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Arizona Inn- Tucson, AZ
Opened in 1930 by Isabella Greenway, Arizona’s first United States congresswoman, the Arizona Inn is the architectural equivalent of sunshine. For certain, in the depths of winter, it is an absolute pleasure to bask in its glow. Consisting of a series of casitas set amid lushly landscaped grounds, it is as if you have entered the Garden of Eden, sans snakes.
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Ventana Canyon Maiden Pools Hike- Tucson, AZ
Desert mountain hikes can be brutal: desolate, dry and devoid of shade. But they also reward the intrepid with solitude and outstanding valley views. Tucson's 6.4 mile Maiden Pool hike is a perfect example- challenging, but satisfying. Crossing over several streams on the valley floor, you slowly scramble your way up the mountain, past silent saguaros, until the valley suddenly appears below.
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Big Bend National Park- Big Bend, TX
For all of you National Park junkies that love the isolation and solitude of the desert, head to Big Bend. It is by far one of the least visited National Parks in the United States, so chances are you will practically have the place to yourself. Although some might consider it desolate, the park is far from a barren wasteland; it is home to stunning geology, the Rio Grande, diverse wildlife, and some of the darkest skies in the world. Big Bend is not the easiest place to get to, which probably accounts for the low visitation numbers. Only 300,000 people a year visit this park, which is probably the…
