http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html Find out the latest Arizona vacation tips, reviews, destinations and breaking Arizona travel info at Jeff and Paula's blog on their arizona-vacation-planner.com web site. en-us Arizona vacation Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:42:45 GMT Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:42:45 GMT arizona-vacation-planner.com http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-vacations.html Grand Canyon vacations should be on everyone's to-do list. Find out about visiting Grand Canyon Arizona, Grand Canyon hotels, restaurants, attractions, weather and travel tips. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:42:44 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-tourism.html North Rim Grand Canyon tourism is often overlooked by most travelers but a visit here is worth it. Find out about the attractions at Grand Canyon North Rim including hiking, wildlife, and views. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:58:55 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Discover-Arizona-Birding-Hot-Spots-during-the-Southwest-Wings-Festival For a superb introduction to southeastern Arizona birds, Arizona birding and nature, head to the <b>Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival</b>, running August 4-8, 2010, at the Knight's of Columbus Hall in Sierra Vista. <style type="text/css"> .caption{font: 8pt Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #999966;}</style> <table width="172" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/eleganttrogon08.jpg" alt="Elegant Trogon" width="172" height="220" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The elegant trogon is one of the most sough-after birds in southeastern Arizona</td> </tr> </table> The southeastern Arizona town of <b>Sierra Vista</b> sits at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains. It's famous among birders for being so close to many of the great Arizona birding hot spots including Ramsey Canyon, the San Pedro River, Miller Canyon, Garden Canyon and Carr Canyon. These biodiversity hot spots bring birders and natural history buffs to the wildlands around Sierra Vista to see Arizona's bird specialties such as the zone-tailed hawk, painted redstart, violet-crowned hummingbird, rose- throated becard, and that holy grail of birds - the <b>elegant trogon</b>. This part of southeastern Arizona is also famous for its many colorful and unique species of butterflies, dragonflies, insects, reptiles, mammals, and almost 1,000 species of plants. The 5-day Southwest Wings Festival is a birding and nature extravaganza featuring a wide variety of activities for every level of interest from budding naturalists to expert birders. Workshops range from learning wildlife photography techniques and how to build a nestbox to identifying dragonflies and observing hummingbird banding. Lecture topics will include an update on the <b>Northern Jaguar Project</b>, the re-introduction of Gould's Turkey to southeastern Arizona, and how to bird by ear. The most popular events - the field trips - will take you to some of the best birding locales in southeastern Arizona including the <b>Chiricahua Mountains</b>, Miller Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains, St. David, the San Bernadino National Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Huachuca. This year's keynote speaker is popular tour guide and birder <b>Rick Taylor</b>, founder of Borderland Tours and author of the essential <i>Birder's Guide to Southeastern Arizona</i>. The festival will be the official release site of Rick's new book, <i>Birds of Southeastern Arizona</i>. Whether you're new to birding or are a lifelong "lifelister," the Southwest Birding and Nature Festival will open your eyes to the beauty of southeastern Arizona. For a complete calendar of events and prices: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:52:16 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-location.html The Grand Canyon location can be a source of confusion for many. Where is the Grand Canyon? Find where the Grand Canyon is located and driving times and distances from major cities in the area. Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:48:30 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-north-rim-lodging.html Find out about Grand Canyon North Rim lodging including room types, availability, amenities and locations. Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:47:45 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/map-of-grand-canyon.html Don't start exploring the park without a map of Grand Canyon. Get free Grand Canyon maps. Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:23:27 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-az-hotels.html Grand Canyon AZ hotels put you close to all the park's attractions. Find out about South Rim Grand Canyon National Park lodging including lodging including lodge info, room rates and facts. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:02:13 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/hotels-near-grand-canyon.html Staying in hotels near Grand Canyon rather than in the park can be a less costly alternative. Find out more about Tusayan AZ lodging outside the Grand Canyon South Rim. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:28:51 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-attractions.html Discover the best South Rim Grand Canyon attractions including hiking, mule trips and California condors. Find out what to see and which Grand Canyon activities you shouldn't miss. Mon, 24 May 2010 00:45:31 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/grand-canyon-imax.html The Grand Canyon IMAX movie is one of the popular Grand Canyon activities, but it's not in Grand Canyon National Park. Find out about the IMAX movie, ticket prices and what it's like. Sat, 22 May 2010 01:40:50 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/star-wars-concert.html The Star Wars Concert is still touring U.S. cities including Tucson. Don't miss your chance to see this one-of-a-kind concert with film clips, lasers and C3PO. Buy tickets before they sell out. Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:55:11 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/hotel-in-tempe-az.html Searching for a hotel in Tempe AZ? See our list of best hotels near ASU and Angels spring training, including rates and amenities. Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:46:30 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/hotel-in-scottsdale-arizona.html Scottsdale is a popular travel spot, so finding a good hotel in Scottsdale Arizona is easy. But rooms can fill up fast. Search for hotels in Scottsdale Arizona and find out about amenities and costs. Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:20:24 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/hotels-in-peoria-arizona.html Looking for hotels in Peoria Arizona? See our list of the best Peoria Arizona hotels close to Mariners spring training, Padres spring training and Arrowhead Shopping Centers. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:32:59 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/downtown-phoenix-hotel.html Looking for a downtown Phoenix hotel? Find out which are near the Phoenix Convention Center, room rates and amenities. Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:22:09 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/chicago-cubs-spring-training-schedule.html See the complete Chicago Cubs Spring Training Schedule plus buy Cubs spring training tickets. It's best to purchase tickets early as the Cubs are one of the most popular Cactus League baseball teams. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:09:03 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-snow-play.html When there isn't enough snow for skiing, Arizona snow play areas usually have snow for sledding, tubing, snowball fights and making snowmen. Find where the best sites are by Flagstaff and Tucson... Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:30:19 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Winter-has-arrived-at-JW-Marriott-Starr-Pass-Resort-and-Spa This January and February, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort invites you to glide into <b>Arctic Pass</b>, Southern Arizona's only outdoor ice-skating rink, for some winter fun ...in the desert. <table width="369" border="0" align="center"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/starrpassresort110.jpg" alt="Ice Rink at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort" width="369" height="210" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The Ice Rink at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort</td> </tr> </table> You'll be able to look out on the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and get a 360-degree view of scenic mountains and saguaro cactus while you swirl and twirl around the 1,500 sq. ft custom ice rink. Also beginning in January, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort will launch a special <b>"Dine & Skate" package</b>, in which guests dining at Primo, Signature Grill or the new Catalina BBQ Co. & Sports Bar can enjoy unlimited ice skating after their meal for only $3 per person. A lunch or dinner entree must be purchased to take advantage of the $3 rate. This is also a good opportunity to savor some of Tucson's best barbeque at the all-new <b>Catalina BBQ Co. & Sports Bar</b>. Opening in January, Catalina BBQ Co. & Sports Bar will feature house-smoked meats and homemade sauces and rubs. In addition, anyone can simply skate the day or night away surrounded by the beauty of the desert. Enjoy <b>unlimited skating</b> for only $10 per person. While you're there, hike the nearby Bowen Trail in Tucson Mountain Park or relax on the patio with a refreshing margarita. Arctic Pass will be open Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., January 3 through February 14. Lunch or dinner reservations can be made online at jwmarriottstarrpass.com. JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort is one of our favorite Tucson resorts. We always enjoy our visits here and especially like the great pools and wonderful spa. Click here to see Starr Pass Resort photos and read our <a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/starr-pass-resort.html"><b>JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort review</b></a>. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:19:19 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/williams-arizona-ski.html The Williams Arizona Ski Area, also called Elk Ridge Ski Area, is a nice spot for families and beginning skiers and snowboarders with deals on ski rentals and lessons, plenty of easier runs and tubing Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:32:57 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/tucson-az-restaurants.html There are plenty of inexpensive Tucson AZ Restaurants. Check out this list of some of the best bargain bites around town, including Tucson lunch and breakfast spots. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:06:41 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-indian-reservations.html Driving on Arizona Indian reservations requires some advance knowledge. See tips for traveling on Arizona Indian Nations. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:10:36 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/unpaved-roads.html Driving unpaved roads in Arizona offers some of the most scenic driving in the state. But before you begin your back road adventure, get up to speed on driving unpaved roads and travel tips. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:05:59 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-speed-traps.html Although law enforcement may say otherwise, Arizona speed traps do seem to occur in many locales around the state. Get the scoop on speed traps in Arizona and where they are most frequently found. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:24:28 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-speed-limit.html The Arizona speed limit varies according to the type of road and area that you're driving in. Find out general Arizona speed limits for freeways, highways and city streets. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:18:36 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-smoking-ban.html The Arizona Smoking Ban went into effect on May 1, 2007. Find out where smoking is prohibited and where it's still allowed. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:26:25 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-wildfires.html Arizona wildfires are common in both the mountains and deserts. Find out when and where current wildfire restrictions and closures are in place before you hike or camp. Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:33:05 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-time.html What is Arizona time? Find out the current time in Arizona, why there is no Arizona daylight saving time and the Arizona time zone. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:50:14 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/payson-weather.html Payson weather is moderate and this mountain area enjoys a four season climate. See complete Payson AZ weather information including current forecast, seasonal conditions and monthly climate summary. Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:54:24 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Explore-the-Desert-Night-during-the-Phoenix-Desert-Botanical-Garden-Flashlight-Tours A walk in the desert on a summer evening can be a magical experience. After the extreme heat of the day, the desert comes alive as twilight falls and the air cools. <table width="199" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/desertbotanicalgarden108.jpg" alt="Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden" width="199" height="260" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">Cardon cactus and boojums at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden</td> </tr> </table> But, if you're worried about just what you might encounter during a desert night, sign up for one of the Desert Botanical Garden's Flashlight Tours. All you need is a pair of comfy walking shoes and a flashlight to explore the safe and easy walking paths at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. You'll see the magnificent, pearlescent flowers of the night-blooming cereus cactus and the soaring flight of nighthawks as they hunt for an insect meal on the wing. You may even hear the calls of toads and owls. The Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours are a great family friendly activity and are quite popular, so be sure to make reservations in advance. <TABLE align="center" width="468"> <TR> <TD> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-5087358959428542"; /* GLinkUnitMidPg468x15MdGrn */ google_ad_slot = "1342527580"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> The Flashlight Tours are free with admission to the garden and are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday evenings from 7 - 9 pm in July and August. For admission prices and additional details: Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:25:47 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/payson-arizona-lodging.html Find Payson Arizona lodging. See listing of best Payson hotels and motels and book rooms. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:33:57 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/payson-attractions.html Payson may be a small town but there are many Payson attractions to keep you busy. Our list has the best things to do in Payson including visiting lakes, hiking, fishing, gaming and shopping. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:53:57 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/glendale-arizona-restaurants.html There are Glendale Arizona restaurants all over town, but two areas have the most diverse dining options: Westgate City Center and Downtown Glendale. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:57:45 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/sahuaro-ranch-park.html Step back in time at historic Sahuaro Ranch Park. Learn about Glendale's farming past, tour the homestead or visit the chickens in the barnyard, the rose garden, picnic areas or dog park. Sun, 31 May 2009 21:18:07 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/resorts-in-sedona.html There are several resorts in Sedona but we've picked our favorite three Sedona resorts because most of the others are timeshare properties. We think these are the best and they all have red rock views Wed, 27 May 2009 23:35:44 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/renaissance-glendale-hotel.html Get close to the action at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel. This large, contemporary lodging is right next to all the sports and entertainment at Westgate Center, Jobing Arena and Cardinals football... Thu, 21 May 2009 04:16:40 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Fiesta-de-las-Aves-Celebrates-the-Return-of-the-Birds-to-SE-AZ If you love birds, you probably know that southeastern Arizona is one of the <b>top birding hotspots</b> in the U.S. Birders and nature lovers come from all over the world to see both migratory and resident species like the elegant trogon, broad-billed hummingbird and zone-tailed hawk. Whether you're an avid birder or just learning how to tell a robin from a roadrunner, you can learn a lot about southeastern Arizona's rare and unique birds at the annual <b>Fiesta de las Aves</b> ("Festival of the Birds"), running May 11 through May 16, 2009. Fiesta de las Aves is organized by the <b>Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory</b>, a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats in southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. <table width="172" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/eleganttrogon08.jpg" alt="Elegant Trogon" width="172" height="220" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The elegant trogon is one of the most sought after birds in southeastern Arizona</td> </tr> </table> Like the migrating birds it celebrates, the Fiesta de las Aves is a roaming event with activities happening in some of the best birding locations in Cochise and Santa Cruz counties. Lucky participants get to search for birds and other wildlife in scenic and biologically rich locations including the <b>Chiricahua Mountains</b>, the Huachuca Mountains</b>, the San Pedro River and Patagonia Lake. Popular tours include the <b>Cave Creek Canyon Owl Prowl</b>, the Patagonia Lake Bird Walk and <b>Hummingbird Banding</b> in Carr Canyon. The Fiesta de las Aves follows the nationwide celebration of the <b>16th annual International Migratory Bird Day</b> on May 9, 2009, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To register for tours and see a complete schedule: Wed, 06 May 2009 04:33:46 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#It's-Fiesta-Time-at-the-Tucson-Mariachi-Conference-2009 It may be called a conference but the <b>Tucson Mariachi Conference</b> is anything but a dull business meeting. This amazing festival gives young Mariachi students a chance to study with some of the best Mariachi performers in the world while everyone else has a chance to see some top caliber musicians in action. The week-long annual La Frontera <b>Tucson International Mariachi Conference 2009</b> also includes colorful baile folklrico dancers, a traditional Mass and ends with a fun fiesta in the park. For those who aren't familiar, <b>Mariachi music</b> is one of the signature musical styles of Mexico. This bright, joyous music bursts with passion and makes even the most rhythmically-challenged toe tap to its infectious melodies. <table width="270" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/mariachis20009.jpg" alt="International Mariachi Conference Tucson" width="270" height="200" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">A Mariachi band in traditional dress</td> </tr> </table> <b>Mariachi bands</b> are generally comprised of trumpets, violins, a guitarrn (looks like a giant guitar on steroids) and a vihuela (a small guitar with 5 strings and a rounded back). Band members dress in the traditional silver-studded and embroidered charro-style outfits: a short jacket and trousers (or long skirts for women) and broad-brimmed sombreros. All week during the Tucson Mariachi Conference, Mariachi students attend special workshops with the professional musicians and dancers. But you don't have to be a Mariachi student to participate. There are several great public events that feature Mariachi bands and baile folklrico dancers: Thursday evening (4/23 at 7:00 p.m.): <b>The Participant Showcase</b> at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) Arena - where students show off what they've learned. Here's where you can look for future mariachi stars. Friday evening (4/24 at 5:00 p.m.): <b>Serenata Y Cena Dinner</b> - Enjoy a delicious Mexican meal while you're serenaded by professional mariachis. Friday evening (4/24 at 7:30 p.m.): <b>The Espectacular Concert</b> at the TCC Arena the Tucson Mariachi Conference's big extravaganza features some of the finest Mariachi groups in the world. This year's headliner is Linda Ronstadt, a Tucson native. She'll be appearing along with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitln , Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo and Eugenia Len. Saturday morning (4/25 at 9:00 a.m.): <b>The Mariachi Mass</b> in St. Augustine Cathedral a traditional Catholic Mass featuring Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Saturday all day (4/25 10:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m.): <b>Fiesta de Garibaldi</b>, in Reid Park, is a wonderful outdoor festival that recreates the sights and sounds of colorful Garibaldi Plaza in Mexico City. For just $5, you'll see dozens of Mariachi bands and folklrico dancers perform on two stages. Bring your own lawn chair or relax on the grass. There are also arts and crafts booths and vendors selling Mexican food specialties such as carne asada, grilled corn and horchata. Children 12 and under get in free. All proceeds from the conference benefit children's services at La Frontera Center, a behavioral health agency supporting children and families in southern Arizona. Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:52:16 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/flagstaff-bed-and-breakfast.html Flagstaff has plenty of hotels but if you're looking for a unique lodging experience, try a Flagstaff bed and breakfast. Flagstaff B&Bs offer everything from charming, historic homes to rustic inns Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:02:35 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Go-Birdy-the-Verde-at-the-Verde-Valley-Birding-and-Nature-Festival One of the best ways to celebrate spring in Arizona is to go birding and the 9th annual <b>Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival</b> is one of the best events to see birds and get to know this scenic area better. Arizona's Verde Valley, tucked between Sedona and Prescott, is one of best bird watching with its prime birding habitat that includes riparian woodlands, streams and grasslands. The spring season offers a birding bonanza as winter species are still here and spring bird species are starting to migrate in. <table width="253" border="0" align="left"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/verderiver07.jpg" alt="Verde River" width="253" height="180" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The Verde River runs through Dead Horse Ranch State Park</td> </tr> </table> This half-week Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival is held at <b>Dead Horse Ranch State Park</b> in Cottonwood and runs this year from April 23 to April 26. A scenic stretch of the 180-mile <b>Verde River</b> flows right through this beautiful park. It's an important river because it is one of the last free-flowing desert rivers in the Southwest. The river and surrounding habitat supports a rich assemblage of wildlife including river otters, beavers, southwestern bald eagles and southwestern willow flycatchers. Although the Verde River is the park's centerpiece, the truly special feature is the <b>Fremont Cottonwood/Gooding willow riparian gallery forest</b> along the river's banks. This is one of five remaining stands of this type of forest in Arizona and one of less than 20 such habitats in the world. It's a habitat where life along the river changes seasonally as different groups of migrating birds and other animals arrive and depart the area. The Verde Valley Birding Festival celebrates this and other Verde Valley area birding gems with tours to local birding hotspots including: <ul> <li>Page Springs,</li> <li>Tavasci Marsh,</li> <li>Oak Creek Canyon,</li> <li>and surrounding habitats of Prescott and Flagstaff.</li> </ul> Depending on your luck, you might see birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, black hawk, vesper sparrow, Yuma clapper rail, pine siskin and ash-throated flycatcher. This year's festival theme is "River is the Reason" and several field trips and lectures focus on the Verde River Greenway and its importance to the wildlife, plants and communities of the area. In addition to birding trips, other Verde Valley Birding Festival events include: <ul> <li>seminars and classes such as birding basics, butterflies for birders, wildlife photography and landscaping for wildlife;</li> <li>visits to the Willow Brook Organic Farm, Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards and Alcantara Winery;</li> <li>cultural tours of <b>Tuzigoot National Monument</b> and Montezuma Castle National Monument - the sites of ancient Native American pueblos;</li> <li>a trip to the Flagstaff volcanic fields;</li> <li>an all day trip to Grand Canyon National Park to see <b>California Condors</b> including lunch at historic El Tovar Hotel.</li> </ul> Verde Valley Birding Festival's <b>Family Nature Fair</b> on Saturday, April 25, is a chance to introduce kids to birding. Along with educational exhibits, there are special presentations such as learning about bighorn sheep and venomous critters of the desert. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:23:22 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Butterfly-Magic-at-the-Tucson-Botanical-Gardens There may still be rainy, snowy and cold weather around much of the U.S. but you can get a taste of spring at <b>Butterfly Magic at the Tucson Botanical Gardens</b>. Every year, the Tucson Botanical Gardens turns their tropical glasshouse into a flower- and nectar-filled paradise for these winged jewels. It's a popular event and a special treat to get up close and personal with hundreds of gorgeous <b>tropical butterflies</b>. You'll see <b>over 100 different species</b> from Australia, Asia, Africa and the tropical Americas. Not only do these colorful beauties flit and flutter around you, but you just might be lucky enough to have one land on your hand. <table width="202" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/tucsonbotanicalgarden09.jpg" alt="Tropical Butterfly at Tucson Botanical Gardens" width="202" height="170" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">A tropical butterfly at the Tucson Botanical Gardens</td> </tr> </table> Be sure to visit the <b>Emergence Room</b> where you can watch butterflies emerging from the chrysalides. It's a magical sight to see a butterfly crawl out of its protective, shell-like envelope, where it has metamorphosed from a caterpillar, and watch its brilliantly-colored wings unfurl for the very first time. Butterfly Magic at the Tucson Botanical Gardens runs now through March 31, 2009. The exhibit is open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit year round. To see photos and read our review, see our <a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/tucson-botanical-gardens.html"><b>Tucson Botanical Gardens page</b></a>. For ticket prices, behind-the-scenes tour info and further details: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:13:35 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Arizona-Restaurant-Week:-Sample-the-Finest-Food-for-Less Arizona food lovers have reason to celebrate this week. Arizona will have its first ever <b>Arizona Restaurant Week</b>, at restaurants in the Phoenix valley, starting today, Saturday September 20, 2008 and continuing through Friday, September 26, 2008. What is Arizona Restaurant Week? If you've lived or traveled in, say, New York or San Francisco, you may have encountered similar events. Essentially, participating restaurants offer <b>three-course menus</b> for a <b>reduced, flat rate</b> during a time of year that is traditionally a slow month for the restaurants. These culinary events have been extremely popular and successful in many cities. The quality and diversity of Arizona restaurants has really boomed in the past few years, so the time was ripe for Arizona restaurants to start their own event. <b>Sam Fox</b>, restaurateur extraordinaire, founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts and owner of many successful eateries including Bloom, North, Sauce and Olive & Ivy, was the catalyst for getting the event started. <table width="260" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/bloomrestaurantdessert170.jpg" alt="Bloom Restaurant Scottsdale AZ" width="260" height="170" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The sinfully delicious Bars of Sin dessert at Bloom restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ</td> </tr> </table> So what will Arizona diners get? Close to <b>100 Valley of the Sun restaurants</b> will have special three-course, fixed-price menus at the value price of <b>$29/person or $58/couple</b> (excluding tax, tip and beverage). The courses will consist of your choice of a starter, entree and dessert. Participating restaurants range from resort restaurants like Wright's at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Trader Vic's at the Hotel Valley Ho to independents such as Sol y Sombra and Malee's Thai Bistro. <b>Sample restaurants and their menus</b> include: <ul> <li><b>Bloom:</b> fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, red onion and sweet basil with estate olive oil; pan-roasted salmon with fingerling potato, asparagus and Pommery mustard; warm white peach and raspberry crepe.</li> <li><a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/cowboy-ciao.html"><b>Cowboy Ciao:</b></a> Stetson chopped salad with smoked salmon; exotic mushroom pan fry with avocado, tomato, cotija cheese and grilled polenta; lemon tart with lavender shortbread crust, seasonal berries in lavender syrup, lemon/lavender creme fraiche ice cream.</li> <li><a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/deseo-restaurant.html"><b>Deseo</b></a> rainbow ceviche with white soy, citrus, sesame seeds and pickled jalapenos; bone-in rib eye with achiote chimichurri, garlic potatoes and scallions; dulce de leche flan.</li> Arizona Restaurant Week is a great way to try new restaurants that otherwise might have seemed too expensive. No tickets are necessary but it is recommended that you <b>make reservations</b> at the restaurants you want to try because this is expected to be a very popular event. All of the participating restaurants will still be offering their standard menus in addition to the fixed-price menus. Unfortunately, only Phoenix area restaurants will be participating in this first Arizona Restaurant Week. However, next year Tucson and Flagstaff restaurants are expected to participate. For a complete list of participating restaurants and sample menus: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:26:08 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/flagstaff-arizona-restaurants.html Flagstaff Arizona restaurants run the gamut from coffee shops to gourmet fine dining. Check out our list of favorite places to eat in Flagstaff AZ. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:52:52 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Road-Construction-Ongoing-Along-Sedona-Highway-179 This past August, we spent several days in Sedona and found that road construction is still in full swing on State Route 179 (aka Highway 179). If you haven't visited Sedona in awhile, you'll see some changes during your next trip. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) continues to make major improvements along Highway 179 all the way to the famous "Y" intersection at Highway 89A in Uptown Sedona. Besides being the only major thoroughfare, the 9-mile stretch of Highway 179 from the Village of Oak Creek to the "Y" has gorgeous red rock views and access to popular hiking and biking trails. On weekends, the road was often backed up with tourists trying to pull over to savor the scenery or park in small turnouts at trailheads. The ADOT's $100 million State Route 179 project was designed to ease the congestion along this route and improve safety. The improved sections of Highway 179 have more left lane turnouts, bike and pedestrian lanes, a divided median to prevent improper left turns and roundabouts to smooth out the kinks in the traffic. <table width="312" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/sedonaroundabouts208.jpg" alt="Sedona Highway 179 roundabout" width="312" height="150" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">Bell Rock looms behind a newly constructed roundabout in the Village of Oak Creek</td> </tr> </table> What ADOT didnt do was create a four-lane highway, which Sedona residents feared would harm the small towns atmosphere. Almost all of the work is done in the Village of Oak Creek area. However, construction is ongoing from Back O Beyond Road to the Y intersection. Was it hard for us to get around in all that construction? Not really. The Arizona Department of Transportation has done a good job of keeping traffic moving and using flaggers to stop traffic when drivers need to turn across oncoming lanes. Dont let Sedonas highway construction stop you from visiting. Just plan to give yourself a few extra minutes to get to where you need to go, especially during morning or evening commute hours. When construction is complete by the end of 2009, driving through Sedona will be just as scenic as ever and a whole lot easier. For more Sedona travel advice, check out our <a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/sedona-travel-tips.html"><b>Sedona travel tips</b></a> page. For details and updates on State Route 179 construction: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:10:03 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Learn-Your-Lizards-at-One-of-the-Best-Arizona-Gardens Walk through the Arizona desert and you're almost guaranteed to see one of the most common <b>desert animals</b> - a lizard. <table width="233" border="0" align="left"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/asdmcollared07.jpg" alt="Collared lizard" width="233" height="190" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">A collared lizard basks on a rock in Arizona</td> </tr> </table> These quick-moving, generally small and often colorful reptiles are fun to watch and are a special delight to children. Not to worry; there's no need to fear them. Most of Arizona's lizards are harmless. In addition to just being fascinating, lizards eat lots of insects and, so, are beneficial to have around. A great way to get to know Arizona lizards better is by joining the <b><i>Learn Your Lizards Walk</i></b> at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, near Superior, AZ. This 90-minute walk will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008, starting at 8:30 am. During the <i>Learn Your Lizards Walk</i>, you'll explore the Boyce Thompson Arboretum with expert guides and reptile researchers Abi King and Mike Sredl. They'll help you identify the half dozen or so lizard species that live on the grounds of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum plus discuss how Arizona lizards live and why they do things like "pushups' and sunning. Some of the lizard species you might see include: <ul> <li>greater earless lizard,</li> <li>Western whiptail lizard,</li> <li.zebra tailed lizard,</li> <li>side blotched lizard.</li> </ul> If you're really lucky, you might even see a tree lizard, chuckwalla or Gila monster. If you haven't been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, take time after the <i>Learn Your Lizards Walk</i> to explore this magnificent 320-acre botanical garden. The Arboretum is world famous for its collection of arid land plants and low water use demonstration gardens. Click here to see photos and read about our visit to the <a href="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/boyce-thompson-arboretum.html"><b>Boyce Thompson Arboretum</b></a>. For more information about the Learn Your Lizards Walk: Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:03:06 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Explore-the-Culture-of-the-Dine The Navajo people - or the Dine ("the People"), as they refer to themselves - have the largest reservation in the United States. <table width="311" border="0" align="left"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/mnafront.jpg" alt="Museum of Northern Arizona Flagstaff AZ" width="311" height="140" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The Museum of Northern Arizona is tucked away in the pines north of downtown Flagstaff</td> </tr> </table> Their nation covers 27,000 square miles on the Colorado Plateau and extends across three states - Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. It's a beautiful, rugged land of dramatically eroded canyons, forested mountains and vast high desert. Many people have gotten a glimpse into Navajo culture through the wonderful and popular mystery novels of author <b>Tony Hillerman</b>. To get to know more about them and of the Navajo "Beauty Way" philosophy of living in harmony with the world, head to the <b>59th annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture</b>, August 2-3. This popular festival at Flagstaff's <b>Museum of Northern Arizona</b> hosts over 75 Navajo artists, storytellers and cultural interpreters from some of the many Navajo clans. This year's festival highlights the famous <b>Navajo Code Talkers</b>, who devised an unbreakable code in the Navajo language during World War II. Their work was instrumental in helping to win the war. See exhibits and lectures on this fascinating subject. The Navajo Festival will also spotlight the fine art of <b>Navajo weaving</b>. Navajo weavers are famous the world over for their beautiful wool rugs. You'll be able to see rug weaving demonstrations, see an exhibit of Navajo textiles and learn more about one of the most famous of the Navajo arts and crafts. Other Navajo Festival highlights include: <ul> <li>Navajo music from Flagstaff's Dine rock trio <i><b>Blackfire</b></i></li> <li>Navajo singer/songwriter <b>Clarence Clearwater</b> who sings traditional songs in Navajo and contemporary songs in English aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.</li> <li>the <b>Pollen Trail Dancers</b>, a traditional children's dance group from Joseph City, will perform dances and an educational fashion show that illustrates the changes in Navajo clothing from ancient to modern times.</li> </ul> There will also be native food demonstrations, an ethnobotanical walk, discussions of Navajo philosophy and linguistics, wool processing, dyeing and weaving demonstrations and an artists' marketplace where you can buy authentic Navajo arts and crafts. For tickets prices, times and details: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:46:11 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#The-121st-Annual-Prescott-Frontier-Days-and-World's-Oldest-Rodeo Today, Prescott Arizona is known as a great summer getaway for desert dwellers looking to escape the summer heat, and as a popular retirement choice for its mild, four-season climate. <table width="193" border="0" align="left"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/rodeobull.jpg" alt="Rodeo bull riding" width="193" height="190" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">Bull riding is one of the most challenging of rodeo events</td> </tr> </table> But did you know that Prescott Arizona was once the Arizona Territorial capital and the <b>birthplace of professional rodeo</b>? Back in its Old West heyday - in 1888 to be exact - some enterprising Prescott businessmen decided that the capital needed a flashier 4th of July event that would bring in the local cowboys and ranch hands to spend their dollars in town. So, they came up with a July Fourth cowboy contest that would have the best riders in the area competing for a small cash prize, bragging rights and - ultimately - spending their money at Prescott's bars along Whiskey Row. Just 121 years later that early business promotion has morphed into the <b>Prescott Frontier Days and World's Oldest Rodeo</b> as well as spawning countless professional rodeos the world over. Beginning on June 30, come to Frontier Days and get a taste of Prescott's Old West past. Just stroll the streets and you'll see honest-to-goodness real cowboys bedecked in cowboy garb of Stetson hats, Wrangler jeans and even hand-tooled leather chaps. Keep an eye out among these crowds for members of the <b>Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour</b>. Grab a partner and kick up your heels at the <b>Rodeo Dance</b>, held on July 3 at 8pm. Don't miss the <b>Kiwanis Kiddie Parade</b> the next morning, on July 4 at 8:30am. Children 12 years and younger dress up in their finest Western duds like cowboy and caballero outfits and patriotic dress. They'll be accompanied by colorfully costumed pets. Stake out a spot early in the historic Courthouse Plaza for the <b>Prescott Frontier Days Parade</b>, on July 5 at 9:00am. Thousands of people come to watch what is the second largest parade in Arizona after the Fiesta Bowl Parade. You'll see a mix of beaded and fringed cowgirls on their equally decorated horses, school marching bands, floats and the Prescott Regulars and their Shady Ladies in 1800s cowboy garb and saloon girl dress. Of all the Prescott Frontier Days events, the <b>World's Oldest Rodeo</b> is the biggest. Theres a competition every night during Frontier Days week. Male and female pro rodeo riders come from all over to compete in saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping and bull riding. The serious competition is broken up by specialty acts including Troy "the Wild Child" Terwill's rodeo cowboy comedy act and the Kiesner Family Wild West Review. For those looking for something a little less exhilarating, there's the <b>Prescott Frontier Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show</b>, held July 4-6 in Courthouse Plaza. For a schedule of events: Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:58:04 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Get-Your-Art-Fix-at-Downtown-Phoenix's-First-Fridays-Art-Walk Although Scottsdale often gets all the press when it comes to art, Phoenix also has its own happening art scene and the best way to discover it is to do the art walk. The monthly Artlink First Fridays art walk gives art lovers a chance to tour over 100 art venues in downtown Phoenix. This is the largest monthly art walk in the U.S. Artlink is a non-profit, all-volunteer arts organization run by artists. Start your art exploration by hopping abroad one of the four shuttle bus routes that leave every 20 minutes from the Phoenix Public Library at McDowell and Central. Make sure to go inside the library first to pick up a free brochure that lists all the member galleries, their locations and the shuttle bus routes. Because Phoenix art galleries are spread out, each shuttle bus route takes you to a different art scene area. Artlink First Fridays is a great chance to meet the artists, see them at work in their studios and hobnob with fellow art enthusiasts. The Phoenix Artlink runs from 6pm to 10pm on the first Friday of each month. For more details about Phoenix Artlink: Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:14:33 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/aji-spa.html The serene Aji Spa is part of the Gila River Indian Community's Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort. This Phoenix spa is the place to experience Native American-inspired treatments in a desert setting. Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:58:12 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/Arizona-Vacation-blog.html#Bizarre-Dinosaur-is-Star-of-Flagstaff-Museums-New-Exhibit If <i>Edward Scissorhands</i> had been a dinosaur he might have looked something like the strange and impressive therizinosaur the star of Flagstaffs Museum of Northern Arizonas newest exhibit: <i><b>Therizinosaur Mystery of the Sickle-Claw Dinosaur</b></i>. The exhibit is a milestone for American paleontology. Not only is this the first time the therizinosaur has been on display in North America, this skeleton was discovered right next door in southern Utah, near the town of Big Water. This therizinosaur was found by Museum of Northern Arizona curator of vertebrate paleontology David Gillette and his research team and is the most complete skeleton known for this ancient species. The discovery was a big paleontological surprise as this dinosaur and its relatives had previously only been found in Asia. <style type="text/css"> .caption{font: 8pt Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #999966;}</style> <table width="231" border="0" align="right"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/images/mnasign.jpg" alt="The Museum of Northern Arizona" width="231" height="180" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="caption">The Museum of Northern Arizona</td> </tr> </table> Even more surprising to the scientists was the fact that this terrestrial dinosaur was unearthed in a surprising location - the deposits of a former ocean. Dinosaur fossils are generally found in the sediments laid down by ancient lakes and rivers. The therizinosaur was a giant at 13 feet tall and weighing over 1 ton. Its most distinctive feature was its huge flattened and sickle-shaped claws on each "hand." It was also feathered unlike its possible relative the Tyrannosaurus rex. This particular individual lived over 93 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. This was the heyday of the reptiles when T. rex walked the earth, plesiosaurs swam the seas and giant pterosaurs flapped overhead. The <i>Therizinosaur Mystery of the Sickle-Claw Dinosaur</i> exhibit displays the bones just as the paleontologists found them. Theres also a robosaur an animated replica of the therizinosaur which shows you how it moved. Other displays discuss theories on the creatures diet and habits as well as vivid artists dioramas depicting the dinosaurs life. The exhibit opened on September 16 and runs through March 29, 2009. For Museum of Northern Arizona details: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:50:54 GMT http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/arizona-vacation-sitesearch.html We've packed a lot of tips and info into one site. Use the Arizona Vacation SiteSearch to find what you need to know before you go. Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:52:05 GMT