I have decided to go to Arizona

Max Enchilada

Max Enchilada

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I am feeling inspired by all the travel and food threads and have decided to take a vacation! I wanted to go to Mexico to try authentic Mexican food but it sounds like Mexico is too dangerous! I think my bulletproof vest would take up too much space in my suitcase. I have decided to go to Arizona instead. I think I will fly to Phoenix and also go to the Flagstaff & Sedona area so I can also go to the Grand Canyon. Does anyone have recommendations for must-see locations or things to do? I hope there is also a turquoise museum like in Albuquerque! I also like food recommendations, Mexican food is my favorite, but one of my other favorite restaurants to go to when I travel is the Waffle House! Maybe I will also run into my favorite skater, Max Aaron, while I am there! :cool::cheer2::respec::summer::encore::40beers::smokin:
 
We did a road trip through Arizona into Utah and New Mexico (all the way south to Calsbad Caverns, where were spectacular), and really enjoyed the Four Corners https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Corners.

What is most memorable from that trip is the Four Corners, particularly Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelye https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_de_Chelly_National_Monument. We stayed on the property of a native family in a beautiful log structure called a hogan, which is similar to a yert. It was fabulous, and only $50.00 a night. The email is [email protected].

Monument Valley was so spectacular that the Grand Canyon paled in comparison. I tended to agree with my SIL who says it's just "a big hole in the ground" :D:D

Also, we love the Sedona area so much so that we would make a trip to Arizona solely to visit again.

But we are not at all into the new agey stuff and healing therapies in town - so did not take a 'pink bus' tour (pink busses are everywhere in town!). What we like is the beautiful red rock landscape and all the hikes around and in the town. Hikes are everywhere! You drive up a side street and park, and invariably find a hiking trail. Because of the heat (we've gone in May) we head out around 5 pm and walk for a few hours, enjoying the sunset and relative cool of early evening (LOVE LOVE LOVE Arizona evenings). I remember driving up a road called 'Teacup Lane' or something like that and doing a wonderful walk with great views.

We stay at a neat motel just a few miles out of town that is very clean, cute, and inexpensive - and has a swimming tool and hot tub. It's The SugarLoaf Lodge [email protected].

As to restaurants, we expected them to be very expensive, so bought our own groceries and made our own meals. There is a Whole Foods in town, and I took out a most excellent sandwich from there for one dinner.

Enjoy, and share your travel stories.:)
 
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Max Enchilada said:
I am feeling inspired by all the travel and food threads and have decided to take a vacation! I wanted to go to Mexico to try authentic Mexican food but it sounds like Mexico is too dangerous! I think my bulletproof vest would take up too much space in my suitcase. I have decided to go to Arizona instead. I think I will fly to Phoenix and also go to the Flagstaff & Sedona area so I can also go to the Grand Canyon. Does anyone have recommendations for must-see locations or things to do? I hope there is also a turquoise museum like in Albuquerque! I also like food recommendations, Mexican food is my favorite, but one of my other favorite restaurants to go to when I travel is the Waffle House! Maybe I will also run into my favorite skater, Max Aaron, while I am there! :cool::cheer2::respec::summer::encore::40beers::smokin:
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I live in Phoenix and I love many things about it. It is not terribly expensive. There is a wide range of prices.

All the places you and Japanfan mentioned are great, and I would add to those - Lake Powell, Tucson (Kartchner caverns state park is awesome), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon if you have enough time. Also the Petrified Forest national park (Northeast), Chiricahua National monument (southeast)are very good. Bisbee (SE) is an interesting place and on its way you can visit the town of Tombstone, and OK Corral, the site of Wyatt Earp's gun flight.

If you are into native culture, Montezuma castle, which is On the way to Sedona is very good.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Phoenix is Macayo's. It is a chain, so there are many of those in the valley. I love their salsa. I am not too fond of On the Border. Most Mexican restaurants here are pretty good. You may want to visit Heard museum in Phoenix, to learn about native art.

I would highly recommend visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, particularly if you plan to visit in spring. It is a unique place with cacti that are over a hundred years old and are very very tall.

I have been to Monument Valley just once and it is awesome but I have to disagree with Japanfan that it is better than the Grand Canyon. I have been to the GC a dozen times and never got tired of it. If you have the time, you may want to go to the west rim and see the Skywalk. I plan to go there around the end of April. I have never seen it. Also Hoover dam is worth visiting. It is an engineering marvel.

If you want to see Max Aaron, you may need to go to the Ice Den in Scottsdale. You may even run into Gracie Gold there.

I don't know if there is a turquoise museum here, but you see a lot of turquoise in Bisbee. Also if you go to the arts district in Scottsdale, there are many interesting shops there. You may see a variety of precious stones and other native or Mexican items if that is your interest.

I hope you enjoy your visit to our state.
 
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Max Enchilada said:
Thank you for your recommendations @Japanfan ! I think I will check out the pink bus tours, I could probably use something like that in my life. :)
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Those are actually Pink Jeep tours, unless they changed their name in the last couple years. They are great. They take You to places a car could never take you. They are exciting and you see great scenery. Take a walk to Cathedral rocks. Sunsets over those are spectacular.

I did a hot air balloon trip in Sedona at one time. It is really beautiful. You see the red rocks below you and also a very beautiful sunrise.

ETA- There are also other jeep tours. Some of them use red jeeps.
 
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I will certainly Google some of these locations to see what fits the schedule and budget!
 
Our nephew & family live in Flagstaff. If you like sushi, come to the restaurant where he is a chef, The Lotus Lounge. We are lucky enough to have relatives on both sides of the family in Arizona (Flagstaff, Phoenix,, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson), so when we come out to visit, we try to see everyone. Many of the places to visit have already been mentioned. We also enjoyed the Heard Museum & Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. If you ever get to Tucson, visit the Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Monument, and Sabino Canyon. Another beautiful natural spot in southern AZ is Organ Pipe National Monument (we're VERY partial to cacti & other succulent plants).
 
Max Enchilada said:
Thank you for your recommendations @Japanfan ! I think I will check out the pink bus tours, I could probably use something like that in my life. :)
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To be more specific - in case you don't know - the alleged energy/healing aspects of Sedona are based on the belief that it has vortexes: "What is a vortex? Sedona vortexes (the proper grammatical form ‘vortices’ is rarely used) are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex."

https://visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/what-is-a-vortex/

I actually do believe that such energy centers do exist, but the commercialization of them in Sedona was a turn-off to me. And some of the 'magic' I felt in the red rock landscape might have had something to do with them. . .who knows for sure?
 
Japanfan said:
To be more specific - in case you don't know - the alleged energy/healing aspects of Sedona are based on the belief that it has vortexes: "What is a vortex? Sedona vortexes (the proper grammatical form ‘vortices’ is rarely used) are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex."

https://visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/what-is-a-vortex/

I actually do believe that such energy centers do exist, but the commercialization of them in Sedona was a turn-off to me. And some of the 'magic' I felt in the red rock landscape might have had something to do with them. . .who knows for sure?
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I took the vortex tour one time and i didn't think it was anything special. There are many tours that focus on the scenery and those are great. I get energy just by looking at those red rocks.
 
Dan's Taco Wagon right on hiway 3 in Aylmer Ontario makes the best tacos of all. And his burreetoes are my personal fave. All ingredients are fresh made - the beefy cow farm is right across the road! You can try to figure out which cow is to be slaughtered next!
And the best thing is that Dan is a real Mexican - well, Mennonite-Mexican, and he speaks German! But they don't sell beer at the Taco wagon. Too bad. :(
You can sit at the Mexican-Mennonite made picnic table (because besides tacos, Mexican-Mennonites are great at making things of wood, why I even have an oak coffee table made by one of them MM guys and if you pay cash, they don't charge you tacks!) and watch the tractors go by, or see who is pulling into the gas station beside the Taco Wagon. Sometimes a whole family gets out of the car and you can count the 10 kids, so cute!
The Mexican-Mennonite women grow all the tomatoes and onions and peeppers and cilantro in their gardens and wear florally handmade dresses and aprons when they chop all the veggies up. They must like Brady Tennnet because they never cut their hair either.
You should really come visit Dan's Taco Wagon on hiway 3. (y)
 
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paskatefan said:
Our nephew & family live in Flagstaff. If you like sushi, come to the restaurant where he is a chef, The Lotus Lounge. We are lucky enough to have relatives on both sides of the family in Arizona (Flagstaff, Phoenix,, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson), so when we come out to visit, we try to see everyone. Many of the places to visit have already been mentioned. We also enjoyed the Heard Museum & Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. If you ever get to Tucson, visit the Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Monument, and Sabino Canyon. Another beautiful natural spot in southern AZ is Organ Pipe National Monument (we're VERY partial to cacti & other succulent plants).
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May I add the Pima air museum in Tucson to the list? I saw it for the first time just last month. I have still not been to Biosphere2, and i have lived here almost 24 years!

In Flagstaff I would add the Lowell observatory to the list. Also Sunset crater, Wupatki National monument are worth visiting for someone in the Flagstaff area.

On the way to Sedona there is a tiny town named Arcosanti. Very unique in its idea of living close to where you work.

The Organ Pipe national monument is wonderful but it is quite far from the big cities (that is actually a plus. No McDonald or Burger King, etc. there, just local restaurants), and not very easy to get to (like- not on the way to .....).

BTW we often say Cactuses instead of the grammatically correct Cacti- LOL.
 
Max Enchilada said:
Thanks for all the suggestions! I will certainly Google some of these locations to see what fits the schedule and budget!
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If your time is limited and you can visit only two or three places in Arizona, i would say the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Monument Valley - in that order. However, if you are going in the direction of Monument valley, check out Lake Powell and take a 2-3 hour sunset cruise to Rainbow bridge.

For the Grand Canyon i would highly recommend staying at one of the hotels inside the park if they have space available. Their website will direct you to Xanterra parks for reservations. It is better to call Xanterra directly because many times the hotels are sold out on the website but you can get a room if you call.

If you have just a couple of days in Phoenix, i would recommend visiting the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard museum.
 
Vash, Organ Pipe National Monument is out of the way for sure, but it is so beautiful. We've only been there once while visiting in the Tucson area, but will have another opportunity to get back there possibly this fall when we go out there for a cousin's wedding. Lake Powell & the cruise to Rainbow Bridge was very impressive, too (our cruise was a morning to early afternoon one). Thanks for your other suggestions for Flagstaff!
 
paskatefan said:
Vash, Organ Pipe National Monument is out of the way for sure, but it is so beautiful. We've only been there once while visiting in the Tucson area, but will have another opportunity to get back there possibly this fall when we go out there for a cousin's wedding. Lake Powell & the cruise to Rainbow Bridge was very impressive, too (our cruise was a morning to early afternoon one). Thanks for your other suggestions for Flagstaff!
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Paskatefan, You have seen a lot more of Arizona than many who have lived here for years or even decades. I had a friend in her mid to late sixties who was born and raised in Arizona, but had never been to the Grand Canyon. I said that is unacceptable (LOL), and drove her to the park one weekend. We stayed overnight at the Bright Angel lodge and i showed her different points along the rim. She really enjoyed it. At the other extreme I have a friend who has been to the Canyons 80 times. She moved here when she was 20, and went to the park frequently, in her 30 plus years in Arizona. I never got tired of the Grand Canyon but my mother was unimpressed by it. She had heard and read so much about it that seeing it could mot meet her sky high expectations.

My supervisor hiked into the canyons many times and even published a guide book for hikers to hike there, using special equipment, etc.

There are some places in Arizona that I may never see. Some are state parks that are remotely located and not easy to get to. I do need to visit the Biosphere though. I will do it this summer. People say it is not that interesting but i think it will interest me.

ETA- Yes, Organ pipe NM is really beautiful. I have been there just once, because of its location. There is a very good B&B in Ajo. I stayed there with a friend. A single man runs it and he made the best scones I ever ate.
 
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I am amazed after reading all the thread entries here that no one mentioned Antelope Canyon near Lake Powell. One of the places with the most stupendous scenery I've ever seen! There are actually two canyons, upper and lower. They are slot canyons, that is, very narrow and deep. You go underground using a ladder in one and walk along the narrow twisting canyon which is an amazing orange/red colored rock which has been carved into fantastic swirly shapes caused by the impetuous water which rushes through during the flash floods. In fact, the weather in the nearby mountains determines whether it is safe to visit these canyons or not. Not safe if there are thunderstorms in the mountains. There is an native american guide to the second one which is wider. It is best to go towards noon when the sun shining directly overhead lights up the canyon better. Take a camera (and a tripod)
also, cross over into Utah and visit Bryce Canyon, another impressive unique landscape. You can hike down into the canyon and see all the rock formations close up.
avoid these places in the summer! tremendous heat!
 
This first part is probably not useful for @Max Enchilada since the original post mentioned most of the trip is going to be mostly in Flagstaff and Sedona, but in the event anyone else is reading this for general travel ideas in Arizona, I really enjoyed driving out to Tortilla Flats (although given the love you have for Mexican food, maybe the name will be enticing to go out of your way), which was a little ways from Phoenix, although unfortunately in the other direction from Sedona, if I recall correctly. There were some beautiful lakes in mountainous areas around there.

I also loved the food tour I did in Tempe, a Phoenix suburb. It basically lasted all afternoon and I was stuffed by the end of it. Tempe is a cute area to walk around in too - I liked the river area.

I would pass on Hoover Dam from Phoenix; to me it was worth a short drive from Vegas but given we spent about an hour there, not worth a four hour drive from Sedona.

I did a Jeep tour (although not a Pink Jeep) in the Phoenix area and thought it was cool to get off-road and see some of what you couldn't see from say, a bus tour. Guessing the ones in Sedona would be even better with the red rock scenery. Same would go for a hot air balloon ride.

Grand Canyon was amazing. One of the sites that is more impressive in person than my pictures will ever show. Make sure to dress warmly that day (or layers if it's warm when you leave) as it gets very cool at the Grand Canyon. Enjoy it!
 
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ItalianFan said:
I am amazed after reading all the thread entries here that no one mentioned Antelope Canyon near Lake Powell. One of the places with the most stupendous scenery I've ever seen! There are actually two canyons, upper and lower. They are slot canyons, that is, very narrow and deep. You go underground using a ladder in one and walk along the narrow twisting canyon which is an amazing orange/red colored rock which has been carved into fantastic swirly shapes caused by the impetuous water which rushes through during the flash floods. In fact, the weather in the nearby mountains determines whether it is safe to visit these canyons or not. Not safe if there are thunderstorms in the mountains. There is an native american guide to the second one which is wider. It is best to go towards noon when the sun shining directly overhead lights up the canyon better. Take a camera (and a tripod)
also, cross over into Utah and visit Bryce Canyon, another impressive unique landscape. You can hike down into the canyon and see all the rock formations close up.
avoid these places in the summer! tremendous heat!
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I mentioned Lake Powell
 
Yes, I will be there for less than a week, so I won't have time to travel around the whole state! I think I will find enough to keep me occupied near Sedona. I will have to look up Tortilla Flats though, haha. Right now I am planning to go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I looked at the West Rim and it is a 4 hour drive from Sedona, plus the video of the SkyWalk on their website made me feel a little queasy! Not a good idea especially if I am eating Mexican food that day!

I don't know if I will ever visit the Tucson area. I heard there are wild pigs that roam the streets there!
 
Sylvia said:
Ashley Wagner seems to have really enjoyed her first visit to Grand Canyon (she shared more in her Instagram stories, which are still up): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg11aWbguTY/?hl=en&taken-by=ashwagner2010

ETA:

I don't recall seeing Sabino Canyon many years ago when I visited Tucson but have fond memories of the first 2 places on your list. :)
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Sabino canyons are just a picnic area where people go hiking. There is a stream, i think. I went there just once. It is pleasant and they provide a bus or tram (I don't remember) to tour it.

ItalianFan said:
I am amazed after reading all the thread entries here that no one mentioned Antelope Canyon near Lake Powell. One of the places with the most stupendous scenery I've ever seen! There are actually two canyons, upper and lower. They are slot canyons, that is, very narrow and deep. You go underground using a ladder in one and walk along the narrow twisting canyon which is an amazing orange/red colored rock which has been carved into fantastic swirly shapes caused by the impetuous water which rushes through during the flash floods. In fact, the weather in the nearby mountains determines whether it is safe to visit these canyons or not. Not safe if there are thunderstorms in the mountains. There is an native american guide to the second one which is wider. It is best to go towards noon when the sun shining directly overhead lights up the canyon better. Take a camera (and a tripod)
also, cross over into Utah and visit Bryce Canyon, another impressive unique landscape. You can hike down into the canyon and see all the rock formations close up.
avoid these places in the summer! tremendous heat!
Click to expand...

I did mention Lake Powell. I have seen pictures of Antelope Canyons, but i always thought of them as 'for hikers'. I Am not a hiker and I avoid tours that require a lot of walking. I am a tread mill type person. :) I also avoid areas that are susceptible to flash floods. So I am a little afraid to go there.

Thanks for the info on Antelope Canyons. I know there are tours of them, but it is for another time- when I go to Lake Powell again. It may also depend on how much walking/hiking/ difficulty is involved.

Bryce Canyons are beautiful but I don't think Max Enchilada is going that far. It is not just a step from Arizona either. When i visited Bryce and Zion NP, i flew into Cedar city, UT. Then I rented a car to see the area. I don't think Max is going to Utah, or even the North Rim of the GC, which is closer to the UT border than the Phoenix area. Some of us - myself included- got a little carried away with the suggestions and this thread became a State of Arizona tourist attractions type thread. :). Now I think we need a thread about Utah. So much to see there! :)
 
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Max Enchilada said:
Yes, I will be there for less than a week, so I won't have time to travel around the whole state! I think I will find enough to keep me occupied near Sedona. I will have to look up Tortilla Flats though, haha. Right now I am planning to go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I looked at the West Rim and it is a 4 hour drive from Sedona, plus the video of the SkyWalk on their website made me feel a little queasy! Not a good idea especially if I am eating Mexican food that day!

I don't know if I will ever visit the Tucson area. I heard there are wild pigs that roam the streets there!
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For the Skywalk, i am going to fly into Las Vegas. They have tons of tours from there to see it. I found it rather impractical to drive to Kingman, then a one hour drive to the Skywalk.

Sedona has many hiking places and the scenery is amazing. I think you will enjoy it. Will you be there around the full moon? It is quite a sight. There are many good hotels and B&Bs there. April is still the off season, so it shouldn't be too expensive. In Sedona you get views of the red rocks from everywhere, but i highly recommend a Jeep tour. Do visit Tlaquepaque, at LOs Abrigados resort. Great shopping and restaurants spot.

Do spend a few nights at the Grand Canyon NP though. The sunrise and sunsets are amazing. To me, the entire South rim is wonderful at all times. It is amazing to watch how the shadows shift. In summer they have trams taking people to different points along the south rim. I think Powell point is good for viewing the sunrise. For sunset I like the Hermit's rest. The Desert Tower is another good point. You get the closest view of the Colorado river. I would also recommend a flight over the Canyon in a plane or a helicopter. The plane ride shows you the North rim too- at this time covered by the snow. I prefer this to the helicopter.

I love the restaurant at the Bright Angel lodge. The food is good and you get to look at the Canyon while you eat.

In photographs of the Grand Canyon, everything looks almost the same. So being there is a very different experience. They are 7k-8k ft above sea level, so it can get cold. I have seen snowfalls there in April. So i recommend carrying a winter jacket, just in case. However, if you go a little inside the canyon, it can get quite warm.

I hope you have a great trip.
 
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I have been looking for a new pair of hiking shoes. Disappointed because everything in stores is brown or gray and UGLY. I like colorful shoes! I ordered a bright blue pair from Dick's that I hope work. I may go shopping again this weekend to see if I find anything else fun. I did also get a new pair of hiking pants and a cute baseball cap with a turtle on it!
 
I really wish I could let myself enjoy Dicks but after that theyve done to the NRA and the second amendment it is no longer consistent with the lifestyle I lead with my forever wife! Next time I suggest you go to an athletic support company with real morals.

Have a great time when you go to the Grand Canyon, I hope the north rim is as fun and enjoyable as it's name suggests!
 
StasiyaGalustyanLove said:
I really wish I could let myself enjoy Dicks but after that theyve done to the NRA and the second amendment it is no longer consistent with the lifestyle I lead with my forever wife! Next time I suggest you go to an athletic support company with real morals.

Have a great time when you go to the Grand Canyon, I hope the north rim is as fun and enjoyable as it's name suggests!
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I don't think Max is going to the N. Rim. Usually people go to the South Rim.

The N. Rim is a lot quieter than the South Rim but not that easy to get to. It is a 7-8 hours drive from Phoenix. The scenery is different. It is very beautiful but I have been there just once. It is closed from Oct to May and has fewer hotels, and they fill up very fast. That limits the chances to visit there.
 
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