Trade in Snow for Sunshine

With an average February temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Arizona has been a welcome winter retreat for our family. Not only has the temperature been consistently nice during our visits to Arizona, but the skies have been clear as well allowing us to enjoy many outdoor activities. Phoenix has been our go-to spot, with jaunts to Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson over the past few years. After a visit to Arizona during the winter, you’ll soon realize why it’s a regular destination for many Midwesterners.

The winter months in our area can get a little long, so many people will look for a spot to visit with some sunshine and a break from cold weather. A retreat during the coldest months in North Dakota can help chase away the winter blues. For the past several winters, we have visited Arizona to enjoy some fun in the sun. Just having the opportunity to be outside without needing to bundle up is something that adds to the relaxed feel of our vacations. We spend most of our time bike riding, trying different restaurants, shopping, and swimming. Something we like to add to our trips is a chance to explore some new areas of Arizona as well.

(Enjoying a little pool time and sunshine.)

During our most recent trip to Arizona, we visited Tucson and stayed at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort over Easter break. With the amount of activities available at the resort, we could have spent our entire time there just enjoying all it had to offer. I especially liked the morning guided trail hike followed by a Native American ceremony. Then, it was on to yoga with a live flute player, and an extensive brunch afterwards. It was a special way to start the day. Our kids enjoyed the morning buffet, swimming, and staff led activities throughout our time at the resort.

(A morning Native American ceremony after a sunrise trail hike. Next was outdoor yoga to a live flute performance at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort.)

We did take time to see a few sights along the way though. The “Airplane Boneyard” at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was really interesting to see, and learn about. Our family stopped by Pima Air & Space Museum, which is close by the air force base. We also visited Old Tucson Studios where many old west movies have been filmed. After touring the studio, it was fun to pick out the locations we had seen while watching The Three Amigos movie that had been filmed at Old Tucson.

(Pima Air & Space Museum offered a lot to learn and see.)

(This plane located in the boneyard was used in an Antarctic rescue mission.)

(Live Old Tucson performance.)

Some of the other locations I’d recommend seeing while visiting Arizona are: OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, Musical Instrument Museum, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix if you’re traveling with little ones. On our list to visit during our next trip to Arizona are the Desert Botanical Gardens.

(OdySea was voted Best Bathroom in America 2017. With a view like this, it's no surprise.)

(There were so many instruments I had never seen before at the Musical Instrument Museum.)

(Montezuma Castle National Monument. It's hard to imagine how people once lived in this location.)

Planning your winter vacation itinerary can be so enjoyable when you have some great ideas in mind of what you'd like to see. Having destinations planned in advance gives you something to look forward with time to research places you’d like to explore during your travels. Take time to think about the activities you most enjoy and incorporate them into your travel agenda. When winter hits, you’ll be ready to trade in snow for sunshine!