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15 Reasons Arizona Is The Ultimate Adventure to Gift This Season
Amidst the endless holiday gift guides, shopping sprees, and sales, it can be easy to get distracted during your own gift hunt for the special people in your life. In lieu of “more is more” this year, opt for a gift that...
Amidst the endless holiday gift guides, shopping sprees, and sales, it can be easy to get distracted during your own gift hunt for the special people in your life. In lieu of “more is more” this year, opt for a gift that will outlast any trendy item headlining the top gift guides – adventure. Gifted adventures not only form memories that last a lifetime but expose travelers to new perspectives, places, and people.
If you’re stuck on a destination to gift – somewhere beautiful, somewhere with lots of natural sights and things to do, and somewhere not too complicated to get to – we have just the solution for you: Arizona. From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the ski parks throughout the state, winter in Arizona is the ultimate adventure to gift your loved ones and today we’re exploring just fifteen of the reasons you’ll want to gift a getaway to Arizona.
A stunning natural retreat at the base of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort provides the perfect homebase for your winter adventuring along with some worthy onsite activities like horseback riding, golfing, and stargazing. From access to the trails and mountains to the several onsite dining options, Loews is ready to jumpstart your Arizona trip.
A stylish Scottsdale stay, The Scott Resort is a fan favorite thanks to its mid-century tropical interiors and loungeable poolside. Winter visitors will appreciate coming home from a day of adventuring to The Scott’s warm and sunny setting, cocktail (almost) in hand upon arrival. Great for families and friend groups alike, choose The Scott if you’re looking to gift the adventure of Scottsdale with a summer-minded stay.
A gleaming desertscape like none other, The Phoencian in Scottsdale is a luxurious 5-star destination at the base of Camelback Mountain. Take advantage of the onsite activities like bike riding, golfing, and even hot-air ballooning by day and world-class dining and entertainment by evening – just don’t forget your coziest sweaters.
Modern yet comfortable, The Henry is the perfect place to stop into on a chilly winter day in Phoenix. The fireplace adorned patio brings some California cool to Arizona while the rich interior offers a warm retreat to enjoy a strong drink in.
A good margarita knows no season. Same with tacos. So, Blanco Tacos & Tequila Biltmore in Phoenix is your year-round solution for tacos and tequila pairings. The southwest adorned restaurant is bright and cheery, perfect for an afternoon of margs and friends.
In between all of the winter action you’ll be taking part in, you’ll need to refuel in style. Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale fits the bill with its European-inspired interior and patio filled with French touches. Rent out the Gallery Room for larger groups or take to the fire pits of the patio for a relaxed experience noshing and sipping.
Photo by Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking bucket list sight any time of year, but winter brings a whole new level of beauty to the red-rock canyon – snow blankets the walls and floor of the park, painting a scene almost too good to be true. Inside tip: Plan your visit well in advance and have an eye on weather warnings or requirements like tire chains.
Yes, Arizona has skiing and yes, it’s good. Snowbowl in Flagstaff reaches over 12,000 feet elevation at its peak and features a wide range of runs ranging from beginner to (very) advanced. The park also offers lodging and dining, so your family or friend group can arrive, chill out, and hit the slopes with ease.
Sunrise Ski Park in Greer is another excellent ski resort for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Claiming three peaks between 10,000 and 11,000 feet elevation, find a range of runs suitable for kids, your daredevil best friend, or your intermediate crew.
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Flagstaff’s Nordic Village is a winter playground for any level of activity (read: no activity to all the activity) including ski and snowshoe trails, cabins and yurts to stay in, and venue services for weddings and events. Ideal for groups who want to explore via snowshoe by day and cozy around the fire by evening, Nordic Village has you covered.
The giants of Monument Valley get dressed for winter with occasional snowfall covering the rock formations. Colder temperatures and crisp air transform the valley and provide a completely new experience for those used to visiting during the warmer months.
Instead of visiting the Grand Canyon for one day, book a multi-day excursion on The Train, the only train that goes to the national park. Opt for the Winter Getaway package that ranges from 1-2 nights with hotel, dining, and, of course, Grand Canyon viewing taken care of.
After all of that adventuring in the dry winter air, you deserve some R&R at the spa, The Scott’s spa to be exact: La Vidorra. Book a custom massage or facial at the spa and enjoy access to the property’s pools, fitness center, and cozy add-ons like robes and slippers.
