Tucson Rodeo – Tucson, Arizona

Tucson Rodeo.jpgTucson Rodeo – Tucson, Arizona

Welcome to the world of Rodeo in Tucson.  Not only is this a huge event consisting of 6 days of action, beauty and talent but the opportunity to learn more about the rodeo is also available through the museum.  Tickets for the Rodeo range from $12 to $19 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

There are seven professional rodeo events included in the Tucson Rodeo.  Of these events, six are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association with women’s barrel racing being sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.  The six events that are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association are, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding.

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Black Hills Back Country Byway – Safford/Clifton, Arizona

Black Hills back country.jpgBlack Hills Back Country Byway – Safford/Clifton, Arizona

Enter the world of the past with this 21 mile long trek through history.  This unpaved, but accessible to high clearance vehicles (during dry weather only) road to take you on the journey of the past.  You will need at least 2 hours to make this trip and you won’t be able to take a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long.  These can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end of the road.

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Is the Hotel San Carlos Haunted? – Phoenix, Arizona

hotel_san_carlos.jpgIs the Hotel San Carlos Haunted? – Phoenix, Arizona

Into this world come some stories about haunted places and the life of those that supposedly haunt them.  The Hotel San Carlos in Phoenix is supposedly haunted by a woman named Leone Jensen, who was 22 at the time, went to the roof of the hotel dressed in an evening gown. Said to be brokenhearted over the lost love of a local bellboy, she jumped from the roof to her death.  It has been said that ever since then guests have reported odd breezes, ghostly noises and the pale shadow of a woman floating in the air.

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Challenger Space Center of Arizona – Peoria, Arizona

Challenger Space Center of Arizona - Peoria, Arizona.jpgChallenger Space Center of Arizona – Peoria, Arizona

Do you remember the tragic end of the Challenger mission from NASA?  Because of this tragedy the Challenger Space Center of Arizona was built to memorialize these brave souls and yet continue with the excitement, education and inspiration of those interested in the space program and all it has to offer.

The affiliation the Center has with the Smithsonian Institute offers access to national quality museum exhibits that would not otherwise be available in Arizona.

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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Ajo, Arizona

saguaro cactus.jpgOrgan Pipe Cactus National Monument – Ajo, Arizona

The Organ PIpe Cactus National Monument was founded to celebrate the life and landscape of the Sonoran desert.

Whether you want to hike, take a drive on a lonely road, backpack, camp in the desert or just soak in the warmth and the beauty of the Southwest this is the place to do it.

There are extraordinary plants and animals in the Sonoran Desert for you to enjoy.  These creatures adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and little rainfall of this Southwest region.  There are Twenty-six species of cactus living here, including the beautiful park’s namesake and the giant saguaro.

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Lees Ferry Trading Post and Fort – Lees Ferry, Arizona

lees ferry_1.jpgLees Ferry Trading Post and Fort – Lees Ferry, Arizona

In this area of the state, which was settled by Mormon John D. Lee, there stands a trading post built in 1913 and a stone fort built in 1874.  They are still standing to allow visitors to see what life would have been like in that time of unrest between the Navajo and the settlers.  The trading post has the small fortified windows (gun ports) on the right side of the building to protect it from attacks.

Lees Ferry was the first ferry crossing on the Colorado River for 260 miles prior to the building of the Navajo and Glen Canyon Bridges which were built in the 20th century.  Everyplace else along the Colorado River is all limestone cliffs and sandstone from Moab, Utah to Laughlin, Nevada which made it impossible to ford.

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P1 Kart Circuit – Tucson, Arizona

kart racing.jpgP1 Kart Circuit – Tucson, Arizona

This is the newest karting facility in the United States.  It is located directly across the street from Tucson Raceway Park and is a replica of the famous Suzuka Kart Circuit in Suzuka, Japan.  That track is known by professionals kart drivers as the best circuit in the world.

This is a spot that works for both the serious and recreational karters with a comfortable environment for families and spectators.  Because of the fabulous weather in Tucson this track is open year round.

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Fox Theater – Tucson, Arizona

Fox theater.jpg Fox Theater – Tucson, Arizona

Enter the world of the beautiful past when you step into the entryway of the glorious Fox Theater.  This theater was built in 1929 to serve a dual purpose, to be a vaudeville/move house. The Fox was originally to be called “The Tower” but was changed to the Fox prior to opening.

Opening night, April 11, 1930, proved to be the biggest party the small community of Tucson had ever seen. With Congress Street closed and waxed for dancing, four live bands, a live radio broadcast and free trolley rides Downtown, the party was one not to be missed. Those lucky enough to have bought tickets in advance—3,000 or so people—enjoyed the show inside as well as out. The film “Chasing Rainbows,” a Movie Tone short, and a Mickey Mouse cartoon were well received by both audiences that evening, and the Fox Theatre began its 40­year life as the center of Tucson’s entertainment world.

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Arizona Opera – Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona

MIKADO.jpgArizona Opera – Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona

The Tucson Opera Company has offices in both Tucson and Phoenix.  The Company began in 1971 and has consistently provided quality opera to the area since that time.

The operas are preformed in their original language with English subtitles on the screen overhead.  No need to be afraid to go since you will be able to understand (or read) the entire story of the opera.

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Catalina State Park – Tucson, Arizona

Catalina State Park.jpgCatalina State Park – Tucson, Arizona

Come and enjoy this scenic desert oasis at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  You can camp, hike, ride the equestrian trails, view the wide displays of natural plant and wildlife and enjoy a picnic.

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