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Travel Talk
by Francine Brokaw
Northern Arizona
When you think of Arizona you probably think of cacti, Phoenix, Tucson, and heat. That's most people's idea of the state. But there is much more to Arizona than that. The northern part of the state has a personality of its own. This is home to the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell - two very different locations with completely different scenery. There are no cacti here. Just friendly people and beautiful surroundings.
There is so much to see and do in the Grand Canyon area, people often miss many of the fun activities. Of course, there is the awesome view from the rim of the canyon itself, however there are several ways to experience this wonder of the world.
The city of Williams is “The Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Located on historic Route 66, this place is a little gem. Just a few hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Williams is a quaint and picturesque town. The reconditioned Lodge on Route 66 is the perfect place to stay while you’re there. Rooms have kitchenettes, fireplaces, cable TV and comfortable beds. I loved my suite there. And for a snack, make sure you stop in at Twisters, a 1950s-style soda fountain and gift shop.You won't see Richie Cunningham or Fonzie, but you'll be treated to old fashioned hospitality and delicious treats.
From Williams, The Grand Canyon Railway will take you up to the rim where you can spend some time exploring before the return trip, or you can stay at the canyon and return in a day or two. The railway is a fun experience for both kids and adults. Five classes of service make this an affordable adventure for every budget, and each car has a different atmosphere. But no matter what car you ride in, the fun won’t stop from the moment you board until the time you step off of the train two hours later. Entertainment is the key on this railway. And during the trip don’t be surprised when the train is robbed. They’re not Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but these robbers are every bit as fun to watch as Paul Newman and Robert Redford. With music, costumed entertainers, food and drink, as well as spectacular scenery and wildlife along the route, The Grand Canyon Railway is a must-do for everyone visiting the area. To put it simply, it’s pure fun.
If you've heard of Brighty of the Grand Canyon, you know there are mules in the area, and mule trains that go half-way down the canyon for day rides and all the way down for over-night rides. But for a different view Maverick Helicopter Tours operates two kinds of helicopters, including the new “ECO-Star,” which is truly the Rolls-Royce of helicopters. This quiet and spacious copter has room for eight and provides every passenger with a fabulous view. And while you’re on your flight a video camera records your personal experience, including what you say, so it’s a good idea not to mention you’re having a bad hair day unless you want it recorded for posterity. There are two canyon tours – a short one (if you can call 25-30 minutes short), and a long one which lasts about 45-50 minutes. All ages are welcome on the tours. Everyone will leave with a new perspective of the canyon and its magnificent majesty.
Now that you've covered The Grand Canyon from every angle, head on over to Lake Powell and another kind of fun in the sun. “I don’t think there’s a better family vacation than houseboating on Lake Powell,” says Steve Ward, the Director of Public Relations for Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. And he adds that Lake Powell is the number one houseboating location in the country. The new Antelope Point Resort and Marina outside of Page, Arizona makes this a first-class family destination spot.
Antelope Point has the newest fleet of rental houseboats on the lake, and every one is filled with the comforts of home with everything a family could want – in addition to the beautiful scenery afforded boaters on Lake Powell. Forever Resorts houseboats have refrigerators, grills, ovens, central AC and heat, queen sized beds, and even TV/VCR/DVD units in most of the houseboats. Casually cruising on the water is a fun way to explore the wonders of Lake Powell, which has more shoreline than the entire west coast. Granted, much of this is not accessible with a houseboat, but you’ll be amazed at the awe-inspiring scenery you’ll encounter while on the lake. Rainbow Bridge is not too far away, and every where you turn you’ll find spectacular scenery. Grab a jet ski or wave runner, or even some water skis for a really memorable experience.
The marina is constructing the country’s largest floating platform, which will house restaurants – including an ice cream shop - and stores. And, get this, if you have a houseboat there you can get your meals delivered to your boat. Talk about luxury. This place is amazing. Antelope Point Marina will eventually have an RV Park, Hotel, the new Marina Village, and plenty of space to dock your boat. And don’t forget about the very spacious houseboats you can rent. This is the ultimate in family vacationing.
When you tire of being on the water – hey, it could happen - visit nearby Page, a cute town with plenty to see and do. The Lake Powell National Golf Course is the only five star course in the country with green fees less than $100. If you golf, this is the course for you. There are picturesque spots along the way, but the course itself is a golfer’s delight.
Page offers everyone a variety of activities, including an interesting dinosaur tour, horseback riding, a Navajo Village Heritage Center where visitors are immersed into the Navajo culture in which children play a big part, and much more. If you’re not too adventurous, you can take a calm float trip down the river that doesn’t include any of those annoying white rapids. And, for a really fun excursion take the Slot Canyon Hummer Adventure. You’ll be safe and comfy in a 4-wheel drive Hummer as you travel over steep roads and sand dunes to an unnamed (as of this writing) slot canyon where you’ll explore the remarkable formation before returning back to the city. It is one of my most memorable experiences in Page, and something everyone can enjoy.
The Days Inn and Suites provides comfortable rooms while you're in Page, and the nearby Fiesta Mexicana restaurant offers first class food at a nominal price.
Page is a fairly new city. It was born when the Glen Canyon Dam Project began in 1957. The Dam formed Lake Powell, and the rest is history. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has been a family vacation spot for over 40 years, and with the new marina and other activities in the area, this is truly a destination for families year after year.
So now you get a new perspective of Arizona. Sure, there are the big cities and all the cacti in the southern part of the state, but the northern part offers a different variety of scenery and activities. Whether you're in the north or the south, Arizona is filled with spectacular beauty and fun for everyone.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©Francine Brokaw
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