Celebrate National Road Trip Day with a Twist
It’s adventure season and we’re kicking it off with National Road Trip day! What better way to explore Arizona than with a plan that keeps your passions and interests in mind? Check out this Local First Arizona approved road-trip guide that aligns with your devotion to supporting small businesses, diverse communities, local food producers, and environmental action across the state. We’ll see you out on the road!
Join Us Under the Western Willcox Sky
This Southern Arizona gem has it all. From the stunning hoodoos scattered throughout the Chiricahua Mountains, to a vibrant wine and food scene, and you can’t forget the historic cowboy roots that make for one of a kind adventures.
If you are looking to experience everything this community has to offer tag along with the Local First Arizona team as we bring you a WeekendZona experience in Willcox, Arizona this July. Tickets include a 100% locally curated experience that highlights small businesses and local organizations. Join us as we explore the Chiricahua Mountains, capture memories at local orchards, sip wine from local vineyards, and most importantly use our vacation dollars to impact a rural economy. Check out the full itinerary and purchase tickets.
Road-Trip to one of These National Forests
If you have a love for both exploring and saving nature, you should consider a trip to one of the National Forests participating in the Four Forests Restoration Initiatives; you can take your pick between Kaibab, Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Tonto. This monumental project is a testament to the collaboration and commitment required for organizations to reach goals like providing for wildlife and plant diversity, strategizing to prevent severe wildfires, and restoring the ponderosa pine ecosystems. You can show your support by volunteering with participating organizations, exploring these forests with a local recreation pass, supporting small businesses in their surrounding communities, and sharing stories like these with your friends!
Side note: if you catch yourself at the Coconino or Tonto National Forests consider hiking a portion of the Arizona Trail and don’t forget to show your support for the Arizona Trail Association by shopping their merch on the Shop AZ Marketplace.
Keep it Local in Kingman
Image Source: West of 3rd
The local scene in Kingman has been thriving and growing these past few months and there is a whole list of businesses you can’t miss. Visit with a group and check out Route 66 Marketplace for DIY classes - they had us at DIY chunky blankets! Then sip tea and munch on macaroons during your private tea party at LA TEA DA on Beale. Take some time to explore, pick up a record or two from cool shops like Shady Grove Records, and please don’t miss the chance to support some of the woman-owned businesses at West of 3rd. Not to mention this community has all the eats.
Try this day of eating: enjoy a scenic breakfast at the Hualapai Mountain Resort, visit Siren’s Cafe for lunch where you can expect delicious and one-of-a-kind creations, and ending the day with dinner and brews at Rickety Cricket Brewing is a must!
Take a Verde Grown Road-trip
For over two thousand years, farmers and ranchers worked the floodplains of the Verde Valley, casting seeds, digging canals, and cultivating what would eventually become the breadbasket for North Central Arizona. To celebrate and enhance the local food culture, this community of farmers, ranchers, food producers and, food advocates have partnered with Local First Arizona to establish Verde Grown, the brand chosen to tell the story of resilience in the region. You can explore all the local businesses proudly serving and producing Verde Grown products here.
If you are looking for more ways to engage with the local food movement in the Verde Valley we invite you to share your "Eat Local" experience with us! When posting on social media, be sure to tag @goodfoodaz on Instagram or @GoodFoodFinder on Facebook. You can also use #GoodFoodAZ and #LocalFirstAZ in your posts!
Enjoy the Diverse Culture in Parker
Parker is most famous for its many activities and state parks dedicated to exploring, lounging, and adventuring on the Colorado River. Whether you hit the water on a jet ski rental or wine and dine at one of the local dock bars after a day of wading in the river, you won’t run out of fun along this Colorado River town.
Another highlight of this community is the diverse and vibrant culture that can be found throughout. Take time to explore the influence of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, with members from the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo tribes by supporting entrepreneurs and artists on display at the CRIT Museum Gift Shop. Local culture also revolves around food and there is no shortage of options; locals tout their wide selection of authentic Mexican cuisine, surprisingly delicious Chinese food for a small town, and so much more.
No matter which Arizona community is calling your name, consciously making the decision to travel within our state instead of our neighbors has an essential impact on small businesses and our statewide economy. According to the Arizona Office of Tourism 2019, the tourism industry in Arizona generated $25.6 billion and supported 194,000 jobs. In 2020, it is estimated that we lost about $11.8 billion due to the pandemic. Help us revitalize this industry by exploring Arizona’s one of a kind destinations throughout 2021!