By Cassaundra Brooks

Still haven’t made it up to seductive Sedona? February affords a great opportunity to nip to the north for some romance. Valentine’s bed-and-breakfast getaways are not clichés—they’re classics, and they’ve maintained a distinct level of popularity for good reason.

A prime example of their appeal can be found at Kokopelli Suites in West Sedona. The excellent service begins before you set foot in Sedona with a prearrival call from a staff member who can help you plan your trip, make recommendations, and make reservations for dining and attractions. The recent renovations ensure the latest in comforts and amenities, the pool is heated to combat the cooler temperatures, and the outdoor fire pit creates the perfect ambience for canoodling. Especially for Valentine’s Day, Kokopelli offers a package that includes a romantic cathedral suite complete with king bed, in-room Jacuzzi and fireplace, and a Valentine’s basket featuring Kokopelli winery’s Imperial Kir sparkling wine and a number of other sweet samplings. Opt to receive your breakfast in bed (for no additional charge), and go home with one of the locally created artworks featured in your suite, which you can purchase. It’s an affordable romantic weekend that demands satisfyingly little planning on your part.

3119 W. Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
(800) 789-7393

Use promo code VALENTINE when checking availability at kokopellisuites.com, and check out kokopellisuites.com/northvalley for exclusive discount rates and special packages throughout the year.

If candlelight and comfy king-size beds do not constitute your idea of romance, perhaps you’ll appreciate starlight and sleeping bags. Consider embracing the big outdoors with your better half! Sure, it is not yet officially spring, and we can’t always predict the weather, but the cooler temperatures will keep the snakes in their own beds and necessitate some quality cuddling time. A night spent under Arizona’s breathtaking velvet night sky sprinkled with twinkling stars while snuggled in sleeping bags beside a cozy campfire might suit you and your sweetie better than a B&B. Thanks to Arizona’s mass of state land both here in the desert and up in the mountains, we can enjoy nature up close and outside the bounds of state parks. Waking to saguaros silhouetted against the dawn or a rising sun filtering through pine trees is heavenly, but an overnight trip into our backyard offers more than midnight picnics, s’mores, and stargazing—it’s an opportunity to hike, scout out our furry neighbors, brush up on botany, and—should you arrange it—improve your equestrian skills. Just be certain to check online for weather forecasts and camping regulations before foraying into the forest or driving into the desert. Pack more essentials than you think you’ll need, and always let someone know exactly where you will be—it should be a romantic weekend to remember…for the right reasons.

By Cassaundra Brooks

NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE

We may not get the wintery weather of our northern neighbors here in the Valley, but a few hours’ drive can transport you into a true winter wonderland—complete with Santa’s workshop! The quaint White Mountain village of Greer houses Arizona’s very own North Pole Experience, an event which gives families an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at Santa’s elves at work. The enormous workshop features the elves’ workshop, Mrs. Claus’s bakery, and a state-of-the-art Naughty or Nice surveillance system. Children have the opportunity to work alongside Santa and his helpers making special toys that go to less-fortunate children through Arizona children’s charities. Browse Santa’s Toy Hall of Fame, get a glimpse into Santa’s office and the elves’ quarters, and enjoy delicious gingerbread cookies and milk during storytelling with the estimable Mrs. Claus. Each child departs with a keepsake gift from the jolly Saint Nick himself!

Families visit the workshop wonder via the vintage Candy Cane Express Trolley, which departs from the award-winning Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant (around since 1910!), where they eat a hearty meal included in the North Pole Experience package. Adventurers can make the most of their trip with an overnight stay at the Molly Butler Lodge in one of its charming woodland cabins, which range in size and can accommodate groups up to sixteen. Make a weekend out of your experience and play at nearby Sunrise Ski Park or hang around Greer for a nice change of scenery before heading back down to the Valley of the Sun.

Admission to The North Pole Experience is $74 for adults and $62 for children 12 and under. Admission includes a dinner at the Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant. Overnight packages at the lodge start at $440 for a family of four and include admission to The North Pole Experience and both dinner and breakfast at its restaurant. Visit northpoleexperience.com for additional information, or make reservations at (888) NPX-SANTA.

LAS POSADAS OF SEDONA

If you’ve been nice this year and don’t want to travel all the way up to the North Pole (although, as you’ve read, it isn’t too far!), you can still experience a change of landscape and some cooler temperatures—as well as some sublime relaxation and pampering—with a trip up to Sedona. Yes, we told you to go last issue, but there’s so much to see and do that you’ll want to go back. If you’re one of those stubborn people who can’t seem to pry yourself away from work, here’s added incentive: Las Posadas of Sedona—located on the Red Rock Scenic Byway at the gateway to Sedona’s Red Rock Country, which has been designated as one of twenty-eight national treasures to be designated an All-American Road—offers a great wintertime weekday package. Just imagine, instead of waking up to a screeching alarm at 6 a.m., you could wake up to sunshine at 9 a.m. and smile as you recall that you are too far from the office to be called in at the last-minute. Your friend, significant other, or family will appreciate some quality time spent with you in one of the best bed-and-breakfast spots in the state. Then again, you may need a weekend away from it all—and them all—and Las Posadas is perfect for that rare gift of alone time as well.

It’s that time of year when you’ll actually want to cozy up to the in-suite double-sided gas fireplaces. Sleeping in is not only permitted—it’s nigh unavoidable when you’re snuggled between Egyptian cotton bedding…until it’s time for a three-course gourmet breakfast, of course. Sink into a warm bath to unwind or opt for a quick shower before dashing out the door to go on one of the many unique Sedona adventures available. Lounge in handcrafted furniture with custom upholstery as you veg in front of one of two flat-screen TVs or end your evening with an in-suite massage (reservations required).

Through December 30, save 20 percent with their Weekday Special when you stay four nights (Sunday through Thursday or Monday through Friday). This package includes daily three-course gourmet breakfasts, afternoon appetizers, and yummy fresh-baked cookies in suite. There’s no better time—or better way—to take a refresher course in Sedona or make a first-time trip to the red-rock paradise.

(928) 284-5288
26 Avenida De Piedras
Sedona, AZ 86351
lasposadasofsedona.com

By Cassaundra Brooks, with Marshall Trimble

Cooler temperatures have begun to settle in, but perhaps not quite enough for some of you! Central Arizona is always rather warm by the much of the nation’s standards regardless of the season; while the fall may not bring quite the varied color palette of the East Coast, this state does boast more than one distinct landscape, as well as a treasure trove of historic and awe-inspiring sites. Over the next couple of months, consider taking a couple of long weekends and exploring the high country—and some of the low country.

1. The X Diamond Ranch, which lies between Greer and Eagar, is a guest ranch owned by Wink Crigler. It is quaintly situated in a beautiful little valley, and The Little Colorado River runs right through it. Rent a cabin or bungalow and enjoy your serene retreat from the bustling Valley.

2. Now is one of the best times to check out Monument Valley, from which you could then swing around to Canyon de Chelly. Don’t pass up the Hubbell Trading Post while you’re there.

3. It’s off-season at the Grand Canyon, and the El Tovar is the best place to stay to really experience the total ambience of the Canyon. It’s not just a natural wonder for viewing in the summertime or from the tiny window of your commercial flight thousands of feet above the top of the canyon.

4. Tombstone is brimming with activities and is rich in history, and Bisbee has a wealth of great places for lodging.

5. There’s a good chance you know someone with a cabin up in Greer. It’s about time you saw for yourself what the fuss is all about. Just like X Diamond Ranch, it is located in some of Arizona’s most beautiful high country. The Little Colorado River, which headwaters nearby, runs through it as well.

6. Drink in some fresh air and rich Arizona history in the mile-high city. Prescott, the first territorial capital, is home to the Sharlot Hall Museum, as well as to historic Whiskey Row, which houses Arizona’s longest-running saloon that features a beautiful 1870s handcrafted Brunswick back bar. Check it out while dining at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon.

7. Flagstaff is known as the hub of “things to do” in northern Arizona. There you can find the San Francisco Peaks, the state’s highest mountain range. The fall colors are also spectacular in October. Take a scenic tour on the ski lift at the Sno Bowl.

8. Spend some time in the Verde Valley! From Clarkdale, take the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad. Visit Jerome, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon. Oak Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in the fall.

9. One of the state’s best-kept secrets is the spectacular Chiricahua Mountains of Cochise County. Take a rewarding trip to see the Chiricahua National Monument and Apache Pass.

10. Pine and Strawberry make for great camping spots, but they’re also great places for a different sort of relaxing getaway. Spend the night at Winslow’s La Posada Hotel and enjoy the higher elevation before winter sets in.

By Alana Stroud

Summer is dwindling (for the kids, that is—the temperature’s its usual sweltering self!) and Labor Day fast approaches. It’s time to make the most of Arizona’s weather and hit the water for some final days of fun. But play safe! Pack the sunblock, be on the lookout for monsoons, and keep abreast of current camping regulations—particularly to campfire advisories, considering our arid climate!

NEAR:

Roosevelt Lake

Go spend a day (or longer!) with the family at one of Arizona’s largest and oldest artificial reservoirs. Have some fun 4×4-ing or splashing around in the water. The lake provides opportunities for boating, camping, and off-roading on the trails on the north side of the lake. Be sure to see beautiful Salome Creek with its pinkish-white granite walls, pools, and waterfalls. Bachelor Cove is great for camping and swimming. americansouthwest.net/arizona/roosevelt_lake

Bartlett Lake

Citizens of Scottsdale are lucky to have such a short jaunt to beauty and fun! With more open boating space than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined, this is the ultimate place to play on the beach, dock, or water. Fed by the Verde River, Bartlett is also a prime area for the fisherman looking to catch bass, catfish, small and largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. bartlettlake.com

FAR

Lake Havasu City

While it’s still the perfect weather to be outdoors, take a weekend trip up to Arizona’s playground: Lake Havasu City. All kinds of recreational activities can be found there—water skiing, seaplane rides, go-kart racing, biking and, of course, shopping. Whether young or old, families or singles, Lake Havasu City has something for everyone and is just a four-hour drive away. Check out the thirteenth annual Iron Man Golf Tournament on August 29 or take part in the Lake Havasu Classic National Bass West Fishing Tournament on September 25–26. golakehavasu.com

Lake Powell

When people think “lake,” they might first think “greenery.” Not here. Here you will find the awe-inspiring red rocks and flat mesas of Glen Canyon surrounding the deep blue water of Lake Powell. Enjoy dinner cruises, water activities, camping, and fishing. If you decide you want to make a weekend trip of it, head southeast to scenic Monument Valley, only three hours away. lakepowell.com

Lake Mead

Located on the Nevada/Arizona border and created by the legendary Hoover Dam, this lake is a great choice for water sports, camping, and hiking. Rent a houseboat and make a weekend of floating around the lake reading, enjoying the weather, fishing, and letting the kids splash. With all the hidden coves to explore, you can rent a kayak and spend a day finding them. The weekend of August 15 and 16 is a Fee-Free Weekend! Las Vegas is only an hour away if you choose to head up that way next. nps.gov/lame/index.htm

By Cassaundra Brooks
Dude Ranches

Horse lovers and city folk alike can enjoy a few relaxing days at a dude ranch, and nearby Wickenburg is one of the best places to find one. Check out the Flying E Ranch, Ranchos de Los Caballeros, or Kay El Bar Guest Ranch for some Western fun before the heat sets in. Horseback riding, hayrides, line and square dancing, cozy accommodations, and great meals are just some of the activities and amenities offered. The height of dude ranch season is nearly up, and most close in the first week or two of May for the scorching summer, so book a reservation soon! flyingeranch.com, sunc.com or kayelbar.com

Barringer Meteorite Crater

At almost one mile wide and 570 feet deep, the Barringer Meteorite Crater is one gaping pit you may want to check out. With a rim containing some boulders the size of small houses and a rich history of identification and research, the crater makes for an interesting field trip. Take the Meteor Crater Rim Tour, check out the Interactive Learning Center, view the Collisions and Impacts movie, and participate in many other different activities. Open daily. Located off Interstate 40, 35 miles east of Flagstaff and 20 miles west of Winslow. Call (928) 289-2362 or visit meterocrater.com for more information, or barringercrater.com to learn about the crater’s history.

White Water Rafting

Go rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River for an adventurous getaway. Take a motor- or an oar-powered trip down the beautiful snaking river with the Arizona River Runners. Make it a family adventure or an unforgettable experience with friends. Trips of varying lengths are available, and the food and fun are something to savor. There are trips that accommodate children as young as 8 and for those with disabilities as well. (800) 477-7238 or raftarizona.com

Superstition Mountains

Take a little excursion out to the Superstition Mountains, where you can hike, explore, and visit the Superstition Mountain Museum. Check out the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine and visit the Lost Dutchman State Park, study formations like Weaver’s Needle, hike popular trails like the Peralta Trailhead or up to Miner’s Needle, and sleep in luxury at the base of Superstition Mountain or in other accommodations throughout Apache Junction. superstitionmountainmuseum.org or azstateparks.com

By Cassaundra Brooks

Here Comes the Snow!

If you’re looking to escape the Valley for a few days, consider heading up to the White Mountains to Sunrise Park Lodge, where you and your significant other can cozy up for an evening in and hit the slopes during the day. Sixty-five runs provide ample fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and there’s cross-country skiing through some beautiful Arizona territory. Horseback rides and sleigh rides are also available, depending on the weather. sunriseskipark.com

Hiking

The beautiful Sonoran Desert affords a number of scenic hiking trails that make a great day’s outing for athletic or nature-loving couples. Perhaps you and your love are looking for an activity outside your usual routine. Catch the sunrise or sunset, bring along a light picnic lunch, and don’t forget the camera! With winter lingering in the air, you may want to stay close to the warm Valley. Try Camelback Mountain or Vulture Peak (just outside Wickenburg), or check out arizonahikingtrails.com for a list of trails and their difficulty levels.

Briar Patch Inn

For some privacy and pampering, travel north to beautiful Sedona and reserve one of Briar Patch Inn’s lovely cabins, nestled in Oak Creek Canyon among towering trees, soothing Oak Creek, and brilliant red rock. Embrace nature from your private patios, during a romantic hike, or by delighting in the Inn’s selection of natural spa treatments and yoga sessions. It’s a great destination for couples looking to break away from the city and hoping for some seclusion, peace, and quiet. The friendly staff, which prides itself on excellent customer service, can provide you with what you need, be it a healthy breakfast, access to their library, a relaxing massage, or hiking and shopping suggestions. Visit briarpatchinn.com or call (888) 809-3030 for reservations.

Be Spontaneous!

With the current economy and the high price of short-notice airline tickets, you may not be able to pull a complete Yes Man move so that you and your sweetie can take the first flight out of Sky Harbor. However, who says you can’t grab an Arizona map, close your eyes, point at random, and head to the spot your finger chose for you? Fun can be had anywhere if you mix a little creativity with some spontaneity.

Bed and Breakfast

A night away in a bed and breakfast may seem an obvious option for a romantic Valentine’s excursion, but with the varying landscapes of Arizona and the array of B&B styles available, you can experience a new place and a bundle of fun activities that suit your needs and interests. Visit arizona-bed-breakfast.com for some great locations throughout Arizona.

By Alana Stroud

For Those Who Like to Give

Hope for the Holidays Golf Marathon
Encanto 9 Golf Course
2300 N. 17th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dec. 08, 2008
Help raise some serious bucks for Phoenix Rescue Mission. Rally support while sinking birdies and eagles! Play 100 holes of golf and sponsor yourself for at least $1 per hole. Your $100 donation is payable in advance and is tax deductible. What’s in it for you? Breakfast, lunch, and continuous refreshments—as well as the opportunity to earn some great prizes, depending on the amount of pledges you have raised. (602) 346-3321 or phoenixrescuemission.org

Fifth Annual Walk ’n’ Roll Dog Walk
Tempe Town Lake
620 N Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
Jan. 31, 2009
Come enjoy a 5K fun walk and wheelchair roll around Tempe Town Lake with your best friend—though dogs aren’t required! There will be a silent auction, live bands, lunch provided for walk participants, and doggie games all day long. All proceeds benefit Power Paws Assistance Dogs Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities. (480) 945-0754 or walknrolldogwalk.org

Montezuma Castle
Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ
Open Daily: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (September through May)
Got some relatives visiting from out of town for the holidays? Show them a breathtaking Arizona treasure—Montezuma Castle. This fantastic relic stands in a cliff recess a hundred feet above the Verde Valley and was a five-storey, 20-room dwelling built in the twelfth century. Also at the park are Tuzigoot and Montezuma Well. Entrance fee is $5 for ages 16 and up; children are free. (520) 567-3322 or nps.gov/moca

For Those Who Like to Receive

Challenger Space Center
21170 N 83rd Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85382
Open your mind to the gift of knowledge this season at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. With constantly changing exhibits, evenings of stargazing, hands-on activities, and simulated space missions, young and old alike will have fun with a day at the CSC! (623) 322-2001 or azchallenger.org/public.htm

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Make a day of selecting that perfect Christmas tree with your family—in one of Arizona’s five national forests. First obtain a permit tag for $15 per tree from Big 5 Sporting Goods, and then it’s first come, first served! So collect the kids, get on your cold-weather clothes, and head out to your favorite (or closest) forest—and don’t forget the saw. But don’t procrastinate—you only have until December 24 to harvest your tree! (602) 225-5258

Snowbowl
Flagstaff, AZ
Why just dream of a white Christmas? Pull out your new winter gear and join the throng of Valley residents at Snowbowl for some skiing and snowboarding this year. Stay at one of the four lodges or grab yourself a cabin for the weekend, sip some cocoa, and enjoy a warm fire away from home. (928) 779-1951 or arizonasnowbowl.com

By Cassaundra Brooks and Alana Stroud

Note: Miles based on Deer Valley Airport as a central location.

Arizona is a great state for enjoying pleasant fall excursions. In our search for autumn outings, we turned to the four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. If the price of another precious natural resource is making trips a little harder on you and your gas-guzzler, you needn’t drive far for some quality entertainment and relaxation. But if you don’t mind the drive and the few extra bucks, try out one of the more distant destinations for a nice extended weekend.

WATER

Lake Pleasant
peoriaaz.gov/lakepF.htm
Phone: (602) 372-7460
Approximately 24 miles
Fees: One day: $6 per car; $2 per watercraft. Developed campgrounds are $20 per night.
If you’re looking for fun, beautiful Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers recreational activities such as mountain biking, camping, and hiking, as well as developed sites for RV and tent camping. Visitors can enjoy waterskiing, Jet-Skiing, boat rentals, sailing, or fishing! While there, venture over to the educational visitors’ center that overlooks the New Waddell Dam.

Blue Ridge Reservoir
fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mog_rim/blue-ridge-boat.shtml
Phone: (928) 477-2255
Approximately 128 miles
Fees: $8 per night/campsite
For a tranquil, scenic weekend away, this narrow reservoir winds gracefully between steep, forested canyon walls and is ideal for kayaking or canoeing. Try your hand at fishing for rainbow, brown, or brook trout—all are stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The picturesque backdrop also provides ample opportunity for sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking.

Note to the physically impaired: The shoreline is very steep with large boulders. Plan to enjoy the reservoir on the water.

AIR

Turf Soaring School
turfsoaring.com/default.htm
Phone: (602) 439-3621
Approximately 16.5 miles
Fees: Scenic rides $109–$169; Sailplane rental $39–$59/hr.
Take your mundane day to new heights at Turf Soaring School. Your pilot will not only demonstrate basic flying techniques and draw your attention to points of interest, but will also hand the controls over to you so you can “taste the very personal freedom of flight,” as the Web site poetically states. When you’ve returned to solid ground, your flight will be entered into an official pilot’s logbook that you may take home as a souvenir.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Phone: (888) 708-4706
Approximately 205 miles
Fees: $215.50 per adult and child for 50 minutes
Board a helicopter at the South Rim heliport and settle in for a narrated tour in the skies. Fly over the North Rim and Eastern Gorge and soar past the Dragon Corridor and Dragon’s Head. Check out the Kaibab Forest and the Kaibab Plateau as well as Zuni Corridor, where the Little Colorado River meets the Colorado River, Point Imperial, and Temple Butte.

EARTH

Arrowhead Desert Tours: Gold Panning
azdeserttours.com/gold.htm
Phone: (602) 942-3361
Approximately 23 miles
Fees: $89/adult, $69/child
Gold never goes out of style! Try to strike it rich as experienced prospectors teach you how to prospect for gold on Paydirt’s mile-long gold claim. You will be provided with equipment, and your guide will show you both where to look and how to sluice the pan for gold and garnets. Enjoy the four-wheel drive through wonderful desert areas in Arizona’s backcountry along the way.

Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
oldpueblo.org
Phone: (520) 798-1201
Approximately 124 miles
Fees: Field trip prices vary
Return visitors are not uncommon at Old Pueblo’s Archaeology Center. The guided tours of ongoing excavations of ancient cultural features bring out the curiosity of children and adults alike to see the progress being made and the new archaeological discoveries that continually surface. Tours typically last one to two hours.

FIRE

Hot Air Expeditions
hotairexpeditions.com/index.html
Phone: (480) 502-6999
Approximately 0 miles
Fees: $175 per person; $195 per person with hotel pickup; $8 fuel surcharge per person
The romantic individual and the adventure seeker will both appreciate the exhilaration and serenity of ballooning. At speeds of five or six miles per hour, you can hardly detect any motion as you fly with the wind. To commemorate your experience, you will be inducted into the ballooning society and awarded the Certificate d’Ascension en Machine Aerostatique.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
hallofflame.org
Phone: (602) 275-3473
Approximately 27 miles
Fees: Adults, $6; senior citizens 62 and up, $5; students 6 to 17, $4; children 3 to 5, $1.50; members and children under 3, free
Honor the history of firefighting at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 90 restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725 to 1969 and brought in from across America, as well as England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan, are on display.