As Dynamite Bike Lab in North Scottsdale celebrated its grand opening at the end of August, sales associates explained it was tough to stock the new store. Other outdoor recreation gear shops across the state are experiencing higher than usual demand, as well. They credit the pandemic for the surge in business. Meanwhile, recreationists complain new bikes ordered online take weeks to arrive and parts, like tire tubes, are noticeably in short supply. “It’s COVID,” said Go Stand Up Paddle owner … [Read more...] about Shouldering Pent-Up Recreation Demand
Tourism
RV Rentals Rise, Campgrounds Fill
Recreational vehicle rentals are rising as people anxious to get out of their homes look for alternatives to their typical summer travel plans. Because recreational vehicles (RVs) are usually self-contained and, consequently, perfect for social distancing, more people than ever are taking a stab at RV vacation rentals. Christian Zeno of Lo-Lo-Mai Springs Outdoor Resort near Sedona reports that an influx of first-time RV renters and owners are filling camping sites. “People who have never … [Read more...] about RV Rentals Rise, Campgrounds Fill
Raptor Ranch Comes to Bedrock
Having a yabba-dabba-doo time is exactly what Troy and Debbie Morris and Ronald and Angela Brown have in mind for their new but long-awaited acquisition of Bedrock City in Valle, named after “The Flintstones,” the animated cartoon sitcom of the 1960s. Located off State Route 64 and U.S. 180, about 33 miles south of the Grand Canyon, the 30-acre parcel now houses their dream, Raptor Ranch, which will feature birds of prey flight demonstrations in company with stone-age characters like Fred and … [Read more...] about Raptor Ranch Comes to Bedrock
Quiet Canyon
The usual lineup of cars at the main entrance to the Grand Canyon is now replaced with rows of orange traffic cones and a large sign that reads, “The Grand Canyon is Closed.” With the cessation of services during the COVID-19 crisis, school closures and the inevitable unemployment, agencies and businesses in the Grand Canyon Village along with the nearby Town of Tusayan have become a living chronicle of loving your neighbor as yourself. “So many people and businesses have stepped up to … [Read more...] about Quiet Canyon
Dark Skies on the Rise
Dark skies are on the rise, as travelers across the planet seek out places where they can get clear views of the stars. So say the travel experts at Lonely Planet who have named dark skies a continuing travel trend. As the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, Flagstaff and others in Northern Arizona are tapping into the astrotourism trend. “Flagstaff provides amazing dark skies for stargazing, and more and more people will travel to our destination to enjoy Lowell Observatory, star … [Read more...] about Dark Skies on the Rise
Enchantment Resort Begins Construction on Adventure Center
Sedona’s Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon is elevating its outdoor adventure program with a new activity center designed to expand guests’ options, scheduled for completion by next summer. The 4,000-square-foot Trail House will offer retail space for professional-grade equipment and accessories, a shop for bike rentals and an area dedicated to the discovery and education of Sedona’s iconic trails. Guests will have access to learn from, hike with or ride alongside the resort’s expert … [Read more...] about Enchantment Resort Begins Construction on Adventure Center
Landscape Hotel Designed to Float Among the Red Rocks
North America’s first “landscape hotel” is now underway with site work and construction amidst the red rocks of Sedona, offering a new way for travelers to embrace sustainable tourism in scenic Northern Arizona. A groundbreaking ceremony last month by Sedona-based developer Two Sister Bosses and the City of Sedona has set the stage for Ambiente to take shape. Plans for the hotel feature 40 cube-shaped, luxury guest Atriums elevated above the ground by steel piers and encased in bronze glass … [Read more...] about Landscape Hotel Designed to Float Among the Red Rocks
Kilauea One Year Later
For the first time since 1983, Kīlauea Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is not erupting. The world’s most active volcano ended its 35-year magma run in a spectacular grand finale of fiery fountains and high-volume molten rock rivers between May and August 2018. As a result of the massive and explosive event, much has changed: scientists now have a better understanding of how Hawaii works; drones have earned their place in the study and safety of future volatile events; and the Big Island … [Read more...] about Kilauea One Year Later
Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition
Cleaning hotel rooms, working at the front desk and serving as a hostess and cashier is not typical for most nine-year old girls, but for Ann Serna, it was a way of life and perhaps the boost that landed her in the role she has today as owner and general manager of the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. “My father, Franz Rutter, worked for Fred Harvey in Chicago and was responsible for turning six restaurants around so they were profitable,” said Serna. “They were impressed with his work and in 1968, … [Read more...] about Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition
Wildlife Park Attracting Record Crowds
Out of Africa Wildlife Park has become a favorite year-round visitor destination in Arizona’s central highlands. Ever-increasing visitation at the spacious 200-plus acre attraction will likely reach more than 150,000 guests this year, said Ashton Powell, public relations director for Out of Africa (OOA). Located just west of Camp Verde off I-17, it makes a great day trip for folks from the Quad Cities area – about 45 minutes by road. The same is true for those driving south from Flagstaff, … [Read more...] about Wildlife Park Attracting Record Crowds