Category: Attractions

Take time out this winter, whenever the mood strikes, at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

Named RoHoEn, the garden’s name stems from a trio of Japanese words: RO (heron) + HO (mythical Phoenix bird) + En (garden) = a serene, 3.5-acre oasis – hidden in plain view of downtown.

In keeping with the garden’s mission – to provide a beautiful place of serenity, peace, education and cultural engagement – the tranquil setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rocks, 50 varieties of plants, flowing streams, a towering 12-foot waterfall and a pond brimming with over 300 colorful koi fish.

No date needed.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Hot air balloon lovers are welcome to rise to the (literal) occasion at the 12th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic, Feb. 3-5 at Goodyear Ballpark near Phoenix.

The event takes flight Friday evening with the first of two Desert Glow & Laser Shows, featuring a field filled with illuminated, tethered hot-air balloons glowing and swaying to the music. Early-morning ascensions begin on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. – considered peak flying time – followed by hot air balloon rides (both tethered and untethered) until 10:00 a.m., weather permitting.

Watch as the 4th Annual Desert Kite Festival flutters overhead for a truly elevated experience.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

A veritable oasis, in the midst of Arizona’s desert, is on the horizon for the Grand Canyon State – slated to open in time for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Amenities at the one-of-a-kind development – VAI Resort, the state’s largest hotel and entertainment destination – include a 52,000-square-foot private island (smack dab in the center of the 60-acre property), a Mattel Theme Park and massive lagoon. It also boasts 1,200 luxury accommodations, a 360-degree concert stage and 13 elevated fine-dining destinations.

Plus, enjoy flowing white-sand beaches and pristine Caribbean-blue water. It only looks like a mirage.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Get out and beat the heat with these scenic swimming escapes across the Copper State:

• Sycamore Canyon, Phoenix – A pleasant 3.5-mile round-trip hike along a perennial stream leads to several swimming holes at Summers Spring and Parsons Spring.

• Mormon’s Crossing, Sedona – Several swimming holes, a rope swing and shady trees along Oak Creek in Cornville make this a great place to cool off.

• Roper Lake, Tucson – Dubbed a poor man’s Palm Springs, for a $10 fee you can camp, hike desert trails and swim in the cool, clear lake with a mountain view or enjoy a natural hot spring soak.

– Margaret Willard, The 100 Companies

Looking for a scenic summer outing the whole family can enjoy? Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is now open in Williams, Arizona. Located about 33 miles west of Flagstaff, the park features the state’s first and only mountain coaster.

The unique thrill ride offers steep descents, dips, twists, hairpin turns and 360-degree corkscrews along a mile-long track that overlooks the mountain canyon. Riders are even able to control the speed of their descent, with a built-in distance control system to keep carts safely spaced apart.

Other park attractions include summer mountain tubing, winter snow tubing and an on-site bar and grill.

– Margaret Willard, The 100 Companies

Whether you’re looking for an easy New Year’s Day stroll, or a challenging trek to kick off your resolutions, these hikes are just a short drive from Phoenix:

• Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail (easy) – Paved paths, water fountains, shady benches and educational signage  make these half-mile loops ideal for families.

• Pinnacle Peak Trail (medium) – Well-maintained trails and panoramic views make this 3.5 mile out-and-back trail perfect for soaking up desert scenery.

• Tom’s Thumb Trailhead (hard) – Steep switchbacks ascend 1,300 feet in just 2.5 miles as you weave through rugged boulder fields to reveal the preserve’s unique butte rock formation at its peak.

– Margaret Willard, The 100 Companies