Latest news with #RogerNaylor
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
How Arizona's most beautiful place was chosen — and why it stood out
Before I moved to Arizona, I lived in the mountains of North Carolina. I had moved there from one set of mountains in Virginia, where I went to college. I moved there from my home in yet another set of mountains in Virginia. My idea of beauty involved a lot of green, in other words. When I moved to Arizona, I moved to Kingman. Craggy rocks and brown-yellow desert were not exactly high on the stunning-beauty scale for me. It looked kind of like someone put a big chunk of land into an oven and left it on too long. I came around. I mean, I knew about the Grand Canyon because everybody does. And I have to say, it does not disappoint. Grand indeed. So when The Arizona Republic had a contest to find the most beautiful places in the state, I thought, how can that lose? Turns out it can't. But I'm getting ahead of things. When I voted in the poll, I scrolled through the choices and thought, dang, Arizona really is beautiful. The photos prove it. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and we answer the question: What's the most beautiful place in Arizona? Actually, readers answer it. I spoke with Michael Salerno, the Republic's consumer travel reporter, and Roger Naylor, a travel writer and photographer who has been just about everywhere. I really enjoyed talking with them, and I think you'll like our conversation. And maybe it'll inspire you to visit a few. I know it did me. Listen to the episode: Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below. Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. Submit your questions to us about metro Phoenix and Arizona for a chance to be chosen for the podcast. Listen to Valley 101 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Turn on notifications to be alerted when a new episode is released. Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter, and on Instagram. This episode was produced by Abby Bessinger. You can reach her at or follow her on X, formerly Twitter @abby_bessinger. Amanda Luberto assisted on production and you can reach her at aluberto@ Catch up on past episodes of Valley 101: This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The most beautiful places in Arizona, according to locals
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
What is a vortex — and can you actually find one in Sedona?
The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is listed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Colorado River, running through it for approximately six million years, has established breathtaking layers of sediment and erosion that is unlike anything else on Earth. Arizona is the Grand Canyon state after all. There's another place in Arizona that feels this way. That, of course, is Sedona. It's an easy one-liner to say there are places in the desert that make you feel like you're on Mars, but the bright red rocks and unique formations in Sedona do feel like you're on another planet. In the last few decades, Sedona has gotten attention from visitors as one of the premiere places to go for spiritual healing. The new age movement brought flocks of people to its buttes, canyons and trails. This is because of its four famed vortexes. But what even are they and does Sedona really have them? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and about metro Phoenix and beyond, we explore the world of vortexes, if Sedona's claim to fame is real and how it's all impacted longtime Arizona travel writer Roger Naylor. Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below. Submit your questions to us about metro Phoenix and Arizona for a chance to be chosen for the podcast. Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. Subscribe to Valley 101 : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter, and on Instagram. Reach the producer Amanda Luberto at aluberto@ Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @amandaluberto and on Bluesky @amandaluberto. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sedona vortexes and where to find them
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Phoenix an entertaining city? This ranking didn't think so, but Tucson made the list
Tucson was recently named one of the most entertaining cities in the U.S., right next to New York City and Las Vegas. The study, conducted by sports betting news site Action Network, analyzed the 100 most populated cities in the U.S. based on the availability of entertainment businesses and activities like museums, arcades, theaters and casinos. The study also considered each city's social media presence by analyzing data such as Instagram hashtags. Here's how metro Phoenix cities ranked on the list of entertaining cities and some cities that didn't make the list. No other Arizona city made the top 10, but some metro Phoenix cities did show up lower on Action Network's ranking. Here's which cities made the list and their entertainment scores out of 10. Phoenix: No. 31, with a score of 2.2 Scottsdale: No. 58, with a score of 1.36 Mesa: No. 64, with a score of 1.32 Chandler: No. 75, with a score of 1.08 Gilbert: No. 81, with a score of 0.93 Glendale: No. 92, with a score of 0.6 Many of these cities, Tucson included, made another recent ranking — the most boring cities in America. Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Tucson and Mesa all were included in that ranking from Solitaired. While these studies may not think so, there are many other entertaining cities in Arizona. Here are some The Arizona Republic thinks should have made the list: Flagstaff: Arizona Republic readers named the mountain town the Ultimate Arizona road trip destination. It has charmed visitors for generations for its mountain scenery and sense of nostalgia that draws people to its historic downtown and Route 66. The city also draws heat-weary Phoenix residents every summer who want to spend time outdoors in a cooler climate. Bisbee: Republic travel reporter Michael Salerno recommended Bisbee as a great getaway for metro Phoenix residents. "Bisbee's charm and nostalgic appeal have made it a must-visit destination in the U.S.," he wrote. He noted that the city's famous steps, mining history and historic downtown also made it one of the five best places to visit in 2024, alongside far-flung cities in Bolivia and Greenland. Tombstone: Tombstone was named one of the best downtowns in Arizona. Walking through Tombstone almost feels like you stepped through a time machine into the Wild West. You can learn about historic moments, sip a drink in a saloon or watch a gunfight. Sedona: Sedona has long been a hotspot and popular destination for Arizonans and out-of-state tourists alike. Whether visiting for the incredibly scenic hiking options, are ready to hit Slide Rock, want to shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village or any other reason, Sedona is definitely an entertaining Arizona city. Jerome: Arizona travel expert and Republic contributor Roger Naylor says Jerome is the perfect day trip. "With a fairy tale setting, otherworldly views and an artistic vision, Jerome offers an easy escape from the mundane," he wrote. "The real world gets left far behind. This is a place that requires little effort, yet you feel like you're on vacation. It starts with a winding, curving scenic drive." The Republic wants to know what you think are the most entertaining cities in Arizona. Fill out the poll below. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is Phoenix an entertaining city? This ranking didn't think so
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
These 9 landmarks were named strangest in Arizona — do you know what they are?
Arizona is no stranger to the weird and whacky. From the creepy critters to the head-spinning summer temperatures, the Grand Canyon State has embraced the things that make it unique. World Atlas, a geography and travel publication, released a list of the strangest Arizona landmarks. These "more strange and overlooked attractions hold some of the most memorable sights and experiences," World Atlas noted. From Arizona's second biggest hole in the ground to a heavenly Sedona church, here are the 10 most unique landmarks in Arizona, as selected by World Atlas, and how to see each one. A meteorite that weighed several hundred thousand tons struck outside of Flagstaff more than 50,000 years ago, leaving behind a well-preserved crater. Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring impact and learn more about space. "This mesmerizing landmark has a way of making visitors reflect on the astounding power of the meteor that shaped it," World Atlas writes. Details: Interstate 40, exit 233, Winslow. More: Arizona is home to 5 of the 'World's Largest' things — do you know what they are? Horseshoe Bend is an iconic Arizona site, giving those who make the 1.5-mile roundtrip walk a completely new perspective of the Colorado River. "Viewed from a high cliffside perch 1,000 feet above the water, the Colorado River wraps around a craggy sandstone formation in a swooping embrace," Arizona travel expert Roger Naylor writes. "For a moment, the emerald green river seems to hold its breath." Details: The parking lot is located off US Highway 89, about 5 miles south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. 928-645-8861, Lake Havasu City is perhaps best known for the London Bridge, which was purchased for $2.4 million by McCulloch in 1968 and transported from London, England when they replaced the bridge that year. It then took three years to complete the reconstruction of the bridge across the narrow Bridgewater Channel between Lake Havasu and Thompson Bay. The bridge connects pedestrians, motorists and cyclists on "mainland" Lake Havasu City to an island with shops, restaurants, hotels and more. Details: 1340 McCulloch Blvd. N., Lake Havasu City. If you've ever visited the Phoenix Zoo, you might have noticed the gleaming white pyramid perched on a hill at the edge of the zoo's desert animals exhibit. That pyramid marks the burial site of notable Arizonan George W.P. Hunt, who was the Grand Canyon State's first governor and served seven terms in office. Details: 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Located on Van Buren Street just west of Loop 202, Tovrea Castle is a Phoenix landmark initially built as a resort destination — a plan that was never completed. The castle later ended up being a personal residence. Decades later, the building was purchased and renovated, opening to the public in 2012. The castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Phoenix Point of Pride and an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project. Details: 5025 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Tickets are required to tour the building and are only available via a lottery system. Among the majestic red rock cliffs of Sedona sits a special church. The Chapel of the Holy Cross's unique design places it on the edge of the cliffs, making the cross that is central to the design part of the beautiful landscape. Visitors to the temple can see relics of the Catholic church and look out on the Verde Valley from the chapel's one-of-a-kind perspective. Details: 780 Chapel Road, Sedona. This Route 66 sculpture is one of the weirdest roadside attractions in Arizona. Artist Gregg Arnold in 2003-2004 made the 14-foot-tall tiki-style sculpture of the green head. The sculpture is at the Antares Point Visitor Center, where visitors can explore local art and souvenirs. This uniquely Arizona roadside attraction was named among the top 10 weirdest things to do in Arizona. World Atlas noted that "very few regret making the stop" to see the odd sculpture. Details: 9855 Route 66, northeast of Kingman. This Grand Canyon landmark was created by a geothermal mineral spring. The round shape and orange color of the natural bowl inspired its name. However, this landmark can only be reached by traveling the Colorado River and is only for viewing because of the chemicals in the water. This Western town in northwest Arizona is overrun by burros descended from the pack animals miners brought to the area during the 1800s. The burros are as much a tourist attraction as the city's historic buildings, shops and staged gunfights. Arizona Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda and former Republic reporter Lacey Latch contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These 9 landmarks were named strangest in Arizona
