Event planners are busier than ever and, not surprisingly, smaller weddings have taken the lead, especially in Northern Arizona. “We’ve had a lot of micro-weddings of 50 people or less since March this year,” said Nancy Bewley, owner of Prescott-based Luella House Weddings and the soon-to-open historic Willow Creek Inn. “I think it’s because small weddings make sense to people right now. People can spread out and the couple can have those who are most dear and closest to them attend, plus the … [Read more...] about Saying ‘I Do’ to Micro-Weddings
grand canyon
Enjoying the Ride
Thinking about surfing in Northern Arizona may sound a bit unusual, but according to outdoor recreationist Nicolas Sutherland, riding his Soledaddy Longboard here “is the closest you can get to riding the ocean waves.” “I heard about Soledaddy Longboards at Aspen Sports,” said Sutherland. “The board is handmade, beautiful and rides like a dream, and I love the retro look, so I knew I had to give them a try. It’s so much fun carving down hills with its flexible deck and extra-long shape. I’ll … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Ride
Living and Promoting Adventure
Working at the historic El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and eventually heading downhill to Phantom Ranch to work for six years was the plan Romy Murphy had for making it to the top. Now, claiming two titles, general manager of Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon and president of the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, Murphy says working at Phantom Ranch taught her some good lessons. “Besides being an amazing place to work, I learned a lot of great stuff at Phantom Ranch as … [Read more...] about Living and Promoting Adventure
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
Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Marathon hours of river running and hiking in the Grand Canyon can stir up more than just endorphins. For field biologist and outdoorswoman Lyndsay Hupp, sweltering heat and canyon sweat inspired her to create a nutrition bar that is making a lot of people happy. The epiphany for nutritional fuel came when “I was out boating on the Colorado River and my trail mix melted into a clump. So, I started adjusting the recipe and friends liked it so much they named them ‘Huppy Bars,’” she … [Read more...] about Huppy Bars Send River Runner on an Entrepreneurial Adventure
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
Canyon Receiving Grand Support
Coming together to sponsor and commemorate the Grand Canyon’s 100th anniversary Centennial celebration, Arizona Public Service (APS), Bank of America (BofA) and Teva have partnered with Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), to strengthen environmental, cultural, tribal, educational and conservation projects at the world-famous attraction. “This support makes it possible for us to protect the canyon’s unique resources while inspiring future generations to experience and connect with the Grand Canyon,” … [Read more...] about Canyon Receiving Grand Support
Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather
The bravado of the women wranglers at the Grand Canyon is a fascinating account of courage, strength and travails, sometimes under severe climatic conditions that can develop in the famous canyon. Chelsea Plumb and Kricket Scheerer are two of the eight female wranglers employed by Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations. “We get up around 3 a.m., head to the barn, clock in, load up the mules with panniers [bags] and pack supplies for Phantom Ranch,” said Plumb, who has worked at the … [Read more...] about Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather
Stewards of the Trails Keeping Grand Canyon Accessible
On the “bucket list” for people all over the world is to hike the Grand Canyon, most notably, the Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails. Of the six million-plus annual Grand Canyon visitors, it is estimated less than 7 percent actually hike down into the canyon (only 1 percent to the bottom). Even so, that adds up to 434,000 hikers a year on the corridor trails. Maintaining these popular trails for safe passage are many people who work at times in high heat and low temperatures to ensure hikers … [Read more...] about Stewards of the Trails Keeping Grand Canyon Accessible
Humming Along the Rim with Buck Wild
Humvees have joined helicopters, airplanes, river rafts and mules as another interesting way to explore the Grand Canyon. Known as the oldest and largest sightseeing company in the world, Papillon Group is extending its services to include Buck Wild Hummer Tours with custom built Humvee excursions. After 50 plus years of serving the Grand Canyon, Jake Tomlin, President of Buck Wild Hummer Tours and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines (subsidiaries of Papillon Group), wanted to offer service … [Read more...] about Humming Along the Rim with Buck Wild