Way More Than the Grand Canyon

Everybody knows that when you visit the southwest, you are supposed to visit the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is the quintessential family vacation destinationýno matter where in America you live. Of course, there is a lot more to do in Arizona than ride donkeys down to the Colorado River!

Look, we aren't knocking the Grand Canyonýit certainly is grand and it is something that everyone should see at least once. But Arizona has so much more to do and see.

Today the Arizona Micro Blog is going to be talking about Sedona. Sedona is, arguably, one of the most beautiful desert oases in the world. Smack dab in the Arizona desert, Sedona offers a cooler climate, lush greenery and all of the painted desert scenery a person could want.

Most people know Sedona as "one of those hippie artsy towns" and, to be sure, there are quite a few artist studios and metaphysical tourist shops here. If you wanted to find a place to get balanced, learn how to heal yourself with crystals and get in touch with your inner spirit guide, Sedona Arizona is certainly the place to do all of that. But there is a lot more to Sedona than the hippie artsy stuff. Here are a few of the other things Sedona Arizona has to offer:

Slide Rock State Park

This one of Arizona's most famous state parks. The park features a natural rock slide that has become one of the world's most beloved natural water slides. This park is so popular that nature conservationists worry about it being loved right out of existence by too much foot traffic. To be sure, the US Forest Service and the Arizona State Parks Department work tirelessly to make sure that the park stays clean and "user friendly."

The Sedona International Film Festival

In 2009 the Sedona International Film Festival will last for six days, from Tuesday February 24, to March 1. The Sedona International Film Festival is when film buffs from all over the globe flock to Arizona to teach and share their art with others. This is no "up and coming" festival eitherýbig names like Olympia Dukakis, Robert Osborne, and Helen Hunt have attended this festival!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

The most popular attraction at this famous Arizona wildlife park is Tiger Splash, a show in which full grown tigers play in a pool with their handlersýthey pounce on balls, play with toys and play in and out of the water. Make no mistake these tigers have all of their claws and teeth, but because they are treated well by their handlers and have a close relationship with them, there aren't many accidents. You don't have to worry about having a repeat of Siegfried and Roy here! This show is very popular with young kids who often spend the rest of the day re-enacting the show!

Arizona is certainly famous for its national parks and stark desert landscape, but the state is home to hidden gems (like Sedona as well). There's plenty to do off the beaten path, you just have to take some time to explore!

For more information on Arizona, visit http://www.arizonamicroblog.com and http://www.phoenixmicroblog.com.