Top 10 places to explore in Arizona

Trapped by the summer heat in Phoenix, I couldn’t help but ponder the best places to get away around Arizona. With the monsoon humidity and searing temps, it’s like a Southwest Airlines jingle. ["Wanna get away?"]

Granted, this weather is the only thing that keeps the Californians from moving here in droves. And who could blame them?

But it also forces one to take stock of all the reasons for living in the desert. And I have all those reasons — neatly compiled into a handy list below for your viewing pleasure. It is based on years of traveling and experiencing our great state. No doubt this list will change as I get out even more. [Note: The Grand Canyon and Sedona are not on this list for obvious reasons.]

TOP 10 PLACES TO EXPLORE IN ARIZONA

Payson : There’s a reason Media World USA proclaimed Payson the "Best Small Town in Arizona" this year. Cooler temps, a friendly small-town feel, quick access to the woods and the waterfalls of the East Verde River probably made it a no-brainer. For local flavor, hit the Beeline Cafe for breakfast, where the wait staff gives everyone a good ribbing for fun. For lunch or a cold beer, try the rough-and-tumble Buffalo Bar & Grill. The drive up State Route 87 is one of the most scenic commutes in the state.

Flagstaff : OK, so I’ve got cool weather-itis. This slightly larger town (about 60,000 when college is in session) sits just 130 miles north of Phoenix. I love this one for the historic, eclectic downtown and access to skiing and ample hiking. For food, try Alpine Pizza and the Downtown Diner for tasty, cheap eats. Late for the Train is a great place to get coffee, and the lounge in the basement of the historic Monte Vista Hotel is great for quaffing a few pints and shooting pool. Schultz Pass and the towering San Francisco Peaks are right around the corner.

Prescott : This one’s closer to Phoenix, but not quite as cool as Flagstaff nor as populous. Once the original capitol of Arizona, Prescott has a fun downtown made cool with historic hotels, an old courthouse, huge trees, funky cafes, a brewery and the infamous "Whiskey Row." Take the personal challenge: See if you can stay at the Hassayampa Inn, have French crepes for breakfast up the street, eat lunch at the brewery and attend a downtown festival. Walk it off with a hike near the Granite Dells outside town.

Superstition Mountains : There’s plenty of hiking to be had here in the fall, and Globe’s historic downtown around the corner is as entertaining as any place to sample small-town Arizona’s colorful subculture. My favorite, however, is Apache and Canyon lakes just outside Tortilla Flat (whose owners once put the town on eBay). Full services plus a hotel and bar are available on site, so hitch your boat and head on up during a full-moon weekend. It won’t disappoint.

Cochise County : Moving on into Southern Arizona, this could possibly be the most historical corner of the state. We’re talking battles between the U.S. Army and Native American warriors like Geronimo and Cochise. Try a hike in the Dragoon Mountains or Cochise Stronghold. Tombstone’s pretty touristy, and in fact, was in danger of losing its historic status a few years back due to so many modern renovations to accommodate tourists. But it’s still a big draw (no pun intended.)

Tucson : Ah, the Old Pueblo. Here’s a place that covers a couple hundred years of Arizona history and whose residents make sure much of that flair stays intact. This is what makes Tucson so different from Phoenix. Try a stroll down Fourth Avenue, grab some Guatemalan food and visit La Hormiga Blanca. If it’s warm, knock down a cold one at The Shanty on the south end of the strip. And you can’t go without visiting Hotel Congress downtown or the pie shack atop Mount Lemmon.

Lake Havasu City : Gearheads will rejoice at this town’s boundless energy for boating and all things related to terrestrial toys. Check out the famed London Bridge in town, visit the brewery nextdoor, and boat the wide, canyoned expanse of this man-made wonder. To get away from it all, try a hike through the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching.

Page/Arizona strip : Call me crazy, but there’s something about the bare, windswept mesas of the northern Arizona strip-county town and it’s surroundings. Rent kayaks and a trailer, head for Lee’s Ferry and hook up with the river-boating tours for a ride upriver. Drop kayak and enjoy. The trip back down includes petroglyphs and the occasional eagle sighting. Head back to town, clean up and rally at the Windy Mesa for a cold drink and an entertaining look at the locals. Stick around for the dancing.

Four Corners area : These tribal lands have some of the most colorful rock formations in Arizona outside Sedona. Hiking is by permit only through the Navajo Nation’s parks and recreation department. Scoot along the highway and stop for curios at Four Corners. Hit the Keet Seel trail near the Navajo National Monument for a native perspective.

Bisbee : It’s long drive from Phoenix, but Bisbee is worth the haul. The remnants of this historic mining town have been reborn thanks to a quirky, progressive populace whose shops literally stick up from the mountainsides. It’s full of local shops, eateries and bed and breakfasts whose prices are negotiable if you’re daring enough to book upon arrival. Try Hotel San Ramon, whose staff puts homemade chocolate chip cookies in a mason jar by your bedside. Wander over to the Bisbee Coffee Company for hot cup of jo’, then drive five minutes out of town for the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Hike, explore, visit the mine, but don’t forget to have a stellar dinner at Cafe Roka.