Carefree

Carefree is known for its beautiful position amid the Sonoran desert, lush terrain, ancient boulders and quiet serene landscape. Visit the Carefree Desert Gardens, open free to the public, with some of the most unusual botanical specimens in the state. Carefree offers a quiet refuge from the large cities but caters to its residents and visitors year ‘round with festivals, fine dining, music and exquisite art. Carefree experiences slightly cooler arid temperatures and is conveniently located just minutes north of Scottsdale and only 15 miles northeast of Phoenix. VisitCarefree.com or call 480-488-3686 for more information.

Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell

Cultural Heritage & Art Sculptures, water features adorn the Civic & Event Plaza, Park, streets and avenues. Monthly docent-led art walks invite visitors to learn about the public art. The Great Fair and Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts attract thousands of visitors each year. Fort McDowell offers outdoor adventures, horseback riding, jeep tours, cook-outs and cultural heritage experiences. The Fountain Hills Community Theater, one of Arizona’s leading performing arts organizations, offers award winning theater productions throughout the year. For information, visit www.fountainhillschamber.com.

Glendale

From football frenzy to signature festivals filled with family fun, unique culinary flavors, holiday splendor and more—when it comes to lifestyle, Glendale’s got you covered. Home to the nation’s finest multi-sport entertainment complex and famous shopping districts, Glendale is a beautiful blend of new excitement and historic charm. Boasting a collection of travel information, the Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau is the first place to start your journey. For more information, call 623-930-4500 or www.visitglendale.com.

Phoenix

Phoenix, otherwise known as The Valley of the Sun, offers big skies and majestic mountains. It’s a sun soaked paradise where the outdoors are your playground. Whether it’s golf, hiking, biking or horseback riding, you will find it all and more. As the 5th largest metropolis in the country, you’ll find urban sophistication mixed with rich old-west history. Breathtaking resorts and spas are sprinkled throughout the valley’s vast landscape, providing a soothing and memorable getaway.

Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale – Whether you’re looking to paint the town red, or just a glass of red wine, Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect destination for a night on the town. As one of the most acclaimed tourist areas in the state of Arizona, Downtown Scottsdale provides an eclectic mix of southwestern and contemporary art galleries, specialty retail, upscale dining, active nightlife and cultural attractions for residents and visitors alike. Downtown Scottsdale boasts of more than 20 hotels, over 100 art galleries and over 50 lounges, bars and nightclubs, more than 85 restaurants and 50 public artworks. For more information call 480-312-7750 or visit www.scottsdaledowntown.com.

Bisbee

Known as “Queen of the Copper Camps”, Bisbee offers a rare blend of history, architecture, romance and adventure all wrapped-up in the rugged splendor of an Old West mining town. Tucked in the Mule Mountains, this town is a charming collection of antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and museums. For an unforgettable adventure, suit up in a yellow slicker, mining hat and headlamp for a train ride deep underground in the Queen Mine. Call 1-866-2BISBEE or visit discoverbisbee.com.

Marana

Pack your sense of adventure, when you Discover Marana! Visitors are drawn to the community’s inspiring Sonoran Desert, including an 80-armed saguaro in the Ironwood Forest National Monument, the picturesque Saguaro National Park West, world-class hiking, biking, stargazing, and craft beer made right here. At the Forbes 5 Star Rated Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, you can enjoy a world-class resort, as well as outstanding dining, golf and spa facilities. Explore discovermarana.org to plan your perfect daytrip or overnight stay. We’re close to everything, but far from ordinary. Discover Marana today and experience the best of Arizona!

Tombstone

Are you tough enough to visit the “Town too Tough to Die”? When you walk the streets of Tombstone, the most famous Western town in the world, you’ll walk where legendary figures Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and the Clanton’s lived and fought. See where the infamous 30-second gunfight took place on October 26, 1881 at the rear entrance of the O.K. Corral. Put on your holsters or feather boas and join in on the family fun. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 888-457-3929 or visit tombstonechamber.com.

Tucson

Tucson’s desert charm, temperate climate and continuum of activity make it an easy winter getaway. Take some time and explore our magical landscape, hike a few trails and then learn of our rich heritage. Retrace the course of southwestern history, savor our incredible, inventive and award-winning regional cuisine. Marvel at our captivating natural beauty. Then, soak up one spectacular sunset after another. Call 1-888-2-Tucson or our web site
visittucson.org.

Cottonwood

Historic Old Town Cottonwood is quickly becoming Arizona’s new destination to relax and get away from it all. Enjoy four wine tasting rooms and gourmet shops offering the finest in craft beers, craft rum & vodka, olive oils, decadent desserts, flavored teas and small batch gelatos in a few short blocks. Experience antiques, art, books, specialty stores, fabulous restaurants, inns and even take a historic tour to learn about the bootlegging past of this small community. Located between Sedona and Jerome, there is so much to see and do in Cottonwood. Call 928-634-7593 or visit visitcottonwoodaz.org

Grand Canyon

Go Grand and stay at the heart of the Grand Canyon at the South Rim. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and stars which are a treat for your senses. We encourage you to take advantage of the beautiful hotels, spend a few days and experience air or ground tours, mule riding or Native American arts and culture. Stop by the office in Tusayan and get help booking your tours or finding a last-minute hotel (subject to availability). GrandCanyonCVB.org.

Flagstaff

A short 2 hour drive north on I-17 from Phoenix and you’re greeted to some of the most beautiful country. Snuggled in among the towering ponderosa pines, Flagstaff offers beauty and charm. Located along the famous Route 66, downtown Flagstaff is lined with quaint cafes, boutique shops and historic hotels. Whether you are the outdoorsy type, or simply want to take in smell of pine trees and experience mother nature at its best, Flagstaff is a must stop on your Arizona tour. flagstaffarizona.org

Jerome

In 100 years, Jerome has been a mining boomtown, the largest ghost town in America and now Arizona’s top art and history destination. Sitting a mile high on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is one of the most vertical cities in the US. From this vantage point, the entire Verde Valley unfolds with the splendor of the Red Rocks of Sedona and the Peaks of Flagstaff on the horizon. The town is filled with historic buildings, from ramshackle shanties to Victorian treasures, lovingly restored to their former glory. As one of Arizona’s top tourism destinations, the business community of Jerome has created a handmade, one of a kind town filled with wonderful restaurants, charming lodging, special shops, a mine museum, six wine tasting rooms, and galleries galore. Call 928-634-2900 or jeromechamber.com

Page/Lake Powell

Page & Lake Powell, Arizona, has a variety of activities. On the water, there’s Colorado River raft trips that float around famous Horseshoe Bend. On the other side of the Glen Canyon Dam is Lake Powell, where you can take a boat tour that meanders through slot canyons, rent a boat, fish, and more. On land, sign up for a slot canyon walking or photography tour. Like history or art? Check out the John Wesley Powell Museum, located at the Page Lake Powell Visitor Center. The Museum hosts Friday night Art Walks, and an Artist of the Month every first Friday. Located at 6 N. Lake Powell Blvd. 86040. VisitPageLakePowell.com or call 888-261-PAGE.

Williams

Williams is one of the most picturesque and visitor-friendly communities along historic Route 66. Williams offers clear, cool air and visitors have a wonderful variety of activities and events to choose from: shopping, golf, hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, or simply cruising along Route 66. Located within this same historic area is the historic Grand Canyon Railway and Williams Depot and home to Grand Canyon Deer Farm and Bearizona. To learn more about Williams–the Best of Route 66–please call 800-863-0546 or visit experiencewilliams.com.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu City is known as Arizona’s Playground. Enjoy the sparkling blue waters next to Arizona’s only lake front community, great golf, shopping, fine dining and so much more. An ideal summer vacation spot, Lake Havasu City is an easy drive from the southwest’s major population centers: Phoenix is just a little more than three hours away, Las Vegas is just 2 ¼ and Los Angeles is only 4 ½. To learn more, log on to www.golakehavasu.com or call 928-453-3444.

Parker

Just south of Lake Havasu, Parker resides along 16 miles of the Colorado River. Perfect for the boating enthusiast, Parker offers some of the best river tubing, water skiing and fishing in the state. And when you’re done with all the water fun, you can pull up to any of the waterfront restaurants for a bite to eat.

Clarkdale

Founded in 1912, Clarkdale, Arizona began as a company town. Three museums celebrate the Town’s mining past. The Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum houses official archives, the Arizona Copper Art Museum features pieces from around the world and the John Bell Museum includes exhibits of a heritage railroad’s great history. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers excursion tours along the original railroad line. Visitors enjoy kayaking the Verde River, wine tasting and delicacies from local chefs. Home to Tuzigoot National Monument, Clarkdale entices with glimpses into her colorful past. Visit the Town of Clarkdale, 928-639-2500 or clarkdale.az.gov

Payson/Rim Country

Payson is one of Arizona’s Jewels, located at the base of the Majestic Mogollon Rim and offers travelers access to hundreds of miles of Hiking and Mountain Biking trails. Drop a line in any of the trout streams or lakes or just relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset! Surrounded by the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world, Payson is a year-round outdoor lover’s paradise. Payson is only 90 miles from Metro Phoenix and 20 degrees cooler. Plan your visit online at paysonrimcountry.com

The White Mountains

The White Mountains offers some of the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines to world-class freshwater fishing, this is True Arizona. Discover cool mountain air, crystal clear streams and stunning vistas. Hike a trail or ride a horse! Explore historic Arizona or just sit back and enjoy the tranquil pace of Arizona’s high-country. Visit azwhitemountains.net