I asked a lot of questions....we're back..here are my experiences (with kids 3,6, and 9)

Phoenix: not the greatest city but we found lots of fun stuff. Thought Rawhide would be cheesy..but the kids LOVED it (were a bit scared at the shootout). We did the evening barbeque. Loved the line dancing (participatory), the singing, and the steaks. The sunset was beautiful

We went to the botanical gardens. This was also great. The kids were NOT bored. Had lunch at the garden restaurant. Great band. Good prices.

Papago park. Climbed the Buttes with the kids. Surprisingly easy climb given how great the view is and how cool the big hole in the rock is. Not dangerous...there was someone up there with a stroller.

Jeep ride. We did this in Sedona and Scottsdale. Both were very different and well worth it. Loved going out and learning about the desert. Cost 240 + tip and our tour guide spent 6 hours with us. We did the sunset tour which started at 3. Learned a lot, hiked, climbed and 4 wheeled. He took us to Pinnacle peak restaurant (not included in price) and disappeared while we ate)

Kids went to science museum. Very good for a few hours. Had to drag them out.

Spent an afternoon in the arts district in Scottsdale. Very fun. They let you take digital pictures of the paintings...much cheaper that way. Thursday nights they open in the evening ..wine and cheese in the street.

Drove a good bit of the Apache trail. Very easy trip. Did it in an afternoon. Planned to go to Tortilla Flat (GREAT place for burgers for lunch/dinner)..ended up going a few miles over the dirt/gravel part of the trail (fine in a minivan) and was rewarded. There is a great lookout point with sidewalk trails with railings.... Missed the paddlewheel boat. That would have been nice.

Sedona. G-d created the Grand Canyon but He lives in Sedona. How awesome!!! Took the trolley. Ok to orient you but overall disappointing. Did the Pink Jeeps. Pricey but worth every penny. Did the 8 am tour for the 20% discount. Turns out, that is the best time... No crowds (we were alone on the rocks) and the lighting on the rocks is dramatic. Very different experience from jeeps in Phoenix. Drove ourselves through red rock park circle. Cowboy Club restaurant was very fun. Lots of real cowboys at the bar.

Stayed at Best Western Arroyo Roble. They have a cottage that was 175 a night. It was our own little house. Very comfortable.

Grand Canyon. Drove up through Flagstaff to Grand Canyon. You should do it as a loop. Can't remember the road names but you go through oak creek canyon (looked great in the snow) to Flagstaff. Then you go west and then north.. first past the IMAX (we stopped...good orientation...kids had lunch) then parked at the village. Then you drive along the south rim stopping at each lookout. The lookouts end at Desert view castle. Wonderful place to see. Then you continue to ? Cameron. From there it is a beautiful drive back to Flagstaff. That completes the loop. Then back through oak creek canyon.

driving home from Sedona, we went through Jerome. Beautiful drive up Mingus Mountain. Great burgers at the Haunted Hamburger.... and Awesome views. The artsy stores there are great.


All in all a wonderful trip.

Thanks for a great trip report. I think I was one of the people who responded to one of your pre-trip posts and now I have some questions for you! Since we go to PHX every spring break...can you tell me who you used for the Scottsdale jeep tour and where they're based out of? Also, my kids are 7 & 9 and I never thought they would enjoy the botanical gardens. What made it interesting for your family? I'm glad you hit the Science Center. We try to make that every year!

Thanks for the nice report back.
I liked your quote about Sedona being G-d's place...did you read that elsewhere or make that up?

Where did you eat in Sedona and what did you think?

Thanks for the excellent report.

I am adding it to my Southwest Trip Planning folder.

Oaktown Traveler

we ate at the Cowboy Club. It was fantastic. right in t he middle of town. Several real cowboys at the bar. We also ate at a Thai restaurant. forget the name...it was ok.

I will look up the name of the jeep tour in Phoenix. for other Tours, the company Detours is very highly recommended.

heard it from someone in Sedona....wish I had made it up.