Nature & Adventure
Many people think of Arizona as the land of
cactus-studded desert, and they’re understandably surprised
when they discover the state’s immense variety of landscapes
and natural attractions. Certainly some of the world’s lushest
deserts can be found in Arizona; however, lofty peaks, pine
forests and breathtaking canyons are just as much part of the
Arizona adventure. Some of the most remarkable natural
attractions are preserved in six national
forests, twenty-one Native American
reservations, twenty-seven state parks,
and twenty-six national parks, monuments, recreation
areas and historic sites. With raging rivers, shimmering
lakes, fascinating caves, challenging canyons and soaring
mountains, adventure seekers can choose from an exciting
menu.
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Culture & Heritage
An intricate tapestry of cultures is woven throughout
Arizona, blending the distinct heritage of ancient Native
American civilizations with Spanish and Mexican traditions, as
well as those of nineteenth- and twentieth-century explorers
and settlers and the gunslingers of the Old West. Today, while
also preserving and interpreting the remnants of bygone
civilizations at such sites as Montezuma Castle and Homlovi
Ruins, modern Arizona is a cultural oasis showcasing all
aspects of the performing and visual arts. Contemporary art
collections abound statewide, with vibrant art colonies
thriving in smaller non-urban settings such as Sedona, Jerome
and Bisbee. Arizona’s performance venues can quench any
visitor’s thirst for dazzling entertainment and nightlife.
Choices range from Broadway shows and ballet to opera and
symphonies, from top international entertainers to local jazz
ensembles, as well as the many special events
that celebrate the state’s unique heritage.
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Resorts & Ranches
Since the days when travelers relied on the railroad to
transport them to Arizona, it has long been the accommodations
themselves that create the states allure. Grand historic
hotels and resorts – some with “who’s who” guest lists that
date back three quarters of a century or more – still
roll out the welcome mat for visitors today, but offer modern
amenities and comforts to complement their celebrated
past. With addition of scores of gleaming new
properties and world-class spas, many of which regularly
garner recognition as being among the world’s finest, the
choices are quite impressive.
Travelers seeking quaint
bed-and-breakfast lodging are also in luck, as are those
looking to experience a taste of the Old West at one of
several authentic guest ranches.
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Shopping & Entertainment
When it comes to shopping for that perfect vacation
memento or unique outfit, Arizona’s regions and communities
offer choices that range from elegant and exclusive to
eclectic and ethnic. While the state’s urban areas boast
modern shopping and entertainment venues, the smaller
communities often feature collections of shops and boutiques
that reflect their regional architectural style and natural
surroundings. One-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries displaying
handmade objects d’art, and native crafts and haute couture
served up in sophisticated shopping destinations all combine
to make shopping a true Arizona
adventure.
Dining options are equally diverse, offering tastes
to suit any budget and the most discriminating palates. Savor
Southwestern cuisine or a cowboy steak fry at a historic
ranch, nouvelle cuisine overlooking city lights, imaginative
fare served up by award-winning chefs, or a sumptuous
buffet with ticket to a Broadway show to boot.
It’s all part of the Arizona experience.
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Roads & Rides
When you get into the saddle, Arizona
will surpass all of your expectations. There are
thousands of miles of scenic routes in the state, ranging from
smooth asphalt to gravel back-country
roads. The roads are as exceptional as the
destinations to which they lead.
Just picture this:
At 9:00am you are aeting breakfast in
your sophisticated hotel or quaint bed and
breakfast. Only two hours later you are
roaming among mountain views that take your breath away,
to canyon precipices that send your adrenaline rushing,
and lakesides where the outside world seems to disappear.
Before you read all those
books written about the riding opportunities, the best way
to familiarize yourself with the subject
is to read Frank Del Monte's
article : "Ride
On!" in the Southwest Bike
Travel-Zine. As Del Monte's wife says it
in the foreword of his book Motorcycle
Arizona: ". . . I'm heading for Saguaro-filled
desert or pine covered mountains. Looking across the landscape
it's easy to see the image of horse and rider keeping pace in
the shimmering heat waves rising from the desert floor . .
. purring down the mountain, coasting silently through
the twists and turns, down, down, into the valley below. As I
watch a hawk circling aimlessly above us and the sun casting a
red blaze behind the mountain, visions of life on the range
pull me in time after time. Soon the Saguaros are replaced by
towering pines as the bike climbs north on tranquil back roads
away from crowded cities and freeways . . . When you
tour our state of Arizona, be conscious of your shadow along
the road. If it should cast an image of wide-brimmed riders
astride gallant steeds, let your mind ride with them far
across the desert, over Saguaro-covered mountains into box
canyons with hidden caves and gold mines"
Once you take part in the
Arizona Motorcycle ExperineceTM,
you'll come back again and again. We promise! Check out
our guided or self-guided motorcycle
tours and options.
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