As Grand as the Canyon is (and it is spec-TAC-ular!), Arizona’s charms don’t end there.
With a dramatically varying landscape that rises and falls by thousands of feet over the expanse of the state, it’s possible to begin a day trip on a flat, cactus-sprinkled desert baked dry by the scorching heat, and four hours later find yourself in a soaring pine forest of cool evergreens, reaching for your jacket. Along the way you can encounter deep gorges at the bottom of which are clear running creeks, surreal slot canyons sculpted by flash floods, or vermillion cliffs on whose shallow ledges lie ancient dwellings built centuries ago.
Whether or not you consider yourself spiritual in any traditional sense, you cannot help but feel insignificant when appreciating the natural forces that are responsible for such impressive beauty. In Arizona, the word ‘awesome’ has true meaning and you’ll find yourself reaching for that description time after time.
Maybe that’s why here, the haunting notes of the Hopi Indians’ flute sound like the voice of the land itself, resonating deeply within, both now, and long after you return home.
TIP: Many of Arizona’s most-visited sights are on land belonging to Native American tribes, and some places have very limited accommodations for visitors. If you are planning your trip around seeing specific parts of the state, be sure to book your hotels in that area in advance. Hotels can be far apart, with long stretches of driving between. And if you are thinking of taking a mule down to Phantom Ranch, the only accommodation at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, start your planning a year in advance! (unless you are really lucky and there’s a cancellation)
READ MORE ARTICLES ON WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ARIZONA:
Where to Discover Art in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson’s artistic side really shines in some unexpected places in the city, a few of which Henk and I discovered by accident, some intentionally, and each had its own unique appeal. Here are a few of the more unusual places where you can discover art in Tucson, and a little farther afield.
Enjoying a Taste of Tucson at SAVOR Culinary Festival
When Henk and I decided to visit Tucson, Arizona this winter, it was primarily for its dark desert skies and the opportunity to visit some of the area’s many astronomical observatories. What we didn’t realize was that our January visit happened to coincide perfectly with the city’s premier food and wine event: the SAVOR Culinary Festival, a food festival/fundraising event that takes place at Tucson’s Botanical Gardens every year. So of course, we put this item on our list of must-do’s while in the city, and would recommend that anyone visiting the city in January should do the same. Here’s why.
Dinosaurs, Raptors and More at Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
No, it’s not a museum dedicated to the latest Jurassic Park-themed movie. But on a recent visit to Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Henk and I did have the chance to see free-flying raptors (NOT the velociraptor kind), local Arizona wildlife, a mini-aquarium, on-site art gallery and yes, even a few animatronic dinosaurs. All of this variety is what makes a visit to this outdoor museum/garden/attraction one of the most unique things to do in Tucson, and why visitors of all ages and interests will find that there’s something here for everyone.
