Five Places In Arizona You Don't Know You're Missing

by Crystal Coons
Jul 14, 2004

While it may not be prime time of year to be jet setting on a vacation to Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

, it sure is great time to plan one for the upcoming fall season. When the temperature starts to drop, the tourists come flooding. But aside from the obvious tourist traps, there's a lot more to the state that you can miss while you're taking time out to enjoy this great state. Forget the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon	(gra'nd KA'N-yu'n)
Located entirely in northern Arizona, the park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers to visitors on the rim.

and Scottsdale, here's a list of the top five Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

destinations that are most overlooked:

5 – Lake Havasu City
Not very many people know of this great little town, heck, barely any Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

natives have even been there! But this is one spot not to miss out on. Lake Havasu is one of the most unique cities I've ever seen. It seems to be an oasis built in the middle of the desert. The town is built along the Colorado River

Colorado River	(col-o-RA'D-o RI'-ve'r)
The river, which over millions of years of erosion, formed the Grand Canyon.

. It's a great place to hit the beach, do some shopping and really relax. Take a ferry tour while you're there, and you're likely to end up in Bullhead City and Laughlin, Nevada. Don't forget to catch lunch or dinner at the gorgeous riverside restaurants, and do some souvenir shopping while walking along the boardwalk. Everyone is really nice and in such a great mood, you're sure to meet some new people during your stay.

4 – Williams
This is such a great town for people who are really stuck in the 50s and are big into motorcycles. Williams is one of the original towns on Route 66, and seems to be one of the few that has really kept its small town charm. Williams isn't an exciting city, but it's definitely a place to relax and get away from the world. This town is so quaint; you're likely to see deer prancing around in the early morning, or late at night. Stay at one of William's reasonably priced hotels, and be sure to catch a great home-style cooked meal at the 50s style diner. For a real feel for the good old Route 66 days, head over to the little Soda Shoppe for a great vintage treat!

3 – Tonto Natural Bridge

Tonto Natural Bridge	(TO'N-to NA'T-ur-o'l bri'j)
The world's largest natural travertine bridge (400 feet wide) arches 183 feet above sparkling Pine Creek.

and Forest Area
This is another great day venture that you should go on, if you're visiting the state. The Tonto Natural Bridge

Tonto Natural Bridge	(TO'N-to NA'T-ur-o'l bri'j)
The world's largest natural travertine bridge (400 feet wide) arches 183 feet above sparkling Pine Creek.

is certainly one of the more impressive landmarks in our state, with an interesting history to it. A man named Gowen who was hiding from Apaches originally discovered it. Bring your hiking shoes and comfy clothes, because you're going to want to really explore this area. It's unlike anything you've ever seen before, we guarantee it!

2 – Oak Creek/Sedona
This may seem like such an obvious escape to locals, but for those visiting, they may overlook what is one of the top places to visit in the country. Sedona is the most unique place on earth, having some of the most interesting landscapes and scenery anywhere in the world. Mountains so red that they seem to light like fire, a constantly flowing creek, great shopping, and dining, and four-star spa resorts. Sedona is the ultimate in relaxation vacation spots. Don't think twice about putting this gem on your "Places to Go" list. Stay at the gorgeous Sky Ranch Lodge, dine at the Hideaway for some great Italian and shop the Outlets for some of the best deals around.

1 – Jerome
One of Arizona's best-kept secrets, Jerome is a town that is one of a kind. Built into the side of a mountain, it's the closest to a modern ghost town as you're going to get. The shops are unique, the views are breathtaking and the atmosphere is great. There's so much to uncover about this city. Make sure you ask the locals for some great ghost stories. Stop in at the Ghost City Inn and ask for Jackie, who has some of the best ghost stories in the city. Have a meal at the Haunted Hamburger, and sit outside, regardless of the time of day. On top of the fabulous food, the views of the Verde Valley are stunning.