frommer's arizona 2004

[...]... Arizona Southern Arizona is a region of great contrasts, from desert lowlands to mountain “islands” to vast grassy plains Milehigh elevations also account for southeastern Arizona having one of the most temperate climates in the world The mild climate has attracted lots of retirees, and it also brings in rare birds (and birders) and helps support a small wine industry The western part of southern Arizona. .. communities Western Arizona Although Arizona is a landlocked state, its western region is bordered by hundreds of miles of lakeshore that were created by the damming of the Colorado River Consequently, the area has come to be known as Arizona s West Coast Despite the fact that the low-lying lands of this region are among the hottest places in the state during the summer (and the warmest in winter), Arizona s... information, contact the Arizona Office of Tourism, 1101 W Washington St., Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (& 866/2755816 or 602/364-3700; www .arizona guide.com) Nearly every city and town in Arizona has either a tourism office or a chamber of commerce that can also provide information See the individual chapters for details on how to contact these sources MONEY 21 Destination: Arizona Red Alert Checklist... are historic Prescott, the former territorial capital of Arizona, and the old mining town of Jerome, which has now become something of an artists’ community Several ancient Indian ruins and petroglyph sites can be found here as well The Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona Home to the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world, northern Arizona is a vast and sparsely populated region comprised... See chapter 10 for details WESTERN ARIZONA How about a little dinner theater in the shadow of the London Bridge? At the London Arms Pub & Playhouse, 422 English Village (& 928/855-8782), you can catch live theater and savor some of the best food in Lake Havasu City See chapter 11 for details 1 The Best of Arizona P lanning a trip to a state as large and diverse as Arizona involves a lot of decision... Troon North (Scottsdale; & 888/207-9696): Located in north Scottsdale not far from the Boulders, this is the most luxurious resort in Arizona The setting is dramatic, the accommodations are spacious, and the next-door neighbor is one of Arizona s top golf courses See p 86 Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (Phoenix; & 800/950-0086): Combining discreet service and the architectural styling of Frank Lloyd Wright,... economic and population center of the state, and is Arizona s main winter and spring vacation destination It is here that you’ll find the greatest concentrations of resorts and golf courses It is also where you’ll find the worst traffic congestion and highest resort rates Central Arizona This region lies between Phoenix and the high country of northern Arizona and includes the red-rock country around... at home? If you’re a member of AAA, remember that you can get a map and guidebook covering Arizona and New Mexico You can also request the club’s free Southwestern CampBook, which includes campgrounds in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, by calling your local AAA chapter 3 Money What will a vacation in Arizona cost? That depends on your comfort needs If you drive an RV or carry a tent, you can... 520/571-0400, or go to www.tucsonopen.pgatour.com February 23 to 29, 2004 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Cowboy festival and rodeo at the ARIZONA CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tucson Rodeo Grounds, including the Tucson Rodeo Parade, one of the world’s largest nonmotorized parades Call & 800/964-5662 or 520/741-2233, or go to www tucsonrodeo.com February 25 to 29, 2004 Flagstaff Winterfest, Flagstaff Snowshoeing and cross-country... many Arizona families With a houseboat, you aren’t tied to one spot and can cruise from one scenic beach to the next See chapters 7 and 11 • Lounging by the Pool: While most Arizona resorts are geared 12 CHAPTER 1 THE BEST OF ARIZONA primarily toward adults, there are a handful in Phoenix and Tucson that have extensive pool complexes The kids can play in the sand, shoot down a water slide, or even . Districts 359 Southern Arizona 383 Western Arizona 419 Index 455 CONTENTS vi 1 The Natural Environment . . . . .445 Arizona: Hollywood Back Lot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .446 2 Arizona Today Attractions 116 Central Arizona 159 Sedona & Vicinity 181 The Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona 205 Flagstaff 207 Grand Canyon South Rim 225 The Four Corners Region 255 Eastern Arizona s High. .18 Contents List of Maps vi What’s New in Arizona 1 The Best of Arizona 4 1 1 The Regions in Brief . . . . . . . . .19 2 Visitor Information . . . . . . . . . .20 Destination: Arizona Red Alert Checklist