| |
Arizona : Ajo
Ajo (pronounced “ah-ho") proudly calls itself “Arizona’s Hometown” located about two hours away from either Phoenix or Tucson. “Ajo” means garlic in Spanish, most historians believe the town derived its name from a Tohono O’odham word meaning “place of colored clay.” Today, the town is a popular tourist destination and jumping-off point for attractions in the vicinity. The town is centered around a Spanish Colonial-style plaza, topped with a red-tiled roof, and garnished with palm trees and bench-lined walkways. Visitors will find a number of intriguing shops and restaurants under the plaza’s covered arcade. Today you will find the town is a prefect retirement spot. As for the name of the town, it is hard to pinpoint. Some say it is from the Spanish word garlic, which Mexican miners found in the area. Others say it came from the Papago Indian word for paint, because this was the area the Indians collected copper minerals to make the paint for their bodies.
Arizona : Benson
Benson serves as the gateway to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Located in the San Pedro Valley, the city offers proximity to both Tucson (45 miles northwest) and Sierra Vista (30 miles south). Other attractions include the San Pedro and Southwestern Excursion Train, the Amerind Museum (15 miles east) and the Holy Trinity Monastery St. David (7 miles south). enson has a unique setting resting in a green valley surrounded by the Dragoon, Whetstone and Winchester Mountains. The town is located on Interstate 10, where State Highway 80 and State Highway 9, begin their path south. Benson is a great place to use as a springboard to travel to many outdoor activities and attractions in southern Arizona . The town is in the historic San Pedro Valley. Benson’s activities are ranching, tourism, mining and a trading hub.
Benson Attractions :
Amerind Foundation
Cochise Stronghold
Gammons Gulch
Happy Valley
Holy Trinity Monastery
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Lazy Horse Guest Ranch
Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area
San Pedro Golf Course
San Pedro Valley Arts & Historical Society
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Singing Wind Book Shop
Texas Canyon
Triangle T Guest Ranch
Turquoise Hills Country Club
Vega-Bray Observatory
Arizona : Bisbee
Bisbee, 90 miles southeast of Tucson, is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County. The community was founded in 1880 and named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine.
This Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper, not to mention the silver, lead and zinc that came from these rich Mule Mountains. By the early 1900s, the Bisbee community was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco.
It had a population of 20,000 people and had become the most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite its culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and shady ladies. In 1908 a fire ravaged most of Bisbee’s commercial district along Main Street,
leaving nothing but a pile of ashes.
Reconstruction began immediately and by 1910 most of the district had been rebuilt and remains completely intact today. Activities began to slow as the mines played out and the population began to shrink; mining operations on a large scale became unprofitable in 1975.
Bisbee has since evolved into an attractive artist colony and retirement community emphasizing monthly special events and tourism. Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm … an uncommon blend of creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure — all wrapped in the splendor of the Old West.
Come stay in Bisbee. Stroll its sidewalks and find delight in the many art galleries, gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, book stores and specialty shops. Visit the charmingly restored neighborhoods of Victorian and European-style homes perched miraculously on the hillsides. Unwind … relax … and find soothing respite from your everyday world. To stop in Bisbee is to stop in time. Nestled in the mile-high Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, Bisbee has maintained an Old World charm seldom found anywhere in the United States.
The fine collection of well-preserved turn of the century Victorian structures are full of old west history and copper mining lore. Old miners’ boarding houses have been refurbished into many charming small bed and breakfast establishments, of which no two are alike.
Former saloons are now quaint shops, antique stores or art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Many travelers return year after year to relax and enjoy a quiet week in Old Bisbee re-discovering these many pleasures.
A popular activity is Bisbee’s excellent self-guided fully illustrated walking tour (visit the Chamber of Commerce office to pick up your free copy). The tour details each historic structure and guides the visitor with
a map. Included in the walking tour is world famous Brewery Gulch, which in its heyday boasted upwards of 47 saloons and was considered the “liveliest spot between El Paso and San Francisco.”
Other activities include the Queen Mine Tour, a trip down into the now inactive copper mine, a visit at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum (a must for history buffs), the historic Muheim House, an outstanding example of 19th century architecture and elegance, and the Lavender Pit Open Mine.
Arizona : Casa Grande
Casa Grande is a city in Pinal County, in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area. The community is in the Mountain Standard time zone. Casa Grande is located northwest of Tucson between Gila Bend and Eloy along Highway 238 near the Santa Cruz River and Picacho Reservoir.
Casa Grande is part of the Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona metro area.
Casa Grande’s economic base is a mix of retail trade, factory outlet shopping, manufacturing and agriculture. Founded in 1879, Casa Grande was named for the famous Hohokam Indian Ruins 20 miles northeast of the city. Midway between Phoenix and Tucson, the city has grown to be the largest community in western Pinal County. The city was incorporated in 1915.
Arizona : Cave Creek
Cave Creek is a town in Maricopa County, in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area. The community is in the Mountain Standard time zone. Cave Creek is a desert community hosting spectacular views, native plants and wildlife. It began as a mining camp and has grown to a popular place for tourists, artists and celebrities alike to visit and live. Visitors will get a taste of the Old West by roaming the rustic shops and sampling the cowboy restaurants lining the main street. The Cave Creek Museum is a great stop to learn about Arizona ’s history. There is an Indian wing and a Pioneer wing that hold many artifacts highlighting these two important influences in Arizona ’s history. The Cave Creek Mistress Mine is a fun place to go for both the young and old alike. Here you will learn about the minerals that so many miners were in search of to strike it rich. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.
Arizona : Chandler
Chandler is in Central Arizona . It is in Maricopa County. It is 19 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix in the East Valley. It covers 71 square miles.
There are several attractions in Chandler that you won’t want to miss. The Arizona Railway Museum is a terrific place to visit, especially if you are a railroad enthusiast. The very first residents were lured to the area by train. It does seem appropriate that the town has a museum dedicated to the rails.
The Chandler Museum is a must see. The museum is filled with information and artifacts describing Dr. Chandler, whose vision was to create this city in the middle of the desert. Dr. Chandler was an innovative man. The museum has made him its focus. The Chandler Center for the Arts is a high-tech auditorium that has a turntable design. Stages rotate 180 degrees and walls move so that three performances can be going on simultaneously.
Chandler has two fun outdoor activities in town. Firebird International Raceway has three tracks. There are drag races held regularly. Next to the raceway is Firebird Lake, where drag-boat racing takes place. A terrific place to take kids is to the Desert Breeze Railroad Park. The Desert Breeze Railroad Park has a reproduction of 1880’s locomotive. The train gives visitors a ride around the park.
Arizona : Chloride
Chloride is a peaceful place for tourists to visit and for others to retire to. There are many fine artists, writers and musicians who now call Chloride home. There are a few shops to display their goods, but the lifestyle is relaxed and merchant hours are flexible. The town sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and summer high temperature of 105 degrees. People sometimes refer to Chloride as the “Gem of Cerbats.” The town offers clean air, friendly neighbors and old west charm.
Chloride has a small RV park and overnight RV parking. The drive around the city is quite interesting. Some of the residents have turned their household junk into lawn art, and some have just tossed their old appliances and junk into their yard. The town is whatever you want to make it. It might even be a good place to retire when you are finally ready to get away from it all. Chloride attractions includes performance from the “Immortal Gunfighters of Chloride", Cyanide Springs, gun battle show at Melodrama Theater, Jim Fritz Museum,
Arizona : Cochise
Cochise County is located in the southeast corner of Arizona. As Arizona counties go, Cochise is only average-sized. At about 6200 square miles, it is slightly larger than Connecticut (which is 5544 square miles). The population of Cochise County is approximately 120,000.
Cochise County was established on February 1, 1881, and is named after the great Chiricahua Apache chief. Cochise County is rich with classic old west history, from Apache and U.S. Cavalry conflicts to famous outlaw shootouts to mining boom towns and ghost towns. The landscape is a vast array of mountain ranges and desert grasslands. The two highest points are Chiricahua Peak (9,795 ft) in the Chiricahua Mountains on the eastern edge of the county and Miller Peak (9,466 ft) in the Huachuca Mountains on the western edge of the county.
Cochise Country Attractions:
Cave Creek Recreation Area
Chiricahua National Monument
Cochise Stronghold
Coronado National Memorial
Garden Canyon
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
Muleshoe Ranch Preserve
Parker Canyon Lake
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Texas Canyon
Willcox Playa
Arizona : Flagstaff
Flagstaff is sometimes called “The City in the Pines” because the town sits in the middle of a Ponderosa Pine stand in the Coconino National Forest. The town is also called “The City of Seven Wonders” because of it proximity to the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument and the San Francisco Peaks. Perhaps the most commonly heard story refers to a lofty pine stripped of its branches and used to hang an American flag with rawhide strings for a Fourth of July celebration. The flagstaff became a symbol for the valley and could be spotted miles away. It was said that those journeying west were told to travel straight west, until you come to a flagstaff where you will find a good place to camp.In 1876 Thomas F. McMillan arrived and set up his home near a spring.
Having a railroad in Flagstaff meant that a lumber company could cut and ship wood cheaply. The Arizona Lumber and Timber Company quickly became big business. As the company grew, so did the town. American, Hispanic, Basque, African-American, and Chinese kids came to Flagstaff with their families and then other kids were born here. People came to Flagstaff, as water was available for people, crops, and animals. They came to the San Francisco Peaks for religious reasons. They came for the number. They came to enjoy the beauty of the Peaks
Arizona : Florence
Florence is a town located in Pinal County, Arizona. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 17,054. The city is the county seat of Pinal County6. The largest Arizona State Prison complex is located in the city. Florence sits in the Sonoran desert surrounded by multicolored mountains. The town is located at the junction of State Highway 70 and State Highway 287, just south of Phoenix.
The year round sunshine and ideal climate has made it a perfect place for the retired and those seeking warm, clean air for health purposes. Florence offers the convenience and the lifestyle available in a small western community, yet is only 45 minutes away from the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Florence was incorporated in 1908. Today Florence’s business district is still on Main Street and aside from the obvious improvements; downtown remains much as it has been since the 1880’s. In 1987, Florence was named to the Main Street Program sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Florence is proud of its history and is currently involved in a restoration and preservation program to reclaim some the town’s early glory years. It is said that Florence has more buildings listed on the National Register that any other town in Arizona .
Arizona : Fountain Hills
The beautiful town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, offers visitors spectacular desert and mountain views from the comfort of a hotel jacuzzi suite or a sparkling resort pool. With a southwestern sunny climate and located just minutes from Scottsdale, it’s no wonder travelers include this cozy town on their itinerary.
But don’t let the small town feel fool you; besides a spectacular water fountain (one of the tallest in the world!) that shoots a stream of water over 550 feet into the air, Fountain Hills has a lot to offer visitors such as luxurious hotels and fine resorts with all the amenities including pools, spas and tennis courts, great hiking trails, watersports and other outdoor activities, beautiful golf courses, wonderful restaurants, and for your gaming needs, Ft. McDowell Casino.
For art festival lovers there are the Great Fair in November and the Arts and Crafts Fair in February. Come and enjoy the creative works of hundreds of artists and crafts people. Grab some delicious food along the way, and enjoy the carnival rides and live entertainment.
Fountain Hills also has accommodations for the business traveler. The newly opened Fountain Hills Community Center offers a variety of elegant and flexible meeting space to meet all of your special event needs. Our 31,000-SF venue is designed to accommodate all of your meeting needs, corporate events, trade shows, weddings and other private affairs. Let our professional staff provide your next event with the best services available.
Arizona : Glendale
Glendale, Arizona is a residential community west of Phoenix and is located in the Northwest part of the Valley of the Sun. Glendale, Arizona is located northwest of Phoenix and is considered part of the greater Phoenix area. During the past decade it has been one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, and is Arizona’s 4th largest city. Glendale is a very popular place to visit. The town began as a small church town and has grown to one of the largest towns in the Valley. There are numerous educational and training facilities such as the American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona State University West Campus, Glendale Community College, Luke Air Force Base and Midwestern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. All of these institutions are leaders in their areas of expertise. Glendale also has a quaint historical section of town where restaurants and antique shops line the streets.
Arizona : Grand Canyon
It’s the world’s most famous hole in the ground, and rightfully so. No matter how many photographs you’ve seen, your first sight of the Grand Canyon is guaranteed to take your breath away. Ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, this spectacular Arizona canyon–277 miles long and 18 miles wide–tops our list of America’s must-see destinations. Grand Canyon National Park offers activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, air tours, biking, entertainment, fishing, golf, guided tours, hunting, museums, paintball, ranch activities, rappelling, river running, shopping, snowmobiling and skiing. Here are a few cities to visit when you travel to Grand Canyon; Panguitch Lake, Duck Creek Village, Cedar City, Brian Head, Kanab, St. George and Salt Lake City. When you visit Grand Canyon National Park you will want to visit all of the other National Parks nearby. Here are a few National Parks to visit: Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Lake Powell National Recreation Area, Canyonlands National Park, and Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument.
Grand Canyon National Park attracts five million tourists and sightseers annually, crowds are a given and advance reservations for camping and lodging are a must–especially in spring, summer and fall. So you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your visit. Use our compilation of tips, guides and links below to help you map out a successful Grand Canyon adventure.
General services in Grand Canyon
• Bank: Located next to the Post Office across from the Visitor Center. Open Mon-Thur 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. An ATM is also available 24-hours. (928) 638-2437.
• Camping Equipment: Camping items can be purchased at Babbitt’s General Store. Open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (928) 638-2262.
• Garage: Located east of the park’s Lodge General Offices. Mechanic services are available, including 24-hour emergency service. Open daily 8 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (928) 638-2631.
• Laundry & Showers: Located south of the village near the Mather Campground. Laundry and showers open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Medical Services: The South Rim has a clinic and pharmacy (928-638-2551), open all year. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers and clinic staff. A dentist serves the South Rim by appointment only (928-638-2395). North Rim medical services consist of a clinic staffed by a nurse practitioner May through October. Emergency medical services are provided by rangers on duty.
• Post Office: Located across from the Visitor Center. Stamps are available in lobby and is open 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. Window Service: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (928) 638-2512.
• 1-Hour Photo Processing: Available at Babbitt’s General Store. Open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunrise & sunset
It’s practically required that visitors to the Grand Canyon catch at least one sunrise or sunset from a spot near the rim. The shadows are deeper, the colors more dramatic at those times. Some of the best places on the South Rim to view the light show are Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki Point and Lipan Point, and at the Desert View tower. Sunrise and sunset are also the best times to capture the Canyon on film. Although no photo can do the Canyon justice, you’ll stand a better chance early or late in the day. National Park Service officials suggest you get to your place about 30 minutes early to land a spot.
Accessibility
Not all park facilities meet the accessibility standards that have been set in recent years, and many of the buildings in the park are historic. However, many facilities are accessible with assistance, and an increasing number of facilities are accessible. A park Accessibility Guide is available at the Visitor Center or upon request at PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. Call (928) 638-7888 for information.
Shuttle bus service
Free shuttle bus service is available throughout Grand Canyon Village, along the West Rim Drive, and out to the South Kaibab Trailhead during peak season only (generally Memorial Day to September). At that time of the year the West Rim Drive and Yaki Point are closed to private vehicles. Shuttle service is also available (for a fee) to Tusayan.
Bicycling
Mountain bikes are allowed only on those roads open to car traffic. If you plan to bring one, remember that in Arizona bicycles are subject to the same traffic rules as cars. Use extreme caution when riding on park roads; shoulders are narrow and vehicle traffic is heavy. The West Rim Drive is open to bicycles throughout the year, but remember that during the summer months there is heavy bus traffic on the West Rim Drive. Bicycles are not available for rent in the park.
Paddling
Running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is a special experience that is well worth the large time commitment and expense. It’s probably the best way to fully experience the true grandeur and beauty of the Canyon. Over 270 miles in length, the Colorado River flows through 70 major rapids and drops about 2,000 feet over its course. After obtaining a river permit from the Park Service, about a third of river runners do it themselves. The park only accepts applications in February. Be aware that the waiting list for a permit stands at over 6,000 names. The Park Service says that translates into a 12+ year wait. To join the waiting list you must complete an application and pay the $100 fee. Call (800) 959-9164 to order an application.
Most people sign up with a commercial river company to handle the trip details. Commercial river trips begin at Lees Ferry and can last from 3 days to 3 weeks. Some companies offer partial trips ending at, or starting from, Phantom Ranch, which is accessible only by trail from Grand Canyon Village or the North Rim.
Fishing
Fishing in the park requires an Arizona state fishing license. They are available at Babbitt’s General Store in Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) and at Marble Canyon Lodge (near Lees Ferry, about 2.5 hours from the South Rim). Licenses are not available at the North Rim. Make sure you know the regulations before you fish. Most fishing opportunities require an overnight permit.
Religious services
Religious services are offered in the park and surrounding community. Check current schedules posted at the Mather Campground, Visitor Center, Shrine of the Ages, and the information kiosk between Babbitt’s General Store and the Post Office. For more information, you may call the numbers listed below:
• Grand Canyon Community Church (Interdenominational): Joe Surin, Pastor. (928) 638-2340. • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Ted Meredith, Branch President. (928) 638-2792. • Roman Catholic: Father Francis Zagorc, C.S.C., Pastor. (928) 638-2390. • Grand Canyon Assembly of God: Jim Strating, Pastor. (928) 638-9415. • Grand Canyon Baptist Church: Dr. Paul Kinnison, Pastor. (928) 638-9421.
How to get there?
To South Rim. Grand Canyon National Park is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona via Route 64 from Interstate 40, and 80 miles north of Flagstaff via Route 180. From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north 146 miles to Flagstaff. Take Interstate 40 west from Flagstaff and drive 32 miles to Williams. Take Arizona 64 from Williams 60 miles to the South Rim.
To North Rim. From Flagstaff, take US 89 north 116 miles to with US 89A junction. Drive west 58 miles on US 89A. At the Arizona 67 junction, drive south 46 miles to the North Rim. (Open in summer only.) Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ via highway 67.
To Grand Canyon Railway. One of the niftiest ways to travel to the canyon is by train on the Grand Canyon Railway. The railway operates vintage engines and cars on its short trip north from Williams. Besides the placid scenery, passengers get a little staged entertainment along the way. You never know when desperadoes on horseback will try to take over the train. It’s a daylong event. About 2 1/4 hours each way plus a layover of 3 1/4 hours at the Canyon. Actors in Western attire perform a little outdoor play while patrons wait to board. It’s great for kids, who sometimes get to participate in the fun. Snacks, drinks and film can all be purchased while you ride the rails. Reservations can be made at 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724). Various packages are available, beginning at $60.35 for adults and $27.15 for children. - Don Renfroe, The Arizona Republic
Other Transportation. Commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park). Bus service is available from Flagstaff and Williams via Nava-Hopi Bus Tours (1-800-892-8687).
Arizona : Holbrook
Since early days Holbrook has been an important point for tourist wishing to explore the beauty of northeastern Arizona. With time the automobile and Highway 66, the famous route for depression era travelers."‘The Mother Road", The Glory Trail", The Main Street of America, ” Route 66 was constructed in the 30’s, it was a symbol of hope and adventure for three decades. Primarily called home to cowboys, cattle ranchers and railroaders, the settlement soon took on all the vices of a typical Wild West town, complete with a saloon called the Bucket of Blood. Law and order were non-existent, gambling was popular, and painted ladies far outnumbered “proper women.” The town began as a rail station and a ranching center. It is connected to the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations to the north and the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest to the south. There are several attractions that you must see while you are in Holbrook. The Historic Courthouse Center serves duel purposes. It houses a museum and the Chamber of Commerce. The courthouse is one of only two courthouses in the state built in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has exhibits that tell the early history of the town. There is also an original county jail on display. Even though you are unable to take pieces of petrified wood from the national park, it doesn’t mean you have to go home empty handed.
Arizona : Jerome
From Prescott, head north, passing through the giant boulders of the Granite Dells just outside of town. Your route then climbs up and over Mingus Mountain to the old copper-mining town of Jerome. Though nearly a ghost town in the early 1960s, Jerome is now full of art galleries and interesting shops, and many of the old homes have been restored. Jerome is Arizona’s largest and best known ghost town, a friendly, now vibrant, colorful thriving community, built on a rich foundation of history and lore. Half of Jerome’s charm lies in its subtle quirkiness. The infamous Spirit Room bar proves to be good fun. We peek in on the house band who has the crowd involved in shaking a variety of instruments to the sounds of calypso. Grandmas, bikers, cowboys, and couples, are all shaking their ‘booty’ to the beat of their own rhythm.
Jerome was notorious for its gambling, saloons and brothels and was burnt to the ground 3 times between 1897 and 1899. Jerome’s population reached 15,000 at one point, but by 1953 when the last mines closed, its population dwindled to 50 people. For years Jerome was known as Arizona’s most populated ghost town. In the 1960’s free spirits “discovered” Jerome and the town slowly started to come back to life.
Jerome is now an attractive small town featuring a collection of museums, gift shops and art galleries. This unique setting provides for a nice stop, especially if headed to or from Prescott.
Arizona : Kingman
Kingman is located in northwestern Arizona just on Route 66, just off I-40. It is 30 miles east of Laughlin/Bullhead City. Kingman got its start as a small railroad camp for the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad. Surveyor Lewis Kingman named the spot for himself. In 1887, Kingman became the seat of Mohave County, a result of its growing importance as a railroad hub. The climate in Kingman is mild in the winter and cooler in the summer. The low temperatures in the winter are 32 degrees and the highs 66 degrees. In the summer, the high temperatures are 97 degrees and the lows are 58 degrees. Kingman does receive precipitation of approximately 3 inches a year.
Today Kingman uses its location to lure tourism, manufacturing/distribution and transportation industries to the area. The Airport Industrial Park combines reasonable land prices with its prime site to attract such companies as True Serve Hardware, Goodyear Tire and Rubber and American Woodmark. There are nearly 60 companies located at the airpark. The town calls itself “The Heart of Old Route 66″ since it lies on longest stretch (about 158 miles) of the famous route. Today, with over 100 trains transiting the town during any 24-hour period, Kingman’s railroad legacy remains very much alive. With architectures ranging from adobe to Victorian, Kingman’s downtown historic district contains 60 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Arizona : Lake Havasu City
It’s on the popular shores of Lake Havasu City, a desert town located in northwest Arizona where summertime temperatures routinely soar above 110°F. Although the lake was created in 1938 by the construction of Parker Dam, the town was not established until 1963. Then, in the late 60s, business magnate Robert P. McCulloch dreamed up the extraordinary idea of bringing the London Bridge to Arizona.
At the time, the famous British landmark was deteriorating and slowly sinking into the Thames River from heavy vehicular use. In a bold attempt to save this bit of history, the bridge was put on the market for sale to the highest bidder. McCulloch saw his chance and snapped it up for $2.4 million dollars.
In the early 1970s, the bridge was taken apart, transported to America and reassembled on Lake Havasu – literally brick by brick. Four-digit numbers are still visible on many of the blocks. By the mid-1980s, tourists began flocking to Lake Havasu City to see the bridge and enjoy the now flourishing recreational areas. Today, the town is a desert oasis populated with resorts, eclectic restaurants, golf courses and botanical gardens. From Phoenix, take I-10 west to Arizona 95, then drive north to Lake Havasu City. From Las Vegas, drive US 93 south to Kingman, then I-40 to Arizona 95 south to the city.
Arizona : Mesa
Mormon farmers known as the Mesa Pioneers established a townsite on a flat-topped bluff about three miles north of the Salt River. Agriculture has been replaced by high-tech industries. Today, Mesa’s Spanish colonnade sidewalks and palm tree lined streets give it a quaint, relaxed ambiance. The Valley’s second-largest city is also host to the Chicago Cubs for Spring Training each year. The town is a recreational and cultural center. With 20 golf courses, 52 city parks, Mesa Amphitheater, Mesa Symphony and Hohokam Park for the Chicago Cubs spring training facility there is so much to do. The city has an abundance of world class golf courses, covering some of the most diverse and spectacular landscape in the country. Visitors can take advantage of fishing, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and skydiving opportunities. Hot air balloon rides, jeep and hummer tours and air combat adventures, piloted by real military fighter pilots, offer visitors a unique way of exploring the countryside. Interesting attractions such as Golfland, the Museum for Youth and Skateland USA make Mesa a vacation destination for the whole family.
Arizona : Oro Valley
Oro Valley is a scenic residential and recreational retreat nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, just a few miles north of Tucson. Oro Valley is set among the rugged mountains, yet close to the comforts of Tucson. There are many advantages to living here, such as the beauty of the desert and the proximity to lots of outdoor activities. Visitors will find several outdoor activities near town. Catalina State Park is situated to the east. When the early Spaniards passed through the area, they thought the mountains took on a cathedral-like appearance. They named them La Iglesia meaning, “church.” Today, the mountain range is called the Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers camping, picnicking and birdwatching.
|
|
|
|
