e are standing on the sun-drenched shore of the gently flowing Lower Salt

River, the excitement building as our guide, Jon Colby, offers our group some paddling instruc-tions before we push off. Judging by our surroundings, it’s clear that our half-day kayak excursion with Arizona Outback Adven-tures is going to be otherworldly.

For years, Arizona has become a sanctuary for my wife Louise and me – a private haven where we rest, play and reconnect. This time, we decided to share this special state of being. And so we’ve embarked on a weeklong holiday leading our kids – a spir-ited clan whose ages range from 12 to 25. They are in the process of being blown away, Arizona style.

The sky is flawless, its brilliant blue hue striking in contrast to the reddish brown and granite coloured mountains surround-ing us.

With the exception of a handy beach at our launch point on the Lower Salt, the shoreline is thick with green vegetation – virtually all of it exotic and some of it darn prickly. A forest of stately saguaro cacti is flanked by its cousins including rotund barrel, fuzzy cholla and rangy ocotillo – as well as trees of all sizes: Weeping willows, sturdy ironwood and

pinion among them. It’s hard to imagine that here

in the midst of the Stewart Moun-tain Range we are just 30 minutes east of downtown Scottsdale, its sleek freeways, posh resorts and gated neighbourhoods far behind us.

The Lower Salt is popular among fishers, but even more people are lured here by the chance to float away the hours on tubes, or paddle in inflatable kayaks. While Jon notes that on some weekends and during sum-mertime, activity on the river can be busy, today there is literally no one else around. It is blissful, just nature and us. The river is full of trout, bass, carp and other fish. Eagles, blue heron, turkey vultures and other birds fly by. Harmless geckos and bunnies dash for shade. We are told that we might even see wild horses.

We are all experienced pad-dlers and find the kayaking a breeze. While the current can pick up at certain times of the year, the few faster sections of the river we pass through add a touch of excitement to what is otherwise a largely educational and relaxing outing.

An easygoing guide, Jon is a non-stop source of interesting facts and anecdotes. With each bend in the river, we learn new things about our surroundings, such as the Palo Verde tree’s abil-ity to photosynthesize through

its green bark, a key to its survival when its drops its tiny leaves. Jon also debunks desert myths, such as the ability to tap water from a cactus, as John Wayne famously, yet fictitiously, did.

Several hours into our journey we get our reward – the sight of wild horses gathered under a shady tree at the river’s edge. Approaching silently, we capture close up photos.

It’s a slam dunk.Later that afternoon, amid the

idyllic surroundings of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scotts-dale, our gang needs no convinc-ing of what to do next. All of them – our daughters Nayah (12) and Julia (17) plus Bryan (23), Jer-emy and his girlfriend Monique (25) – head to the family pool for a float in the Westin’s “lazy river,” a water attraction that playfully meanders through a well-crafted, man-made desert domain.

That evening, we dine under the stars at the resort’s outdoor patio restaurant, everyone shar-ing stories from the day’s adven-ture. The gang can’t wait to find out what tomorrow will bring.

get out and play

urban fare

Arizona’s climate might be perfectly suited for golf and tennis, but those aren’t the only games in town. Situated on the doorstep of wilderness areas including South Moun-tain Park, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and Camelback Mountain, Greater Phoenix and Scott-sdale offer ready access to outdoor recreation ranging from hiking and biking to horseback riding, hot air bal-looning and four-wheel desert adventures. Here are two ways to go:

Giddy up! There’s no ques-tion: venturing into the Sonoran Desert can be serious business. And then there is Fort McDowell Adventures. For over 20 years, this outfitter has made horseback excursions into the desert a joy for riders of all skill levels. A scenic, 40-minute drive from down-town Scottsdale, Fort McDow-ell Adventures takes riders into the heart of the 25,000-acre Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Rides offer expansive views of the verdant Sonoran Desert and McDowell range, as well as thrills that include crossing the Verde River and potential sightings of creatures including elusive javelinas – gentle, hoofed mammals that resemble wild boar.

Pedal to the metal. Looking for a high-spirited desert outing? Try Green Zebra Adventures. You’ll quickly find yourself behind the wheel of your own Tomcar, a rough-and-ready Israeli-military-designed dune buggy-style vehicle that is fast, fun and easy to drive. The Tomcar’s fully independent suspension and high clearance allow you to glide easily over rough surfaces and through deep ruts, while its broad wheel base provides remark-able stability, even when cornering at speed across flat, gravelly surfaces. Following a safety briefing, your guide leads the pack in an exhilarat-ing convoy-style procession. As long as drivers respect the rules, it’s non-stop fun. Will you get dusty? Yes. Bring a change of clothes and your zest for life, and have a ball.

Enjoying Scottsdale’s great outdoors is a perfect way to take an Arizona holiday to new level. For those who prefer exploring life’s finer creature comforts, Scottsdale also offers the best of the best – a dizzying collection of destination resorts and spas as well as golf courses, art galleries and retail stores to a host of fine dining options. Here are a few suggestions:

Places to stay

Talking Stick Resort. Scottsdale’s newest Four Diamond resort not only tops the charts for entertainment including a 240,000-square-foot casino, 650-seat showroom and five bars and lounges, its rooftop spa offers unparalleled Valley views and rejuvenat-ing treatments. Current spa specials include a Candlelight Massage Duo, blends massage, calming oils and aromatherapy to soothe tension ($139). Try a Warm Stone Renew & Repair Facial. Its deep cleansing, hy-drating infusions and exfolia-tion will leave your face with a healthy holiday glow ($129). Or, if your feet need some pamper-ing, indulge in a Candlelight Pedicure, featuring extras including a relaxing aromatic soak, scrub and oil massage ($70). Hotel Valley Ho.If you are young – or just young at heart – and would enjoy a hip, boutique hotel with a thunderous poolside party scene all within walking distance of Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and downtown Scottsdale’s rich collection of art galleries and restaurants, consider checking into the Ho-tel Valley Ho. Originally opened in 1956 and reinvented in 2004, the Valley Ho creatively synthesizes ’50s-era retro and futuristic style.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The entire family will love this well-appointed resort, which offers spacious, private casitas among its room collec-tion and kid-friendly appeal that includes the brand new Kierland FlowRider, a thrill-ing wave riding attraction. For moms and dads, the Agave Spa and adjacent upscale and pedestrian-friendly Kierland Commons shopping mall are worthy destinations. Foodies will find themselves in heaven at deseo, the resort’s signature restaurant, where Chef Roberto Madrid’s menu has earned widespread acclaim.

taste the southwest

A holiday feast Looking for a value-packed and delicious holiday meal? Try Orange Sky restaurant at Talk-ing Stick Resort. Winner of the 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Orange Sky is offer-ing a stunning four-course prix fixe dinner menu for just $59, starting December 1. Start with arugula, apple and bacon salad followed by a second course of house-smoked salmon on brioche. Next, enjoy roasted turkey with apple-sourdough stuffing and all the fixings, or a roast beef rib-eye with creamed spinach, king oyster mush-rooms and fingerling potatoes. Finish with a seasonal dessert selection. Delicious!

Mission accomplishedIf your passion for fine food includes a taste for Southwest flavours, there are plenty of great choices in Scottsdale. Among them, the modern Latin cuisine dished up by Chef Matt Carter and co-owner Brian Raab at The Mission Restau-rant and Lounge in Old Town Scottsdale is a clear stand out. Rustic ambiance and genuine, warm hospitality greet you at the door. But it is menu items including fresh guacamole pre-pared tableside, creative tacos crafted with handmade corn tortillas and topped with such delicacies as battered mahi mahi with citrus escabeche and olive crema, and decadent pork shoulder with pineapple glaze, cilantro and red onions that will keep you coming back. Be warned: The Mission is a favou-rite among locals; reservations are a must.

It was a family holiday we’d planned for a long time: an Arizona adventure that would see us explore Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale’s urban offerings and great outdoors, experience mystical Sedona, catch a train to the Grand Canyon and take a walk on Arizona’s Wild West side in charming Prescott.

A kayak trip down the Lower Salt River, near Scottsdale, was just the beginning of a reward-ing Arizona getaway for writer Randall Mang, his wife Louise and their clan: Julia, Nayah, Bryan, Monique and Jeremy. photo: Jon Colby

t h e g lo b e a n d m a i l • s at u r daY, n ov e m b e r 1 0 , 2 01 2AZ 1 • an information feature

special

e are standing on the sun-drenched shore of thegently flowing Lower Salt

River, the excitement building asour guide, Jon Colby, offers ourgroup some paddling instruc-tions before we push off. Judgingby our surroundings, it’s clearthat our half-day kayak excursionwith Arizona Outback Adven-tures is going to be otherworldly.For years, Arizona has becomea sanctuary for my wife Louiseand me – a private haven wherewe rest, play and reconnect. Thistime, we decided to share thisspecial state of being. And sowe’ve embarked on a weeklongholiday leading our kids – a spir-ited clan whose ages range from12 to 25. They are in the process ofbeing blown away, Arizona style.The sky is flawless, its brilliantblue hue striking in contrast tothe reddish brown and granitecoloured mountains surround-ing us.With the exception of a handybeach at our launch point on theLower Salt, the shoreline is thickwith green vegetation – virtuallyall of it exotic and some of it darnprickly. A forest of stately saguarocacti is flanked by its cousinsincluding rotund barrel, fuzzycholla and rangy ocotillo – aswell as trees of all sizes: Weepingwillows, sturdy ironwood and

pinion among them.It’s hard to imagine that herein the midst of the Stewart Moun-tain Range we are just 30 minuteseast of downtown Scottsdale, itssleek freeways, posh resorts andgated neighbourhoods far behindus.The Lower Salt is popularamong fishers, but even morepeople are lured here by thechance to float away the hourson tubes, or paddle in inflatablekayaks. While Jon notes that onsome weekends and during sum-mertime, activity on the river canbe busy, today there is literallyno one else around. It is blissful,just nature and us. The river isfull of trout, bass, carp and otherfish. Eagles, blue heron, turkeyvultures and other birds fly by.Harmless geckos and bunniesdash for shade. We are told thatwe might even see wild horses.We are all experienced pad-dlers and find the kayaking abreeze. While the current canpick up at certain times of theyear, the few faster sections ofthe river we pass through add atouch of excitement to what isotherwise a largely educationaland relaxing outing.An easygoing guide, Jon is anon-stop source of interestingfacts and anecdotes. With eachbend in the river, we learn newthings about our surroundings,such as the Palo Verde tree’s abil-ity to photosynthesize through

its green bark, a key to its survivalwhen its drops its tiny leaves. Jonalso debunks desert myths, suchas the ability to tap water from acactus, as John Wayne famously,yet fictitiously, did.Several hours into our journeywe get our reward – the sightof wild horses gathered undera shady tree at the river’s edge.Approaching silently, we captureclose up photos.It’s a slam dunk.Later that afternoon, amid theidyllic surroundings of the WestinKierland Resort & Spa in Scotts-dale, our gang needs no convinc-ing of what to do next. All ofthem – our daughters Nayah (12)and Julia (17) plus Bryan (23), Jer-emy and his girlfriend Monique(25) – head to the family pool fora float in the Westin’s “lazy river,”a water attraction that playfullymeanders through a well-crafted,man-made desert domain.That evening, we dine underthe stars at the resort’s outdoorpatio restaurant, everyone shar-ing stories from the day’s adven-ture. The gang can’t wait to findout what tomorrow will bring.

GET OUT AND PLAY

URBAN FARE

Arizona’s climate might beperfectly suited for golf andtennis, but those aren’t theonly games in town. Situatedon the doorstep of wildernessareas including South Moun-tain Park, McDowell SonoranPreserve, Pinnacle Peak Parkand Camelback Mountain,Greater Phoenix and Scott-sdale offer ready access tooutdoor recreation rangingfrom hiking and biking tohorseback riding, hot air bal-looning and four-wheel desertadventures. Here are two waysto go:

Giddy up! There’s no ques-tion: venturing into theSonoran Desert can be seriousbusiness. And then there isFort McDowell Adventures. Forover 20 years, this outfitter hasmade horseback excursionsinto the desert a joy for ridersof all skill levels. A scenic,40-minute drive from down-town Scottsdale, Fort McDow-ell Adventures takes ridersinto the heart of the 25,000-acre Fort McDowell YavapaiNation. Rides offer expansiveviews of the verdant SonoranDesert and McDowell range,as well as thrills that includecrossing the Verde River andpotential sightings of creaturesincluding elusive javelinas –gentle, hoofed mammals thatresemble wild boar.

Pedal to themetal. Looking fora high-spirited desert outing?Try Green Zebra Adventures.You’ll quickly find yourselfbehind the wheel of your ownTomcar, a rough-and-readyIsraeli-military-designed dunebuggy-style vehicle that isfast, fun and easy to drive. TheTomcar’s fully independentsuspension and high clearanceallow you to glide easily overrough surfaces and throughdeep ruts, while its broadwheel base provides remark-able stability, even whencornering at speed across flat,gravelly surfaces. Followinga safety briefing, your guideleads the pack in an exhilarat-ing convoy-style procession.As long as drivers respect therules, it’s non-stop fun. Willyou get dusty? Yes. Bring achange of clothes and your zestfor life, and have a ball.

Enjoying Scottsdale’s greatoutdoors is a perfect way totake an Arizona holiday tonew level. For those who preferexploring life’s finer creaturecomforts, Scottsdale also offersthe best of the best – a dizzyingcollection of destination resortsand spas as well as golf courses,art galleries and retail stores toa host of fine dining options.Here are a few suggestions:

PLACES TO STAY

Talking Stick Resort.Scottsdale’s newest FourDiamond resort not only topsthe charts for entertainmentincluding a 240,000-square-foot casino, 650-seat showroomand five bars and lounges, itsrooftop spa offers unparalleledValley views and rejuvenat-ing treatments. Current spaspecials include a CandlelightMassage Duo, blends massage,calming oils and aromatherapyto soothe tension ($139). Try aWarm Stone Renew & RepairFacial. Its deep cleansing, hy-drating infusions and exfolia-tion will leave your face with ahealthy holiday glow ($129). Or,if your feet need some pamper-ing, indulge in a CandlelightPedicure, featuring extrasincluding a relaxing aromaticsoak, scrub and oil massage($70).

Hotel Valley Ho.If you are young – or justyoung at heart – and wouldenjoy a hip, boutique hotelwith a thunderous poolsideparty scene all within walkingdistance of Scottsdale FashionSquare mall and downtownScottsdale’s rich collection ofart galleries and restaurants,consider checking into the Ho-tel Valley Ho. Originally openedin 1956 and reinvented in2004, the Valley Ho creativelysynthesizes ’50s-era retro andfuturistic style.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.The entire family will lovethis well-appointed resort,which offers spacious, privatecasitas among its room collec-tion and kid-friendly appealthat includes the brand newKierland FlowRider, a thrill-ing wave riding attraction. Formoms and dads, the AgaveSpa and adjacent upscale andpedestrian-friendly KierlandCommons shopping mall areworthy destinations. Foodieswill find themselves in heavenat deseo, the resort’s signaturerestaurant, where Chef RobertoMadrid’s menu has earnedwidespread acclaim.

TASTE THE SOUTHWEST

A holiday feastLooking for a value-packed anddelicious holiday meal? TryOrange Sky restaurant at Talk-ing Stick Resort. Winner of the2011 Wine Spectator Award ofExcellence, Orange Sky is offer-ing a stunning four-course prixfixe dinner menu for just $59,starting December 1. Start witharugula, apple and bacon saladfollowed by a second courseof house-smoked salmon onbrioche. Next, enjoy roastedturkey with apple-sourdoughstuffing and all the fixings, or aroast beef rib-eye with creamedspinach, king oyster mush-rooms and fingerling potatoes.Finish with a seasonal dessertselection. Delicious!

Mission accomplishedIf your passion for fine foodincludes a taste for Southwestflavours, there are plenty ofgreat choices in Scottsdale.Among them, the modernLatin cuisine dished up by ChefMatt Carter and co-owner BrianRaab at The Mission Restau-rant and Lounge in Old TownScottsdale is a clear stand out.Rustic ambiance and genuine,warm hospitality greet you atthe door. But it is menu itemsincluding fresh guacamole pre-pared tableside, creative tacoscrafted with handmade corntortillas and topped with suchdelicacies as battered mahimahi with citrus escabeche andolive crema, and decadent porkshoulder with pineapple glaze,cilantro and red onions thatwill keep you coming back. Bewarned: The Mission is a favou-rite among locals; reservationsare a must.

It was a family holidaywe’d planned for along time: an Arizonaadventure that wouldsee us exploreGreater Phoenix andScottsdale’s urbanofferings and greatoutdoors, experiencemystical Sedona,catch a train to theGrand Canyon and takea walk on Arizona’sWild West side incharming Prescott.

A kayak trip down the LowerSalt River, near Scottsdale, wasjust the beginning of a reward-ing Arizona getaway for writerRandall Mang, his wife Louise andtheir clan: Julia, Nayah, Bryan,Monique and Jeremy.PHOTO: JON COLBY

the globe and mail • saturdaY, november 10 , 201 2AZ 1 • an information feature

special

This report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) inconjunction with the advertising department of The Globe and Mail. Richard Deacon, National BusinessDevelopment Manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com.

Arizona

Online?

Interested infinding outmore aboutArizona?

experiencescottsdale.com

SCOTTSDALE

Rates from $129 Nightly*

No Resort Fees and Free Wifi

Stay and Play in Style

*Based on availability through December 30, 2012. Not available forgroups or with any other offer. Proudly owned and operated by theSalt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. ©2012 Talking Stick Resort

SCOTTSDALE | 866.877.9897 | TALK INGSTICKRESORT.COM

this report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising department of the Globe and Mail. Richard Deacon, national business Development Manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com.

Arizona

online?

Interested in finding out more about Arizona?

expe

rien

cesc

otts

dale

.com

scottsdale

an enchanting experienceOne of the best and fastest ways to get a taste of Arizona’s stunning and dramatic scenic diversity is to visit Sedona, just a one-and-a-half-hour drive north from Scottsdale.

Travelling north along In-terstate 10, the scenery quickly changes from the cacti-laden Sonoran Desert to grassy, flat top mesas and then Sedona’s breath-taking red rock spires that rise from Coconino National Forest.

While the town of Sedona is replete in hotels, quaint shops and art galleries, for those who come here to experience Arizona nature – as our family did – a stay at the acclaimed Enchantment Resort is just the ticket.

A private, 70-acre oasis, Enchantment puts its guests in the heart of Boynton Canyon’s spectacular red rock surroundings. Access to resort amenities includ-ing multiple pools, a pitch-and-putt golf course, mountain bikes, tennis courts, a bocce course and Mii amo Spa’s luxurious facilities are included.

Accommodations range from cozy casitas to spacious casas that include a full kitchen, living room, fireplace and other generous ap-pointments.

Among the highlights of our stay was a gentle hike into Boyn-ton Canyon, where the fragrant smells of the pine forest and wildflowers scented the air.

For couples and families alike, a stay at Enchantment is the finest way to experience Sedona.

all aboard! Grand canyon Railway a great way to goFrom Scottsdale, the scenic drive north to Grand Canyon is just four and a half hours. For an even easier – and entertaining – way to go, there’s the Grand Canyon Railway.

Leaving daily from the quaint town of Williams, Arizona (situ-ated along historic Route 66 about 2 hours northwest of Scottsdale), Grand Canyon Railway harkens to the railroad’s storied role in bringing tourists to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.

The GCR made its first trip to the Canyon in 1901. Over the years, like countless other guests, famous passengers including Theodore Roosevelt, Clark Gable and even Warren Buffet have enjoyed the ride.

Today, passengers start their ad-

venture with a free, amusing and family-oriented Wild West show at the GCR train station in Williams.

Aboard the train, and regardless of which fare class you choose – coach, first, observation dome or luxury – the ride is smooth and comfortable. The views along the Colorado Plateau route range from ponderosa pine forests to wide-open high desert. Guests can also expect superb hospital-ity thanks to genuine and friendly service staff and Old West-cos-tumed musicians who roam the cars entertaining guests.

The carefree, two-hour ride north delivers passengers to the heart of South Rim main attrac-tions including the historic El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House and, of course, the main event: a mile-deep, red and orange-hued canyon cited among the natural Wonders of the World.

GCR passengers can choose to stay overnight at the Canyon, or daytrip, as our family did. The three-hour stay in the park provided plenty of time for us to enjoy a healthy walk, picnic lunch and a trip aboard the park’s free shuttle bus to several scenic stops along the Canyon rim, each offering unique – and spectacular – views into the Canyon.

Following our outing, everyone was keen to board the train for the return trip. Nobody complained when the train was held up en route – literally – by a group of

masked train robbers on horse-back, shenanigans courtesy of the GCR.

We rounded off our day by stay-ing at the tidy and comfortable Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, located within strolling distance of the train station. Like everything else about the GCR, it too delivered value in spades.

exploring arizona’s rootsEver wonder where the rodeo got its start? Look no further than Prescott, Arizona. Bucking broncos are just part of this town’s colourful history.

Nestled amid the rolling ranch-lands and pine forests of central Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains (two hours west of Scottsdale by car), Prescott became Arizona’s first territorial capital in 1864.

Affectionately known as “Ev-erybody’s Hometown” Prescott’s highlights include the Arizona Territorial Legislature building, and streets lined with ornate Victorian homes and charming shops that sell everything from memorabilia to authentic western apparel. Whiskey Row, a collec-tion of bars once frequented by legends including Virgil Erp and Doc Holiday, includes the Palace – Arizona’s oldest restaurant and bar – famous for its wooden back bar, which was removed by patrons during Prescott’s Great Fire of 1900. After safely placing the bar across the street in the legislature square, the patrons reportedly resumed drinking as the city burned.

To make a visit to Prescott truly complete, stay at the Has-sayampa Inn. Opened in 1927, this beautiful hotel charms guests with its authentic, lavish décor, not-to-be-missed vintage elevator and the Peacock Room restaurant, reputed for its fine cuisine and art deco setting. Rooms are comfortable, well appointed and priced right. Best of all, Prescott’s numerous downtown highlights are on your doorstep.

ARIzonA

an information feature • AZ 2t h e g lo b e a n d m a i l • s at u r daY, n ov e m b e r 1 0 , 2 01 2

An enchantingexperienceOne of the best and fastest ways toget a taste of Arizona’s stunningand dramatic scenic diversity is tovisit Sedona, just a one-and-a-half-hour drive north from Scottsdale.Travelling north along In-

terstate 10, the scenery quicklychanges from the cacti-ladenSonoran Desert to grassy, flat topmesas and then Sedona’s breath-taking red rock spires that risefrom Coconino National Forest.While the town of Sedona is

replete in hotels, quaint shops andart galleries, for those who comehere to experience Arizona nature– as our family did – a stay at theacclaimed Enchantment Resort isjust the ticket.A private, 70-acre oasis,

Enchantment puts its guests inthe heart of Boynton Canyon’sspectacular red rock surroundings.Access to resort amenities includ-ing multiple pools, a pitch-and-putt golf course, mountain bikes,tennis courts, a bocce course andMii amo Spa’s luxurious facilitiesare included.Accommodations range from

cozy casitas to spacious casas thatinclude a full kitchen, living room,fireplace and other generous ap-pointments.

Among the highlights of ourstay was a gentle hike into Boyn-ton Canyon, where the fragrantsmells of the pine forest andwildflowers scented the air.For couples and families alike, a

stay at Enchantment is the finestway to experience Sedona.

All aboard! GrandCanyon Railway agreat way to goFrom Scottsdale, the scenic drivenorth to Grand Canyon is justfour and a half hours. For an eveneasier – and entertaining – wayto go, there’s the Grand CanyonRailway.Leaving daily from the quaint

town of Williams, Arizona (situ-ated along historic Route 66 about2 hours northwest of Scottsdale),Grand Canyon Railway harkensto the railroad’s storied role inbringing tourists to Grand CanyonNational Park’s South Rim.The GCR made its first trip

to the Canyon in 1901. Over theyears, like countless other guests,famous passengers includingTheodore Roosevelt, Clark Gableand even Warren Buffet haveenjoyed the ride.Today, passengers start their ad-

venture with a free, amusing andfamily-oriented Wild West show atthe GCR train station in Williams.Aboard the train, and regardless

of which fare class you choose –coach, first, observation dome orluxury – the ride is smooth andcomfortable. The views alongthe Colorado Plateau route rangefrom ponderosa pine forests towide-open high desert. Guestscan also expect superb hospital-ity thanks to genuine and friendlyservice staff and Old West-cos-tumed musicians who roam thecars entertaining guests.The carefree, two-hour ride

north delivers passengers to theheart of South Rimmain attrac-tions including the historic ElTovar Hotel, Hopi House and,of course, the main event: amile-deep, red and orange-huedcanyon cited among the naturalWonders of the World.GCR passengers can choose

to stay overnight at the Canyon,or daytrip, as our family did.The three-hour stay in the parkprovided plenty of time for usto enjoy a healthy walk, picniclunch and a trip aboard the park’sfree shuttle bus to several scenicstops along the Canyon rim, eachoffering unique – and spectacular– views into the Canyon.Following our outing, everyone

was keen to board the train for thereturn trip. Nobody complainedwhen the train was held up enroute – literally – by a group of

masked train robbers on horse-back, shenanigans courtesy of theGCR.We rounded off our day by stay-

ing at the tidy and comfortableGrand Canyon Railway Hotel inWilliams, located within strollingdistance of the train station. Likeeverything else about the GCR, ittoo delivered value in spades.

ExploringArizona’s rootsEver wonder where the rodeogot its start? Look no furtherthan Prescott, Arizona. Buckingbroncos are just part of this town’scolourful history.

Nestled amid the rolling ranch-lands and pine forests of centralArizona’s Bradshaw Mountains(two hours west of Scottsdale bycar), Prescott became Arizona’sfirst territorial capital in 1864.Affectionately known as “Ev-

erybody’s Hometown” Prescott’shighlights include the ArizonaTerritorial Legislature building,and streets lined with ornateVictorian homes and charmingshops that sell everything frommemorabilia to authentic westernapparel. Whiskey Row, a collec-tion of bars once frequented bylegends including Virgil Erp andDoc Holiday, includes the Palace– Arizona’s oldest restaurantand bar – famous for its woodenback bar, which was removed bypatrons during Prescott’s GreatFire of 1900. After safely placingthe bar across the street in thelegislature square, the patronsreportedly resumed drinking asthe city burned.To make a visit to Prescott

truly complete, stay at the Has-sayampa Inn. Opened in 1927,this beautiful hotel charmsguests with its authentic, lavishdécor, not-to-be-missed vintageelevator and the Peacock Roomrestaurant, reputed for its finecuisine and art deco setting.Rooms are comfortable, wellappointed and priced right.Best of all, Prescott’s numerousdowntown highlights are on yourdoorstep.

ARIZONA

an information feature • AZ 2the globe and mail • saturdaY, november 10 , 201 2

SEDONA

WILLIAMS

PRESCOTT

Clockwise from lower left: GrandCanyon Railway; EnchantmentResort, Sedona; Grand CanyonSouth Rim; Cattle remains on FortMcDowell Yavapai Nation lands; apit stop at the Palace – Arizona’soldest restaurant and bar; Hassay-ampa Inn lobby, Prescott.PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Embrace theadventure.

Backcountry Trails. Urban Explorations.

Come for Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert playground. Stay for the great outdoors – go treasure huntingat our open-air shopping centers, savor innovative cuisine on sun-drenched bistro patios, indulge in amoonlight massage. Your Scottsdale adventure is waiting. AdventureInScottsdale.com 800.309.1428

sedona

williams

prescott

Clockwise from lower left: Grand Canyon Railway; Enchantment Resort, Sedona; Grand Canyon South Rim; Cattle remains on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation lands; a pit stop at the Palace – Arizona’s oldest restaurant and bar; Hassay-ampa Inn lobby, Prescott. photos: supplIeD