Visiting Tucson and Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona from the border towns of Yuma, Nogales and Douglas to the small towns of Gila Bend, Wilcox and Safford sizzle in summer. The Chiricahua Mountains rise dramatically from the Sonoran desert. Remote ranges like the Pinaleño Mountains, isolated by the surrounding deserts, are covered with unique and diverse eco-systems. Southern Arizona is a gateway to the northern most beaches of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Residents and travelers flow south for vacation or long weekend getaways. Tuscon's many golf courses tee-off early morning and late evening so golfers can take advantage without the full sun. Southern Arizona summer is hot, but still sizzles with fun.

Celebrate Arizona's Hispanic heritage at the 13th Annual El Día de San Juan Fiesta. This celebration originated with the Spanish missionaries in the 1600s and is now a traditional Tucson event. The 2010 event is held on the west bank of the Santa Cruz River on June 24th. Featured events include a traditional Mexican Rodeo, the Charreada. The rodeo is complete with costumed performances by the Charros and Escaramuzas. Mariachis, baile folklorico and live music are also on the schedule. A special kid's activities and games keep the children busy. Admission is free to the fiesta – a wonderful family activity. With five Best Western Hotels in the immediate Tucson area, consider making this a weekend get-a-way and spend some time golfing or relaxing around a pool.

Tombstone is full of summer fun: Wyatt Earp Days is held over Memorial Day Weekend; June brings Tombstone's Sweet Onion Festival; the 4th of July Tombstone hosts a softball tournament followed by evening fireworks; August 6th through 8th are Tombstone's Vigilante Days. Celebrating 62 years of service in 2010, vigilante days begins with cooks preparing their favorite chili recipes for the Saturday afternoon cook-off contest. Live entertainment begins at 10 am each day, livening up the streets of Tombstone. Sunday begins early with the 24th Annual 10K run, finishing in time for the days entertainment. A fun family event with plenty to see and do for everyone. Remember the raffle – a .45 caliber long colt lever action rifle will be raffled off as part of the festival.

The Best Western Lookout Lodge in Tombstone is a conveniently location for all Tombstone's events and sites. Stick around for a few days and enjoy the view of the spectacular Dragoon Mountains and relax by the pool. This is a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring the family dog along for the ride! The Best Western Mission Inn, less than 20 miles away in Sierra Vista puts you at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains near the US Army training camp at Fort Huachuca.

Visitors to Sierra Vista in August can attend the 2010 Southwest Wings 19th Annual Birding and Nature Festival. Birding enthusiasts, mark August 4th through 8th on your calendars. The Sierra Vista area has some of the premier birding spots in the US. Southwest Wings is both fun and educational. You can enjoy the unique birds and wildlife of Southern Arizona while learning from area experts – a great opportunity for visitors to the festival.