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5 things to do in Arizona with out-of-town guests, from AAA Arizona

Posted at 4:41 AM, Dec 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-12 07:40:39-05

The holidays are upon us, and house guests are everywhere.

But where do you take your guests when they say, “What are we doing today?”

AAA Travel experts reveal the top five places to take your out-of-town guests to give them the full Arizona experience:
 

  1. Tinsel Town Lights Up Tlaquepaque, Sedona: The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village transforms into a winter wonderland full of holiday lights with “Tinsel Town,” where local businesses have created stunning holiday displays. You can tour anytime for free in December between dusk and 9 p.m.

 

  1. Desert Botanical Gardens - Las Noches De Las Luminarias, Phoenix: Treat your guests to native desert plants illuminated by 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of twinkle lights. Guests can indulge in holiday cocktails and enjoy songs from nine musical ensembles as they stroll through the Gardens. Make the most of your visit to the Gardens with dinner at Gertrude’s before enjoying Las Noches de las Luminarias.

 

  1. Grand Canyon Railway, Williams: Spend the day or make it an overnight trip at one of the seven  Natural Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon Railway departs daily at 9:30 a.m. from Williams, Arizona, which is about 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The train travels almost due north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, giving passengers an unparalleled look at the iconic scenery.

 

  1. Sonoita Vineyards, Sonoita: Don’t head to California to enjoy a day of wine tasting. Head down to Sonoita – a two-hour drive from Phoenix. The oldest commercial vineyard and winery in Arizona, Sonoita Vineyards opened in 1983 and now includes over 30 acres of vines. Sonoita Vineyards offers an array of award-winning wines ranging from crisp and fruity to bold and complex. There is something for everyone, but plan ahead – they are closed on major holidays.

 

  1. Rawhide Western Town, Chandler: Take your guests out to the wild wild West at Rawhide Western Town. The town of Rawhide brings each guest to an 1880s Western town full of fun, good food, great shopping and a true taste of the old West not found anywhere else in Arizona. Holiday offerings at Rawhide include Lights of the World Lantern Festival, the world’s largest lantern festival and Snowy Christmas with St. Nick.

AAA is a go-to source for travel information. To learn more about these drives and other travel information, visit highroads.az.aaa.com.