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?

The 125 acre Zoo is divided into four trails covering about 2.5 miles. The African and Tropics trails are longer than the Arizona and Kids trails and the zoo is easy to navigate. Some of the animal highlights for me included Asian Elephants, curious Meerkats, wallowing Warthogs, mysterious Sumatran Tigers, a restless Baboon colony and iconic Coyotes.

My favorite exhibit was the interactive Squirrel Monkey Village. Here you could enter their space and watch them frolic from tree to tree right in front of you! It was a blast. Another nice feature of the Phoenix Zoo is the opportunity to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Of course, food is available there if you don’t want to lug a cooler.

The Zoo only takes a few hours to view but you can spend much more time on the beautiful grounds picnicking and participating. Make sure to stop at the Desert Botanical Garden nearby for an added treat. With so many programs, exhibits and opportunities to learn about animals at the Phoenix Zoo, you have to add this to your vacation ideas list in Arizona.

More Photos Here.

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.

The Verde Canyon Train journey began in Phoenix with a comfortable van ride to the historic Mining Town of Jerome, Arizona. We made an hour stop for a quick bite of food and some strolling along this tiny towns charming streets before driving 20 minutes to the train depot where we would depart at 1pm. The Train Depot is large with restrooms, gift shop, small railroad museum and snack bar where food for the four hour journey can be purchased. Once on the train, there are snacks and drinks provided at a bar in each car.

You are assigned an indoor and outdoor car for the trip complete with narrator. This proved invaluable for spotting wildlife since the desert camouflage makes them hard to locate for the untrained. We learned the history of the railroad while looking at Bald Eagles, Free range cattle, Elk and the occasional Squirrel. We saw several Indian cave dwellings built into the canyon walls. The pace is slow and relaxing with an average speed of 7mph. This is great for photos! The train travels to the end of the line at a ghost ranch in Perkinsville, without deboarding, before returning back along the same route.

As much as I enjoyed this nostalgic rail journey, I’m not sure if my seven year old would have made it without being bored. Many of the children on board were restless after the first two hours since the scenery is similar along the line and the wildlife is sparse. For adults and couples, this is a fun trip.

I enjoyed the Verde Canyon Train trip. It is an old fashioned day exploring the mining history that defined the region. If you are in Phoenix, Arizona and want to extend your knowledge of the area then all aboard!  More Photos Here.

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.

Covering over 280,000 square feet, the Phoenix Central Library boasts the largest reading room in North America. This highly efficient, modern building designed by Will Bruder, is a testament to “Green Architecture” and innovation. It also has a great view of the Valley. One of the most interesting features is found on the fifth floor reading room and only occurs during the summer solstice on June 21^st. On this day, light and shadow travel across the floor from wall to wall and the tapered ceiling columns illuminate with bright light at the top just like candles. It is thoughtful design elements like these that make the Burton Barr Central Library a unique and engaging place for the community.

Downtown Phoenix is undergoing revitalization with much construction and renewal. Copper Square is the center of this activity with major sports arenas, convention space, hotels, restaurants, attractions and housing. We toured the heart of it and learned about the future of the city. Our next stop was the Heard Museum Gift Shop where authentic Native American crafts can be purchased. It was enjoyable to talk with the knowledgeable staff. They helped us identify various tribal works and the qualities of each. Next it was off to Old Town Scottsdale to stroll the streets and shops before we made a quick stop at the Botanical Gardens Shop to brush up on our local flora and fauna.

Take half a day and enjoy the Phoenix Valley Highlights Tour in Phoenix, Arizona. You’ll hear and see things not in the tourist brochures and meet some nice folks from all over. Isn’t that part of what travel is all about? See you in the Valley of the Sun.  More Photos Here.

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.

I took the Four Peaks Trail Hummer Tour on a modified vehicle which allowed better viewing but it was still a Hummer. We drove out of Phoenix for about forty-five minutes to the Tonto National Forest before going off road in the Sonoran Desert climbing over rocks and hills while stopping often for photos and demonstrations. What a fun trip! Our guide was funny and knowledgeable. He was serious when he needed to be and really adapted to our group interests. The best part is the small size of the tour since the vehicle carries less than a dozen people. You do get rattled around a bit so be prepared and drink plenty of water along the way. You can thank me later.

Locals use this area for camping, hunting and riding ATV’s and motorcycles, so paths go everywhere. When the heat of summer arrives they switch to boating. Yes, I said boating. In fact, Arizona has more boats per capita than any other state. It’s a great way to beat the heat and during out tour we learned about canyon lakes and rivers where the fun takes place.

One of the highlights of the trip is to learn more about the Saguaro Cactus, which only grows here. Tall and small, they dot the desert with quiet dignity looking like people with arms outstretched. Sadly, we saw evidence of target practice on some. Once damaged, they can’t really recover. It was surprising to see up close the diversity of plant and animal life is such a harsh environment. The Four Peaks Hummer Tour is a great way to experience the desert in a safe and enjoyable way. When you travel to Phoenix, Arizona, take half a day and venture out into the landscape. You’ll be glad you did.

Just watch out for the Teddy Bear.  More Photos Here.

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