Amazing Arizona

Arizona Home Exchange

Have you ever dreamed of standing on the precipice of the largest canyon in the world and just peering over the edge?  The stunning strata of endless hues seem to stare back at you, beckoning you to challenge their walls and venture further into their depths.  Or, have you ever thought of meditating in the magical and mystical town of Sedona, with rocks as red as brick and auras as brilliant as the sun?  Or, perhaps you’ve wondered if Spike really does live under a cactus in the middle of the desert.  Come to Arizona.

From the sheer cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the cool, gushing flow of the Oak Creek in Slide Rock; there is something for everyone in the beautiful state of Arizona.  In winter, Sunrise and Snow Bowl, in western and northern Arizona respectively, open for easily-accessible snow-skiing and snow boarding.  And in summer, water-ski, camp and boat at any one of the numerous beautiful lakes in the state.  With hundreds of gorgeous courses to choose from, from championship to executive, fabulous golf is available anytime and anywhere as it is one of Arizona’s most popular pastimes.  And, as host to numerous professional events, including the famed FBR Open, Arizona offers spectatorship in addition to participation.  Mountains surrounding the Valley of the Sun offer hiking for all skill levels and great dog walking for your curious canines. 

Although a very outdoorsy state, there is also much to do inside.  Arizona offers exclusive shopping at many upscale malls including the Biltmore in Phoenix, Scottsdale Fashion Park and the San Tan Mall in Gilbert.  And, for the steadfast epicureans, restaurants aplenty are scattered throughout the state with epicenters in Scottsdale and Phoenix and numerous gems in the nearby cities of Flagstaff, Tucson, Gilbert and Chandler.  With the heavy influence from our neighbors to the south, the traditional fare of Arizona is Mexican.  And, with much competition, there are some fabulous participants in the arena – all you need to do is consult a guide book or, better yet, ask a local.  Frequent salsa competitions and chili cook-offs also add to the culinary culture in the state and there are also several gastronomic festivals each year featuring superb local restaurants and our star chefs – of whom we are so very proud and several have participated in such international televised competitions as “Iron Chef”. 

Downtown Phoenix has much to offer in the arts department.  The Arizona Ballet Company, several museums and theatres are all easily accessible and offer a wide variety of cultural entertainment and education.  We are also particularly proud of our Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes, in the professional sports arenas of basketball, baseball, American football and ice hockey respectively.  Each team has its own stadium and offers a marvelous afternoon or evening of fun and excitement for the whole family.

So, if your previous opinion of Arizona was a misconception, please allow us to show you first hand what a marvelous state we live in.  We look forward to your visit.

Tania Sheppard