. It’s de rigueur for those travelling the stretch of I-8 between Gila Bend and Yuma, which can be a bit desolate. For a break, stop at Dateland Palms Village where the friendly folks will mix up a creamy, sweet concoction unlike any other. They take dates from the adjacent farm, cook them into a sweet paste, then mix them with ice cream. Yum!
The forest is fragrant, the sun is pleasant, and you’re hiking unencumbered and hands free because the lovely, long-lashed creature beside you is toting your lunch and gear. We’re not talking about your significant other. Your companion is a llama. The advantage of taking a hike with one of these docile creatures is that they are sure-footed, with legs set well under them. This allows them to walk on narrow trails and turn in tight quarters. They can carry loads as heavy as 32 kilograms an average of 16 kilometres per day. Llama day hikes and overnight forays are offered in Strawberry and Sedona.
Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, draws on one of the area’s enigmatic
energy centres for its unique powers. One of these centres, known as vortexes, is located in Boynton Canyon, where Mii amo is niched a peaceful distance from other resort activities. The treatment called Mii amo Spirit begins with a release of negativity and ends with chakras, the body’s energy centres, being anointed with oils charged by the powers of Boynton Canyon. Do the vortexes really help tap into “the beyond”, or aid in mind-body healing? Visit Mii amo to check it out personally.
In Oatman, many generations removed from their ancestors, the descendants of wild burros that once were pack animals for miners now roam the streets. Not even the gunplay that’s part of every day’s staged shootout disturbs these gentle creatures. Bags of carrots
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Mii amo, Enchantment Resort
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are sold at local stores, providing the burros a healthful snack.
Take home a piece of Arizona that is richly authentic…a jar or two of Goldwater Salsa. The Goldwater name has been prominent in Arizona for more than a century. Goldwater’s Foods was founded by the daughters and granddaughter of well-known presidential candidate and senator Barry Goldwater, and many retail outlets offer jars and gift packs of a variety of salsas that range from mild and mellow to knock-your-socks-off hot. Paradise Pineapple, Rio Verde Tomatillo and Ruby Raspberry Fruit Salsa are among the tasty treats that those at home will truly appreciate.
In Arizona you can spend a night in an old school, a one-time jail and a land-locked 1947 Chris Craft. They’ve all morphed in to comfy accommodations that welcome guests to experience a historic night in an unusual setting. If you had a crush on perky Miss Blanders in
third grade, here’s your chance to relive school days on your terms. Noftsger Hill Inn in Globe once was the Noftsger Hill School. Classrooms, now guest rooms, have high ceilings and original blackboards on which visitors have recorded their comments. Onetime coat closets now are bathrooms with claw-foot tubs and pedestal sinks. The entire inn is furnished with mining-era antiques and art. A full breakfast is included with the price of a room.
Who knew being a prisoner could be so much fun? The OK Street Jailhouse Inn in Bisbee is a great place for home base while exploring the historic mining town. The unconvicted get the entire jail, upstairs and downstairs, with 1 1/2 baths, a kitchen, a two-person whirlpool tub. Another great reason to do time is that you don’t have to knock over a bank to afford it.
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A land of legends. Make some of your own.
Imagine yourself in one of the most spectacular settings on earth. Experience the pure joy of
hiking, tennis, biking, swimming and fine dining amidst Sedona’s breathtaking beauty. You’ll see
why Travel + Leisure 2009 readers named Enchantment one of America’s “Top 3 Resorts”
and Mii amo the “World’s Best Destination Spa.”
4c process coated logo525 Boynton Canyon Road Sedona, Arizona 800.826.4180
enchantmentresort.com miiamo.com
55 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 39
Also in Bisbee, guests can spend a night in a 1947 Chris Craft with no worries about mal de mer. The landlocked vessel sits immobile at the Shady Dell RV Park, surrounded by vintage trailers. It’s right at home with the Air Streams, a 1950 Royal Mansion, A 1957 El Rey and other
throwbacks to an era of chenille bedspreads and figural cookie jars. Hungry? Next door is Dot’s Diner, a gleaming stainless steel monument to the 1950s. The classic Valentine Diner has a green malt machine and hand-lettered signs, as well as traditional diner fare. n
The cocktail made famous in songs, movies and American pop culture was created at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa around the end of the ‘30s or early ‘40s. A frequent guest who loved tequila asked the bartender, Gene Sulit, to surprise him with a refreshing beverage he could enjoy poolside, and the iconic Tequila Sunrise was born. The Biltmore graciously shares the recipe.
Biltmore Original Tequila Sunrise35.5 ml Premium Tequila 21 ml Creme de CassisFresh lime Soda Water
Fill glass with cracked ice. Add tequila, Creme de Cassis and a squeeze of lime. Fill with soda. Garnish with fresh orange wheel and enjoy.
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GLOBE-MIAMIArizona never looked so good
Copper MiningArts and Antiques
Native American CultureMountain Biking & Hiking
Boating & FishingBirding
Historical Architecture
Less than 90 miles east of Phoenix or north of Tucson
[email protected] or go to www.globemiamichamber.com
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what’s newAs one of the nation’s youngest states, Arizona is continually growing, changing, evolving, and developing, not only to support a burgeoning population, but to accommodate visitors. The state’s unique personality means there is something new for your clients to discover with every visit.
Among recent accomplishments is Phoenix Metro Light Rail, which connects parts of Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. Comfortable, state-of-the-art light rail vehicles whisk passengers to Downtown Phoenix, and destinations that include Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil Stadium, Mill Avenue and ASU from outlying areas. During peak hours, a train stops at a station every ten minutes.
Eagerly awaited by lovers of desert golf, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Dove Mountain near Marana recently opened to rave reviews. Twenty-seven holes of golf and a huge clubhouse complex welcome players to a challenging game, then entice them to linger for an apres-golf libation and meal at Cayton’s, the club’s signature restaurant. Open for lunch and sunset dining seven days a week, it serves American comfort cuisine with Southwestern flair. Entrees are accented with local ingredients that include Agave nectar vinaigrette, chile pepper remoulade and Cotija cheese. Rich, decadent Mexican chocolate cake highlights the dessert menu.
Adventure lovers have a new way to enjoy the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with the opening of the Gateway. A protected area of land in Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, this new preserve provides a place to connect with saguaro cactuses and roadrunners (beep-beep!) that are unique to the Sonoran desert. The Gateway welcomes hikers of all ability levels. An interpretive trail specifically accommodates those with disabilities.
new AccOMMOdAtiOnSAmong the state’s newest hostelries, the Best Western Sundial Resort recently opened in downtown Scottsdale. The charming boutique
hotel features 54 contemporary guestrooms including 12 suites that have a Zodiac theme and astrological artwork. Balcony views of Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains make it a genuinely Southwest place to stay.
Also new to Scottsdale is the first U.S. InterContinental Resort. The world-class Andalusian-style InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa has 253 guest rooms and 40 suites, and is the place that President Barack Obama stayed on a recent Arizona trip. After a couples massage or a traditional Hammam experience, don’t miss the outdoor rooftop pool at the resort’s Joya Spa.
In Northern Arizona, the View Hotel is now open in Monument Valley. It is the first hotel to open inside Monument Valley and is the first hotel ever built on Navajo Tribal Park land. It is owned by Armanda Ortega of the Kiy’annii (Towering House) Clan. Every guestroom has a spectacular view from the low contour building that conforms
40 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 56
to the mesa overlooking the valley. Eco-friendly features include low-flow water devices, extra insulation, windows with energy efficient values, and fluorescent lighting. The 90-room hotel has a restaurant, but serves no alcohol.
Southern Arizona’s first casino hotel recently opened just south of Tucson. The Desert Diamond Casino opened the 149-room property as part of an expansion that also includes a new casino. The hotel has a premium steakhouse, a buffet restaurant, a nightclub with live acts and a fast food venue for those in a hurry. Rooms range from standard to executive suites, which come with a whirlpool garden tub, wet bar and separate living and sleeping quarters.
Also in Tucson, new value-priced family-friendly suites have opened along the city’s premiere retail-dining-art corridor on Skyline Drive. The Embassy Suites Tucson-Paloma Village has upscale amenities without upscale prices and is designed for business and family vacations. Two separate living areas,
work desk and kitchen appliances complement a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and beverages at a nightly manager’s reception.
new diningWith so many renowned restaurants, Arizona has become a culinary capital to rival New York and San Francisco. Two AAA Five Diamond restaurants and countless other critically applauded eateries verify the importance of the state in the national culinary milieu.
Also in downtown Scottsdale, just-opened Petite Maison, headed by local favourite Chef James Porter (renowned for his marvelous locavore dinners) is a French-themed country bistro. Quality food at a lower price point and a compact menu focusing on classic Gallic fit in with today’s less-is-more proclivities. Brunch highlights include beignets and chicory coffee.
Those looking to create masterpieces of their own might book a class at the new Chef’s Loft in the SouthBridge district. This state of the art chef’s studio plays host to renowned chefs from across the country who impart the secrets of their own special techniques. Other opportunities to hone personal culinary talents are offered at just-opened Cooking Studio AZ in Tempe. This recreational cooking school is the place where everyday people discover how to take their food preparation skills to the next level. Taught by a revolving list of top Valley chefs, classes are held in a stunning, live Viking demonstration kitchen that never fails to inspire kitchen envy. n
57 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 41
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
Phoenix Metro Light Rail
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arizonaBy Steve Crowhurst, CTC
Do you have the MAP? You do? Excellent. Is it a MAP of Arizona? A plan to market and sell Arizona? No? Okay then, let’s remedy that fact and help you plan your MAP and build your Marketing Arizona Plan that will lead you to some GORGEous commissions.
the ArizOnA SwOt AnALySiSBefore we go any deeper into the canyons let’s work together on a SWOT Analysis to test your thoughts about selling this fantastic state. If you have never developed a marketing plan before or used the SWOT technique – here’s the information you need.
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. So we start listing the strengths that Arizona has as a destination. You’d list things such as: close to ‘home’; within easy reach; a few hours away; golf; sports; adventure; low fares and so on. You might complete a SWOT on a specific niche such as golf or spas or food and wine. Okay, move on to Weaknesses: would it be too hot; too dry; are the seasons okay; cost of travel to get there given your customer base; travel documentation. The Opportunities you could list are endless, however, focus your list on the opportunities for your agency if it was to consider Arizona as a niche destination. This means you could generate commissions from numerous ideas. Last but not least you complete the list of Threats. Here you list things that might prevent you from marketing and selling Arizona. Perhaps lack of knowledge about this state is a threat. If so, this becomes an opportunity to study up before you start attracting customers to your agency for this product.
AnALyzing the ArizOnA SwOt Use the SWOT technique on any and all destinations, suppliers and marketing moves
you plan to do. It’s a great exercise that will help you focus and uncover certain things you need to attend to. Overall, a SWOT of Arizona usually proves that this state offers nothing but good things. For instance there are no bombs, wars, skirmishes or insurgents. The weather is excellent. Its close proximity to Canada is a major plus. The abundance of things to do, places to see, etc. could cause you a mind blip – but hey, what a nice problem to have. So we assume your SWOT is a positive one. Now you move on to reviewing which of your Preferred Suppliers serve Arizona from your neck of the woods.
42 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 58
The Grand Canyon
THE RULES:1. To enter the contest, the entrant must be a bona fide travel
agent actively working in the industry, a resident of Canada who has reached the age of majority in the province in which he/she resides, who is not an employee of, a member of the immediate family of, or domiciled with, an employee of ACT Communications Inc., its agents or distributors, or any of the prize donors. Note: Contest is not valid in any jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are contingent upon the number of entries received.
2. Entrants must complete all questions, and include their name, telephone number and signature.
3. Mail or fax entries to “Arizona Contest” Canadian Traveller, 88 East Pender Street, Suite 555, Vancouver, BC V6A 3X3. Fax: (604) 699-9993. Entries must be received by Dec. 31, 2009.
4. The draw will be made January 11, 2010 from all correct entries received. All questions must be answered. The solutions can be found in The Arizona Experience.
5. One prize will be awarded consisting of a pair of “positive air” round trip tickets courtesy of WestJet plus six nights accommodation. Some restrictions apply. The approximate retail value of the prize is $4,000.
6. The prize must be used between February 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. It must be accepted as awarded, is
not redeemable for cash and is not transferable.7. The winner will be advised by telephone during
the week of January 11 2010 and announced in the May issue of Canadian Traveller.
8. All entries become property of Canadian Traveller which assumes no responsibility for printing error or lost or misdirected entries. No communication will be entered into except with the winning entrant.
9. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.10. If more than one agent in your office wishes
to enter, please photocopy this page.
Complete all information and fax to the number below:
Name:__________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________City:_____________________________
Prov:_______________________ Postal Code:____________________ Telephone:___________________________________
Fax:_______________________________Signature:___________________________________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fax: (604) 699-9993THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS
Win a trip for 2
tHE ariZona ContESt QUEStionS:1. Slow to grow, the first arms of a saguaro cactus don’t develop until it is
_________________________________ years old.
2. Amazing views are the hallmark of ____________________________________.
3. _____________________________ is Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction.
4. Ripping your britches ____________________________________ is the way to have fun at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona.
5. Tempe Town Lake is formed by damming ________________________ as it flows through the Phoenix area.
6. The OK Street Jailhouse Inn __________________________ is a great place for home base while exploring the historic mining town.
7. Phoenix Metro Light Rail connects parts of __________, ________ and __________.
tHE priZE:• One return trip for two from any
scheduled WestJet gateway in Canada to Phoenix.
• 3 nights stay at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort.
• 3 nights stay at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak.
“Seize the Day in arizona”
(Why not Seize all 6?)
Always a Pointe Perfect Stay
44 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 60
WORKIN’ THE ARIzONA AcrOnyMWe can now focus on some tips that will help you build on the SWOT Analysis and take Arizona as a prime destination to your clients. Here we go:
A: Ask A proven marketing activity. Asking your customers for their interests and input is a great way to target your advertising, promotions and marketing activities. Ask your clients if they have been to Arizona, what they liked, didn’t like, what they would like to do if you offered it and so on. With these facts, times, say, 100 clients, you’d have the basics of all you need to target various niche-based tours to an open-for all list of trips.
There are a few ways to ASK – one of the best is a series of focus groups. The cost to you would be coffee. Invite, say, 15 customers at a time to your agency for a chat about Arizona. This face-to-face interaction is one of the best ways to go. Online surveys are great, too, but of course the human element is missing. Chances are, your focus group attendees might get more than a little excited about the destination. Also, when someone has helped to build something, they are usually quite interested in going.
R: Read Once you gather your customers’ input, start reading up. Gather all the resources you can and especially from the team at the Arizona Office of Tourism. Request the Arizona Guide and all collateral materials they can send you. Get your entire agency team reading, then sit down as a group to decide what you feel, as a team, you could sell.
I: Inspire With your new-found knowledge, plus information from past fams or vacation trips to Arizona, it’s time to INSPIRE your customers to, at the very least, inquire, and at the max, book one of your offerings. Inspiring people to visit Arizona is not a difficult thing to do. Make sure your MAP includes the use of images featuring the glories of the Canyon. Although
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One reason Arizona is an easy sell is the easy access with regular flights from Canadian cities to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Here’s who flies there:• From Vancouver: US Airways, WestJet (beginning
January 2010)• From Calgary: Air Canada, US Airways, WestJet• From Edmonton: US Airways, WestJet• From Winnipeg: WestJet• From Toronto: Air Canada, US Airways
Have clients near the border? Southwest flies from Buffalo, Ny to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHx) and Allegiant Air flies between Bellingham, WA and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AzA).
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The Arizona Office of Tourism’s Canadian office is here to help you sell the Grand Canyon State more effectively. Check out www.arizonaguide.com/travelprofessionals for the latest news, commissionable deals, images and suggested itineraries.
AzAP, the Arizona Accreditation Program, is a great way to earn CITC credits and become a pro selling Arizona. Benefits include 12 CITC credits, subscription to a trade e-newsletter, collateral materials and the opportunity to win monthly prizes and fams. Click on the AzAP button at www.arizonaguide.com/travelprofessionals.
Contact us at:Fred AzouzVice PresidentRadonicRodgersTel: (416) 861-1240Fax: (416) 695-0576E-mail: [email protected]: www.arizonaguide.com/travelprofessionals
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-Convenient location on Interstate 40 & Hwy 93-Over 30 lodging & 70 dining choices-3 Museums: Route 66, Pioneer, WWII Airfi eld-Nearest Accommodations to the Skywalk -On America’s last great stretch of the Mother Road
AR IZONA
Heart of Route 66
Powerhouse Visitor Center866-427-6303visitkingman.org
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Powerhouse Visitor CenterPowerhouse Visitor Center
-On America’s last great stretch of the Mother Road-On America’s last great stretch of the Mother Road
Walk the Sky at the other Grand Canyon
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Experience the story
of America’s Mainstreet
61 Canadian Traveller SepTember 2009 arizona 45
Arizona is more than the Grand Canyon, this is the eye-candy that will pull.
Use your agency window and website to push and pull and send out the inspirational message. Make sure your marketing thrust has your customers adding Arizona to their bucket list. This means you are adding some BYD marketing to your MAP. BYD means Before You Die. Arizona IS a place to see BYD. In fact the State holds pages 566 to 573 in Patricia Schultz’s book, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. So there. What better plug do you need in order to push everyone’s bucket list button?
Z: Zoom In On ZoomersWho would want to take off to explore the wilds of Arizona, or the restaurants or the art? Well, you know the Boomers are everywhere, but within that overly profiled group is a new group. Termed Boomers with ZIP, we now have the ZOOMERS. There is even a magazine of the same name dedicated to the Zoomer-Boomer.
Not too much difference from the marketing approach point of view. You are still targeting those born between 1946 and 1966. Of course Boomers born in 1966 are only 43 years of age as of now. Their outlook on life and travel needs are slightly different to those of a 60-year-old Boomer. So it’s the level of ZIP you want to Zoom in on for your Arizona MAP. I know it sounds like a football team, but you could announce an Arizona Zoomer Vacation Plan. Or come up with an AriZoomer program. Go one more – Zoom into Arizona.
O: Once The word Once can be applied to Once in a Lifetime (back to BYD). You could shorten it to One as in One and Only. Certainly you can create: Arizona – ONCE in a Lifetime Vacations and that phrase could even be your MAP marketing slogan. So your MAP is building before your very eyes. Let’s move on to N.
preScOtt
Parker, Arizona is located on the Colorado River, just north of Interstate Highway 10 on Arizona Highway 95. This unique and affordable area offers a relaxing extended stay lifestyle and vacation atmosphere and includes many businesses accessible by land, boat or other watercraft. Parker is the perfect year-round vacation spot for all types of activities. Whether it’s watersports that include boating, fishing, skiing, wakeboarding and personal watercraft or camping, off-roading, golfing and Rving, we have over 30 RV parks, campgrounds, hotels, motels and resorts to accommodate you along the 16-mile stretch of the Parker Strip. We offer a variety of restaurants, shopping, museums, libraries, wildlife preserves, a four-star golf course and THX 4-plex movie theater, Parker Dam “The World’s Deepest Dam”, the Blue Water Resort & Casino and of course, The Mighty Colorado River!
Make Parker, Arizona your next destination, you’ll be glad you did!
For more information contact Parker Area Tourism 928 669-6511 or visit our website www.parkerareatourism.com
Paid for in part by the Arizona office of Tourism
N: Niche In the case of your MAP – N stands for Niche. How many niches are there – about 350. Arizona would deliver on most of them. This list of niche markets and activities starts with Archaeology and ends with Zoology. Here’s the blurb right off the ArizonaGuide.com website: Whether it’s the thrill of an unparalleled outdoor adventure amid some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet, an exotic sun-drenched getaway to an indulgent, world-class spa or to examine and experience the rich history and multifaceted cultural offerings of the Grand Canyon State, your visit to Arizona is guaranteed to be one that will lift spirits, warm souls and provide memories for years to come.
That last bit, that will lift spirits, warm souls and provide memories for years to come is a killer comment is it not? That’s one for the I-Inspire section. Build that into your headlines and slogans if you want to zap your AriZoomers into AriAction.
A: AOTThe final A in your MAP. The team at the Arizona Office of Tourism have all the knowledge you need to tap for your MAP. You can even find them here: Travel: Trip Advisor, Kayak, Wikitravel, Squidoo,
GoSeeArizona. Videos & Photos: Flickr, YouTube. Social Networks: Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, FriendFeed, del.icio.us.
Here’s a list of AOT’s things to do and tags lines. You can use any or all of these in your MAP to tell, talk, inspire your clients into action. Check these out. See what works for you: The Grand Canyon: Explore this breathtaking wonder; Arizona Origins: Discover unique sites & attractions; Outdoor Recreation: Find outdoor diversions year-round; Arts, Culture & Heritage Experience a diverse past & present; Scenic Roads: Take the road less traveled; Dining: Savour cuisine of every kind; Shopping: Stroll local shops or hit the mall; Driving Tours: Discover natural wonders; Spas: Indulge yourself in luxury; Family Fun: Play in a natural theme park; Special Interests: Visit a farm or volunteer at a park; Golf: Tee up on one of 300+ courses; Sports: Witness big league action. Or they could just Dance the night away.
That’s it. You’ve got the makings of your MAP and if you follow through, like all maps you’ll end up somewhere – make sure it’s Arizona and not somewhere else because those GORGEous commissions are only here in Arizona! n
46 arizona SepTember 2009 Canadian Traveller 62
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Here’s a list of Canadian tour operators and major retail operations selling Arizona – from air and hotels to FIT packages and escorted tours.
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Airliners www.airliners.ca
Alio www.alio.ca
Anderson Vacations www.canadatravelsolution.com
Carte Postale Tours www.cartepostale.ca
Collette Vacations www.collettevacations.ca
Contiki Holidays www.contiki.com
Cosmos www.cosmos.com
DeNure Tours www.denuretours.com
Fehr-Way Tours www.fehrwaytours.com
Gendron www.gendrontravel.com
Geo Tours www.geotours.net
Globus Family of Brands www.globusjourneys.ca
Gold Crest Tours www.goldcresttours.com
Golf Away Tours www.golfawaytours.com
Golf Holidays West www.golfholidayswest.com
Golf Resort World www.golfresortworld.com
Golf the World Vacations www.golftheworldvacations.com
Great Canadian Holidays www.bigbluecoach.com
Groupe Voyages Quebec www.groupevoyagesquebec.com
Gryphon Golf www.gryphongolf.com
Hanover Holidays www.hanoverholidays.com
Holiday House www.holidayhouse.ca
Incursions Voyages www.incursion-voyages.com
Insight Vacations www.insightvacations.com
Intair www.intair.com
International Golf Vacations www.internationalgolfvacations.com
Intrepid Travel www.intrepidtravel.com
Kumuka www.kumuka.com
Merit www.merit.ca
Merit Golf Vacations www.merit.ca
Merit Longstays www.merit.ca
Misa Tours International www.misatours.ca
Nagel Tours www.nageltours.com
Ottawa Valley Tours www.ottawavalleytours.com
Pacific Gold Tours www.pacificgoldtours.com
Pathway Tours www.pathwaytours.com
Queensway Tours www.queenswaytours.ca
Quest Nature Tours www.questnaturetours.com
River Tours & Vacations Travel www.riverstours.com
Royal Pacific Destinations www.royalpacificdestinations.com
Royal Scenic www.royalscenic.com
Simply Escape www.simplyescape.ca
Spa & Wellness Holidays www.spa-and-wellness-holidays.com
Sportvac Tours www.sportvac.com
Sunwest Tours www.sunwesttours.com/tours.html
Total Vacations www.totalvacations.ca
Tours Chanteclerc www.tourschanteclerc.com
Trafalgar Tours www.trafalgartours.ca
Travac www.travactours.com
Trek Holidays www.trekholidays.com
Ultimate Golf Vacations www.ultimategolf.ca
Westjet Vacations www.westjetvacations.com
In Phoenix
Step outside into the sun. Explore one dazzling Sonoran Desert landscape after another. Then go wherever the day takes you. Welcome to Greater Phoenix, where you will always shine on.
To learn more about what Phoenix has to offer, contact Ryan Edmiston at 602-452-6242 or [email protected]
Greater Phoenix Convention & Vis itors Bureau | VISITPHX.COM
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SHINE ON
CVB_2127 CanTrav_Sep09v2.indd 1 8/14/09 9:09:31 AM
