Month: June 2009

Heading North

Northern Arizona has a lot to offer anyone heading out of town.

Jennica on a rock
Jennica on a rock

I apologize for the picture quality in this blog. I forgot my camera at home, and had to buy a disposable camera on my way up. I forgot how bad the pictures are from those.

 

In the forest
In the forest

Hiking in Northern Arizona is beautiful any time of year. It’s particularly beautiful in summertime to me because I love ferns and the sound of aspen leaves in the wind. I took my friend’s daughter hiking just outside Flagstaff in Snowbowl, which is a ski resort in the winter, but in the summer it’s criss-crossed with wonderful hiking trails.

 

The two of us
The two of us

We did a moderate trail, and we didn’t run into any people. It was very peaceful and quiet. I would definitely recommend Snowbowl for hiking.

 

Jennica and her dad
Jennica and her dad

After I returned a very tired Jennica to her dad in Cottonwood, I headed back to Phoenix. My favorite stop was always Sunset Point, but it has been closed for years. I was excited to see it open again, and completely remodeled.

 

Sitting area at Sunset Point
Sitting area at Sunset Point

There are observation decks, spacious bathrooms, and places to relax and sit. They really did a wonderful job with Sunset Point, so make sure to stop there the next time you head north.

Observation patios
Observation patios

Rollercoaster rides are still cool

Summer fun in the Valley can include rollercoasters and cotten candy!

 

Castles N' Coasters
Castles N' Coasters

 

I often forget about the water parks, miniature golf courses, and amusement parks we have here in Phoenix. I guess it’s not the sort of thing a person does every day, so it’s easy to forget about. Still, it’s summer and that’s the time of year to grab some cotton candy and go on a log ride, right?

With that in mind; check out Castles N’ Coasters near Metro Center Mall in west Phoenix.

 Castles and Coasters is ideal if you have small children because it’s not overwhelming large, so they can’t wander far. It’s also centrally located, so no matter where you are in the Valley, it’s not too long of a drive.

 As always, please remember sunscreen. This is Arizona people! I see too many of you with killer sunburns after a day floating down the Salt River or out on one of our many lakes. Remember sunscreen, and remember to re-apply it often.

The Scottsdale Civic Center

Visit the Scottsdale Civic Center sometime for some free fun checking out art and elaborate water features.

 

Library Pond near parking garage
Library Pond near parking garage

 

 

The Scottsdale Civic Center is one of my favorite places to go for a walk, and I have dragged friends and family alike to check it out many times over the years. There are several varieties of flowers and trees.

 

Roses at Sunset
Roses at Sunset

 

There are also several fountains, which are loud enough to tune out the city noise and be really relaxing.

 

One of the many fountains
One of the many fountains

 

There are several pieces of public art to check out as well.

 

Public Art piece
Public Art piece

 

You can even play chess (if you bring you own pieces) at one of the many tables in a secluded courtyard.

 

Chess area in courtyard
Chess area in courtyard

 

But best of all, it’s near Sugar Bowl ice cream shop, so after a long walk, you can cool off with a bowl of ice cream from the oldest ice cream shop in Scottsdale. Yum!