Love: Arizona Style

editor’spage: Love Arizona Style

To be human is to love. Whether it’s a spouse, family, friends, pets, or the great outdoors that is the object of our affections, we can all relate to the feeling of adoration. During the month of February it always seems to be on our collective consciousness that we should show those we love how we feel in full measure.

So if you’re visiting Arizona with cupid hot on your trail, and you’re looking for ways to demonstrate your affections, we’ve got some incredible ideas. From grandly romantic gestures to good fun that’s tailor-made for family bonding, Arizona has plenty to offer during this season of love. After all, the best gift we can give is time with those we care about. Here are some worthwhile experiences to consider while you’re here...

If you’re planning a dramatic proposal, make sure you know your sweetheart’s desires. Few can resist the tranquil beauty of a hot air balloon ride. A gourmet brunch after morning flights or appetizers and champagne after evening ascensions is included in the price with Hot Air Expeditions (and we’ve got a coupon to boot, see pg. 47).

Outdoor enthusiasts will love taking a rugged ride through the Sonoran Desert (pg. 49) or taking the path less traveled on a mountain bike (pg. 62). An animal lover will be wild about you if you bring them to one of the many special wildlife adventures that Arizona boasts. You can even swim with dolphins at Dolphinaris (pg. 50) or feed a tiger at Out of Africa Wildlife Park! (pg. 61).

If you’re romancing a music lover, you should consider a trip to the world renowned Musical Instrument Museum. For those who love to be pampered, check out Spa Lamar (pg. 99) which offers island-inspired ambience in the middle of the Arizona desert. It’s a perfect oasis getaway for couples, complete with extra amenities like a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. A gentle lake cruise on the Desert Belle (coupon on pg. 47) or the Dolly Steamboat (pg. 50) will bring fond memories for years to come, and is perfect for people of all ages.

Those artistic types will love Arizona’s world class museums (pg. 74), live theatre productions (pg. 53), independent films (pg. 26) a fun trip to the Arizona Renaissance Festival (pg. 32), a unique shopping trip to a one-of-a-kind artist village (pg. 57) or perhaps a romantic stroll through Carefree Desert Gardens (pg. 78).

With scenery that makes your heart leap, Sedona is a perfect destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and exotic desert retreat. As the light changes, so do the incredible views of the famously colorful rock formations. Pink Jeep Tours can bring you down thrilling trails to amazing vistas (story on pg. 22). Who knows, you may even find the perfect quiet spot to drop to one knee...

Romance is certainly personal, so if you and your beloved need more ideas, just flip through our pages to find the perfect fit. There’s truly something for everyone in Arizona: customized sightseeing, wine country, performing arts, museums, festivals, dark-sky stargazing and so much more! If you don’t fall in love in Arizona, then surely you will fall in love with Arizona. AZ

~ Serena Webbe, Editor