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Steger Mukluks Travel Gear Review

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Nancy Brown wearing Steger Mitts and Arctic Mukluks for a travel gear review in Fairbanks, AlaskaIditarod sled dogs wear lightweight boots to protect their paws over 1,049 miles of Alaska's wilderness. I wear Steger Arctic Mukluk snow boots while I watch the Iditarod sled dogs run in Alaska's Last Great Race.

As this was my first time to Anchorage, Alaska in the winter, I didn't own proper snow boots or mitts. In fact, packing for a winter trip to Alaska required more planning than I had anticipated.

Thanks to my tweet on Twitter, a micro-blogging platform, I was able to learn what type of boots and mitts were needed for a winter trip to Alaska. Fairbanks, Alaska resident Nancy DeWitt suggested I try a pair of Steger Mukluks.

Steger Mukluks are perfect for standing around in the cold while watching dog races or viewing ice sculptures. Plus, you can go from -40 to a restaurant in them and your feet won't get hot. They don't slip on ice, either. I practically live in mine all winter. Well worth the money," adds DeWitt.

 

Steger Arctic Mukluk Trave Gear ReviewI had no idea what Mukluks were until my Arctic Mukluks arrived compliments of Patti Steger, owner of Steger Mukluks.

After I had sprayed my Steger Mukluk snow boots to make them water repellent, I wore them around the house to break them in. The Steger Arctic Mukluks are very lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. Fortunately for me, Steger Arctic Mukluks come in wide sizes for my wide feet.

Mukluks are a common site in Alaska. In fact,  the mukluk snow boot plays an important part in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Each Iditarod Sled Dog Musher writes his name on a slip of paper and drops it in the ceremonial mukluk. As the musher names are drawn from the ceremonial mukluk, the musher announces the order he has drawn and his bib number for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

 

Ceremonial Mukluk - Steger Mukluk Travel Gear ReviewIt wasn't until I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race that I realized I was not alone in my preference for Steger Mukluk snow boots. I also spotted the snow boots in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Made in Ely, Minessota and retailing for $179.95 (with the decorative ribbon on top) Steger Arctic Mukluks were the perfect lightweight snow boot for my Alaska adventure.

 

IF YOU GO:

Steger Mukluks (218) 365-3322

33 East Sheridan St. Ely, MN 55731

Related Posts:

What to Pack for an Alaska Winter Vacation

Sled Dog Ride in Fairbanks, Alaska

Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka - Travel Apparel Review

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Nancy Brown wearing Apocalypse Design's Alpine Parka for a Travel Apparel Review

 

 

When the box arrived from Fairbanks, Alaska-based Apocalypse Design, the red, puffy alpine parka almost stood on its own. I was so excited for my upcoming winter trip to Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, that I immediately changed into the fleece pants and snow bibs that Apocalypse Design had sent for me to review.

I was Alaska-bound for the 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race that was to begin in Anchorage on March 6. While I was very happy to have the proper outdoor apparel for my Alaska winter vacation, the Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka was clearly over kill for the relatively mild Anchorage, Alaska temperatures.

I was, however, very happy to be outfitted in Steger Mukluks as I tramped around in the Alaska snow.

Alpine Parka Mandatory Apparel in Fairbanks, Alaska

It wasn't until I landed in Fairbanks, Alaska to view the ice sculptures in 20 degree below zero temperatures (with the wind chill factor) at the World Ice Art Championships that I became appreciative of my Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka. Yet it was midnight on top of a hill, as I was viewing the Northern Lights at the Chena Hot Springs Resort that I realized my love affair with Apocalypse Design's Alpine Parka.

 

The outer shell of the Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka is made of Avalite, a waterproof and breathable fabric. The full hood on the Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka was a life saver in Fairbanks, as was the fleece lined chin guard and fleece lined, deep pockets. I didn't appreciate Apocalypse Design's attention to detail until the cold set in.

How To Dress For an Alaska Winter Vacation

Nancy D. Brown in Girdwood, Alaska with Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka for a Travel Apparel ReviewI pitied the poorly dressed tourists who were sitting in their cotton jeans and inadequate boots trying to warm themselves at the portable heaters in the Chena Hot Springs yurts.

While I was outside taking in the Aurora Borealis and watching shooting stars, warm and toasty in my Apocalypse Design Alpine Parka, ($412) fleece pants ($99), snow bibs ($330) and Steger Mukluks and Steger mitts, I reminded myself how important it is to dress appropriately for an Alaska winter vacation.

As Karen Lundquist, Vice President of Marketing, Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau puts it, "there's no such thing as bad weather, it's bad gear."

Thanks to Apocalypse Design for loaning me the alpine parka, snow bibs and fleece pants for review during my winter vacation to Alaska. The quality and design of your travel apparel were very much appreciated.

IF YOU GO:

Apocalypse Design (907) 451-7555

201 Minnie Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Best Things to See and Do in Ojai, California

Written by Nancy D. Brown

The Day Spa in Ojai, California - Best Things to Do in OjaiThe first place I take a visitor from out of town is to The Day Spa of Ojai. I stopped at the Day Spa of Ojai for the Stress Reduction Backpack massage after my flight from San Francisco was almost two hours late. Owner Kim Wachter, along with Therapist Frances, melted away my stress.

 

When I crave Ojai cuisine, I turn to Azu restaurant for dinner and Feast Bistro for lunch. Save room for the homemade gelato at Azu and the cookies of the day at Feast Bistro.

 

To escape work I go to Shelf Road for a long walk over looking the Ojai valley or up to Meditation Mountain for a peaceful Ojai sunset.

 

For complete quiet, I can go horseback riding with Western Trail Rides along the Ventura River in the Los Padres National Forest.

 

Western Trail Rides Horseback Riding -Best Things to See and Do in Ojai, CaliforniaIf you come to Ojai, get your picture taken in front of the landmark post office tower.

 

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Vesta Restaurant, get the pesto, goat cheese and shrimp pizza. It’s a thin crust, 10” pizza with pesto sauce and it was delicious.

 

Ojai is my one stop shop for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Su Nido Inn has nine suites (king beds and fireplaces) and is within walking distance of downtown Ojai.

 

When I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to Gourmet Tamale for a large $2.50 tamale with the green “Gringo” sauce. The Knead Baking Company is well worth a stop for the whole wheat coffee cake or a sweet or savory scone.

 

For a huge splurge, I go to The Ranch House or Suzanne’s.

 

Photo ops in Ojai, California include the Piedra Blanca Rock Formations in the Los Padres National Forest.

 

Piedra Blanca in Ojai, CaliforniaThe best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Dennison Grade or Chief’s Peak or the miles of trails throughout the Ojai Valley.

 

The most random thing about Ojai is that everyone I met appeared to be an escapee from Los Angeles or the East Coast.

 

In Ojai, an active day outdoors involves biking, climbing, hiking, horseback riding or walking in the mountains or on a paved trail to the ocean. Of course, you can  hang out with a latte or book at one of Ojai’s great coffee shops or cafes.

 

My favorite walking route is window shopping along Ojai Avenue or on one of Ojai’s beautiful trails.

 

My town’s best museum is the Ojai Valley Museum.

 

For a night of dancing, go to Jesters.

 

Feast Bistro on Ojai Avenue is the spot for late night dining in Ojai. The pulled pork sandwich is yummo!

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read the Ojai Valley News. 

You can tell a lot about Ojai from visiting and shopping at the Sunday Ojai Certified Farmers' Market. 

In the spring you should attend The Ojai Tennis Tournament (The Ojai)

 

In the summer you should attend the Ojai Music Festival.

 

In the fall you should visit Ojai Wine Festival or Taste of Ojai.

 

In the winter you should come and visit this Ojai Oasis for the best weather around.

 

A hidden gem in Ojai is Bart’s Books

 

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Ojai Café Emporium for great bakery goods or Bonnie Lou’s for that good old fashion breakfast. Make sure to order the cini minis at Ojai Café Emporium.

 

Just outside of Ojai you can visit Upper Ojai, have lunch at the Summit.  My favorite is their Ortega Cheeseburger. 

 

The best way to see Ojai is to spend a day walking around town. At night, take in some local theater at Theater 150, www.theater150.org. During my visit I saw Bent to the Flame; A Night with Tennessee Williams written by and starring Doug Tompas.

 

If you have kids, you won't want to miss the Lake Casitas water park. Adults will have as much fun picking Pixie tangerines at Friend’s Ranches on the two-hour tasting tour. Call ahead for reservations.

What are your favorite things to see and do in Ojai, California?

Related Post: Diablo magazine Ojai Oasis

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Sled Dog Ride in Fairbanks, Alaska

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Chena Hot Springs Sled Dog You can hear the sled dogs barking before you reach the kennel. The sled dogs run circles frantically around their dog houses; some bark, while others wait patiently with eager anticipation.

"Pick me! Pick me!" the sled dogs say with their piercing blue eyes, bushy wagging tails and excited sled dog howls.

Once the sled dog selection process has been made, the sled dogs of Chena Hot Springs kennel are clipped into their harnesses and ready to go to work.

Typically, Iditarod sled dogs are not the furry white pure bred Siberian huskies that Disney has marketed to us in movies. In fact, the best athletic sled dog is a mixed bag of energy and stamina, has a thick fur coat and a desire to race.

  

While the sled dog ride at Chena Hot Springs Resort is only 15-20 minutes in total ($60), the excitement and energy from the sled dogs is contagious as soon as we slide into the sled. The Chena Hot Springs sled holds four people and a sled dog musher. Once the sled dog musher gives the command, the sled dogs are off and running. Our ride is a scenic loop around the property, crossing alongside a beaver den.

There are many places to go for sled dog rides in Alaska.

Chena Hot Springs Sled Dog RideIditarod Sled Dog Racer Dallas Seavey and the Seavey family run Ididaride Sled Dog Tours in Seward.

Four-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King offers a chance to hold sled dog puppies during a Husky Homestead Tour at his Goose Lake Kennel in Denali Park.

In Fairbanks, the Riverboat Discovery stops at Trailbreaker Kennels, home to Dave Monson and the late four-time Iditarod Sled Dog Champion Susan Butcher.

If you have a chance to take a sled dog ride in Alaska, make sure you read "How to Pack for an Alaska Winter Vacation." On my March 2010 visit to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, it was 20 degrees below zero. If I hadn't been wearing an Apocalypse Design Parka, Icebreaker murino wool socks or Steger mitts and mukluks, I wouldn't have been dressed properly for the cold weather conditions.

Have you been on a sled dog ride? What are your favorite things to do in Alaska?

Chena dog sled photo by Nancy D. Brown

 

 

 

 

Best Things to See and Do in Anchorage, Alaska

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Anchorage, Alaska Visitor Information CenterThe first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, amazing trails right in downtown with views of mountain ranges, and the waters of Cook Inlet, and along the trail Earthquake Park.

When I crave a local brewpub I turn to Glacier BrewHouse, FireTap Alehouse or Snow Goose Restaurant, where I can dine on local favorites like the fresh catch of the day, a wood-fired pizza, and wash it all down with a local microbrew.

To escape work I head for the trails the wind through Anchorage Parks and greenbelts for a run, a bike, or a quick cross-country ski.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Chugach National Forest, or more than Chugach State Park, the nations third largest state park is within the Municipality of Anchorage boundaries!

If you come to Anchorage, get your picture taken in front of the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center on Fourth Avenue.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Simon and Seaforts, get the Asiago Alaska Halibut.

Anchorage is my one stop shop for Alaska products and gifts found nowhere else: smoked salmon, handmade baskets, Ulu knife sets, Ivory, Jade and wood carvings, gold nugget jewelry, mukluks and moccasins, Qiviut woolens, the list goes on and on. First Friday Art Walk is a great way to see local art work on display and even have a nibble of food in the galleries.

Snow City Cafe, Anchorage, AlaskaWhen I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to City Diner for a great meal at a price that can't be beat. Snow City Cafe is a great place for breakfast. Order the crabby omelet or Kodiak Benedict.

For a huge splurge, I go to Sullivans Steakhouse.

Photo ops in Anchorage include hooking a huge salmon literally steps from downtown in Ship Creek, or aboard a boat just yards away from the deep blue Portage Glacier.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Flattop Mountain, taking the tram or hiking to the top of Mt. Alyeska for a panoramic view of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Alyeska Resort, in Girdwood, is only 40 minutes outside of Anchorage and is worth an overnight if you have the time.

The most random thing about Anchorage is the Running of the Reindeer and Outhouse Races that speed down Fourth Avenue during Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.

In Anchorage, an active day outdoors involveswalking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, kayaking at Eklutna Lake, hiking at the Eagle River Nature Center, skiing the Chugach Mountains, or fishing for halibut or salmon.

My favorite walking route is through the forested Campbell Creek Greenbelt.

Alaska Reindeer Sausage in Anchorage, AlaskaAnchorage best museum is the Anchorage Museum. Have lunch or dinner at the hip Cafe Muse.

For a night of dancing, go to Chilkoot Charlies or Rumrunners.

For late night dining, Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse is the spot. I watched a Reindeer hot dog eating contest here during Fur Rondy activities. It was wild!

To find out what's going on a night or on weekends, check out the Play section in the Anchorage Daily News or, Anchorage's alternative newspaper, the Anchorage Press.

You can tell a lot about Anchorage and the close proximity of wildlife by visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center South of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. Bears, eagle, moose and other Alaska animals share space on the centers grounds.  The AWCC is currently host to a herd of Wood Bison to be released into the wild.

In the spring you should attend the Senior Native Youth Olympics. Alaska youth demonstrate their skills in traditional Native games that are based on life skills of past generations. The games test hunting and survival skills, and increase strength, endurance, agility and the balance of mind and body.

In the summer you should attend Solstice Weekend. Great events like the Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon, Pridefest, the Summer Solstice Festival and Hero Games and the Slam'n Salm'n Derby all loaded into a single weekend celebrating the longest day of the year.

In the fall you should visit two of the states best college sporting events. The University of Alaska Anchorage hosts the hottest college teams on ice during the Kendall Hockey Classic in early October, while the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout draws top-class college basketball teams to Alaska for a pre-season tournament during Thanksgiving weekend

2010 Iditarod Sled Dog in Anchorage, AlaskaIn the winter you should go to the Tour of Anchorage Cross Country Ski Race, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, and the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race I was fortunate to have covered the 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Check out my YouTube video, too.

A hidden gem in Anchorage is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The center is a showcase of Alaska Native art, tools, and crafts, featuring great live tours and demonstrations of native life, dance, and crafts. It is nestled in the woods in Northeast Anchorage, but you'd be remiss to pass it up. Check out my post on the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Middle Way Cafe or Kaladi Brothers Coffee.

Just outside of downtown Anchorage you can visit Alyeska Resort; have lunch on top of Mount Alyeska at Seven Glaciers, a AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant.

The best way to see downtown Anchorage is to pick up a map from the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center on Fourth Avenue and take the Anchorage Downtown Walking Tour. Or, see downtown by Segway with SegTours of Anchorage.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss Alaska Wild Berry Theater, reindeer petting area, H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, and WildRide Sled Dog Rodeo.

What are your favorite things to see and do in Anchorage, Alaska?

Thanks to Jack Bonney and the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau for assistance with this post.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Related Posts:

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Best Things to See and Do in Fairbanks

Best Things to See and Do in Ketchican

Best Things to See and Do in Juneau

2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race

2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race, Alaska

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race, AlaskaThere's a whole lot of harness-banging going on in Anchorage, Alaska today. I'm at the March 6th ceremonial start of the 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race - the Last Great Race - taking place across the Alaskan wilderness.

MUSHERS FROM NEAR AND FAR

Dog mushers come from as near as Willow, Alaska and as far as Aberdeen, Scotland and St. Anne, Jamaica to compete in this 1,049 mile Iditarod sled dog race to Nome, Alaska. Seventy one mushers will guide their Iditarod sled dogs as they manuever over Rainy Pass, the highest point on the trail, through bumpy Nikolai, and over frozen tundra, eventually reaching Nome, Alaska.

Quick Iditarod sled dog mushers are rewarded in Cripple, an abandoned mining town and the race's halfway point. The first musher to Cripple is rewarded with a $3,000 check.

 

CHICAGO MUSHER COPES WITH CANCER

Chicago Musher Pat Moon has been dealing with more than logistical problems as he tackles this Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Moon, 33, has been fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a blood malignancy. Iditarod Update: Unfortunately, Moon crashed into a tree on Tuesday while navigating a gorge and had to be dropped from the race.

JAMAICA ROOKIE

Jamaican Iditarod Sled Dog Musher Newton MarshallAnother rookie musher, Newton Marshall of Jamaica, will have to cope with drastic Alaska weather conditions during the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Unlike his native Jamaica, hurricane-velocity winds and blizzards are common as the trail crosses Norton Sound to Koyuk.

 

WHO WILL WIN 2010 IDITAROD SLED DOG RACE?

Who will be the first to cross the finish line in Nome, Alaska to win the Iditarod sled dog race? Will it be Alaska's Jeff King? The 54-year-old King, a four-time champion, hopes to end his Iditarod career with a bang. I certainly remember holding puppies at his Husky Homestead Tour in Denali Park.

What about Lance Mackey of Fairbanks, Alaska? Mackey hopes to win his fourth straight Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Update: Mackey won his fourth consecutive Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Let's not forget about DeeDee Jonrowe, a breast cancer survivor, Jonrowe started the 2003 Iditarod Sled Dog Race just three weeks after finishing chemotherapy.

Young musher Dallas Seavey, 22 of Seward, hopes to follow father Mitch Seavey, the 2004 Iditarod Sled Dog Race champion, in bringing home the title.

On the other end of the age spectrum, Chuglak's Jim Lanier, at 69 years of age, will be singing to his sled dogs as he races the Iditarod. Lanier, along with his wife and son, serenaded us at the Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's Banquet with their beautiful voices. Is that what keeps his dog's running?

Finally, four-time champion Martin Buser of Big Lake, Alaska, holds the Iditarod Sled Dog Race record of eight days, 22 hours and 46 minutes.

Who is your favorite to win the 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race?

Thank you to the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau and Alaska Travel for allowing me and inside look at the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Photos and video by Nancy D. Brown

 

 

 

A Horseback Riding Vacation Blog - Writinghorseback.com

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Enjoy Horseback Riding Vacations - Visit Writinghorseback.com Travel blogs are bubbling up faster than popping corn in a microwave oven. What makes a travel blog unique? Obviously the travel blog has to be well written and have wonderful photos; it also has to have a highly-focused niche that is often searched for on the internet.

My niche - horseback riding vacations. 

Passion for Travel and Horse Lover

At Writinghorseback.com, I've combined my passion for travel with my love of horses. It made sense to launch Writinghorseback.com, as I'm not the only horse-crazy fool who jumps at the chance to go on a horseback riding vacation as often as possible.

Writinghorseback.com will serve as your guide to horseback riding vacations and equestrian travel deals. As I'm already traveling to wonderful locations for my newspaper and magazine articles, I thought it made sense to have a website devoted to the best horseback riding vacations. 

 

An Icelandic Horseback Riding VacationAs the site grows, I plan to offer lodging and equestrian-based horseback riding vacation discounts to subscribers. My first exclusive rate is for a trip to Iceland to ride the Icelandic ponies. I will also be writing horse-related tack and riding apparel reviews.

 

 

• Swim in a waterfall after horseback riding in Kauai, Hawaii
• Ride horseback to a bootlegger still in an abandoned coal mine in Wickenburg, Arizona
• View an osprey nest before horseback riding on the beach in Olema, California
• Learn what to look for in a solo horseback riding vacation
• Relax in a hot tub after horseback riding on Ten Mile Beach in Mendocino County
• Come share your horseback riding vacation discoveries at Writinghorseback.com

 

If you are a fan of social media, please consider becoming a Writing Horseback Facebook Fan. Not only will you find me on Twitter @Nancydbrown, I'm also the equestrian tweeter behind @Ridinghorseback.

How to pack for Alaska winter vacation

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Iditarod Champion Jeff KingIt's winter and I'm wearing my Muckluks to break them in for my upcoming trip to Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. Only problem is, I live in Northern California, so my two teenagers are giving me the look.

I've snow-proofed my Arctic Mukluks with water repellent and added the felt inserts to keep my feet toasty warm as I watch the start of the Iditarod Race and while I'm checking out the ice sculptures at the 2010 World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska.

My last trip to Anchorage and Fairbanks was August, 2009. A highlight of that trip was holding a sled dog puppy. Termination dust was just starting to blanket the hillsides. A sign that winter was on its way.

Early March I'll be flying Alaska Airlines from SFO to Anchorage to watch the "Last Great Race on Earth" as a guest of Alaska Travel.

For all things Alaska, follow them on Twitter. Of course, I'll be tweeting during my trip, as well. The Fairbanks CVB in on Twitter, too.

"In a winter trip to Alaska, you have to be prepared for a huge temperature range," notes Lyle Croft of Fairbanks-based Apocalypse Design. "It can be 40'F above one day and -40'F the next. You worry about moisture at warmer temperatures as everything around is melting. Colder temperatures you want to stay warm."

When Croft volunteers for the Yukon Quest, a dog-sled race in Fairbanks, he has multiple outfits for different temperatures, including different insulation levels of hats and boots. (Clearly this guy doesn't need to worry about carry-on restrictions.)

 How to pack for an Alaska winter vacation

• Layering is key.
• Synthetic is in - cotton is out.
• Long underwear - Cuddl Duds for me.
• Fleece Pants - mine are from Apocalypse Design
• Snow Bib - Apocalypse Design
• Moisture wicking t-shirts
• Long-sleeve shirts for layering
• Alpine Parka - insulation levels vary - Apocalypse Design
• Arctic Mitts - mine are from Steger Mukluks & Moccasins
• Smart wool socks - mine are from Icebreaker.com
• Arctic Mukluks - Steger Mukluks & Moccasins
• Warm hat
• Bathing Suit - I'm going to Chena Hotsprings

Patti Steger of Steger Mukluks and Moccasins adds that, "flexibillity, insulation and light weight are the keys to warm feet. If your hand are cold, you understand that with vigorous motion you will generate blood supply to warm them. That same principle applies to your feet. The colder it gets, the more flexible and insulated you must be."

 Have you been to Alaska in the winter? What have I left off my "How to pack for an Alaska winter vacation" list? Please leave a comment with your suggestions.

 

Best Things to See and Do in Wickenburg, Arizona

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Saguaro Giant CactusWhen I crave good hearty Cowboy cuisine, I turn to Cowboy Cafe.

To escape work I go to The Spa at Los Caballeros.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Hassayampa River Preserve.

If you come to Wickenburg, get your picture taken at the Historic Jail Tree.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Anita's Cocina, get the Carne Asada dinner. 

Wickenburg is my one stop shop for western wear.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to DJ's Frontier Diner.

For a huge splurge, I go to Rancho de los Caballeros.  

Photo ops in Wickenburg include: Bronze statues in downtown; vulture peak; historic Santa Fe Depot; Box Canyon and Historic Vulture Mine.

The best vantage points are taken by hiking to the top of Vulture Peak.

The most random thing about Wickenburg is that they are known for having top-notch addiction treatment centers. In fact, when I was in Wickenburg reviewing  the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch, the local paper reported that Tiger Woods was rumored to be in town for sexual addiction treatment.

 In Wickenburg, an active day outdoors involves walking or hiking, roping or jeeping.

My favorite walking route is the Westside pedestrian trail next to Highway 60.

Wickenburg's best museum is the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.

To find out what's going on at night or on weekends, read The Wickenburg Sun.

You can tell a lot about Wickenburg from visiting our rural community and watching a special heritage event.

In the spring you should attend Cowgirl Up!

In the summer you should check out Fiesta de Septiembre.

 

In the fall you might want to visit Four Corner States Bluegrass Festival.

The winter is a good time to go to Gold Rush Days and Rodeo.

 A hidden gem in Wickenburg is the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to Nana's Sandwich Saloon.

Just outside of Wickenburg you can visit Congress, Arizona, have lunch at Nichols West.

The best way to see Wickenburg is to take the historical walking tour of downtown.

If you have kids, you won't want to miss Camp Imagination, Wickenburg Fly-In & Car Show, hiking the Hassayampa Preserve and visiting the gem & mineral room at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.

What are your favorite things to see and do in Wickenburg?

Thank you to Julie Brooks of the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce for assistance with this post.

 All photos by Nancy D. Brown