Two of us are scheduled to visit Phoenix in early March for business and then we plan to extend our visit for vacation. My question, given time of year is it better to go southeast to Tucson area or do Sedona/Flagstaff and South Rim? For a New Englander, which area would be more amazing/interesting etc? (PS: we hope to do some hiking)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa..._name=GoTravel

Both areas will be amazing to a New Englander. The north will be cold in March, while the Tucson area will have great weather. If you've never seen the Grand Canyon, it is truly amazing. The desert around Tucson is very beautiful with the huge saguaros, rocky hills and interesting desert plants. Perhaps you can see both? The GC is only about 3 hours drive from Phoenix, you go right through Sedona, and Tucson is only about 1.5 hours drive south. Hiking is great in both areas.

Completely agree with Gigib...both are marvelous, but if you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, do that, but southern Arizona is unlike anything you might expect, wonderful!!!!! Maybe save it for the next trip, although, like she said, the weather is likely to be better down south. There is plenty to do in both areas, including hiking.

GoTravel, you made me laugh!
whit, I thought from your title that maybe you were thinking of moving to the North or the Southeast.
Titles need to contain some information regarding your question

I would go to Tucson. Only because I was born there, haven't visited in a long time and being from NY, loved the desert.
Hiking in the foothills is wonderful.