Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

To take advantage of all there is to see and do, stay in one of seven distinctly different lodges, operated by Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C., the only accommodations inside the park at the South Rim. With 908 rooms, accommodations are available with some advance planning, or if you plan your visit at the last minute. It is all waiting for you at the South Rim and available year-round.

Maswik Lodge, just a short walk from the rim, is the perfect choice for a family getaway. Or choose the elegance of the historic El Tovar, where you will find our gracious staff most accommodating. The cozy lobby is available for all guests to enjoy, and a meal in the famous El Tovar Dining Room is sure to be a highlight of any Grand Canyon visit. The Bright Angel Restaurant and two cafeterias offer additional dining options with menu choices to suit every taste and budget.

Located in the Market Plaza, Yavapai West and East Lodge rooms received a major renovation in 2010 and 2011. These renovations make these popular lodges an even better value. Renovations include the addition of flat screen TVs, new carpet, paint and furniture. Ample parking and nearby shuttle stops make these lodges an attractive alternative to rim lodges.
The Mary Jane Colter designed Hopi House and Lookout Studio are open year-round and offer a selection of fine Native American crafts and Grand Canyon souvenirs. The sturdy, reliable mules continue to take riders on a grand adventure on the rim and into the canyon throughout the year.

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges – We’re not just close, We’re there.
Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service.

Reservations: toll-free 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757
grandcanyonlodges.com

Spring Training Packages and More

Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau is your one-stop travel resource when planning your getaway to the Southwest. Exclusive vacation packages and deals are offered from several hotels and resorts for Chicago Cubs Spring Training. In addition, Mesa CVB has gathered deals from across the city and posted them online. Guests can click on a variety of e-coupons for discounts and specials in Dining & Nightlife, Accommodations, Shopping, Golf and more.

Catch spring fever as the Chicago Cubs settle in at Hohokam Stadium and make Mesa their spring training location. This season, the Cub’ 35-game schedule begins March 4, 2012. Each year, the Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau offers exclusive Chicago Cubs Spring Training Hotel Packages available in two price zones, Premium and Value; they include upgraded seating for Cubs’ home games held at HoHoKam Stadium. Participating hotels include Arizona Golf Resort, Best Western Mezona Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Dobson Ranch Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hyatt Place Phoenix-Mesa, Phoenix Marriott Mesa, Marriott Residence Inn and Quality Inn & Suites.

View a complete list of Spring Training rates and offers at this link: http://www.visitmesa.com/baseball/

Learn more about deals at www.visitmesa.com/deals/

Lake Pleasant, Arizona

By Kathryn Turney

Rest and relaxation were on my mind after being invited to camp at Lake Pleasant with my daughter. The drive was beautiful (I chose the back roads), but I arrived after dark due leaving too late. After a few cell phone calls to get directions, I was guided to a dirt parking lot area, where there were RVs and tents set up. The scene was inviting, with campfires blazing and people laughing. My journey, however, was far from over.

My instructions to find the camp seemed simple. Follow the road beyond the parking lot for 1.5 miles and I would “run directly into their campsite”. After journeying less than a mile, I called her and asked her to come and guide me. Our journey turned into 5 miles of offroading that made third world roads look well maintained. I laughed all the way, thinking that my husband would lose his mind at the ups, downs, switchbacks and rough road I was traversing.

We reached our destination, with campfire blazing and spirits high. I immediately set up the tent and joined everyone at the campfire. It wasn’t long before I grew tired and decided to go snuggle in my sleeping bag. I was rudely awakened by a persistent noise around 6:00 AM. Still in a groggy half sleep, I reached to shut off my alarm clock before realizing there wasn’t one. The sound was coming from outside my tent. I peeked out and came face to face with a burro, which just stared at me and calmly turned around and left the campsite, having accomplished his mission.

It was my first chance to look around and I noticed we were camping on a dry area of the lake. The area was littered with some cool finds, such as sunglasses, a ring and a small shovel. It was a treasure hunter’s paradise! The scenery was beautiful and serene (if you discount the wake-up call). Hiking is abundant and the herds of burro (descendants of those left behind by miners years ago) are fascinating.

For those readers who desire a little less adventure in this pristine area, campsites, boat launching ramps, and a full service marina are some of the amenities available.

For more information visit: www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant