What to do in Arizona

How did the city of Oatman get it's name? Hmmm...

The town was named after Olive Oatman who was kidnapped at the age of 14 along with her 7 year old sister by Apache Indians in 1851. Her parents and 4 siblings were killed. The girls were forced into slavery by the Apaches. A year later, the Mohave Indians traded horses and other items for Olive and her sister. They adopted them into their tribe and tattooed them at their chin and arms. Olive's sister died of starvation. Olive was later released by the Mohaves and died in 1903, at the age of 65. She married and adopted a child prior to her death. There was an old film made about her life in 1965, starring former actor and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. The movie is titled, The Lawless Have Laws".

Don't miss visiting the Olive Oatman Restaurant & Saloon and watch for burro "dung" on the road...there's lots of it.

LINK: Visit the Oatman Chamber of Commerce website for tour information. The site is super cute website and you'll get some brief information, http://www.oatmangoldroad.org/

Sedona

The best time to visit Sedona is from March through May. It's blazing hot in the summer months and gorgeous in the fall, winter and spring. Sedona is a desert town that is surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and can you believe it, pine forests. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community. Uptown Sedona is dense with New Age shops, spas and art galleries. On the town’s outskirts, numerous trailheads access Red Rock State Park, which offers bird-watching, hiking and picnicking areas.

Sedona has such a positive and calming vibe. I was inspired by a candle maker in this small town to make candles! I purchased a hand carved candles from an artisan and by the time I got back to California, I was already planning on how I was going to make these candles myself. I didn't burn my house down, and was able to make some amazing candles!

LINK: Visit the Sedona website for hotel and lodging information. http://visitsedona.com/

Jerome

Jerome is 100 miles north of Phoenix. Jerome is an ore mining ghost town that became a National Historic Landmark in 1967. After the Great Depression the ore deposits ran out, the mines closed, and the population was fewer than 100 by the mid-1950s. Now this ghost town has art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants, and a state park and local museum devoted to mining history. This is a great motorcycle destination, on a Harley of course for many. We combined Jerome with the Grand Canyon, and Sedona on a long weekend. The road that leads up to Jerome is narrow and winding. Don't forget to visit the saloon/restaurant!!!

FACT: Best time to visit is April through May if you want cool temperatures. For more info, visit the Jerome website at http://www.azjerome.com/jerome/

El Tour De Tucson

So my husband Brian is a cyclist and belongs to a cycling club. He's a "platinum" rider, which means he is just a level below pro. He rides over 100 miles every week and doesn't get tired. He competes in the Tour de Tucson every year, which is one of the largest cycling events in the United States with over 10,000 riders from all over the world. Thank goodness the ride is in November when it's not scorching hot outside.

One year, Brian got two bike flats and took himself out of the race. I found him, broken hearted and suggested we get back in the race on our tandem! I was really just trying to make him feel good and didn't think he would take me up on the offer. Oh God! We got on the tandem and started the race and finished after 66 miles! It took all day, but I was so proud of him and myself for hanging in there!

LINK: If you are a cyclist and are interested in riding the largest cycling event in the US, then visit the official website where you can register for this insane ride! http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/