46 JUNE 2017 Arc A d A News By Michelle Donati-Grayman Summer adventures often begin with a road trip. In the words of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation , “getting there is half the fun!” But while the adventure may begin when you pull out of your driveway, the other half awaits you at your destination. If you have holes to fill in your summer calendar, here are five in-state options worth considering: PINK JEEP TOURS If you’re looking for some off-road fun, look no further than a Jeep tour. The low- impact Red Rock Range Tour provides an up-close look at Sedona’s most inspiring red rock formations, while the high-impact Broken Arrow Tour will leave you holding on tight for a heart-pounding descent down the “Road of No Return.” Tours start at $59 per person and range from 90 minutes to three hours. STAYCATION STEALS If you’re less of a road warrior and more of a destination person, look no further than Arizona’s luxurious resorts. Summer provides the perfect opportunity for locals to stay at AAA Four and Five Diamond properties for a fraction of peak-season prices. The Phoenician is undergoing a massive renovation, but it’s still open for business. Stay in the property’s new guestrooms and catch a glimpse of new amenities coming this fall. “Under Renovation” rates start at $119 per night. The resort is also offering its $40-$30-$20 culinary countdown dining series this summer. Enjoy a three-course menu at J&G Steakhouse for $40, afternoon tea with a three-course offering for $30 per person, or a two-course menu at Relish Burger Bistro for $20 per person. From life-sized Jenga to large-scale slip and slides, it’s easy to make the most of your summer at The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. The resort has a variety of summer packages available. “You Stay, We Pay” starts at $149 per night and includes a $50 daily resort credit. “Sip, Soak & Splash Star-Spangled 4th of July Weekend” starts from $159 per night and includes the resort’s fireworks show and four wristbands into the resort’s waterpark. The resort has special packages for teachers, caregivers and military all summer long. It’s easy to bemoan Arizona’s triple-digit summer temperatures. It’s a good thing the desert offers us plenty of reasons to stick it out. OLD WEST The Old West is alive and well in many parts of the state. Tombstone, Bisbee, Jerome and Prescott are just a few Arizona towns filled with attractions, tours and entertaining re-enactments. Spend a day reliving the reality and legends of the Wild West. Ghost tours, mining and shoot-outs await you. RIDE THE RAILS The Grand Canyon attracts millions of tourists every year. This summer, consider exploring the canyon by Grand Canyon Rail. Several travel options are available, including train only and hotel packages. Kids can ride for as little as $29. The train departs from a depot in Williams, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix. Be sure to give yourself extra time in Williams to explore Bearizona, a must- see, drive-through wildlife park. PARK IT Arizona is home to more than 30 state parks. Each provides different activities and scenery, including beaches, boating, biking and swimming. Some even offer free WiFi. Entrance fees are affordable, and camping is an option at more than a dozen parks. Cabins complete with beds, heating, cooling and electricity are available at five parks. Reservations are required, and rates range from $60 to $90 per night. Five getaways to beat Arizona’s summer heat A life-sized Jenga and a large-scale slip and slide are some of the offerings at The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.