Amazing Arizona

By Judy Salwen

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