2012 SW Travel Destinations - JEROME AND PRESCOTT, AZ

America's "Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town", all rolled into one!  Located 5,200 feet atop Cleopatra Hill (on a 30 degree vertical incline, I might add), between Sedona (20 miles to the SW) and Prescott, is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Founded in 1876, Jerome became a notorious "wild west" town, and in 1903, was proclaimed to be "the wickedest town in the West", by The New York Sun.

Jerome sits above what was the largest copper mine in Arizona, and produced an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month.  Growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community, four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history.  Once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory with a population of 15,000 in the 1920's, Jerome today has a population of about 450.

The Great Depression slowed the mining operation, while World War II again brought a demand for copper.  Demand slowed drastically after the war and, being dependant on the copper market, the mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 hardy souls in town promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town, and it was designated a National Historic District in 1967. The Jerome of today is known as a tourist and art destination, with more than 30 galleries and working studios. There are numerous bed and breakfasts, and two hotels.  Many of the buildings used by present-day businesses are those built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. Jerome also has a large mining museum, presenting the town history, labor-management disputes, geological structure models, mineral samples, and equipment used in both underground and open-pit mining.  For more information on lodging, dining, shops, etc, please visit AZJerome.com.

The breathtakingly scenic highway 89A, winds up and over Mingus Mountain, through the Prescott National Forest, before dropping you down into Prescott, just 30 miles away. 

"Everybody's Hometown", quaint and beautiful little Prescott boasts a whopping 809 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, most of them in the Victorian style.

Renowned for its downtown historical area of drinking establishments that line the street on what has become known as Whiskey Row - until 1956, a notorious red-light district. In 1900, a great fire destroyed almost all of the buildings on Whiskey Row, including the 1891 Hotel Burke, advertised as "the only absolutely fireproof building in Prescott".  As legend has it, the patrons of the various bars simply took their drinks across the street to the Courthouse square and watched the block burn. At the time of the fire, the entire bar and back-bar of the Palace Hotel was removed to the square by the patrons as the fire approached (the size of the back-bar is massive, and appears not easily moved – funny what adrenaline, fueled by alcohol, can achieve), re-installing it after the gutted brick structure was rebuilt.

Antique and gift shops are plentiful throughout the historic downtown area, as well as four golf courses for those husbands who want to meet up later.  Neither town to be missed, if you've got the time to explore - full of "small town", turn of the century charm, and loaded with history, both...in fact, make time to visit - you'll be glad you did!

Time's a wastin'!  There's guaranteed to be something in these towns for everyone (who couldn't love a place that bills itself as "Everybody's Hometown" - why, you can almost hear Opie whistling the theme song to The Andy Griffith Show), so rustle up your sweetie and hit the road - buy her an ice cream in Jerome, and a "red-eye" on Whiskey Row ~ step back in time and relax awhile...you may not want to leave.  Next stop, the new Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge.

JUST BE...

Running in circles this week, going nowhere fast, and lagging behind in my travel guide for your summer vacation suggestions (continuing on Monday with Jerome and Prescott, AZ; a trip over the new bridge at Hoover Dam; and through Las Vegas, itself) ~ spinning my wheels, most certainly.  A trip to my mailbox, mid-week, brought a VERY wonderful surprise from two new Internet friends with a new blog.  I won a giveaway from JUST BE FARM ~ "two men, ten acres, and a whole lot of living"!

An AMAZING array of goodies inside...beautiful bamboo cooking spoons (which I sorely needed if you looked close at my post about the chili); new, CLEAN kitchen towels (I had just purchased a piece of fabric the week before, to use in a gift, and loved it so much that I went back, the very morning before this box arrived, to purchase more for a new Roman Shade in my kitchen...same colors as the towels, by coincidence); cake to bake in cups; a ceramic trivet/plaque with a Roasted Pepper Soup recipe (see below); jars of THE most decadent looking home canned items ever...Pepper Jelly, homegrown peppers, and Apple Butter; AND, Ghirardelli dark chocolates (because you HAVE to have chocolate after spicy - it's a MUST)!  My mouth watering (yeah, the spicy is RIGHT up my alley, and Apple Butter is an absolute favorite), I made myself promise not to open them until I had a chance to take pictures...

After I finished the impromptu photo session atop the table this morning, it was time to dig in on the apple butter...taking my friend Jackie's lead on renaming my chili recipe this week, this shall forever be known to me as "Bob and Eric's OH MY GOD APPLE BUTTER"!  I'm sure the Pepper Jelly and peppers are going to be just as "knock your socks off", as this was, but it was a little early for spicy this morning, with a migraine...I was warned in their note, and will take them at their word!

Just a smidgen of butter underneath the Apple Butter...whole wheat muffin...HEAVEN!  I'm in love and I'm hiding it in the back of the fridge, where no one else can find it!

And believe me, I have no shame...I DID lick the plate clean after this shot...you can't waste perfectly good Apple Butter!  Please drop over to their blog at JUST BE FARM, and tell them I sent you - beautiful scenery, wonderful (and pampered) animals, growing things, COOKING...and lots of love!  THANK YOU, BOB AND ERIC - I said it before, and I'll say it again, you guys ROCK!  Will keep you posted when I dig into the "hot stuff"!

However much wheel spinning I did during the week, I did manage to knock this out, during some quiet evenings at the kitchen table - my green for St. Patrick's Day this year.

Hope your weekend is wonderful - have a happy Saturday and a fabulous week - just BE!

NAVAJO TACOS - A SW Taste Treat - Recipes Attached

Yesterday I pulled out a new/old recipe that I had begged off a guy at a picnic years ago, and then had never made.  A batch of chili that will knock your socks off!  As I had it cooking in the Crock Pot all day, I decided that the perfect way to serve it last night would be over Indian Frybread, as Navajo Tacos, as I'm still in that SW travel mode.

According to Navajo tradition, frybread (or fry bread) was created using flour, powdered milk, salt and lard given by the United States government when the Navajo Native Americans were relocated to Bosque Redondo, New Mexico from Arizona 144 years ago (see previous post on Hubbell Trading Post).

Navajo (or Indian) Tacos, are made using frybread instead of tortillas, and are basically open-faced tacos. Commonly served at pow-wows, festivals, and other Native American gatherings, they are making their way into more and more venues these days.  Too good not to share so, in the tradition of handing down recipes, I pass along two pretty great ones, with lots of SW flair!

ROSSI's CHILI

Large Crock Pot

½ - 1 lb. Ground Beef

2) Pork Chops

2) 15 oz.cans Chili Beans in Natural Juice (if you can’t find these, use the ones in Chili Gravy/Sauce, and rinse them off)

1) 15 oz. can Red Kidney Beans in Natural Juice

1) 7 oz. can Ortega Diced Green Chilies

1) 4 oz. can Ortega Diced Jalapenos (you will only use a small portion)

1) 30 oz. can Whole Plum Tomatoes

Medium onion, diced (amount to taste)

3) cloves garlic – minced

3 Tbsp. Olive Oil

2 – 3 Tbsp. Chili Powder

¼ - ½ tsp. Cayenne Pepper

½ tsp. Ground Black Pepper

½ tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Cilantro

1 - 2 cans Beer (I used one 24 oz. “Tall Boy” can of Coors ~ pure “Rocky Mountain Spring Water”.  The brand is up to you…you will need enough to make it the consistency you want)

~~~~~

Brown Ground Beef and add to Crock Pot.

Brown Pork Chops.  Cut into small pieces and add to Crock Pot.

In skillet, heat Olive Oil – add minced garlic and diced onions, and sauté until glazed.  Add to Crock Pot.

Drain the Chili and Kidney Beans - add to Crock Pot.

Drain Tomatoes.  Cut into small chunks - add to Crock Pot.

Add can of Diced Green Chilies.

From the can of Jalapenos (DO NOT ADD THE WHOLE THING!), spoon out what you think the equivalent of 1 or 2 chopped peppers would be, remembering that whole Jalapenos are small and potent.  Add to Crock Pot.

Add your remaining spices to Crock, and stir thoroughly.  Add enough beer to bring to consistency you desire – drink the rest.  Cover, and turn your Crock to low for 5-8 hours.

INDIAN FRYBREAD (OR FRY BREAD)

3 C. Flour

1-1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Tbsp. Baking Powder

¼ C. Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk

1-1/3 to 1-1/2 C. lukewarm water – you want to use enough to make a “ragged” dough

Oil, or shortening, for frying.

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and dry milk in bowl.  Add water and stir ingredients together.  Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead about 2 minutes.  Pinch off ball of dough, about the size of a large egg or a little bigger.  Roll into ball shape.

On floured surface, roll dough into circles, until about ¼” or thinner (thicker than a tortilla, though).  When it’s the size you want, poke a hole in the very center with your fingertip.  This will help it stay flatter during frying.

Heat oil in heavy skillet – about 1/2” worth, or so - pretty hot (Med. High…it shouldn’t take that long to cook on each side, but not hot enough to burn).  Fry dough circles on each side until just starting to turn golden.  Drain on paper towels.  Makes 8-10 pieces.

NAVAJO TACOS

(or how to throw it all together)

Layer fry bread, with chili on top.  Top chili with your choice of toppings…cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, to name a few...I was rather tame with toppings for my photo, and it should have been plated ala Bobby Flay (heavy sigh!), I know.  Be more creative than I.

The extra frybread you may have left over is delicious with honey, and your morning coffee, the next day...a flatter version of the beloved Sopapillas from the SW.

2012 SW Travel Destinations - SEDONA, ARIZONA

Sedona, Arizona is truly a unique, special place.  Featuring the wonder of what Native Americans consider the spiritual vortex of the Southwest, and absolutely sublime red rock formations, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon (previous post) challenge many national parks in their beauty.

Enjoying mild weather throughout the year, sunshine and clean air abound at Sedona's elevation of 4500 feet. Located 90 minutes north of Phoenix, and 40 minutes south of Flagstaff, Sedona is home to numerous resorts, golfing, and artistic events year round - one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement, and art centers, all of which contribute to its economic base. Its history is that of a rural ranching community, far off the beaten track - its beauty became known through the motion picture industry with such classic films as John Wayne’s “The Angel and the Badman,” and Robert Mitchum’s “Blood on the Moon.”  The second photo here is the view from the courtyard of our motel.

Sedona's main attraction is its stunning array of red sandstone formations, the Red Rocks of Sedona. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The Red Rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.  The majestic red rock scenery and evergreen vegetation are two reasons for the unique energy of Sedona and its tangible regenerative and inspirational effects.

I can't talk about Sedona without mentioning the Vortex sites, as you'll hear references to them no matter where you go in town.  Though never experienced firsthand, the Vortexes are popular tourist attractions. Simply stated, Vortex sites are said to be locations having energy flows, in those "deeper dimensions", that the Soul can soar on.  A wide variety of lectures, texts, and Guides are available through Sedona's bookstores and Spiritual Centers to assist you in experiencing the power of Sedona's Vortex sites - just ask...someone will point you in the right direction.

Many, many unique shops, sounds, and sights line the main drag through town ~ like these non-smelly (I've been told that the real ones give off a horrible stench), large (and colorful) bronze versions of the Javelinas that are native to the area... 

to this array of delightful, large bronze frogs that I encountered at various spots throughout the day...

cute enough to kiss!

In addition to roaming the main street shops of Sedona, your trip MUST include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Ta-lah-keh-pah-keh) Arts & Crafts Village (for those of you who just want to park and walk, there is a free shuttle that runs between the main street area, and Tlaquepaque, at the bottom of the hill…every 15 minutes).

Nestled beneath the shade of huge sycamore trees on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque (meaning "best of everything") is authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, and has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970's.

Its vine covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways give you the feeling that it’s been there for centuries.

Originally conceived as an artist community, Tlaquepaque houses over 40 unique specialty/gift shops and exclusive art galleries, as well as 4 restaurants and a micro-brewery. 

Within these walls, you'll find everything from western and eclectic bronze sculpture; functional and traditional ceramics; breathtaking blown glass creations, contemporary and Southwestern fine art; fine contemporary jewelry; designer casual wear; to truly unique gift items – there’s a little something for everyone - if nothing else, go for the scenery...

or the margaritas, food, and atmosphere on the patio at El Rincon Restaurant...

the perfect ending to a day of walking, shopping, and soaking in the sights of one of the most beautiful settings in the Southwest.

Many unique shopping areas abound throughout the canyon – from two locations for Garland’s Indian Trading Post, to "Hillside Sedona" ~

another array of beautiful galleries, shops, sculpture gardens (and real gardens - yep, that's an artichoke!), and restaurants...

such as The Javelina Cantina - it's all located "around the corner" from Tlaquepaque, on the hillside, like the name says.  The benches and peaceful quiet of the after-hours gallery area also make it one of the best places in town to catch the spectacular Sedona sunsets, after that delicious meal and margarita.

Heading through Jerome and Prescott, AZ, while wending our way towards Las Vegas, next...Happy Trails, and a wonderful Wednesday to you and yours!

ALWAYS ON THE RUN...

I spent the night with Guitar Gods this past Sunday!  Or listening to and watching Guitar Gods, at least.  We rounded up the old posse of girlfriends and headed to the MGM Grand for what was set as THE "bar" by which to gauge all concerts this year...it will be hard to top what we saw!  DJ Lil John onstage before the opening act of Raphael Saadiq, both started off the evening on a fabulous note...

Which built to the crescendo which was THIS...Mr. Lenny Kravitz, Guitar God - incredible in and of his own right...

And as if that wasn't enough, THIS was thrown into the mix for "Always on the Run"...SLASH, GUITAR GOD!...

Which segued into THIS!  Boxing legend, Muhammad Ali in the house, and on the stage, having spent a 70th birthday celebration at the MGM the evening before...

Joined by music legend Quincy Jones, in a chair at his side, while Ali was serenaded by the concert arena on "Happy Birthday to You", and more from Lenny...

To yet, a third guitar master, in the form of Joe Perry!  Like I said, it will be the standard by which I measure all concerts, yet to come, this year.  I haven't left an event, in years, where my ears were ringing and it sounded like I was underwater, listening to my friends jabbering excitedly about what we had seen. 

And thanks to the wonder of YouTube and a "videography legend", nameless behind that I-Phone, you too can enjoy Lenny and Slash, as we did...you may have to close your eyes for the first few seconds, so as to miss the flashing strobes.  I just realized my ears are still ringing - holy crap, what a great evening!

2012 SW Travel Destinations - FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, AND SUCH

Beautiful, little FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA lies near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, along the western side of the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the United States...just south of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona.

Route 66 was completed in 1926 and ran through Flagstaff. Incorporated as a city in 1928, Flagstaff went on to become a popular tourist stop along Route 66, particularly due to its close proximity to the Grand Canyon.  Laid-back “Flag” is also home to NAU – a quaint little college town, with some pretty fun and funky little shops in the downtown area, across from the old train depot.

Though the Grand Canyon is, undoubtedly, the biggest draw of the area, several smaller and equally interesting destinations are all within an approximate 35 minute (or less) drive from the heart of Flagstaff, and not to be overlooked…while none of the photos in this post are my own (but gleaned from NPS sites and the like), I have been to all of these sites and wanted to share some of the beauty and uniqueness of the area.

WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT can be found about 33 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Once home to prehistoric Anasazi and Sinagua Indians, you will discover scores of ruins scattered over a large section of desert. You can observe freestanding masonry pueblos, field houses, and rock art - remarkable signs of a diverse and complex way of life. The structures all have a distinctive deep red color and were built from thin, flat blocks of the regional sandstone. In all, over 2,700 archeological sites have been cataloged at Wupatki National Monument, the largest being the Wupatki Ruin - an expansive three-story pueblo that contain nearly 100 rooms.

Five sites are accessible by car - the monument provides numerous trails for visitors to walk, hike, and view the different pueblos. At the south entrance, a National Park Service Visitor Center offers literature and colorful information into the history of these ancient people.

Wupatki National Monument is located on the same road as SUNSET CRATER NATIONAL MONUMENT. Sunset Crater, itself, is a volcanic cinder cone within the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The date of the eruptions that formed the 1,120 ft. high cone have been calculated to have been somewhere between 1064 and 1085 A.D. The Sunset Crater eruption produced a blanket of ash and lava covering an area of more than 810 sq. mi, and forced the temporary abandonment of settlements of the local Sinagua people. The volcano has partially revegetated, with pines and wildflowers.

A one-mile self-guided loop trail is located at the base of Sunset Crater but hiking to the summit is not permitted. A trail providing access to the summit and crater was closed in 1973 because of excessive erosion caused by hikers. A visitor center is located near the park entrance, 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, along U.S. Highway 89.

METEOR CRATER – “The most well known, best preserved meteorite crater on Earth!”  Meteor Crater sits approximately 35 miles from Flagstaff, on I-40 E., near Winslow (“It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flat bed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me…” Yes, THAT Winslow, AZ). A breath-taking result of a collision between an asteroid and Planet Earth, approximately 50,000 years ago. Meteor Crater is nearly one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference, and more than 550 feet deep - an international tourist venue with outdoor observation trails, guided tours, and a beautiful Visitor Center located on the crater rim.

WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT - Located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument features a collection of single-story cliff dwellings built high on a canyon wall. The monument provides well-preserved evidence of how the Sinagua Indians lived more than seven centuries ago. They constructed 300 rooms in the shelter of the canyon walls and thrived in the canyon for about 150 years. Their descendants now dwell together with the Hopi Indians, whose first villages date from 1100 A.D, in northeastern Arizona.

Visitors are able to explore and enjoy the park by hiking the Island Trail, which is a one-mile round trip. The path winds along the cliff, near the dwellings for an up close view...there are a few of the dwellings that can actually be accessed. The trail also allows for spectacular views down into the canyon.

SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK in Oak Creek Canyon, leading from Flagstaff to Sedona, takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. Tall red rock formations that are typical of the region also surround the park, which also contains a 43-acre working apple farm. Besides swimming and fishing, there are three hiking trails in Slide Rock State Park: Pendley Homestead Trail (.25 miles), Slide Rock Route (.3 miles), and Clifftop Nature Trail (.25). Slide Rock State Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Arizona.

OAK CREEK CANYON is often described as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty. State Route 89A enters the canyon on its north end, via a series of hairpin turns, before traversing the bottom of the canyon for about 13 miles, until the highway enters the town of Sedona. The Oak Creek Canyon-Sedona area is second only to the Grand Canyon as the most popular tourist destination in Arizona - depth of the canyon ranges from 800-2,000 feet...and that leads us straight into Sedona, next post...

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM...

A small, sweet break in the travelogue before heading to Flagstaff.

To family and friends, near and far,

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY...

Kisses on your face!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO