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If you want to hike, check out hikeaz.com It has tons of information on many, many different trails, and you can find groups of locals to hike with. A vefry real danger that occurs with non-locals hiking here is not being adequately prepared for the desert. Take twice as much water as you think you will need, and then a bit more. Make sure you have sunscreen and a hat. Make sure someone (who is not hiking with you) knows exactly where you plan to go and when to expect you back. A very experienced, local hiker was lost for not following these rules a few months ago--his body has not yet been found despite extensive search & rescue efforts.
In-town thinks to do are to see the Heard & Pueblo Grande Museums. Be sure to have dinner one evening at Monti's La Casa Viejo in Tempe (and be sure to ask at the desk for a copy of its history--they used to be printed on all the placemats, but no more
). The Renaissance Festival is always a lot of fun (generally only open weekends, but there are a couple of student days during the week).
A daytrip to Tucson to see the mission church of San Xavier del Bac. While there, de sure to eat at El Charro, the nation's oldest mexican restaurant that has been continually operated by the same family. Old Tucson is a bit too touristy for my tastes any more, but you worth considering. The Desert Museum is very worthwhile. Consider visiting the Pima Air Museum.
Kartchner Caverns is well worth the trip, but you need to make reservations NOW. Bisbee is another south eastern Arizona location that is well worth the trip--if you stay overnight, be sure to stay in the Copper Queen Hotel, and be sure to read the ghost story ledger at the front desk.
There are several worthwhile rail excursions--I recommend the Verde Canyon excursion.
I would not want to tube the Salt in March--BRRRR!
If you want to hike, check out hikeaz.com It has tons of information on many, many different trails, and you can find groups of locals to hike with. A vefry real danger that occurs with non-locals hiking here is not being adequately prepared for the desert. Take twice as much water as you think you will need, and then a bit more. Make sure you have sunscreen and a hat. Make sure someone (who is not hiking with you) knows exactly where you plan to go and when to expect you back. A very experienced, local hiker was lost for not following these rules a few months ago--his body has not yet been found despite extensive search & rescue efforts.
In-town thinks to do are to see the Heard & Pueblo Grande Museums. Be sure to have dinner one evening at Monti's La Casa Viejo in Tempe (and be sure to ask at the desk for a copy of its history--they used to be printed on all the placemats, but no more

A daytrip to Tucson to see the mission church of San Xavier del Bac. While there, de sure to eat at El Charro, the nation's oldest mexican restaurant that has been continually operated by the same family. Old Tucson is a bit too touristy for my tastes any more, but you worth considering. The Desert Museum is very worthwhile. Consider visiting the Pima Air Museum.
Kartchner Caverns is well worth the trip, but you need to make reservations NOW. Bisbee is another south eastern Arizona location that is well worth the trip--if you stay overnight, be sure to stay in the Copper Queen Hotel, and be sure to read the ghost story ledger at the front desk.
There are several worthwhile rail excursions--I recommend the Verde Canyon excursion.
I would not want to tube the Salt in March--BRRRR!
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