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NORTHERN ARIZONACentral & Northern Arizona is every bit of America the Beautiful and then some. A quick hour-or-so drive north of Phoenix and you’re out of the Sonoran Desert and into a region of extraordinary and diverse scenery. Obviously, the Grand Canyon is here (being one of the Seven Wonders it kind of speaks for itself). So is Sedona with its fanciful and mind-altering red rocks and people, Flagstaff with soaring mountains and college vibe, and Lake Powell which has more shoreline than the combined Pacific Coast states. If that weren’t enough, the region boasts numerous lakes, archeological sites, rodeos, cowboy and Native American history, spas, golf, shopping, stylish towns, and art. Yes, there are plenty of people who come here for vacation and never leave. Grand Canyon Nearly two billion years in the making and the only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in the United States, the Grand Canyon is one of the most written-about places in the world. This 277-mile long chasm that Mother Nature has made at least twice as deep as man has made any structure tall, envokes awe and chills in anyone who experiences it. Standing at Skeleton Point three-some miles down the South Kaibab Trail, gawping out and up at the craggy, no-signs-of-civilization-here North Rim and down at the outburst of green fertility along the banks of the Colorado leaves visitor’s speechless. Even if you snap some National Geographic-worthy photos and are able to temporarily channel Longfellow’s poeticism when recounting the episode to friends you’ll only be There are numerous spots along both rims from which to gape at the grandiosity – at the South Rim we recommend the Yavapai Observation Station and, if you want to kill two birds with one stone, the El Tovar dining room; on the more isolated, only-open-in-summer North Rim, go for the Cape Royal Scenic Drive. Even better is to become part of the scenery by descending into the canyon. It’s really a shame fewer than one percent of the five million annual visitors do it. (More people actually arrive at the South Rim via train, the Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, 65 miles south, than set foot on the banks of the Colorado.) For overnight stays, meeting planners may choose from several hotels within the park, or opt to stay in Tusayan, just a few miles south of the Canyon. Tusayan offers a wide variety of guestrooms and meeting venues, including the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn which also offers the most meeting space. Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 888.472.2696, grandcanyonchamber.com Flagstaff After communing with nature, you’ll appreciate Flagstaff’s smart, small-town sophistication and hip history. But fear not, if it’s still nature you want, Flag’s got that too… the oft-snow-capped San Francisco Peaks just outside town are the highest mountains in the state. It’s a toss up whether Flagstaff is best known for being the home of Northern Arizona University, the Lowell Observatory, and the Museum of Northern Arizona; a former hot spot along Route 66 and a current mountain biking Mecca; or for having more hometown microbreweries per capita than any other town of 60,000 (Beaver Street Brewery, Mogollon Brewing Company and Flagstaff Brewing Company). After a few hours here, you won’t really care what the biggest claim to fame is. You’ll like the town for its schizophrenia. Experience a different kind of cool on Route 66. The “Mother Road” has long-since been replaced by Interstate 40, but it remains one of Flagstaff’s main drags and a great way to step back in time. Interstate 40 converges with Interstate 17 at Flagstaff – Phoenix is a scenic two-hour drive south on Interstate 17. US Airways offers daily flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Flagstaff. And, the historic downtown train station in the heart of Flagstaff is an active Amtrak facility with twice-daily arrivals. While in town take advantage of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System. This 33-mile interconnecting trail system makes neighborhoods, schools, museums and city buildings accessible through hiking, biking, jogging and even skiing. This university town offers meeting planners a full range of options with all the amenities typical of more metropolitan settings. Flagstaff’s lodging facilities include approximately 5,000 guestrooms and many of the hotels offer a variety of meeting and conference space. The new High Country Conference Center and Hotel Complex at NAU has 42,000 square feet with a ballroom large enough to accommodate a banquet for 800 people, as well as additional conference rooms for break out sessions, a board room, and five additional meeting rooms at the Drury Hotel located on the campus. Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau, 928.779.7611, flagstaffarizona.org AccommodationsBest Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn The Canyon’s only resort hotel and conference center. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon just moments away from all the conveniences you expect. Let our team help you make your meeting or event not just a success, but a treasured memory. Our amenities include sauna, Jacuzzi, outdoor seasonal pool, tennis, bowling, fun center, lounge & sports bar, restaurants, gift shop, concierge desk and more. Grand Canyon Lodge Experience views of the canyon from a higher vantage, with seemingly unlimited vistas. Enjoy incredible sunrises and sunsets from the Lodge balcony’s rocking chairs or just relax and enjoy the solitude. Featuring in-park lodging and dining with access by hiking or mule rides into the canyon. Little America Hotel Nestled on 500 acres of Ponderosa pine forest, Little America Hotel features graciously appointed large oversized guestrooms and versatile indoor and outdoor meeting space. We offer the perfect location for your conference, meeting or wedding. Fine dining restaurant, café, 24-hour deli, lounge, fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tub and large gift shop. Mormon Lake Lodge Retreat to 300 acres of cool Ponderosa pines within the Coconino National Forest. Mormon Lake Lodge offers cozy cabins, flexible meeting space, famed open-pit Steakhouse and live music in an 1880’s-style Saloon. Explore miles of trails by horseback, mountain bike, ATV, cross country skis or snowmobile rentals. Year round events. Radisson Woodlands Hotel Flagstaff Recently renovated hotel with spacious sleeping rooms including 15 parlor suites. Flexible meeting space with theme function capabilities in both menu and decoration. Great location for outdoor teambuilding events. Two excellent on-site restaurants, room service, lounge, fitness center, dry sauna, indoor whirlpool, business center and free high speed Internet. Activities/AttractionsArizona River Runners Arizona River Runners has been providing 3- to 13-day rafting adventures since 1970 in one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Choose from either an oar-powered or motor-powered trip and escape into the magic of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Come experience with family, friends or co-workers the adventure and tranquility of a Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip that for many is their “trip-of-a-lifetime.” Grand Canyon Railway Take the historic trip by rail to the Grand Canyon on restored passenger cars behind vintage locomotives. The trip to the canyon covers 65 miles of classic Old West territory, including high desert plains with endless vistas, small arroyos and the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest. Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters operates state-of-the-art helicopters with air-conditioning, voice-activated headsets and surround sound stereo. Personalized narration and DVD recording of each flight. Custom groups departing Grand Canyon and Scottsdale. Please contact Moon Civetz at 702.948.1311 or
mcivetz@maverickaviationgroup.com. Sedona Sedona’s romanticism started when founder Theodore Carl Schnebly named the town for his wife Sedona, and is symbolized in the freakishly beautiful ochre rock towers shooting skyward out of fragrant scrub. Sedona sits on the high desert surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Coconino National Forest and under the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau which forms the towering vistas – named Coffeepot, Cathedral, Bell and Snoopy for the resemblance to their namesakes – surrounding this unique community 110 miles north of Phoenix. At an elevation of 4,500 feet and protected by the Plateau, the area enjoys four mild, sunshine-filled seasons and clean air, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-40s. Not only has Sedona inspired Hollywood, there are more artists per capita here than anywhere else in the country. Raku pottery, hand-hammered wind chimes, fine jewelry, juniper furniture, oil paintings, bronze sculpture – they’re all imagined and made, and sold, here. To check out the latter, head to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Actually, art galleries are everywhere in Sedona, but at Tlaquepaque – it’s all conveniently, and very cutely, close. Modeled after a Mexican Village, you’ll want to spend the better part of a day wandering its maze of For art of another sort – say that created by none other than Mother Nature – head for Oak Creek Canyon. Hike the Eagle’s Nest Trail in Red Rock State Park. Channel your inner child sliding down slippery rock sluices (one 30 feet long) at Slide Rock State Park. Gawp at towering walls and absurdly abrupt abysses – preferably from the safety of an open air Jeep tour, courtesy of Pink Jeep Tours. Entertaining and informative guides captain tours for all levels of adventure including rugged terrain, stone pinnacles, sandstone arches, famous movie locations and the archaeological ruins. They offer customized special events to meet the needs of your group. Meeting planners have more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space, and some 3,000 hotel rooms available to choose from. Sedona offers a range of choices, from moderately priced national brand hotels to luxurious world-renowned spa resorts, some of which rest on the scenic banks of Oak Creek and others located nearby in secluded canyons. Golf is part of nearly every community in the state Sedona is no exception. Tee it up at the Sedona Golf Resort just steps from Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Located on the site of many classic western movies, it’s widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. This popular par 71 championship golf course, designed by Gary Panks, features emerald greens set amid towering crimson sentinels. With its spectacular 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, the facility offers an ideal setting for gatherings following a round of golf. Situated near beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, the newly renovated Poco Diablo Resort with its nine-hole golf course as well as tennis courts, is another great option. Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce, 928. 204.1123, visitsedona.com
Prescott Starting with first things first, the pronunciation of Prescott isn’t quite as obvious as you might think. It’s “press-kit.” And no, we don’t know why. What we do know is that Prescott was founded in 1864 and soon thereafter, when Arizona became an official territory, was named the territorial capital. For much of the rest of the century, it remained the most important, as well as the richest, city in the state. These are not the only top rankings Prescott holds that appeal to a vast array of visitors. Prescott’s Courthouse Square was named one of the “Top Ten Public Places” by the American Planning Association; the town was named one of Sunset Magazine’s “Dream Cities”; and for the outdoor enthusiast, Prescott was named one of the “Top Trail Towns” by Trail Runner Magazine. Prescott’s wide range of accommodations includes some 50 hotels with over 1,300 rooms and over 27,000 square feet of meeting space. Located just two blocks from Courthouse Square in the historic Whiskey Row district in downtown Prescott, Springhill Suites’ stylish suites are smartly designed for working, relaxing and sleeping, plus have great extras like free Wi-Fi and a desk with ergonomic chair. Prescott’s newest all-suite property, Residence Inn by Marriott is located just off Highway 69 at the Prescott Gateway Mall, and offers upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom suites and 1,700 square feet of conference space, making this one of Prescott’s finest hotels. For those seeking outdoor activities, the 1.25-million-acre Prescott National Forest offers some 20 recreational facilities just a few minutes from the Courthouse Square. The Forest has 450 miles of maintained trails in the tall ponderosa pines for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Area lakes offer fishing and boating with canoe and boat rentals available at Lynx Lake south of town and Granite Basin Lake, to the northwest, offers camping and fishing. Watson Lake and Willow Springs Reservoir, both inside the city limits, are surrounded by beautiful rock formations, referred to as Granite Dells. Prescott Area Coalition for Tourism, 928.445.2000, 800.266.7534, visit-prescott.com AccommodationsAmara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa The 100-room Amara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa offers a creekside oasis with more than 5,500sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space, full AV and Wi-Fi. Hosting meetings and events, with our team that will cater to your every need, is effortless. Relax in contemporary accommodations, be pampered at Serenitē Spa and savor delicious dishes at Hundred Rox restaurant. Call now to enjoy this Four Diamond hotel and its unique vibe. Comfort Suites Prescott Valley Envelop yourself with the best panoramic views in the Prescott area. This brand new all-suite property features a state-of-the-art meeting room with the capacity for up to 100 people, heated pool and hot tub and close proximity to many outstanding golf courses. Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa Sedona’s only full service golf and spa resort offers more than 25,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Relax in the spaciousness of one of our 219 exquisitely appointed suites and deluxe guestrooms. Private patios or balconies offer panoramic views of golf, surrounding canyons and plateaus. The resort is located ninety minutes north of Phoenix and two hours south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. L’Auberge de Sedona Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Sedona’s Red Rocks at L’Auberge, a Four Diamond creekside resort in the most beautiful place in America. L’Auberge offers an ideal location, unparalleled views, spectacular scenery, first-class service, delicious dining/catering, and guestrooms and cottages that are a match for the extraordinary setting. Condé Nast Traveler rates this newly enhanced property as one of the top 50 hotels in the United States. L’Auberge’s meeting space also features state-of-the-art technology. Prescott Resort The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is one of Northern Arizona’s largest conference facilities with high-speed Internet throughout the resort. The newly remodeled luxury guestrooms and suites offer spectacular mountaintop views and feature queen or king beds, HD LCD TV, refrigerator, microwave and coffee makers. Amenities: Thumb Butte Restaurant, Eagle’s Nest Lounge, Urban Grind & Gallery serving Starbucks Coffee, fitness center, casino, salon and spa. Poco Diablo Resort Poco Diablo Resort is the perfect location for all your conference needs. Located in the heart of Sedona’s Red Rocks, with eight acres of lush landscaping, full service dining (indoor & outdoor patio dining), lounge, tennis, golf, massage, concierge, walking trails and more. The perfect choice for meetings, retreats, weddings and social events. Call or go to our website for more information. Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott’s newest all-suite Marriott hotel. Located just off Highway 69 at the Prescott Gateway Mall, the Residence Inn offers upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens suitable for long-term stays. An outdoor pool, large outdoor patio area with fireplaces, business center, exercise facility, evening social events and conference space makes this one of Prescott’s finest corporate and relocation choices. Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa Sedona’s newest hotel and spa features 77 guestrooms, a destination spa, REDS Restaurant & Bar and over 5,000 sf of meeting and special event space that includes the Andalusia Conference Room, the Observation Terrace, the Column Garden and the Poolside Fireside Oasis. This AAA Four Diamond awarded boutique hotel offers an intimate atmosphere and lends itself perfectly to a mix of business and pleasure. Guest amenities include wireless high-speed Internet, 32” LCD flat screen televisions, Nautilus Fitness room and concierge service. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Prescott’s Marriott hotel, offering studio and one-bedroom fireplace suites, complimentary breakfast and free wireless Internet. With meeting space and a comfortable business library for breakfast, this is a perfect downtown location for small meetings and training seminars. Meeting planners can earn Marriott Rewards for their company for booking group rooms and meeting space through our unique program, Marriott’s Rewarding Events. Activities/AttractionsPink Jeep Tours Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked-about off-road adventures in the Southwest. Have a group that wants to do something unique and fun? Ask about Pink Jeep Tours special events. We offer Western barbecues, picnic lunches, company outings with teambuilding activities and much more. GolfSedona Golf Resort Perhaps no other golf course on earth provides a better combination of jaw-dropping beauty and exceptional challenge. Located in the heart of one of the most dramatically beautiful regions on earth, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par 71 course is widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. With its spectacular 17,000-sf clubhouse, the facility offers everything you’d expect from a world-class golf resort – the ideal choice for groups or intimate gatherings.
The Colorado River and Arizona’s Lakes Arizona can thank the mighty Colorado River for countless stunning locales and bringing the beauty of water to the desert. Not only is the Colorado to thank for the immenseness of the Grand Canyon, but numerous dams on the river have created some of the most pristine lakefront property in the Southwest. The feat of engineering that is the Hoover Dam, the second highest dam in the U.S., is responsible for some of the most notable of these lakes. Built between 1931 and 1936 in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985, today gives tours to nearly one million people every year. Lake Mead, the 110-mile-long lake-in-the-middle-of-the-Mojave created by the Hoover Dam, was so unique as to require the federal government to come up with an entirely new designation: Lake Mead was named the country’s first National Recreation Area in 1964. The Lake Mead NRA also includes 67-mile-long Lake Mojave, created when David Dam went up. Launch at the Hoover Dam and take your group on a float down the Colorado River with Black Canyon/Willow Beach Adventures for a memorable day with knowledgeable tour guides and breathtaking scenery. Lake Havasu is home to the world’s largest antique, the London Bridge, which was moved here brick by brick from its original home spanning the Thames. Lake Havasu has 400-some miles of coastline and marinas renting everything from jet skis to houseboats. The city offers several venues with meeting space to accommodate groups up to 1,000 people. Some 25 hotels and resort properties provide a full range of resort accommodations, with over 2,500 rooms, offering everything from economy to full-service amenities. The London Bridge Resort & Convention Centeroffers over 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a unique lakefront option for meeting planners. Lake Powell, the ebbing and flowing heart of this area, is the second-largest man-made lake in the country and has nearly 100 side canyons flowing into it, a good map is a great idea though. The most popular activities on Lake Powell are houseboating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking and canoeing, although there is also scuba diving and snorkeling. (Antelope Point Marinas rent a variety of watercrafts.) Camping is allowed anywhere – isolated side canyons are prime spots – and although there are no designated hiking trails along the lake, it is possible to walk most of the shoreline. One of its main attractions, Rainbow Bridge, a natural bridge tall and wide enough for the U.S. Capitol Dome to sit beneath it, is either an hours-long hike or a comfortable two-hour boat ride. Outfitters in Page rent mountain bikes you can take onto the NRA’s backcountry roads, and official tours of the dam that impressively controls all Lake Powell’s water, the 710-foot tall Glen Canyon Dam. Navajo Tourism, 928.871.6436, discovernavajo.com, Page Lake Powell Tourism Bureau, 888.261.7243, pagelakepowelltourism.org AccommodationsLondon Bridge Resort Provides a compelling alternative to larger, convention-oriented hotels. Intimate boardroom, private lounges, meeting rooms and outdoor function areas throughout and beautiful patios, lawn and garden locales. Add to the mix exquisite catering, professional staff, and the possibilities begin to emerge. Whatever the event, the London Bridge Resort and Convention Center is the connoisseur’s choice for small to large sized engagements. Temple Bar Resort & Marina Known for its namesake massive rock formation and its 20-mile-long unobstructed water-ski runs, it’s ideal for renting houseboats and watercrafts of your choice. Relax and soak up the solitude – or run on waves for hours – or try your luck fishing. Activities/AttractionsAntelope Canyon Tours A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers. Come with our Navajo guides to see Mother Nature’s work of art. Antelope Point Marina Discover over 92 major canyons and the majestic Rainbow Bridge National Monument aboard a houseboat. Soak up the solitude – or run on waves for hours with watercraft rentals of your choice. Not to mention its unsurpassed guest services and amenities. Your houseboat awaits. Black Canyon/ Spend an inspirational afternoon aboard a smooth-water rafting tour. Launch at the base of magnificent Hoover Dam. Knowledgeable tour guides. Float 12 miles down the Colorado River. Enjoy extraordinary scenery and wildlife viewing. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking journey amidst nature’s wonders. Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas.
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part-way there.
pedestrian paths and too-quaint alleys and restaurants. 