First-rate journeys in the 48th state

WESTERN ARIZONA

London Bridge, Lake Havasu. If the Grand Canyon is the granddaddy of Arizona attractions, London Bridge is the prince. The span, which traces its royal roots to 1831 England, was purchased in 1971 for $2.4 million, but shipping was more than $4 million. A look at this blocky bridge is unaffecting, but when you walk it, you have to wonder in whose footsteps you’re following -- Charles Dickens? Jack the Ripper? (928) 855-5655, www.golakehavasu.com CH

Castle Dome Mines Museum. About 40 miles north of Yuma is the Castle Dome Mines Museum, a love letter to the rough-and-tumble mining region. More than 30 buildings tell the story of the 3,000 or so people who once dug out a living from the earth. It’s in the middle of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Open mid-October to April, by appointment other times. (928) 920-3062, www.castledomemuseum.com. Admission $10. Take Arizona 95 to Mile post 55 and turn toward Castle Dome. CH

Old Route 66, Oatman to Kingman. After playing with the burros, you’ll start a winding drive to Kingman on Old Route 66, past the ghost town of Goldroad and up to Sitgreaves Pass at 3,500 feet. Just before the pass, there’s a vista looking west toward Oatman with a small collection of gravestone markers. CH

Kingman. Cowboy and character actor Andy Devine isn’t a native of Kingman -- he was born in Flagstaff -- but Kingman claims him and has a room dedicated to him at the Mohave County Museum. 400 W. Beale St., Kingman; (928) 753-3195, www.mohavemuseum.org. Admission $5. CH

Arizona 95. The drive south from Lake Havasu to Quartzsite is surprising. There you are in the middle of the desert, and suddenly, there’s Cattail Cove State Park, a 2,000-acre park with five dozen campsites, a sapphire blue ribbon courtesy of the Colorado River, a boat ramp and a beach. A little farther along 95, you reach the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,105-acre riparian oasis. Cattail Cove park, (520) 586-2283, www.azstateparks.com/Parks/CACO/index.html. Bill Williams refuge, (928) 667-4144, www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/billwill.html CH

Quartzsite. You know you’ve reached RV heaven when you see the sign for an RV proctologist. Yes, Quartzsite has a huge RV show (and is RV central for snowbirds), but it’s mostly for shoppers, if you like the idea of hundreds of vendors in tents and out of doors. The 1.5 million annual visitors start to arrive in November and December. Many stay, leaving about March 1. (928) 927-4333, www.ci.quartzsite.az.us CH

Hi Jolly, Quartzsite. The U.S. Army decides to try camels instead of horses in the desert. Alas, the camels don’t speak English, and the soldiers don’t speak Arabic. Enter a Greek/Syrian fellow named Hadji Ali, also known as Hi Jolly. He wrangles the beasts for this experiment, which ends after the camels can’t adapt to the rocky, cactus-needle-laden desert floor. Hi Jolly dies in Quartzsite, where a monument is built over his tomb, the only one decorated with a camel. (928) 927-9321, www.ci.quartz site.az.us CH

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Elena Estrada’s lover messed around, but when she was angry, she apparently didn’t: She sliced out his heart and threw it on him. That’s how she ended up in Yuma Territorial Prison, re-created and restored from the 1876 structures. It was either the “country club on the Colorado” or a hellhole. The tiny cells suggest the latter. 1 Prison Hill Road, Yuma; (928) 783-4771, www.azstateparks.com/Parks/YUTE/index.html. Admission $5. CH

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NORTHERN AND EASTERN ARIZONA

Lower Antelope Canyon. Not for the passive walker, the canyon is an interactive experience you climb and squeeze your way through. Because it is part of the Antelope Canyon-Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, access is by tour only. Tours start at $20, plus $6 admission. www.navajonationparks.org/htm /antelopecanyon.htm JL

Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano national monuments. Legend has it that 19th century explorer John Wesley Powell gave the crater its name because he thought its rim resembled a sunset. Just up the road from Sunset Crater is Wupatki National Monument, with picturesque scenery and pueblo ruins. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, (928) 526-0502, www.nps.gov/sucr/. Wupatki National Monument, (928) 679-2365, www.nps.gov/wupa. The $5 fee is good for admission to both monuments. Children younger than 16 are free. Open year-round. JL

Petrified Forest National Park. The park has first-rate scenery. Driving the 28-mile road that leads past most of the park’s sights takes at least an hour. The Blue Mesa Trail carries you into the bowels of the Painted Desert’s badlands. Admission is $10 per vehicle. (928) 524-6228, www.nps.gov/pefo JL

Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Nearly as spectacular as the Grand Canyon but far less crowded. (928) 674-5500, www.nps.gov/cach. Visitor center open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. JJ

Totsonii Ranch organizes half-day, full-day and overnight trips -- by horseback -- into Canyon de Chelly. (928) 551-0109, www.totsoniiranch.com. Tours from $50, with a two-person minimum. JJ

Explore Navajo Interactive Museum. About three hours west of Canyon de Chelly, with a variety of exhibits on Navajo history and culture. 10 N. Main St., Tuba City; (928) 640-0684, www.ex plorenavajo.com JJ

Flagstaff

Hotel Monte Vista. What to make of the Monte Vista? The most recent Lonely Planet guide gives it a glowing endorsement -- but 30% of TripAdvisor critics call it “terrible.” The 43 rooms, an eccentric collection (most priced $75-$130) with tiny bathrooms, are suitable for the collegiate and the unfussy, not-so-suited for families. 100 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff; (800) 352-4386, www.hotel montevista.com CR

Little America Hotel. Compared with the quirky Monte Vista, this place has no character. But wait. There are safe outdoor spaces for kids to run around in, a big pool, generously sized rooms and good prices. With an Auto Club discount, I paid $89. 2515 E. Butler Ave. Flagstaff; (800) 865-1401, www.little america.com/flagstaff CR

Macy’s European Coffee House & Gallery. This place is a merry mix of students, backpackers and tourists. Tasty food, intriguing art. 14 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff; (928) 774-2243; www.macys coffee.net. Menu tops off about $8. CR

Beaver Street Brewery. This spacious place, known for good grub (wood-fired pizza), stands amid the atmospheric old roadside signs in Flagstaff’s Southside district. 11 S. Beaver St. No. 1, Flagstaff; (928) 779-0079, www.beaverstreet brewery.com. Dinner main dishes $9-$17. CR

The Museum Club. Come here to drink and commune with the ghosts of Old Route 66, which runs out front. The Zoo (as locals call it) is a roadhouse full of neon signage, ample taxidermy and history dating to 1931. 3404 E. Route 66, Flagstaff; (928) 526-9434; www.the museumclub.com CR

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar. Here is the place to spend a few bucks extra on a romantic dinner. It’s on the edge of downtown with about eight tables and a dozen seats at the bar. Many locally sourced ingredients. 413 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff; (928) 213-1021, www.brixflagstaff.com. Dinner main dishes, $23-$34. CR

Starrlight Books. You can’t visit Arizona without a tattered volume of Edward Abbey in your backpack, and Starrlight books is just the place to pick one up. Inventory is mostly used. 15 N. LeRoux St., Flagstaff; (928) 774-6813. CR

Lowell Observatory. Among its many successes is the discovery of Pluto in 1930. Guided by scientists, visitors are welcome to look through the massive telescope at night. There’s also a small museum, where guests can see the original moon maps as well as a guest book signed by Neil Armstrong in 1963. 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff; (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu JJ

Williams

Route 66 and the Grand Canyon Railway. The longest still-drivable stretch of Old Route 66 begins west of Williams in Ash Fork and continues about 150 miles to the Colorado River at Topock. Williams is also the southern terminus of the railway, which makes the trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in a little more than two hours. www.the train.com JJ

Winslow

La Posada. This landmark Spanish-Colonial-Revival hotel, adjacent to the trim adobe train depot, has a handsome lobby, lounges, restaurant and guest rooms that are redolent of the past. 303 E. 2nd St., Winslow; (928) 289-4366, www.laposada.org KZ

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CENTRAL ARIZONA

Sedona

Overlook Point. Here’s your epic, red-rock view, easy to reach. From Arizona 89A, head south on Airport Road, park in the lot at left, and brave the short, steep trail to the Overlook. (Or take the adjoining Yavapai Trail, go farther and see more.) For details on this and a dozen other hikes, go to www.lat.ms/xapG14. CR

Slide Rock State Park. This place is jammed in summer, because kids can splash and swim in a narrow stretch of red-rock creek bed. In winter, it can be nearly deserted...and spectacular. www.azstateparks.com/Parks/SLRO/in

dex.html. Cost is $20 per vehicle in summer, $10 the rest of the year. CR

Pink Jeep Tours. Thrill-seekers can take a bone-rattling Jeep tour to explore the Broken Arrow Trail as it winds through sandstone monoliths outside Sedona. 204 N. Highway 89A, Sedona; (800) 873-3662, www.pinkjeep .com. Two-hour Broken Arrow tour, $79 for adults. RM

Enchantment Resort. This 70-acre property backs up to the ruggedly beautiful peaks of the Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness. Rooms are plush; some have beehive fireplaces and many have panoramic red rock views. Two restaurants, spa, clubhouse. 525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona; (928) 282.2900, www.enchantmentre sort.com. RM

Montezuma Castle National Monument. This cave dwelling, attributed to the Sinagua people, seems to have been built in the 13th century, about the time the French were building Notre Dame Cathedral. But by 1425, the Sinagua had vanished, and scientists are still trying to sort that out. Camp Verde; (928) 567-3322, www.nps.gov/moca. Admission $5 for adults, free for children younger than 16. CR

Jerome

Downtown Jerome. The town’s population is south of 600, so it doesn’t take long to cover downtown. Start with breakfast at the Flatiron Cafe (416 Main St.) and browse the antiques and bric-a-brac at House of Joy (416 N. Hull St.), which was once a brothel, then a restaurant, now a shop. Then take measure of the area’s recent wine boom by sipping a bit at Jerome winery or Cadaceus Cellars. CR

Jerome Grand Hotel. Once a hospital for miners, then idle for decades, this old pile was refashioned into a hotel about 15 years ago. Guests rely, warily, on a caged 1926 Otis elevator. 200 Hill St., Jerome; (928) 634-8200, www.jer omegrandhotel.com CR

15 Quince Grill & Cantina. Pronounce that keen-seh, as in “15” in Spanish. Great New Mexico-style cuisine served in a striking dining room. 363 Main St., Jerome; (928) 634-7087, www.15quince jerome.com. Dinner main dishes, $8-$17.95. CR

Prescott

Arizona 89A. Head northeast from Prescott on this meandering mountain road, and the crazy rocks will begin just outside town, followed by handsome Watson Lake, followed by miles of winding mountain roads. The drama increases with the drop into the old mining town of Jerome And then comes 89A’s finest hour, the stretch that leads north through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff -- some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest. CR

Palace Restaurant & Saloon. The bar dates to the 1870s, but its signature moment came in 1900, when a fire destroyed the building -- but not before patrons saved the ornately carved wooden bar by dragging it across the street. Now it’s back in place, neighbored by display cases full of historical knickknacks. The saloon serves food along with drinks and often hosts live music. 120 S. Montezuma St., Prescott; (928) 541-1996, www.historicpalace .com CR

Hotel Vendome. This 1917 lodging has 20 rooms, 12 of them with claw- foot tubs. New owners have been working on upgrades but it’s still a modest place with modest rates. 230 S. Cortez St., Prescott; (928) 776-0900; www .vendomehotel.com. Rooms for two usually $79 (weekdays) to $129 (weekends). CR

Raven Cafe. This is where Prescott’s cool kids come. It’s a coffee house by day and a bar by night, with full lunch and dinner menus in between. 142 N. Cortez St., Prescott; (928) 717-0009, ravencafe.com. Dinner main dishes $9-$18. CR

Wickenburg

Rancho de Los Caballeros. This prosperous ranch dates to the ‘40s, but about 30 years ago, somebody decided to build a golf course and go upscale. Guests at this 79-room retreat divide time between riding (about 100 horses) and golfing (18 holes). Open early October through mid-April. 1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg; (800) 684-5030, www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com CR

Screamers Drive-In. Need road food? This burger joint has it. Nothing costs more than $5, with a $2.75 root-beer float if the kids are good. 1151 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg; (928) 684-9056. CR

Anita’s Cocina. This busy Mexican spot in downtown Wickenburg is big with locals. The menu tops out at $16 (surf and turf fajitas). 57 N. Valentine St., Wickenburg; (928) 684-5777. CR

Phoenix area

Arcosanti. In 1970, when architect Paolo Soleri began constructing Arcosanti in the desert 65 miles north of Phoenix, he envisioned the “arcology” as a solution to urban sprawl -- a new kind of urbanism that melded architecture and ecology. The site offers a fascinating look at alternative architecture as well as beautiful views across desert plateaus. 13555 S. Cross L Road, Mayer; (928) 632-7135, www.arcosanti.org. Tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. MK

Cave Creek. This former mining town, 30 minutes north of Phoenix, is a great place to “cowboy up.” Sure, the shops can be a little kitschy. But so was “Gunsmoke.” CE

Rock Springs Cafe. Here’s an old-fashioned roadside attraction, 30 minutes north of Phoenix, with a cafe, bar, big patio area and a reputation for serious pies (apple crumb, blackberry crumb, walnut brownie crunch). 35769 S. Old Black Canyon Highway (off Exit 242, Interstate 17), Rock Springs; (623) 374-5794. CR

Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. The Wigwam, a low-rise throwback west of Phoenix, has sprawling grounds (440 acres), spacious rooms (331 casitas and suites), newish owners (who have spent several million on upgrades since 2009); and more than 90 years of history. To that add 54 holes of championship golf. 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park; (623) 935-3811, www.wigwamresort .com. Daily resort fee $20.CR

Phoenix

Arizona Biltmore. This 720-room resort dates to the late 1920s, when Albert Chase McArthur, a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright’s, dreamed up this place and appropriated the master’s textile-block design scheme. At 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there are 60- and 90-minute tours for $10 (free for hotel guests). 400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix; (602) 955-6600; www.arizona biltmore.com CR

Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale. Yes, it’s your basic chain hotel, but it stands near the convergence of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Family friendly, with a big pool too. 4415 E. Paradise Village Parkway S., Phoenix; (602) 765-5800. CR

Barrio Cafe. Outside, colorful murals. Inside: top-flight food. This restaurant is big with the power-lunch crowd. Try the azul filete -- a $28 journey to nirvana. 2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix; (602) 636-0240. Dinner main dishes, $20-$28. CR

Matt’s Big Breakfast. This restaurant has a kitchen the size of a Mini Cooper, but the meals are big, greasy and tasty. Breakfast entrees $4-$6.50. 801 N. 1st St., Phoenix; (602) 254-1074, www.matts bigbreakfast.com HM

St. Francis. For forward-looking dining, locals head to this family-owned restaurant for interesting takes on salmon, grouper, calamari and chops. 111. E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; (602) 200-8111, www.stfrancisaz.com CE

Pizzeria Bianco. Waits can reach three hours at this deep-dish haven. Avoid the long lines with a Tuesday dinner or a late lunch. 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix; (602) 258-8300, www.pizzeriabianco .com. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays. CE

Alice Cooperstown. Local resident Alice Cooper owns this sports bar filled with baseball and music memorabilia, in the shadow of where the Suns and Diamondacks play. 101 E. Jackson, Phoenix; (602) 253-7337, www.alicecoo perstown.com. CE

Musical Instrument Museum. The piano John Lennon used to compose “Imagine” is on display at this stunning museum. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; (480) 478-6000, themim.org. CE

Phoenix Art Museum. The stylish, two-story museum has much to offer art lovers, with air-conditioned rooms adorned with works by Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Georgia O’Keeffe and Claude Monet. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; (602) 257-1222, www.phxart.org. HM

Heard Museum. Joining a tour here is like walking into a high school history lesson on Native Americans. Colorful kastina (also called kachina) dolls, sand-cast silverware, hand-woven wedding shawls, water jugs and red-clay pottery line the glass cases. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; (602) 252-8840, www.heard.org. HM

South Mountain Park/Preserve. Hike to the summit on Holbert Trail and you will be accompanied by curious jack rabbits and shaded by bushy small-leafed Palo Brea trees. Along the way, examine 600-year-old Hohokam pictographs. 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix; (602) 495-0222 or (602) 534-6324, www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/southmnt .html HM

Spring training tix. Games in the Phoenix-based Cactus League run March 2-April 3; Tickets.com, or Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000. CE

Scottsdale

Boulders Resort. Set amid rock formations north of Scottsdale, this is where Fred Flintstone would stay if he won the lottery. 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree; (888) 579-2631, www.the

boulders.com CE

Sanctuary at Camelback. This serene boutique resort on the edge of a mountain offers world-class amenities in a setting you’ll never forget. 5700 McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley; (800) 245-2051, www.sanctuaryoncamelback .com CE

Hotel Valley Ho. About seven years ago, this 1956 hotel was retooled to the tune of $80 million, and the result is a bold mid-centurion with a big, groovy pool. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale; (480) 248-2000, www.hotelvalleyho.com CR

Don & Charlie’s. One of the hottest spring training hangouts for Angels fans who frequent neighboring Tempe Diablo Stadium. Ballplayer sightings are frequent at this retro rib joint. 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; (480) 990-0900, www.donandcharlies.com. Entrees from $10.95. CE

Greasewood Flat. Just when you think the entire Phoenix area was built this morning, you stumble on this Old West hangout: food and music in a bunkhouse setting. 27375 N. Alma School Parkway, Scottsdale; (480) 585-9430, greasewoodflat.net CE

Golf. Arizona reportedly has more golf courses than Scotland. TPC Scottsdale, site of the Phoenix Open, is the signature course. 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; (888) 400-4001, www.tpc.com/tpc-scottsdale CE

Cactus League. Scottsdale is holding its inaugural Spring Training Festival, Feb. 25 and 26, featuring film clips, symposiums and autograph sessions. www

.springtrainingfestival.com CE

Scottsdale ArtWalk. This weekly event has been drawing big crowds for 30 years, from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays on Main Street. www.scottsdalegalleries.com CE

Taliesen West. In high season (November-April), the 90-minute tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio costs $32. In the off-season, the price drops to $24. 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; (480) 627-5340, www.franklloyd wright.org CE

Pinnacle Peak Park. Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is a great urban hiking experience. Better for young families, though, is the Pinnacle Peak Trail, a 30-minute climb that can be done in flips-flops. 26802 N. 102nd Way, Scottsdale; (480) 312-0990, www.scottsdaleaz.gov

/parks/Pinnacle CE

McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This hilly, cactus-studded territory just east of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve includes 50 miles of trails for mountain bikes, hikers and horses. Entry fee, $6 per vehicle. 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive; (480) 471-0173, www.maricopa .gov/parks/mcdowell/ CR

Arizona Outback Adventures. Rent a bike or try a guided ride with the company’s Gary Heald, but you’ll run the risk of being outraced by a 73-year-old. 16447 N. 91st St., Scottsdale; (480) 945-2881, www.aoa-adventures.com. $40-$95 a day. CR

Floating the Lower Salt River. White-water adrenaline junkies need not apply. But if you put a kayak or raft in the water south of Saguaro Lake, you’ll be floating in the middle of a desert panorama. Through Scottsdale-based Arizona Outback Adventures (see above), guided half-day trips usually run $90 to $125 each. CR

Tempe

Tempe Town Lake. Escape the heat with a boat ride. Kayaks and electric pontoons for rent. 72 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe; (480) 303-9803, www.boats 4rent.com CE

Cornish Pasty, Tempe and Mesa. These two modest restaurants serve the British equivalent of the calzone -- one of the most original meals you will find. 960 W. University, Tempe; (480) 894-6261; 1941 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa; (480) 838-3586, www.cornishpastyco.com CE

Mesa

Saguaro Lake Ranch. The Mesa area’s most distinctive lodging, with stables and trails that offer riding and hiking. Some cabins are on the banks of the Salt River. 13020 Bush Highway, Mesa; (480) 984-2194, www.Sa guaroLakeRanch.com DS

Arizona Museum of Natural History. Packed with kid-friendly attractions: large model dinosaurs, rocks, gold panning and cellblocks from early prisons. 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa; (480) 644-2230, www.azmnh.org DS

Glendale

Old Town Glendale. The Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch spring training home lacks heart and history, but in Old Town Glendale you’ll find a charming square full of shops and restaurants. CE

Haus Murphy. This German restaurant in Old Town reportedly sells more German beer than anywhere else in Arizona. The little outdoor Biergarten is an ideal spot after a game at Camelback Ranch to drain a light Spaten. 5739 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale; (623) 939-2480. www.hausmurphys.com CS

Renaissance Inn. Don’t tell anybody, but Vin Scully stays here during spring training. 9495 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale; (623) 937-3700. CE

Westgate City Center. A few miles from Camelback Ranch, this big entertainment area in Glendale has the usual been-there, done-that chains. For something more real, check out Hell’s Half Acre bar, near the western entrance. (623) 877-8447 CE

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Tucson area

Ft. Bowie National Historic Site, 116 miles east of Tucson, commemorates its 150th year in 2012. The trail off Apache Pass Road to the visitor center is full of ruins, including the Butterfield Stage stop. The war between the U.S. Army and the Apaches escalated here during the Civil War. (520) 847-250, www.nps.gov/fobo CH

Picacho Peak State Park. Civil War battles were fought as far west as Picacho, about 45 miles north of Tucson. Each year, the battles of Picacho, Valverde and Glorieta Pass (the latter two in New Mexico) are re-enacted (March 10 and 11 this year, the 150th anniversary). $10 vehicle entrance fee for up to four people, (520) 466-3183, www.azstate parks.com/Parks/PIPE/index

.html CH

Biosphere 2. Only in Oracle can you begin your day in a desert, wander through a rain forest and end up in a savanna, all in a giant greenhouse replica of Earth. Since the University of Arizona took over operations in 2007, the 3.15-acre site has honed in on outreach and research. 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Oracle; (520) 838-6200, www.b2scie nce.org. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; guided tours every 20 minutes, $20. MK

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. Snow at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is so great because it’s so fleeting. The lifts operate year-round, but it’s for only a few precious weeks each year that a $37 lift ticket buys you a ride in the southern-most ski valley in North America. In summer, 110 degrees in Tucson can turn into a breezy 70 in the shade at Mt. Lemmon. 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon; (520) 576-1321, www.skithelemmon.com. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays; call to confirm. MK

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Stringent light pollution laws keep city streets dim in Arizona, so wherever you are look up: Chances are you’ll see a spectacular night sky. If that’s not enough, head to the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter to peer through the 32-inch Schulman Telescope. Tours are offered year-round (weather permitting) at the largest dedicated public telescope in the Southwest. $60. 9800 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon; (520) 626-8122, www.sky center.arizona.edu MK

Miraval, a luxurious adventure spa in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, offers the usual massages and Zumba classes, but you can also book a shamanic healing or have a horse enhance your self-esteem. 5000 E. Via Estancia, Tucson (the spa is in Catalina, but the mailing address is Tucson); (800) 232-3969, www.miravalresorts.com JM

The Hotel Congress, built in 1919 and restored in circa 1930s fashion, is equally popular with tourists and Tucsonans. The lobby is perhaps the Congress’ most striking feature. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson; (800) 722-8848, www.hotelcongress.com CV

Club Congress has been called one of the top rock music venues in the country by Playboy and Entertainment magazines. It sits inconspicuously behind the Congress lobby, and is Tucson’s busiest live music spot. CV

Maynards Market & Kitchen. Lunch, dinner and drinks in the renovated Tucson train depot. 400 N. Toole Ave., Tucson; (520) 545-0577, www.maynardsmark et.com. Entrees from $12 (pizzas). CV

Cafe Poca Cosa. The Old Pueblo has the best Mexican food of any ciudad up north, and this one is near the top. 110 E. Pennington St., Tucson; (520) 622-6400, www.cafepocacosatucson.com KV

1702 has an array of microbrews, and the place is thick with University of Arizona Wildcats, so don’t brag about USC’s Rose Bowl victories. 1702 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson; (520) 325-1702, www.1702az.com KV

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Paved and graded paths loop through the diverse biotic communities of the lively Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain County Park are adjacent.2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson; (520) 883-2702, www.desertmuseum .org KV

Sonoran Hot Dogs at El Guero Canelo. A hot dog becomes Sonoran after it is bacon-wrapped, smothered in pinto beans and stuffed into a Mexican bolillo. Grab a dog for $2.49 and watch the people of Tucson roll in and out. 2480 N. Oracle Road, Tucson; (520) 882-8977. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. MK

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. Bookmans is a bazaar of used literature, media, collectibles and entertainment. The flagship store in Tucson looks deceptively cookie-cutter, but with a constantly rotating inventory, no two visits to Bookmans are alike. 1930 E. Grant Road, Tucson; (520) 325-5767, www.bookmans.com. Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. MK

El Tiradito Wishing Shrine. El Tiradito (“The Outcast”) earns its spot on the National Register of Historic Places with the distinction of being the nation’s only shrine dedicated to a sinner -- a man who died fighting for his married lover. Take advantage of a visit to El Tiradito to walk around the colorful Barrio Viejo to see what old Tucson looked like before a downtown “revitalization” wiped it out, or pop next door to the landmark El Minuto Cafe, which has served Mexican fare since 1939. 354 S. Main Ave., Tucson; (520) 882-4145, www.elminuto cafe.com MK

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. In 1951, when Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia began building his studio in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, he imagined it as an escape from the expanding city of Tucson. Today, Tucson has all but engulfed the 10-acre National Historic District, which makes the intricately adorned, squat adobe galleries of DeGrazia’s imagination all the more transformative. 6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson; (520) 299-9191, www.degrazia .org. Free; open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. MK

Wine Tours. Arizona’s 40 wineries are spread throughout the state, but most growers are found on the high southern plateau, where hot days and cold nights make for an ideal wine-growing climate. The industry is new, which means the tastings are cheap, usually $5 for five wines. If you’re here in April and September, stop at the Village of Elgin Winery for its grape-stomping competitions. 471 Elgin Road, Elgin; (520) 455-9309, www.elginwines.com. For other wine info, www.arizona vinesandwines.com MK

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Catharine Hamm, Christopher Reynolds, Chris Erskine, Jason La, Hugo Martin, Megan Kimble, Rosemary McClure, Jay Jones, Karl Zimmermann, John Muncie, Don Shirley, Christopher Smith, Ken Van Vechten and Charlie Vascellaro contributed to this report.