It’s all lit up in Prescott for the holidays. The Yavapai County Courthouse (pictured above), Whiskey Row behind it, the gift shops, boutiques and restaurants downtown–they all take part in the holiday festivities that have helped turn this former territorial town into Arizona’s official “Christmas City.”

With a heritage dating back to Victorian times and earlier, they know how to do Christmas here. Phoenicians drive the 90 miles north to see what’s been billed as the world’s largest Gingerbread Village. This year, more than 100 gingerbread structures decorate the lobby of the Prescott Resort now through December 28. The resort is open 24 hours a day.

You have until December 30 to drive through Fain Park and see the mile-long lighted and animated holiday display. We’re talking thousands and thousands of lights.

And this weekend (December 6), Santa arrives. A festive parade welcomes him on a tour around Courthouse Plaza, followed by a lighting ceremony. Afterward, the Governor’s Mansion at the Sharlot Hall Museum hosts an open house with Charles Dickens-era carolers and hot apple cider.

For more information about upcoming holiday events in Arizona’s Christmas City, visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce or call 800-266-7534.

(Photo courtesy of Prescott Chamber of Commerce.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

When it does arrive, the 45,000-square-foot museum will take up about an acre of city-owned land in downtown Scottsdale. Planned to promote the culture and history of the town that’s been dubbed “The West’s Most Western Town,” the three-story glass and steel structure will include exhibits that share the myths and legends of the Southwest, according to a press release. Schematic designs are expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Hopefully, it’ll all be worth the wait.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

For instance, Now that gas prices have dropped below $2.30/gal., how about a road trip? In less than two hours, you can hop in your car, pick east or west, and wind up in small town Arizona where you’ll be able to see the Western lifestyle up close. No need to reserve a room, take the dog to the kennel, or pack the American Express. Just grab a map and go.

Not sure which way? Here are two suggestions:

Wickenburg: Located about an hour’s drive west of Phoenix, True West magazine calls Wickenburg one of the Top 10 Western towns. It’s true for many reasons: gold mining history and a gold mine tour, the old stage coach road, Yavapai Indian massacres, the Western museum, cowboy poets, ghost stories, Western clothes, shopping and quilts, dude ranches–they’re all there. You can also visit a nature preserve and do the historic walking tour downtown, and more.

The most scenic drive: Head north on I-17, then west on SR 74 (Carefree Highway, passing Lake Pleasant) to US 60 West into Wickenburg (US 60/93). Turn right on US 93 at the first light; it turns into the main drag, Tegner Street, which will take you downtown where you can pick up local maps and brochures at the Chamber’s Visitor Center (216 N. Frontier St.).

Globe: Located just less than two hours east of central Phoenix, this is the place of copper mines, silver and now uranium. Like Bisbee and Jerome, Globe was a boom town back in the late 1800s. Today, the mines are coming back. If you go, you’ll see charming boutiques, such as Simply Sarah, and antique stores. You can step inside Bacon’s Boots and Saddles and watch the owner tool custom orders. The historic county courthouse has been renovated into an arts center, and an old bordello is now a bar. You can also drive up a hill to see Indian ruins that date back 800 years.

This scenic drive involves US 60 East all the way from Phoenix. After passing Apache Junction, the road is referred to as the Old West Highway. At Milepost 214, it becomes The Gila-Pinal Scenic Road for the next 30 miles. You’ll pass the towns of Superior, Miami and Claypool along the way before entering Globe. Pick up maps and brochures at the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce on the right-hand side of US 60 East, just before you reach Historic Downtown Globe at the light on Broad Street.

Both of these places offer a unique experience if you want to get out of the big city. Spend as much or as little as you like because it’s really the scenery that makes the drive worth the trip. And that won’t cost you any more than a few gallons of gas.

C’mon, you can afford that.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

MUSEUM DEDICATION–part of a week-long schedule of events (Nov. 17-21) to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary as well as its move to the new building downtown.

What: Marguerite and Jack Clifford Gallery
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.                                                 Where: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 2nd Floor, Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix campus, 555 N. Central Ave.

Call 602-496-5555 or visit the school’s Web site.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Showing up online, of course. The above link takes you to a Web site created in 2003 by the Alliance for Audience, a non-profit organization consisting of arts and cultural groups in the Valley of the Sun who wanted a way to promote what they’re doing so you can take part in it.

Want to attend a live theater performance, a poetry reading or take an art class? Do you like concerts? It’s all here…times, dates, locations. Even maps. Get tickets, read about the venues and performances, find out about free events. This very comprehensive site  makes it easy for you to find out what’s what and where so that all you have to do is literally show up and be entertained.

And it grows every year to include even more information, including festivals, art galleries and reviews. For art and culture lovers, this is your one-stop source for information–a site you can really use.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Now through October 2009, three museums in Mesa (Mesa Contemporary Arts (pictured above), Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Arizona Museum for Youth), all within walking distance, are open free to the public on the first Sunday of every month, noon to 5 p.m.

Other free events: MACFest, a downtown Mesa art and cultural festival every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the October Storytelling Festival; and Day of the Dead and Holiday Art & Music festivals coming in November.

The city of Mesa, Target and the Arizona Republic launched the free museum program, 3 for Free, this month.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Mesa Contemporary Arts, One East Main St.

Low and Slow: The Art of the Lowrider through January 11, 2009
Arizona Wheels and Ink through January 4, 2009
The Parlour through January 11, 2009
Beneath the Skin: Artwork Inspired by Tattoos through December 7, 2008

Arizona Museum for Youth, 35 North Robson Street

Dia de los Muertos through Nov. 30, 2008
Full Circle: Recycled into Art through Feb. 8, 2009
Way to Glow! Scott McNeill through Feb. 8, 2009

Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 Macdonald St. 

HOHOKAM!  Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley through March 29, 2009
MARS!  through June 28, 2009
Dinosaur Mountain on – going
PSI:  Poop Scene Investigation through December 07, 2008

The museums are part of the Mesa Arts Center, said to be Arizona’s largest arts campus. It’s home to four theaters, five art galleries and fourteen art studios. Visit the Web site or call 480-644-6500 for more information. Free guided tours of the campus take place at noon every Wednesday at noon. To book a tour, call 480-644-6626.

(Above photo provided and used with permission by the Mesa Arts Center.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

That town is called Young, and I traveled there this past weekend to do research for my upcoming book, Backroads & Byways of Arizona (Countryman Press, 2009).

Formerly known as  Pleasant Valley, it was the site of what became one of the state’s most bloodiest family feuds. Between the Tewksbury and Graham families, it was called the Pleasant Valley War. And although the bloodbath began in Pleasant Valley, it extended north of the Mogollon Rim and to as far away south as Tempe–where the final ambush occurred.

With several versions written about the feud, it’s not clearly known whether the 20 or so deaths occurred because of a fight between ranchers and sheep herders, or whether the quarreling families were just too stubborn to let it go. Initially, you see, the families were friends, the Tewksburys having invited  the Grahams from California to come to the Pleasant Valley area in the Tonto Basin and buy into ranching. With large pastures of green grass and water from the creeks, this place south of the Mogollon Rim was perfect for ranching in the late 1880s. About 34 years later, the romance of the town’s tragedy (not to mention the hunting and fishing) drew Western author Zane Grey, who then wrote about the feud in his novel, To the Last Man.

But, what started out as a friendship between men turned into a brawl that left the two families nearly wiped out by ambushes and bullets flying into thin air, cabins and torsos. Pleasant Valley is now the home of old burial grounds and tall tales, and several people who no longer mind sharing what they know and the artifacts they’ve been able to salvage.

It’s also home to some of the states most scenic beauty, which makes it hard to believe the area has such a tragic past. But you can learn more about it if you visit on the third weekend of July, during Pleasant Valley Days. That’s the only time the local museums are open. During other times, if you can find a map online, you can still visit grave sites at the Young Cemetery of the original Graham brothers killed, along with others on their side. A few men from the Tewksbury side are buried  on federal land, as is the lone Navajo sheepherder–the first death that occurred because of the feud.

Aside from its curious history, what draws visitors to Young is this: hunting, fishing, cabin retreats, camping and a quiet lifestyle. The largest  employer is the Ranger Station. It’s population is less than 600, made up of the ranchers and retirees. Many folks from the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, that is, have second homes there.

Aside from the cattle ranches that still roam the countryside between Hell’s Gate and the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Young is home to wildlife, such as elk, deer, wild turkey, mountain lions and black bear. It’s also a great spot to see wildflowers. Something else you’ll notice as you come into town are the windmills. They’re everywhere.

Even if you aren’t an avid hunter looking for your next taxidermy conquest, or even if you don’t know how to fish or pitch a tent, Young is a great spot to take a weekend break. It’s beautiful. It’s quiet. And once you hit State Route 288, coming from Globe, you’re in for the backroads scenic drive of your life. They don’t call this one “From the Desert to the Pines” for nothing.

Oh, and don’t worry. You probably know Arizona gained statehood in 1912.

(Photos taken by Jackie Dishner.) 

To get there: From the south on SR 188 outside of Globe and before you reach Roosevelt Lake, take a right onto SR 288, head north for 47 miles to Young. It’s now a mostly paved road. A more cumbersome route can be reached via SR 512 out of Payson on SR 260.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

Watch for more to come in the future. Once a month, I’ll include a quiz, centering it around a theme, such as Native American art, sporting events, outdoor recreation, and other things travel-related. You can join in on the fun by leaving your answers here in the comment box.

1. Till next time, let me know if you knew the answers to this quiz without having to do an online search, or phone a friend.
3. If this quiz was too easy, let me know that as well. The answers are:

1. There are three places in Greater Phoenix where I know you can find Allan Houser sculptures. I may have mentioned them previously in this blog. Do you know the names of these places? THEY ARE: HEARD MUSEUM, FIGARELLI FINE ART and THE PHOENICIAN RESORT.
2. Phoenix is situated in the heart of what is considered the most ecologically diverse desert in the world. Do you know the name of this desert? THE SONORAN DESERT.
3. Phoenix is one of how many U.S. cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), and Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)? ONLY 13 U. S. CITIES HAVE SUCH FRANCHISES.
4. In what year did the Arizona Diamondbacks win the World Series Championship? IN 2001.
5. Can you name all six lakes that can be found within a 75-minute drive from Phoenix? THEY ARE APACHE, BARTLETT, CANYON, LAKE PLEASANT, ROOSEVELT AND SAGUARO.
6. Frank Lloyd Wright built a studio here. Though he is now deceased, his foundation operates a teaching facility for students interested in organic architecture. Visitors can take tours and workshops there. Do you know the name of this facility? IT IS TALIESIN WEST. 
7. The largest municipal park in the world is located here. It covers more than 16,500 acres. Do you know the name of this park? IT’S CALLED SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK AND PRESERVE.
8. Three major industries are located in Phoenix. Can you name all three? THEY HAVE BEEN MOST RECENTLY CONSTRUCTION, HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURING AND TOURISM (though construction is questionable these days…).
9. A famous rock star from the 70s lives here. He’s still producing albums and going on tour. He’s also very active in philanthropic projects. Do you know his name? Hint: He invested in a downtown Phoenix restaurant near what used to be known as Bank One Ballpark. THAT WOULD BE ALICE COOPER.
10. The late Senator Barry Goldwater donated a collection of unique dolls to the Heard Museum. Do you know what these dolls are called? THEY ARE CALLED KACHINAS or KATSINAS.

(Photo used with permission by the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.) 

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

1. There are three places in Greater Phoenix where I know you can find Allan Houser sculptures. I may have mentioned them previously in this blog. Do you know the names of these places?
2. Phoenix is situated in the heart of what is considered the most ecologically diverse desert in the world. Do you know the name of this desert?
3. Phoenix is one of how many U.S. cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), and Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)?
4. In what year did the Arizona Diamondbacks win the World Series Championship?
5. Can you name all six lakes that can be found within a 75-minute drive from Phoenix?
6. Frank Lloyd Wright built a studio here. Though he is now deceased, his foundation operates a teaching facility for students interested in organic architecture. Visitors can take tours and workshops there. Do you know the name of this facility?
7. The largest municipal park in the world is located here. It covers more than 16,500 acres. Do you know the name of this park?
8. Three major industries are located in Phoenix. Can you name all three?
9. A famous rock star from the 70s lives here. He’s still producing albums and going on tour. He’s also very active in philanthropic projects. Do you know his name? Hint: He invested in a downtown Phoenix restaurant near what used to be known as Bank One Ballpark.
10. The late Senator Barry Goldwater donated a collection of unique dolls to the Heard Museum. Do you know what these dolls are called?

How do you think you did? Post your comments here, or check back in tomorrow for the answers to this quiz.

(Photo used with permission by the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.) 

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

You may have seen this book, or maybe not. But Sam Lowe, the author of Arizona Curiosities (now in it’s second edition), happens to be a funny guy with a lot of quirky stories to tell, including one about the time he interviewed a couple at a nudist colony in Tonopah. And, yes, they were unclothed. Well…he was, after all, in search of the “bare facts,” as quoted from his book.

Not only is Sam funny, but the guy’s also got guts.

Guess that’s why Marshall Trimble, the state’s official historian, recommended Lowe to the publisher, Globe Pequot, as the guy to write this book. The author, a former full-time newspaper columnist for the Arizona Republic and the now defunct Phoenix Gazette, writes regularly for Arizona Highways and Highroads, AAA Arizona’s travel magazine, among other publications. He’s also just completed his third book in the “Curiosities” series, only this one’s about New Mexico. It’ll be out in September.

I had the opportunity to meet the author for lunch this week at Café Carumba in Scottsdale. We chatted about our mutual work as Phoenix-based travel writers and then he answered a few questions for me about his book:

Q: First, tell me a little bit about what you did to find the curiosities.

A: I drove 12,000 miles across Arizona. I went to every town in the state, except for Young (He’s since been there, too.), and it took me eight months. Because of my column for the newspaper, “On the Lowe Road,” I pretty much knew what was there already. I was just following up, to make sure it was still there.

Q: During your eight months on the road for the first book, what was the most surprising thing you learned about Arizona?

A: The most surprising thing for me was at The Thing. I was really surprised at that. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I didn’t expect to see what I saw. It’s just a mummy. (I recommend that you read his book to find out more about what he calls a “billboard marketing success” story.)

Another surprising thing I discovered was near Hillside (in northwest Arizona, between Congress and Baghdad). There’s this really big rock painted to look like a skull. It’s huge, probably 25 tons, and very well done. It’s been there 100 years and was painted by railroad workers. I expected it to be kitschy.

Q: Is there one location where curiosities abound?

A: I think that would be in southeastern Arizona. There’s the monastery in Florence. There’s Tombstone. It has a rosebush–a Lady Banks Rose–that was planted in the late 1800s. It’s still growing and is (maybe?) 10,000 square feet wide. And Bisbee itself is weird. In Douglas, there’s one square block where you’ll find a church on every corner, different denominations. There’s the lady with the bookstore in her home near Benson, and then there’s Gammon’s Gulch.

Q: Where do you go to find out this information?

A: In the small towns, go to the Chamber of Commerce or the local bar. Anyone there knows where to find the curiosities, though it’s not usually curious to them. You have to ask a lot of questions.

Q: What are some of the more unusual things you’ve found in Phoenix?

A: At the Mineral & Mining Museum they have an exhibit of rocks that looks like food…steak and mashed potatoes. And if you go to McDonald Drive and 40th Street, there’s a house with an unusual rock garden. And then there’s the big plywood cut-outs at Cotton Lane off the Interstate 10 in Goodyear (One is a giant baby cut-out. She’s playing with toy tractors in a plowed field.) You can only see those when you’re traveling west on the interstate. 

Q: The entries are short, easy to read and humorous. It seems like this book would be a great book to read in the bathroom.

A: It is a definite bathroom reader, although I find that my legs always fall asleep when I read on the loo.

Tip to Sam: Don’t try to read all 300 pages in one sitting.

Before the interview ended, I couldn’t help but ask the author for his top-five pick of curious attractions statewide. In no particular order, they are:

1. The big frog rock in Congress.
2. The tiki head in Kingman on Route 66; it looks like something off of Easter Island.
3. The 30-foot-tall concrete kachina figure in the Tonto Hills subdivision northeast of Carefree.
4. The lizards on the retaining walls running up and down Highway 101 (Pima Freeway) in Scottsdale.
5. The Artichokes at Scottsdale Community College; it’s the name for the school’s mascot.

If you don’t get a chance to see any of Sam’s picks, at least consider looking for his book. Not only is it good bathroom reading, but it’s a good guide to what you’ll surely find when in Arizona–the unusual, the odd, and especially the curious.

(For the photos of the book, I wish to thank my boyfriend for loaning me his copy, and Sam’s photo above was printed with his permission. Thanks, Sam. See you on the road.)

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler