Santa Fe
WEST Go West into Wide Open Spaces he Western horizon is filled with incredible sights and contrasts. At all points of the compass you find the scenery spectacular, the history colorful. The people, representing a diverse blend of cultures, arrived in search of adventure, riches and new roots.
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Mesa
New Mexico
74 June 2009
There is no set path to exploring the West. You can follow migration routes of birds, butterflies and whales, or retrace historic footsteps of Native Americans, Lewis & Clark, conquistadors, Spanish missionaries or Northern fur traders. More contemporary routes may lead to Hollywood filming sites or culinary adventures that savor the latest trends in food and wine. The West’s vibrant arts scene appeals to groups who appreciate museums, theater and music. The West’s traditions are celebrated in every town. Each area has a distinctive personality as seen in its architecture, foods, lifestyles and festivals. From powwows and rodeos to Route 66 celebrations, don’t be surprised by the range of reasons Westerners embrace when organizing a festive gathering. Perhaps the most cherished and distinctive activity is to experience the vast wilderness areas with their protected wildlife habitats and awesome landscapes. Names like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Death Valley and Mount Rainier offer just a hint of the hundreds of millions of acres of public lands waiting to be explored. Groups enjoy the diversity of Arizona, from the desert to the mountains, from cosmopolitan cities to Native American lands. And don’t forget the Grand Canyon. New Mexico, a blend of
Spanish, Native and Anglo cultures, has an artistic legacy dating to ancient times. Texas landscapes range from vast plains to coastal communities to big cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
Arizona Colorado abounds with mountain resorts that provide recreational opportunities year-round. The state’s tourist railway lines are one of its great symbolic links between the past and present. No trip to Colorado is complete without a visit to Denver, the Mile High City. Wyoming, the Cowboy State, conLeisureGroupTravel.com