Arizona trip-advice needed

[Cind11]

My DH, two daughters and I would like to go to AZ the beginning of June (only time we can fit it in) We definitely would like to see the Grand Canyon and I''d like to see Sedona. We would prefer to not switch hotels but stay in one place since we''ll have only a week. Originally, we thought of staying in Phoenix but looking at a map, it looks pretty far from the GC. Falgstaff looks like the closest city, but I don''t know if that would be a good (as in fun place) for us and the girls. Or how about Scottsdale? (don''t know the distance of that either) I am really confused. Has anyone done an Arizona trip or live there and could give some recommendations? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

in 94 I drove with a good friend and his family from LA to Tuscon via Phoenix and Scottsdale is on my must go bback list.

But you must get a copy of the words from the glen cambpel song - "by the time I get to Phoenxi, she''l be rising.....

We sang it every time we got to a part we remebered

 

[fountainfairfax]

My honest opinion would be to stay in Sedona and travel to the GC from there and then spend a lot of time in Sedona. Flagstaff is a fun town for those "in the know" and is an easy drive from Phoenix but might not be where you want to spend the whole week. I''ll admit upfront that I moved from AZ 10 years ago and have heard that Flagstaff has really grown and taken off but 10 yrs ago it was a great camping spot w/some antiquing thrown in but not a heck of a lot else going on.

What does the family like to do? Hike, shop, white water raft? ( I think June is the wrong time of the year for that in Northern AZ) If Native American history or culture is of interest to the family there is plenty to do in many northern towns.

Northern AZ is a great place to visit in the summer, expect a lot of Phoenicians escaping the heat!

 

[monarch64]

Date: 4/13/2006 6:49:23 PM
Author:Cind11
My DH, two daughters and I would like to go to AZ the beginning of June (only time we can fit it in) We definitely would like to see the Grand Canyon and I''d like to see Sedona. We would prefer to not switch hotels but stay in one place since we''ll have only a week. Originally, we thought of staying in Phoenix but looking at a map, it looks pretty far from the GC. Falgstaff looks like the closest city, but I don''t know if that would be a good (as in fun place) for us and the girls. Or how about Scottsdale? (don''t know the distance of that either) I am really confused. Has anyone done an Arizona trip or live there and could give some recommendations? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

This is Monarch''s hubby. I have been to AZ many times since childhood and have the following opinion. June will be hot (100 degrees+) in the Phoenix area, but hotel rates may be less since that is the off season in the "valley". If you are determined to stay in Phoenix area, then Scottsdale is definitely the area to be. Again, you will most likely pay more for meals, entertainment, etc. but well worth it, imo. Sedona will be beautiful weather and closer to Grand Canyon. But as somebody else mentioned, this is their peak season and rates are generally higher. Either way, the Grand Canyon is a must for both adults and kids. To truly experience the GC, check into local lodges. It would be worth the change in hotels rather than wasting a day in travel to and from the GC. Last place we stayed was ResortSuites in Scottsdale, AZ...check out their website.

Isn''t he wonderful? Finally got my hubby to post on PS, lol! Ok, so it took something he was actually interested in to get him involved (besides diamonds)!

Hope this helps, Cind!

 

[eks6426]

If you stay in Phoenix and want to go to the Grand Canyon you will definitely spend all your time driving. My parents have a time-share in Scottsdale and even just a day trip to Sedona seemed like we spent a lot of time in the car. Things are spread out enough that you really should consider a hotel change. I''d stay in a lodge near the Grand Canyon and then Sedona or Phoenix depending on where you will focus the rest of your time.

Remember the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is very spread out. There are lots of smaller cities springing up around Phoenix/Scottsdale. It can easily take an hour+ to drive from one side of the city to the other. My family''s time-share is in Scottsdale near Camelback mountain. My parents like to eat in Tempe and it always take us at least 25 minutes just to get to the restaurant. So, if you do stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale and plan on heading to Sedona frequently, I''d make sure to stay on the north end of the metro area near the highway north.

 

[Cind11]

Thanks everybody. I''ll post more later when I get a chance.

Cindy

 

[movie zombie]

if you get near flagstaff, i have the name of a great sausage place.

movie zombie

 

[Cind11]

Garry: I''ll keep in mind the Glen Campbell song tip-lol.

Fountain: We like to hike and my girls LOVE to shop. I''d be up for trying white water rafting. I do have some friends who went to Sedona and really liked it there, so it is a possibility for us to stay there.

Monarch''s hubby: Glad something actually got you to reply on PS. I wonder if we have waited too long to be able to find somewhere cose to the GC to stay. I will check out ResortSuites. Thanks for the tip.

Island: Maybe I will do as you and Monarch''s DH said and stay near the Grand Canyon, in addition to wherever we decide to stay for the majority of the time.

Movie Zombie: I''m not a "sausage person" but my DH would love that so if we''re around Flagstaff, I''ll let you know.

Thanks everyone. Anyone with additional comments is welcome!