Arizona Insider

Yummy eats, entertainment and arts and crafts - yes please!  Check out some of Arizona's farmers markets and what they have to offer. 

The Phoenix Art Museum has once again brought a world-class art exhibit to the Valley.

Legendary coach for The University of Arizona basketball team and Tucson legend, Lute Olson, shares his perspective on the town that rallied around him for so many memorable years.

A travel writer experiences the new L'Apothecary at L'Auberge de Sedona and discovers a new sense of tranquility. 

A short 90-minute drive from Phoenix makes Prescott ideal for a quick day trip. Offering cooler weather, a wide range of shopping, dining and outdoor activities, Prescott is a destination every Phoenician should experience.

The Verde Valley Region becoming more and more known for its flourishing wine region, colorful landscapes and a wide variety of adventurous activities.

The Mataali family explores Arizona during a fun weekend getaway to esacpe the cold of Utah and catch the red hot Phoenix Suns. 

March 24: Ten days after I began the Arizona Trail Trek, I was alone on the trail for the first time.

When making your Arizona travel plans, consider visiting what many call the world's best kept secret for an unforgettable experience.

"Photography is my passion and I continue to learn something new every time I pick up my camera."

Get the lowdown on different cycling groups in Arizona!  

Learn about the man behind the music and his fabulous life in Arizona. 

Celebrating the Trail and Connecting Gateway Communities one Step at a Time.

The 59th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has it all – food, fun and stuffed Corgi’s. 

Get to know Channing Frye the Phoenix Suns Basketball Player and native Arizonan. 

Butterfly Wonderland is a new Scottsdale attraction that has something for the whole family.

Looking for new places to explore while on Mill Avenue? Here are a few fun suggestions from a local Sun Devil.  

Touring the state of Arizona for free in an electric car is the ultimate way to travel.

Tim Johnson, the January photo contest winner, shares his story about his inspiration to become a photographer and capturing the "golden hour."

Five things to see and do in Cottonwood.

Our December photo contest winner talks about how the Arizona skies and inspired his winning image.

A Wisconsin native and Arizona transplant shows some friends from back home why Arizona is a home like no other. 

An Arizona native gives her top picks for can't miss performing arts around the Valley.

One Arizona resident is physically challenged to the max at the new treetop attraction in Flagstaff. 

It isn't the holiday season without a visit to the North Pole.

Arizona has beauty so powerful that even residents often find themselves awestruck and speechless.

If you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Parker might just be calling your name.

Celebrating my husband's birthday in mid-October was the perfect excuse to enjoy a weekend getaway to Southern Arizona, enjoying the Tucson area’s beautiful weather and exploring its unique things to see and do.

Four ways to get a taste of Oak Creek and Sedona.

This month's photo contest winner recounts his experience in capturing images of the Black Widow spider. 

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! At Out of Africa Wilderness Park, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy!

Hotel San Carlos provides a beautiful and pleasantly haunting experience for a Phoenix native and her husband.

Pinetop-Lakeside offers an abundance of fun for city dwellers and adventure lovers alike. 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum provides a pleasant escape just an hour away from the valley. 

Our "Pin It 2 Win It" contest winner Adele recounts her amazing adventures at Enchantment Resort in Sedona.

As a college student, what do you do with the little to no money that you have in your wallet? Eat!

The Grand Canyon has a magical way of inspiring everyone who explores its mysteries.

The August monthly photo contest winner talks about her love of Fossil Creek.

An avid traveler and Arizona resident discovers that Arizona is home to several unique culinary experiences. 

The Grand Canyon provides fun and adventure for a valley resident and her mother.

An Arizona couple rediscovers their childhood love of games at a local museum.

Sedona is a magical place, no doubt. For one Arizona resident it has changed his perspective and brought inspiration and peace.

What's your favorite genre of food? For a Phoenix resident, Mexican food is number one on her list.

From Flagstaff to Snowflake, an Arizona resident knows her B&Bs.

There is more than meets the eye for a Phoenix resident's family staycation experience at the Phoenician Resort.

Enjoying the beauty of art, an Arizona resident enjoys visiting art museums in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

How far will you go? An Arizona native goes to great lengths to capture the perfect picture.

Still looking for a fun Fourth of July event? Here are some of our favorites that you're sure to enjoy!

A day spent on Canyon Lake with her father makes an Arizona resident remember how relaxing simple pleasures can be.

A Tempe resident recounts a birthday on horseback with an adventure at Fort McDowell.

It was a typically beautiful weekend in Phoenix, so a friend and I packed up a picnic lunch and headed out for some canoeing on Bartlett Lake—located about an hour northeast from town. And it was so much fun!

The May photo contest winner, Lori Tuell, recounts her day at the Desert Botanical Garden's butterfly exhibit and what keeps her passionate about photography in Arizona.

What’s the first thing you do when a friend comes to town that’s never been to Arizona? Girls road trip! With her bags already packed from her flight from New York, we decided to hit the road.

A Phoenician couple finds rest, relaxtion and a bit of excitement during a recent Arizona staycation. 

An Arizona native shares the myriad of unique yoga events and locales found in Arizona.

The winner of the April photo contest talks about his love of photography and how a hobby became a business.

The sun is rising. The sky is blue. And your stomach is loudly calling for the most important meal of the day. There are a million great breakfast destinations in Arizona, but none are quite like Gilbert, AZ.

An Arizona transplant relives the glory days with college friends in an untamed neck of the Arizona woods.

A Michigan-native enjoys a getway in Bisbee

A Phoenician and his daughter find serenity exploring West Fork Trail in Oak Creek.

An urbanite shares her favorite spots for dining and lodging in Flagstaff

A couple finds relaxation and fun in Prescott for the weekend.

A family enjoys a fun spring training game in Scottsdale

When you’re a family, particularly one with young children, you begin to plan your outings and adventures around how easily you can maneuver a stroller and whether or not the restrooms have changing tables in them.

An Arizona native finds unique entertainment and an evening of arts and culture in Fountain Hills. 

An Arizona native returns to the state and explores local favorites like Montezuma Castle.  

An Arizona Resident enjoys a snowboarding trip to Sunrise.

An Arizona resident experiences the Phoenix Open for the first time and discovers that this event is more than just golf.

An Arizona native finds excitement discovering a new town serving fine wines and warm Arizona hospitality.

An Arizona resident  hosts a group of friends southward to explore the mighty Saguaro while camping at Catalina State Park.

A self-titled foodie from Canada comes to Arizona and is pleasantly surprised by the epicurian delights that she discovers.

A world traveler makes the trek to Tucson where she finds unexpected beauty and gourmet surprises. 

The December photo contest winner is a young Arizonan who found her passion early on for photography and desert wildlife.  

A travel professional is amazed by the beauty and natural energy found in Arizona's iconic settings.

All of the staff at the Arizona Office of Tourism extend best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous 2013 and invite you to include in your New Year’s Resolutions a trip to Arizona on this year’s Bucket List.To encourage those resolutions, we share with you 13 Top Favorites (out of hundreds) to visit:

Antelope Canyon is a mezmerizing slot canyon that makes the bucket list of amazing places to see in Arizona.

A returning Arizona native treks out of the Phoenix area down to Southern Arizona and has an adventure like none other. 

Inspring words on photography in the Southwest from our November photo contest winner, Kelly Ford.

An local tourism professional enjoys one of her favorite getaways down south and is reminded why this Arizona destination remains a favorite. 

One Arizona family discovers the magic of the holiday season by boarding the Polar Express. 

A Phoenician rediscovers the mystique and rich history of Jerome, AZ.

An Arizona resident finds serenity and strawberries in the charming town of Strawberry, AZ

A Phoenician rediscovers the comforts of home on a recent Tucson getaway.

The annual Safford Salsa Fest attracts a local couple to a new and inspring corner of Arizona.

An Arizona couple finds a much needed sanctuary amid the Sedona red rocks.  

Al fresco dining is one of the best ways to experience the relaxing climate found in Arizona. This resident rounds up some of her favorite patios to unwind on.

This Arizona resident discovers more than just a new corner of Arizona by embracing the art of getting lost.

An Arizona resident describes his unique journey through the city via the Metro light rail.

The August 2012 photo contest winner, Cindy, talks about how she produced her winning image and her experience in Canyon de Chelly.

An annual Labor Day trip reminds this native why Arizona is the best place to unwind, get outdoors and enjoy quality time with friends and family. 

An Arizona travel professional ventures to Prescott and is treated to a town filled with character, history and timeless charm.

A native resident finds awe and beauty at the South Rim on an annual family retreat.

The Tonto Natural Bridge was one of the natural wonders I’d hoped to experience upon moving to Arizona.

An Arizona resident takes her daughter to experience the power of the Canyon for the first time and finds herself still amazed by its beauty.

This native Phoenician recounts a memorable roadtrip to Jerome that left a lasting impression.

A professional photographer, and our July photo contest winner, describes why Arizona is such a special place to photograph. 

An Arizona resident makes a case for why Yuma is so cool!  

Discover a sense of awe and intrigue found only at the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, AZ.

A trip to the Hopi Indian Reservation gives this Arizona native a unique perspective on her home state's rich culture and heritage. 

Arizona is the home of the first rodeo, and with several of them scattered across the state at different times of the year, there’s always a place to kick up some fun and sample world-famous local fare.

Read about one of Arizona's premier spas offering rejuvination for the mind, body and soul. 

Our May photo contest winner describes why Arizona has inspired her to capture more images and why Sedona is so special to her.

Our April photo contest winner describes a perfect day for photography in Sedona on the Bell Rock Trail.

A resident of downtown Phoenix discovers two charming patios nestled in the city offering their own distinct ambiance.

This Arizona native describes why fishing on Roosevelt Lake is her favorite way to escape bustling city life and discover one of Arizona's treasures.

A first-hand account of the challenges and rewards of mountain biking through Papago Mountain.   

Ronald Pelton, our March photo contest winner describes how from a young age he has been inspired by photography and why Arizona is his favorite place to shoot.  

Our February photo contest winner tells a personal story about being at the Painted Desert and what this photo means to her. 

Our January photo contest winner, Jenalyn G., remembers the moments leading up to her experience at Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ.

Great weather and lots of motivation from the crowd, keeps this Arizona runner "in the race" at the recent PF Chang’s Rock N Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon.

Our December photo contest winner Jake C., of Glendale, AZ talks about capturing the mood in the Arizona desert.

Arizona’s terrain is dramatic, so much so that towns list their elevation on road signs instead of population figures.

...and a beginning to one stop cheap and chic boutique shopping.

Our October Photo Contest winner writes about her trip to Antelope Canyon.

To the runners of the world, there’s nothing quite like race day.

Several years ago I acquired a t-shirt that claims, “It’s better in Tucson.”

Our first Arizona Best Fest is September 16-18! With several events and projects in place to commemorate our state’s Centennial year, we are excited to see our first big event become a reality.

We're pleased to announce the winner of our August photo contest -

Discovering the beauty of wildlife…from the luxury of my car… at Bearizona drive-thru Wildlife Park.
“Mommy, can bears fly?”
“What?”
“Well, look up.”

Last month, I made the one-and-a-half hour drive from Phoenix to Saguaro National Park because I wanted to squeeze in one more park visit before my Interagency Annual Pass expired. The park is divided into two districts and I visited the Tucson Mountain District, which is located on the west side of Interstate 10.

The painting of the black cat nestled in the arms of a man in an orange striped shirt on the outside of the Phoenix Art Museum caught my eye and I made a mental note that I had to see this exhibit. 

I just returned from a unique tour of the entire White Mountain region in eastern Arizona—Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Eagar, Greer, Springerville, Big Lake— which was impacted by the recent Wallow Wildfire. 

Arizona has a lot of hidden layers – a characteristic I've come to adore about the state. It seems to me that the award-winning, quaint, and rapidly growing wineries across Arizona are one of our many giant secret layers, which I'll admit - they're one tasty layer.

When traveling in Arizona, visitors soon discover that the scenery of this state lends itself incredibly well to starring in world class photos….even if the photographer is an amateur with a point and shoot camera.

There is a rumor that Arizona is just too hot in the summer to enjoy our tourism assets…I say the summer may be THE best time to enjoy Arizona – and what better topic for my first blog post, right in the heart of summer?

Welcome to the Arizona travel blog – where we’ll share what’s new across the state.