The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a grand showcase of American Indian Art and crafts from the region. They have three locations now but I visited the main Museum in Downtown. I was lucky enough to join a 30 minute free tour given by the museum staff and I’m glad I did. He pointed out items I would have missed and we also learned background and history of the exhibits.

One of my favorite displays was the huge collection of Hopi “Katsina” dolls. These religious figures represent the many spirits used in rituals and they are colorful, diverse and amazing. The stories that go with each figure are fascinating. They also have wonderful examples of bead work, silver-smithing, weaving and more. The Museum Gift shop is filled with certified, authentic American Indian arts and crafts for purchase.

This is an excellent way to learn about the native peoples from the Phoenix, Arizona and beyond.  More Photos Here.

“To inspire people to live in ways that promote the well-being of the natural world”

This is the mission of the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona. Who could argue with that? Since 1962, they have tirelessly worked towards conservation and diversity of animal species locally and internationally including the Mexican Wolf, Asian Elephant and Sumatran Tiger. Visiting there is educational and fun. Besides, how can you resist watching a baby Orangutan clowning for the crowd?

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The Iron Horse sat quietly as we boarded her in the small town of Clarkdale, a few hours north of Phoenix, Arizona. The vintage FP7 Diesel engines gleamed in the desert sun waiting to pull the passengers through the Verde Canyon as they had so many times. As we settled into our oversized seats the railcar lurched forward building momentum. Soon we were immersed in a bygone era.

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The Phoenix Valley Highlights Tour in Phoenix, Arizona is a great overview of the area. Covering the history of the valley from the Hohokam peoples, who lived their for over 1000 years, to the present downtown renovation, this tour is the perfect way to understand the culture, geography and growth of the fifth most populous city in the U. S. Phoenix is one of the fastest growing locations in the country and the Highlights tour helps to shed some light on that phenomenon, also. One of our first stops on the tour was the library.

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The Teddy Bear Cholla cactus can drop a man at ten paces…

Well…not really but it seemed that way when our Stellar Adventures guide explained the vicious nature of this barbed desert dweller during a Hummer Tour near Phoenix, Arizona. Razor sharp with hooked spines, the Cholla is almost impossible to remove. It was just one of the curious things we heard and saw bouncing over the rugged terrain. If the heat didn’t get us in the Sonoran Desert then deadly Snakes, Scorpions, Lizards, Toads, Spiders and Mountain Lions were waiting. Fortunately, our guide was armed.

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