The shoulder season is
upon us in Southern
Arizona, that time between
peak seasons when tourist
attention shifts from the
cool northlands to the cozy
southern climes. Businesses
that depend on tourism
throughout Arizona and the
Southwest region in gener-

al will be looking for AZ Tourist News
to continue to provide the information
that you, our readers, need in order to
find them and the destinations with
which they are associated.

Oddly enough, we have been criti-
cized from time to time for taking care
of our advertisers first at the expense of
the information our readers like to take
advantage of. Not only do we find this
criticism somewhat specious, we
believe that our advertisers are intrinsi-
cally linked with whatever character
that makes a place attractive. They are

That being said, it is our mission
first to provide information that will
inspire readers to take action - by high-
lighting an event they were not aware of
or an opening of some small out of the
way gem that would go unnoticed
unless you read AZ Tourist News. But
while all of our information is gathered
for you by our earnest efforts, it is
BROUGHT TO YOU by our advertis-
er\u2019s sponsorship.

The way we work is simple. We
know and understand that our informa-
tion results in benefits for businesses
that you, as tourists, rely on in your
journeys throughout Arizona and the
Southwest. No matter where you go,
you will need lodging, food, other activ-

ities, etc. The businesses that provide
these services are the ones that recog-
nize the value of our efforts the most. In
turn, they support us with advertising. It
is then our job to put their best face on
the message we provide in order to
drive business their way. In short, they
allow us to exist. Meanwhile, we exist
to furnish travelers with information
and inspiration. If you are so inspired,
dear reader, you can help by patronizing
our sponsors, thus assuring satisfaction
for all three partners in this relationship.

Please be aware that if a location is
such that I wouldn\u2019t go there myself
then we won\u2019t look for them as adver-
tisers. Naturally, it is our responsibility
to showcase our advertiser\u2019s finest
attributes. We are proud to emphasize
the positive. Unfortunately, it seems
there is always something critical to say
about almost anything. However, I pre-
fer to listen to my Mother\u2019s edict, \u201cIf
you don\u2019t have anything good to say,
then say nothing at all.\u201d There is
enough real (bad) news out there and it
is not our place to describe it. Our job is
to enlighten you on all the positive
attributes that make Arizona such a
wonderful place to visit and to live.

As I mentioned earlier, without our
supporters this paper would not exist
and we are so grateful for their crucial
support. On the other hand, we have
tried to no avail to work with the
Arizona Office of Tourism for over 7
years now. A 12 million dollar budget
has put stars in their eyes and blinded
them to the jewels at their feet. We (and
by extension our sponsors and readers
with us) are those jewels. But the state
of Arizona simply does not recognize us
as having a valid mission, one that they

should support so that instead of 60,000
papers monthly we could put out what
the demand requires, which is closer to
200,000 papers. It is still our hope that
one day they will recognize our value
and support us with the very tax dollars
we help generate.

Until that fine day we will continue
to go it alone, bringing our readers and
advertisers the information and service
that has resulted in so many fantastic
experiences throughout every nook and
cranny of the state that we know so well
and love so much. This month, for
instance, we will romance you with
Southeastern Arizona. Our cover story

will alert you to the wonders of Eastern
Cochise County. From picturesque vine-
yards to historic Fort Bowie, from rare
bird sightings to extraordinary rock for-
mations in the Chiricahua National
Monument to lonely ghost towns...you
will find much to explore.

So enjoy the paper. Enjoy the region.
We hope to help you find what you\u2019re
looking for.

To reach an account executive, associate editor or to contact the editor or publisher, call (800) 462-8705. Any editorial portion of AZ Tourist News may not be dupli- cated without written permission from the Publisher. Az Tourist News \u00a9 2004. 60,000 copies distributed monthly. Look for us at visitors centers, hotels, resorts, movie the- aters, restaurants, major attractions, major events, and everywhere else in Arizona!

Az Tourist News, P.O. Box 5083,
Tucson, AZ, 85703. Toll Free (800)
462-8705, (520) 622-7008, (520) 622-
7275 Fax, email info@aztourist.com,

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Astronomy..............................................................................................33 Attractions........................................................................................34-35 Bed & Breakfasts...................................................................................28 Birdwatching..........................................................................................33 Casinos, Regional..................................................................................36 Central Arizona...................................................................................4-7

Events, Featured..............................................................................24-25 September Events...........................................................................30 October Events.................................................................................31 November Events.............................................................................32

Flagstaff....................................................................................................10 Globe-Miami..............................................................................................6 Grand Canyon......................................................................................12-13 Green Valley..............................................................................................21

Page-Lake Powell.....................................................................................14 Pet Friendly Arizona...............................................................................27 Phoenix Metro........................................................................................4-5 Prescott.....................................................................................................17 Public Lands.............................................................................................39 Regional..............................................................................................40-41

Mexico...............................................................................................41 Rim Country...............................................................................................7 RV Resorts & Campgrounds.............................................................42-47 Sedona.......................................................................................................15 Southern Az.........................................................................................18-21 Statewide Map...................................................................................24-25 Survey - FREE SUBSCRIPTION................................................................34 Tucson........................................................................................................19 White Mountains...................................................................................8-9 Williams.....................................................................................................11 Wineries, Regional..................................................................................28

information such as event title, date, venue, brief description of event, admission and pub-
lic contact number for further information. The name of the city is not included in the
word count.

ness owner and/or working in the
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please call us at1-800-462-8705

Offering gorgeous, ever-changing vis-
tas, botanical riches, peerless birding and
charming vineyards, eastern Cochise
County may be one of
Arizona\u2019s best-kept secrets
when it comes to both nat-
ural beauty and indulgent

More than that, the
region pulses with the very
heartbeat of Arizona histo-
ry. In fact, some of the
most historic events ever to
take place in the Old West
occurred on this breathtak-
ing terrain.

Which of us ended our school years
never having felt chills of apprehension
and admiration at the story of the fearless
Apache leader Geronimo, his brave fel-
low warriors, and honorable surrender to
General Crook in 1889? Which of us
never found ourselves in the throes of
childhood imagination, wondering it
would be like to be a cavalry soldier
preparing for battle behind the walls of a
fort in the Old West or a native warrior
vigilantly guarding his village from
enemy raids?

At Fort Bowie National Historic Site,
you\u2019ll walk the land where 30 years of
conflict took place, fought with incredible
bravery and massive bloodshed on both

sides. You\u2019ll explore the carefully-pre-
served remains of the fort
itself and view irreplaceable
cultural and battle artifacts of
both the Chiricahua Apache
and the U.S. Cavalry. You\u2019ll
look out over land that saw
the Battle of Apache Pass and
the infamous wagon train
massacre known as the

endary Butterfield Stage
Station, as well as the post cemetery
where bodies of young soldiers were
buried for three decades - an unforget-
table experience.

Wine lovers and fans of local color
and culture will enjoy visiting one or
more of the delightful vineyards clustered
around Eastern Cochise County. Visit

delightful atmosphere, sample their suc-
culent wines and treat yourself to bagsful
of the orchard\u2019s famously fla-
vorful pecans, walnuts, peaches
and cherries for feasting during
hikes and picnics.

This year, the area\u2019s vine-
yards are experiencing a rare -
and very exciting - event.

near Portal, is preparing for its
first public release November 5-
7, 2004. At 5,200 feet, convert-
ing an old apple orchard into
this successful vineyard has
been a labor of love for the
McDonald-Johnsons. Everyone is invited
to join the celebration, no reservations
required. Attending a vineyard debut can
be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No
wine hobbyist will want to miss it!

Nestled in the foothills of the
Chiricahua Mountains, Cave Creek
Canyon, home of the South Fork
Zoological and Botanical Area, boasts
some of the richest flora and fauna to be
found in North America - and some of the
best birding, as well! Experienced birders
and novices alike are delighted with the

abundant bird species...approximately
330, including Mexican specialties such
as the Elegant Trogon, a rich variety of
hummingbirds and the Red-faced and
Grace\u2019s Warblers of the Southwest.

A vast array of wildlife and wild beau-
ty is unique to the area - including the
gorgeous rock forma-
tions and remarkable
biological diversity of
the Chiricahua
National Monument.

eruption 27 million
years ago blanketed
the land with 2000
feet of ash and
pumice, and the erosion and natur-
al events of the intervening eons
have made it the singular natural
wonder it is today.

Willcox is a great starting point
for your journey through \u201cThe
Magic Circle of Cochise.\u201d Check
out the Chiricahua Regional
Museum, the landmark Southern Pacific
Depot, the Rex Allen Museum and the
Cowboy Hall of Fame, or just relax, play

Then, follow the
\u201cMagic Circle\u201d to the ghost
town of Dos Cabezas before
heading on to Fort Bowie
and the Chiricahua National
Monument - which is a desti-
nation spot for hikers, featur-
ing over 20 miles of the
Southwest\u2019s favorite trails.

rock-climbing adventure,
keeping your eyes peeled for petroglyphs.
With a 5-mile hiking trail favored by hik-
ers at all levels of expertise and glorious
views that seem to go on for eternity, it\u2019s
a perfect camping spot for couples or

Don\u2019t forget to stop by Old Pearce,
located just off Route 191, and the last of
the goldrush towns. The little community
is actually a ghost town in the process of
resurrection - which is why it\u2019s been able
to retain much of its Old West flavor,
including a general store virtually
unchanged since it was built in 1893.

Portal, located in one of the darkest deep-
sky sites on the entire continent. Viewed
from the cozy little enclave, the frosty
light of the Milky Way and the brilliance
of the stars are unforgettable, awe-inspir-
ing sights.

is the perfect \u201chome base\u201d for couples
and families exploring the area over days,
or even weeks. Watch the sun rise from
the furnished wooden deck and enjoy a
delicious homestyle meal in the cafe - and
make sure you ask them to pack you a

home base and enjoy the accessi-
bility, amenities and conveniences
that we\u2019ve learned distinguish the
park from others in the experience

Folks from
other states scouting a
vacation or retirement
residence, as well as
Arizonans seeking to
escape the intense
summer heat of
Phoenix or Tucson
will want to talk to
Larry and Ali Recker

of Recker Realty about finding a home
in Pearce Sunsites. Larry and Ali are all
about honesty, ethics and integrity - and
their friendly warmth makes you feel
right at home.

If you thrill to the sights and sounds of
nature and the echoes of human history -
you owe yourself the opportunity to
spend days, weeks (or even years) explor-
ing eastern Cochise County - and for one
simple reason: it\u2019s all there - in vibrant,
living color.

Showers \u2022 Cabin & Separate Tent Sites
Swimming Pool \u2022 Clean Restrooms
Rec Room \u2022 Cable \u2022 RV Supplies
Propane \u2022 Ice \u2022 New Stronghold Storage