Elizabeth's Southwest US Travel Blog

I'm always on the lookout for great places that haven't changed in generations. I was thrilled to be introduced to the Burnham Trading Post in Sanders when I was returning from a volunteer project with the Navajo elders in the Sanders area. When you walk into Burnham's Trading Post, you will see the simpicity of places like Two Grey Hills Trading Post and Toadlena. Little did I expect such a traditional place just off I40!

But what most people will never see is the back room full of collector's Navajo rugs, jewelry from local reservations and Native American art from across the United States. After five generations of trading experience, Bruce and Virginia know what they are doing and they are happy to share their knowlege with you. I highly recommend a stop at this simple little building off I-40 between Winslow, AZ and Gallup, NM.

Full Profile: Burham's Trading Post.

Photo Credit: Burnham's Trading Post - Virginia and Bruce Burnham in front of their traditional yarn used for Navajo weaving

It's warming up fast in the desert lowlands but it's still cool in the mornings. Saguaro National Park is home to some of the most majestic Saguaro Cacti I have ever seen. Add to that the beautiful mountains, hiking trails and well-stocked Visitor's Center and you have a "must visit" place in Arizona. You can take a leisurely drive and see the mountains and cacti. Or, with over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat and easy strolls in the Sonoran Desert to steep and rugged hikes into the Rincon Mountains, visitors of every ability have a place to get out of the car and explore. This photo gallery follows a hiking group as they explore some of the easier trails on the desert floor.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose (Mitchell) - Walking Adventures International Hits the Trail

This week, while doing volunteer work on the Navajo Reservation, I came upon a great drive that will take you from Winslow, Arizona, to the Navajo Reservation, through the Hopi Reservation and on. The Hopi Reservation is surrounded by the Navajo Reservation (it's a long story). From I-40, take Highway 87 north (be sure and gas up). The vastness of the land and the beauty of the storms that you will encounter will make you glad you "got away from it all" and took this drive. Stop awhile in Second Mesa and see the Hopi Cultural Center.

This would be a great day trip from Winslow, Arizona. Sights along the way include Homolovi Ruins State Park, beautiful rock formations and Hopi sites. If you are in the mood for shopping, there are vendors and a gift shop at the Hopi Cultural Center and jewelry shops dotting the area around Second Mesa.

• Map
• Hopi Cultural Center
• Visiting the Navajo Nation

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose (Mitchell) - View at Teesto

When most people take a vacation they get in the family car and tool around from attraction to attraction. In exploring the Southwest, we have found some alternatives to the vacation by car. Sometimes it's nice to sit back and have others do the guiding! One of the most spectacular ways to tour the Southwest is by air. I call this "flightseeing." You can cover a lot of ground while sightseeing by plane. For those wanting something more laid back, the Southwest offers a myriad of train tours. One of our favorites is the Grand Canyon Railway. Last but not least, how about getting off the beaten path in a luxury van. Detours offers such specialty tours as the Tony Hillerman tour and Following the Salsa Trail.

• Flightseeing Arizona with Westwind Air
• Detours Luxury Van Tours
• Train Tours and Excursions
• Grand Canyon Railway
• Flightseeing Without Seeing Anything - Arizona's Mile High Club

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose (Mitchell) - Flightseeing Over Grand Canyon West

I'm looking forward to my June stay at the Boulders in Scottsdale. Meanwhile, we received word that the Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa has received the highest accolade ever awarded to a golf resort by Golf Magazine - the Platinum Medal award. In its March issue, Golf announced its selection of the "Best Golf Resorts in the U.S." The new Platinum Metal category was created in celebration of the magazine's 20th anniversary. Outranking the highly touted Gold Medal, this award is considered to be the most prestigious honor in the golf industry. This summer, The Boulders is unveiling the Twilight Twosome Package, a Happy Hour golf program designed specifically for couples that includes twilight play, complimentary margaritas and gifts.

Photo Credit: Boulders Resort

I may love the desert and the peace and quiet of a rocky outcropping in the Red Rocks of Sedona, but I am well aware that many of our visitors just love city life. The Southwest has some great cities with all the night life, culture and history you can handle!

• Visiting the Cities of Texas - Art Galleries, music, shopping and museums.
• Denver's Summer Festivals - Have a ball in the "Mile High City."
• The Downtown Sights of Salt Lake City - Contemporary and historical sites.
• Keeping Cool in Phoenix - Top places to visit when it's 100+ out!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose (Mitchell) - Dodge Theater - just one of many theaters in Phoenix

I love walking along the Truckee River, whether it's in Reno or closer to Truckee. When our About.com writer for Reno/Tahoe published an article about this weekend's Reno River Festival, I found myself wishing I could be there. There's the usual festival food and fun, bands along the river, kayak races and even a running relay from downtown Reno to Idlewild Park. More on Reno, Nevada.

Photo Credit: Stan White

Savvy travelers looking for cultural bargains will enjoy the New Mexico CulturePass.

The museums that are part of this great deal include the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo in the southern part of the state; the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque; the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces; the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Palace of the Governors/New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe.

The monuments included in the pass are Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner, Coronado State Monument, El Camino Real International Heritage Center, Fort Selden State Monument, Jemez State Monument and Lincoln State Monument. Learn more and order your CulturePass.

Photo Courtesy: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Here it is Cinco de Mayo. We're saving a table for 16 at a local restaurant and look forward to a festive time. But do we Anglos really know what we are celebrating? One person thought it was Mexican independence day. No, it's not Mexican Independence Day. That is the 16th of September.

Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday, commemorates the Battle of Puebla. On May 5, 1862 a brave group of Mexican soldiers defeated a French army that was twice its size or more.

So we will gather, toast our friends to the south with a frosty Margarita and watch the sun set on the White Tank Mountains. Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Full article on Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the Southwest.

Photo Credit: Christine Shield - Liz with a frosty Golden Margarita

We've told you about the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market. Those are places where you can see and purchase the best of Native American art. On Memorial Day Weekend, you can head to Santa Fe for another wonderful opportunity to see museum quality Native American art, talk with the artists and purchase a piece for your home. Under the big tents on Museum Hill in Santa Fe, you will find the Native Treasures Arts Festival. There will be music and food. If you are a serious collector, you might consider the preview and reception on Friday night. All About the Native Treasures Arts Festival.

Photo Credit: Museum of Indian Arts and Culture