Do you want an official tour…and official tour bus, or vehicle? Well we have a fun plan for you!  We had a reader write in about a big family reunion they are planning. They plan to tour Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and parts of New Mexico in a large RV, well a few large RV’s. Their families have been planning this for some time, and they are going all out! We thought not only is their idea brilliant, but it must be shared!

With a total of 5 large RV’s and 42 family members traveling this affair is seriously a big one. Beyond the fat they have a whole caravan, they are vinyl wrapping one of them with their family tree! This Wrapped RV will be the leader of the pack during their 2 week adventure. The idea came from a family member Bronc, who wraps vehicles for a living, www.vehiclewraps1.com. He decided to design the family tree, have it printed on vinyl and then install it on the RV. This is a real summer tour…family style! The image is not their actual truck, but we wanted to give you an idea, and that is some of Bronc’s work.

Now that they are traveling in style here is they plan to visit some of the worldy wonders that people travel from all over the world to see.

Arizona – Grand Canyon (North Rim, Lake Powell)

Utah – Paria Valley ( Vermillion Cliffs, the Wave), Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon

Colorado – Durango- they are going for a family hike on the Colorado Trail (which runs 468 miles from Durango to Denver, and then of course some River Rafting down the Animas.

New Mexico – Indian Reservations. They officially want to spend time in each of the Four Corner States

Although they are visiting four states, they are spending the most time in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

Taking forty two family members on a two week driving trip sounds insane…in of course an amazing way! What better time spent with each other hiking, rafting, exploring and eating great food? The best part is that they are making it known to all the others they pass by.

Imagine seeing 5 large RV’s, one dressed up in a family tree, pass you by on the highway, or park in your campsite! I think they probably need a whole park site to themselves. No doubt this traveling reunion will make lifetime memories.

What are some adventurous things that you are doing this summer? We’d love to hear what you have planned, so share away!

The state of Arizona is probably most well-known for the fact that its hosts the Grand Canyon, one of the greatest wonders of the world.  From hiking expeditions, to camping, as well as exploring the rivers throughout, the Grand Canyon has a piece of beauty and serenity to offer just about every age group.  In fact even children can delight in the wonders of this gigantic canyon filled with valleys, wildlife, and many who come from near and far to explore. The Grand Canyon boasts a railway and train that still is used for many purposes.  One purpose being the Polar Express Train adventure that is offered throughout the months leading up to and including Christmas.  

The Polar Express is a grand train adventure for all ages  that follows the story of the classic children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg.  It begins with a light show spectacular at Williams Depot, in Williams, Az.  Next passengers board the train for a 90 minute voyage, which takes them through the magic tunnel to the North Pole.  Upon arriving at the cozy Christmas decorated Santa’s Village, Santa himself and his top Elf Bernard greet all the children and welcome them to the Village.   When the visit to the North Pole is complete, Santa boards the train with all the passengers to make the journey home with everyone.  While aboard the train Santa makes his way through the cars and isles and talks with every child as well as gives them his special little gift of a  jingle bell!  The jingle bell represents your belief in the magic of Christmas.  It is definitely a winter adventure that all can enjoy!.  For those of you that want to extend your adventure, there are different packages offered that feature food and lodging at the nearby Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

Although this Christmas extravaganza goes on from Nov-Jan tickets sell out fast and many of the preferred dates and time slots become filled.  To get a head start tickets go on sale starting in July.  These tickets do sell out fast though, so it is recommended that your pick your dates and purchase tickets early.

Whether you are fully grown and still enjoy the magic of Santa and his elves, or simply want to take your family on a memorable adventure that will forever stay in their hearts, the Polar Express at The Grand Canyon is by far one of the best adventures Arizona has to offer!

92 miles southeast of Tucson, sits Bisbee, Arizona. It’s historic architecture makes this old mining town visited by many.  I was fortunate enough to explore Bisbee for a few days.  I won a drawing for a two night stay at the Copper Queen Hotel.  So a big thanks to Tempe Carpet Cleaners, for hosting a charity to raise money for the homeless, because I donated and won! And so I now post about quaint little Bisbee.

Bisbee is really cute. I’d heard great things about it, but never been. It was founded in 1880 and known for the gold, copper and silver mining.  It’s small, population of 5500 people. It’s main street is quirky and quaint, filled with vintage and antique shops. It;s rich in history and art and has fun little spots to check out.  Iy’s small so you don’t feel overwhelmed by people, and it’s just done well. There’s coffee shops and cute little eateries.  Jewelry lovers will find cool little jems to add to their jewelry collection.  [Read more…] about Bisbee-Old Mining Town

On my last post, I brought to attention the Tempe Festival of the Arts, a bi-annual event held in downtown Tempe, Arizona.  I, along with a few friends, headed out to it on Sunday, the last day. I do have to say the weather was overcast and predicted rain, which it did!  But it was incredible. A slight chill, but it’s AZ in the spring, so nothing crazy.  There was a brief period that the rain let up, and then on it went.  I loved it, although I felt bad for many of the artist.  There pieces were outside of their tents, and it is a lot of work to put together to have it rain.  There was a few less people than last year, from what I remembered, so that was another bummer for the artisans.

We had a good time. I always love seeing the creativity brought to life by people.  There was so many varieties of art, which really is great because there is something for everyone.  Honestly the roasted cinnamon sugar almonds and the wine festival were a highlight for me. Don’t get me wrong viewing the talent that was there was delicious too, but the almonds warmed my belly, the wine warmed my face, and I could afford both of them.  Many things are expensive, and rightfully so. [Read more…] about Art Festival Travels