Determined
to revisit much of the United States in the years to come, I chose
Arizona as my six-day winter destination for January 2008. Impressed
by the physical beauty, the diversity of the population, the culture
and history of the state and the multitude of amenities, my recommendation
is "Go." Arizona has a lot to offer the visitor.
Arriving in Phoenix airport from New York City,
I boarded the Sedona Phoenix Shuttle, (800-448-7988) outside the
baggage area for a comfortable, pleasant, 2.5-hour ride to Sedona.
The shuttle, which runs round-trips many times a day, accommodated
several passengers and was driven by a competent, skilled driver
who made the journey so relaxing. Other pick-up points include Oak
Creek, Cottonwood and Camp Verde, as well as beautiful Sedona. Highly
recommended!
In Sedona, I stayed two nights in the magnificent
Enchantment Resort, (928-282 -2900), surrounded by the majestic
red rock canyons, and offering a full menu of activities, including
tennis, swimming, nature hikes, and star gazing. At Enchantment's
top-notch spa, Mii amo, I enjoyed a traditional, deep-tissue 60-minute
Swedish massage. A good choice!
During the day, I took two scenic city trolley
tours of Sedona, and a Red Rock Western Jeep Tour of Soldier Pass,
which navigated a rugged, historic road, and arrived close to the
spectacular rocks.
For meals, I chose a low-calorie, healthy breakfast
at the Spa; lunch in town at the beautiful, scenic, and delicious
Bistro Bella Terra; and a tasteful seafood dinner at The Barking
Frog, also in town. The latter features southwestern dining in the
grille or a more contemporary cuisine, with European influence,
in the Reserve Room. Under the supervision of Chef Kyle Evans, The
Barking Frog uses only the freshest ingredients and as much of the
regional, sustainable ingredients as possible.
Sedona is a wonderful town to visit. Aside from
its beauty and history, it is filled with art galleries and unique
shops. Sad that my visit was but a brief two days, I plan to revisit
Sedona when I schedule another trip to the Grand Canyon.
Scottsdale, the next city on my Arizona agenda,
was expecting me, and I checked into the trendy Hotel Valley Ho,
with its residential towers, in central, convenient downtown (866-882-4484).
I still chuckle about my room with its bathtub in the bedroom and
deep green walls.
Valley Ho's ideal location made it easy to join
in the evening Art Walk; to explore historic Old Town Scottsdale
on foot; to ride the free trolley and get a view of the city; to
explore the shops; and to dine at the wonderful Canal Restaurant.
Breakfast was fruit and an egg white omelette at Valley Ho's Cafe
Zuzu. On two evenings, sublime dinners were enjoyed at Canal Restaurant,
where Chef Justin Beckett and manager, Robert, treated their guests
to original dishes, creatively and tastefully prepared, mostly from
seasonal ingredients. Highly recommended! (480 949-9000). Scottsdale
boasts more than 330 days of sunshine and lived up to its reputation,
much appreciated by this visitor from the cold Northeast.
Two days were spent in Tucson, in southern Arizona,
famous for the giant saguaro cactus, which only grows in the Sonoran
Desert. Before checking into the more than 66,000-square-foot JW
Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, I enjoyed a Mexican vegetarian
meal at the famous downtown El Charro. No ersatz Mexicana; it was
real Sonoran Mexican, and so delicious! (520 622-1922). Satiated,
I arrived at my JW Marriott guestroom. It was spacious, the furniture
handsome and custom-made, and the view of the Tucson Mountains,
breathtaking.
The next morning, I drove downtown for breakfast
at Tohono Chul Park (520 742-6455) with Glenn Nowak, communications
director, who helped me work off the minimal calories with an hour's
walk around a portion of the 49-acre desert preserve. Ripe with
interesting flora and fauna, and an eye opener of desert nature,
arts and culture, Tohono Chul (meaning desert corner) also invites
visitors to breakfast, lunch or tea in its Tea Room on the premise
and to shop in its three unusual gift shops.
In Tucson, I also walked around the University
of Arizona, browsed the Fourth Avenue Shopping District and the
funky, mod shops, and rode the old Pueblo Trolley to Main Gate Square
of the university. Returning to JW Marriott, I joined in a free
tequila toast outside on the veranda, and marveled at the nature-painted,
natural sunset. The next morning, I enjoyed a scrumptuous buffet
breakfast of fruit, breads and an egg-white omelette at the Hotel's
Signature Restaurant.
Time flew and so did the Arizona Shuttle, which
transported me, by van, comfortably and safely, between Tucson and
Scottsdale (800 888-2749). When my visiting days ended, I departed
the Phoenix airport, for the cold of New York with a warm glow in
my heart.
Updated
2/5/08
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| Professor
Judy Salwen, faculty, New York University, author, broadcaster
and lecturer is available to speak about living well. She
can be reached by e-mail at judysalwen@aol.com. Her website
is www.judysalwen.com. |
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