It can’t (and won’t) get any bet¬ter than this…Memories guaranteed to last a life¬time…Experience the breathtak¬ing beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran desert. Fly aboard the Southwest’s (and Valley’s) premier ballooning enterprise, Rainbow Ryder’s Hot Air Balloon Company, and take flight hundreds of feet above the awe¬some desert landscape.

Listen as your friendly, and highly experienced FAA Certified Pilot, points out the desert landmarks, as you glide motionless across the open skies…Folks, this is a huge…WOW!

Nowhere will you enjoy and experience such a spectacular sensation as a dawn or sunset balloon flight from Rainbow Ryders…and it’s happening right now, every-day…year round!

Celebrating their 28th anniver¬sary, providing over 1500 flights annually, and a leader in flight safe¬ty and innovation, make sure you visit Rainbow Ryders at their kiosk in Scottsdale Fashion Square, 2nd floor next to Nordstrom’s (Scottsdale Rd & Camelback), call them at: 877.771.0776, or go online to: www.rainbowryders.com….but what¬ever you do, experience what can only be summed up as “Your Flight of a Lifetime.”

As chairman and chief executive officer of the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, he relished the unique “gold” of that year’s World Champion Diamondbacks.

He currently is on a “gig” as chairman of USA Basketball’s board of directors—part of the International Basketball Federation, which held its worldwide tournament in Turkey Aug. 28-Sept. 12 of last year. And, yes, you guessed it: the Colangelo-led American team (without the NBA’s celebrated superstars) came home with “the gold.” As its chairman, Colangelo oversees the USA Basketball Men’s National Team and is responsible for the selection of the program’s coaches and players.

The 2010 USA coaching staff was led by Duke University’s Hall of Fame coach, Mike Krzyzewski, and featured as assistant coaches Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach, Jim Boeheim, the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach, Nate McMillan, and the Toronto Raptors’ head mentor, Jay Triano.

Away from the sporting scene, Colangelo is principal partner of JDM Partners, one of the Valley’s largest owners of entitled land. Other partners in the venture are Mel Shultz and David Eaton. Together, the trio possesses more than 100 years of real estate, sports and entertainment, development and operational experience. Their primary mission: to be involved with the ownership and operation of businesses that benefit the community.

One of JDM’s current projects is the re-establishment (a multimillion dollar redevelopment) of the famed and legendary Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa as a prime destination for tourists, visiting sports teams and residents. Since opening in 1929, the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa has become a renowned Arizona landmark nestled in the city of Litchfield Park, which is just a short drive from the heart of Phoenix, and the resort remains a true representation of Arizona’s rich history. It has recently been through some difficult times, but Colangelo and his group are determined to restore the resort to its one-time heady “golden” stature as a top-ranking luxury property.

Over and above his international pre-eminence, of importance to Colangelo is the way he is seen and regarded in his community as a “good neighbor.” He has done that in so many ways and has garnered numerous community awards—awards that he does not wear on his shirtsleeve.

Colangelo simply lives … yes … by “the golden rule”—in everything he accomplishes.

Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced the AH-64A Apaches, with a tandem cockpit for a crew of two for the U. S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service today and incorporates (among many other features) a four-blade, twin engine with high-performance turbo shaft engines that offers a maximum cruise speed of 284 kph (over 165 mph). Additional features include laser and infrared systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track and attack targets—coupled with a combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm automatic cannon (chain gun) that fires up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds.

The combat-proven and highly effective AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow are well-known as the world’s most sophisticated, advanced and heavily armed attack helicopters that share the following history and characteristics: Testing took place in the late 1990s, delivery came in 1997 and they are now produced (primarily for) the U.S. Army and its international customers. Units costs range from $18 – $20 million, with more than 1,000 produced to date.

The radar-equipped (two-man) AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including the ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices and maintenance support systems. It facilitates longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather /night fighting—detection of objects (moving or stationary)—all without being detected. It can also classify and assess threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute.

NOTE: The multimission AH-64D Apache Longbow is the next-generation version of the original AH-64A Apache. With its fire-control radar, the aircraft is known as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Without the radar, the combat-proven aircraft is called the AH-64D Apache.

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world’s most capable multirole combat helicopter meets the needs of today’s (and tomorrow’s) war-fighter.

Railroading on a grand scale to the Grand Canyon cannot be missed. This will be one of the most exciting side trips you will ever take within Arizona. The Grand Canyon Railway is both a passenger railroad and heritage railway that operates between Williams, Ariz., and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It also operates the legendary Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. And, it is one of the most memorable excursions you can ever take when visiting northern Arizona.

Now, for a bit of history: In 1901, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway completed a branch line from Williams to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. The first scheduled train to carry paying passengers of the Grand Canyon Railway arrived from Williams on Sept. 17 of that year. The 64-mile trip cost $3.95 at that time.

Naturalist John Muir later commended the railway for its limited environmental impact and for the continued beauty of the area.

To accommodate travelers, the Santa Fe designed and built the El Tovar Hotel, located just 60 feet from the Canyon’s rim. The hotel opened its doors to tourists and guests in January 1905.

Competition with the automobile forced the Santa Fe to cease operation of the railway in July 1968. In 1988, a Phoenix couple, Max and Thelma Biegert, purchased the property and started service once again.

The railway carries hundreds of passengers to and from the Grand Canyon every day. Some 240,000 passengers made the trip in 2006. The jaunt, which takes two hours and 15 minutes from Williams to the Canyon, is a breathtaking experience that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

The restored Santa Fe station in Williams now serves the railway and is also home to a small railroad museum, which is an intriguing sidebar to a spectacular historical legacy.

LUXURY AT ITS BEST
The famous Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, nestled among the Ponderosa pine forest in Williams, represents one of the finest hotels in northern Arizona. Enjoy the luxury of a bygone era, in a comfortable and picturesque Western setting.

The Grand Canyon Depot, owned by the National Park Service, remains the northern terminus for passengers of the line. For more information on the Grand Canyon Railway or the hotel, call 1.800-THE-TRAIN or go online to THE TRAIN.com.

PHOTO: COPYRIGHT LEROY NEIMAN, INC. 1991

Nick Lowery, a current resident of Paradise Valley, Ariz., in October of last year returned to Kansas City, Mo., and Arrowhead Stadium, where he was loudly cheered by tens of thousands of fans as he was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. That signature honor was the culmination of his 14 years spent with Kansas City (1980-1993), playing in 212 regular season games. The franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Lowery scored 1,466 points in a Chiefs uniform.

At the time of Lowery’s induction, Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt stated, “The entire Kansas City Chiefs organization is extremely pleased to welcome Nick into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. His penchant for making long-distance kicks and his history of last-minute heroics during pressure-packed situations made him one of the most admired kickers in the National Football League. He is richly deserving of being recognized as one of the all-time greats in Chiefs history.”

Lowery was also elected to three Pro Bowls, following the ’81, ’90 and ’92 seasons. In ’90, he connected on a Chiefs single-season record 34 field goals and 37 points after touchdown for 139 points, the highest single-season total ever amassed by a Chiefs kicker.

In total, Lowery played in 17 NFL seasons with the New England Patriots (’78), Kansas City Chiefs (’80-’93) and the New York Jets (’94-’96).

Lowery is the first professional athlete to graduate with a master’s degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. His master’s program was a continuation of his undergraduate years at Dartmouth College. He is the lone Chiefs player to ever hail from Dartmouth. So, he is true-blue Ivy League.

These days, Lowery spends his time on public-service initiatives and activities, particularly in the interest of children. The Nick Lowery Youth Foundation promotes programs such as Adult Role Models for Youth, Youthfriends, and Native Vision and Nation Building for Native Youth. The foundation’s newest effort, New Extraordinary Transcendent Leadership, is a program that will use the lessons of native American culture to reach out to all at-risk youth.

“We know,” Lowery said, “that youth respond to encouragement and support as they learn how to become leaders. And that’s what we’re really excited about.”

For more information, visit nickloweryfoundation.org.

The requests during the evening would always flow: “Route 66, please, Bobby!” Troup would swing into a smooth rendition of the song. It became his signature work, much the same as Tony Bennett’s I Left My Heart in San Francisco did for him. Once, his wife, actress Julie London, joined him and sang the piece.

Formerly a pianist with the renowned Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Troup headed west after World War II with millions of other veterans. His travels inspired him to write the song, which suggested that the “get-your-kicks” journey was an end in itself.

Route 66 became a huge hit for Troup. It also popularized the two-lane highway that commenced in Chicago and ended in Los Angeles. From its starting point in the Windy City, the road headed southwest to Oklahoma City, then due west to the sun and surf of the Pacific Ocean. It crossed eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California—and three time zones.

Established in the 1920s, at a time when the automobile was rapidly becoming the main preference for family vacation travel, Route 66 was officially designated a U.S. highway by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in 1926. Its lifespan, however, was short—less than 50 years. It was decommissioned in 1985, with some sections becoming part of the Interstate Highway System.

Artist Zack Jones escaped the summer heat of the Valley in 2005 by spending a great deal of time at a friend’s ranch in Parks, which is located in the northern part of Arizona. He soon discovered that the fabled Route 66 was the main road that ran between Williams and Flagstaff, where he would go to buy groceries and other necessities. The lure of “66” got to him and, enchanted by the history of “The Mother Road” (so named by John Steinbeck in his classic novel The Grapes of Wrath), Jones began photographing old homes and buildings, abandoned gas stations and garages, lonely and stark portions of the route … whatever gripped him. A classic was his photo of a bright red Corvette (made famous in the ’60s television show Route 66) outside an old gas station and motel.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK JONES

A scene from the film version of The Grapes of Wrath that will always be etched in my mind is the one in which Henry Fonda sits at the wheel of a broken-down automobile laden with his family and all of their belongings as they leave the Dust Bowl to head for California. During the Great Depression, Route 66 served as a main passage for more than 200,000 poverty-ridden rural inhabitants to their Garden of Eden, California.

PHOTO BY ISAAC BORREGO

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which shall live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

So spoke President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he addressed Congress on Monday, Dec. 8, 1941, declaring war against the Japanese and propelling America into World War II.

Regarded as a dastardly attack, the event catapulted the Grand Canyon State into the international spotlight as the USS Arizona became the symbol of the horrific devastation that left the storied battleship at the center of the worst single disaster in U.S. naval history. The Arizona suffered eight direct bomb hits, and the explosions that followed left the ship beyond repair.

But its honor has been memorialized. The USS Arizona Memorial Center was dedicated in 1962 and has been operated by the National Park Service since 1980. It lies along Pearl Harbor’s eastern shoreline and is part of the Pearl Harbor Naval Station.

A few facts about the USS Arizona: On March 4, 1913, Congress authorized the construction of the Arizona, named in honor of the 48th state’s admission into the union on Feb. 12, 1912. Work was completed in October 1917, six months after the United States entered World War II. The USS Arizona (hull designation BB-39) was classified as a Pennsylvania-class battleship built for the U.S. Navy and was the first to be named “Arizona.”

Steaming out of New York Harbor on her maiden voyage, she joined the Atlantic Fleet, in which she served as a gunnery training ship. Following the armistice of November 1918, which marked the end of World War I, she sailed with the British Grand Fleet. After that, she was transferred to San Pedro, Calif., where she joined the growing Pacific Fleet.

As author Allan Seiden states in his book “From Fishponds to Warships: Pearl Harbor—A Complete Illustrated History,” “Carrying twelve impressive 18-inch guns in four distinctive triple turrets, she could travel at 21 knots, and was widely praised for her steady handling and the precision and impact of her long-range guns.”

In 1940, the USS Arizona was transferred to Pearl Harbor as the flagship of America’s Pacific Fleet, where her ultimate fate would provide her with a permanent home. It was here on Dec. 7, 1941, that Japanese enemy aircraft sank the Arizona during the infamous aerial attack on Pearl Harbor. In all, 1,177 crew members of the magnificent battleship lost their lives during the attack.

Created by Julisu Keyonnie (Navajo) in 2006.

Arizona’s official state neckwear, the bolo tie, has reappeared from its exile in grandpa’s dresser drawer to enjoy a fashion comeback. Explore this uniquely Western sartorial adornment’s history and revival in a wonderful and fun new exhibit at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry opened Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.

The distinctive tie originated in the Southwest, and its popularity quickly spread throughout the West and in many other parts of the country. The distinguishing necktie has been made even more distinctive by contemporary American Indian artists in Arizona, who make bolo ties that are exquisite expressions of individuality and ingenuity.

Bolo ties, representing the casual nature and somewhat rugged milieu of the West, emerged as a form of men’s neckwear in the 1940s. They directly countered business suits as well as the formality suits represented, and instead marked a different style and a different way of life. In particular, American Indian jewelers and silversmiths brought individuality and creativity to this art form, offering a broad range of unique and artistic options.

The bolo tie’s road to acquiring the status of Arizona’s official neckwear is also quite interesting; the story stretches out several years. In 1966, Phoenix television station KOOL anchor Bill Close and five other bolo tie enthusiasts met at the legendary Westward Ho Hotel in downtown Phoenix. From the beginning, their intent was to make the bolo tie a state emblem. Perhaps to help the cause, Arizona Highways Magazinedevoted several pages of its October 1966 issue to Southwestern jewelry, including bolo ties. Help arrived when Gov. Jack Williams proclaimed the first week of March 1969 as “Bolo Tie Week.” After several unsuccessful attempts, a bill making the bolo tie the official state neckwear was finally passed on April 22, 1971. The bolo tie is also the official neckwear of New Mexico and Texas, although Arizona was the first state to designate it as such.

The bolo ties included in Native American Bolo Ties come from the Heard’s permanent collection of more than 170 bolo ties and from the promised gift of Chicago collector Norman L. Sandfield. His collection consists of more than 1,000 bolo ties, scarf slides and ephemera, many of which are on display, along with other works from private collections and museums.

The exhibit is be accompanied by a book written by exhibit curator Diana Pardue with Norman L. Sandfield and published by the Museum of New Mexico Press. The only other book on the topic is William J. Kramer’s 1976 book, Bola Tie: New Symbol of the West.

Created by Chief Dodge (Navajo) from his Phoenix retail shop.

The exhibit and book show the antecedents of the bolo tie, including Victorian neckwear and scarf slides. They include an important early scarf slide from the Heard Museum collection made in the 1930-40s by Leekya Deyuse (Zuni Pueblo). The exhibit and book also include new information on patents for the different backings of the bolo tie, which is essential to accurate dating of a tie when the date is not otherwise known.

Also, the exhibit examines how Western wear, including the bolo tie, was popularized through 1950s television shows and movies. Some TV and movie personalities who brought scarf slides and bolo ties into the everyday vernacular include the Cisco Kid, Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rogers. And, of course, the exhibit showcases bolo ties created by American Indian jewelers from the late 1940s through today.

A series of related educational programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibit. These include a book signing with authors and contemporary jewelers. Southwestern jewelers from Arizona and New Mexico have their one-of-a-kind bolo ties for sale. Also planned for fall 2011 is a lecture series on Southwestern silverwork entitled “Bolos, Bridles and Buttons.” Visit heard.org for a full listing as speakers are confirmed.

The exhibit will be on display through Sept, 3, 2012. For more information, visit heard.org.

Red Rocks Sedona

Traveling north takes you through north Prescott, Jerome and the awe­some red rocks of Sedona. Experience the wooded pines of the San Francisco Peaks or Flagstaff and further north…witness the majestic splendor of our very own Grand Canyon – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or take a trip down memory lane on America’s legendary Route 66 – but whatever you do, your Arizona adventures are truly limitless!

So from cowboy hats to Haute Couture, few regions in America offer such history, diversity or nat­ural beauty. In 2006 over 5 million global visitors visited our famous Grand Canyon and over 225,000 had the experience of a lifetime by riding the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona. During the win­ter season, you can be skiing in Flagstaff in the morning and be back in Phoenix, sunning poolside by late afternoon. If it’s a taste of the Old West you are looking for, then grab your cowboy hat and six-shooter and head off to Rawhide Western Town or further south to Bisbee or Tombstone where you can visit the famed Old Tucson Studios – home to the original American Western movie.

Arizona’s culture can be found everywhere you look or turn with its many museums, galleries, local zoos, state & federal parks, botan­ical gardens and numerous historic landmarks. The state is steeped in history and is rich in culture with a broad base of exciting venues. Whatever your final destination, take the time to explore the nat­ural beauty, desert landscape and towering saguaros.

So take the time to do some exploring and see some of the many wonders our great state has to offer…Experience for yourself, the million views that are ever changing; all of which are guaran­teed to last a lifetime. TRAVEL­HOST magazine has created this section to provide you with a great selection of unique attractions and spectacular venues that we promise you and your family with thorough­ly enjoy. Take the time to get out and about … you will be glad that you did.

Still considered relatively untamed land, Arizona’s pre­dominantly harsh desert ter­rain is host to a myriad of beautiful and interesting animals. Wildlife in Arizona is as diverse as its landscape.

All through Arizona, there are dif­fering habitats that are home to unique Arizona animals, reptiles and critters that have different traits, characteristics, and behavior per­sonalities. Here are a few:

COYOTES. With a wide range that extends from Canada to Panama, coyotes are a successful species that figure into the history, folklore, and present-day culture of the American West. Most of Arizona’s coyotes sport the telltale yellow desert coats. They are known for their considerable agility and speed – which may reach up to 40 miles per hour.

THE GILA MONSTER. The Gila Monster (pronounced “hee-la”) is the largest native lizard found in the United States, and one of only two poisonous lizards in the world. The other is the Mexican Beaded Lizard which exists primarily in the northern areas of Mexico. Both the Gila and the Beaded Lizard are related and both have a beaded body appearance. The Gila Monster is brilliantly colored with a black body marked with bright vivid col­ors of pink, orange and yellow. They were first discovered in the Gila River Basin and were hence named, “Gila.”

ARIZONA JAVELINA. Though some people may call them “cute,” Javelinas are ugly animals with a rather unpleasant (to say the least) odor which is why they’re often referred to as “musk hogs.” They are not wild pigs but are actually members of the “peccary” family that originated in South America. They have become accustomed to being in close proximity to humans and will generally ignore people. If you approach them, they will sim­ply leave the area. But if provoked, they have been known to defend themselves with their long, sharp tusks.

ARIZONA CORALSNAKE. Also known as the “Western Coral,” there are some paradoxical twists sur­rounding the Arizona Coral Snake. Yes, it is a poisonous snake, but in spite of some scary facts, there has never been a known recorded human death resulting from the bite of an Arizona Coral Snake. Few people know that the Arizona species of Coral is actually relat­ed to the Cobra, and that “ounce­for-ounce” the venom of the Arizona Coral is more than twice as potent as the venom of the Mohave Rattlesnake which is considered the most dangerous of rattlesnake species. The Arizona Coral Snake is a non-aggressive snake that will avoid human contact.

ARIZONA MOUNTAIN LIONS. The Mountain Lion is also known as a “cougar,” “puma,” and “panther.” The grace and power of the cougar continues to be a standard symbol of strength and stealth. Although it is considered part of the small cat family, the mountain lion is the fourth largest wild cat in the world after the tiger, lion and jaguar. It cannot roar, but similar to domestic cats they do hiss, growl and even purr.

Arizona’s animal kingdom includes other spectacular creatures such as White Tail Deer; Ringtail Cat; Mule Deer; Desert Bighorn Sheep; Bob Cats; Black Bear; and the famed Horned Toad.