BEST OF AZ

OUR FIRST-EVER GUIDE TO THE BEST OF EVERYTHING IN ARIZONA, FROM ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS TO SECRET HIDEAWAYS AND MARGARITAS. THE LATTER, BY THE WAY, COME COURTESY OF ROGER CLYNE, THE TEMPE-BASED ROCK STAR. CY YOUNG AWARD-WINNER BRANDON WEBB PITCHED IN ON THIS PIECE AS WELL, AND SO DID NFL REFEREE ED HOCHULI. SOME OF THE CHOICES YOU'LL AGREE WITH. OTHERS, PROBABLY NOT. EITHER WAY. THIS IS OUR TAKE ON THE "BEST OF ARIZONA."

BEST RETURN TO MOTHER NATURE

Fossil Creek - Mazatzal Wilderness, near Strawberry: For more than a century, 95 percent of the temperate waters of Fossil Creek were diverted to the Childs-Irving hydroelectric facilities near Strawberry. On June 18, 2005, APS decommissioned the power plants and returned full flow of Fossil Creek's stream. That led to major opportunities for riparian revitalization, including the development of a native fish restoration project. Researchers from Northern Arizona University have collected data about the creek's flow rates and natural travertine development, while other revitalization partners have worked to assess possible future recreational uses for the area. Information: www.watershed.nau.edu/fossilcreekproject.

BEST COVER MATERIAL

In June, we featured a portfolio by Wes Timmerman. The feedback was incredible, including this, from one of our longtime photographers: "It's probably the most beautiful, most striking, most memorable portfolio I have ever seen in Arizona Highways." With that kind of praise, it only made sense to go back to Wes for our "best of" cover. So we did.

BEST ROOM WITH A VIEW

El Tovar, Suite 6492 - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park: Waking up to miles of crimson, burnt orange and bluegray spires, buttes and mesas will put a lot more pep in those first steps of the day than a standard cup of coffee. Starting the day on a breathtaking note is easy at El Tovar, perched atop the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Any view from the hotel is amazing, but Suite 6492 is one of three rooms with killer views. Its private balcony faces northward across the Canyon - less than 50 yards from its edge. Information: 888-297-2757 or www.grand canyonlodges.com.

Astronomer's Inn - Benson: The Vega-Bray in Benson may be one of the only observatories that can offer a nice bed to sleep in and a full hot breakfast. The Astronomer's Inn houses the observatory, as well as four themed guestrooms (guests in the Galaxy Room sleep under the watchful eyes of a Han Solo cardboard cutout). The inn offers stargazing packages that make use of their impressive telescope inventory and cater to guests' interests and level of knowledge. Information: 520-5867906 or www.astronomersinn.com.

BEST REASON TO CROSS THE CREEK

Garland's Oak Creek Lodge - Oak Creek Canyon: With the possible exception of El Tovar, which has the unfair advantage of being perched on the edge of the Seventh Natural Wonder, Garland's Oak Creek Lodge is arguably the most scenic place to spend a night in Arizona. Located "across the creek" in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, Garland's is surrounded by millions of years of red-rock geology, towering pines, hearty oaks and a healthy dose of pioneer history. The accommodations and dinner menu are even more impressive. Information: 928-282-3343 or www.garlandslodge.com.

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

Paca de Paja - Tucson: The first bed and breakfast in Arizona to be added to the National Green Pages, this owner-built beacon of eco-architecture boasts a strawbale infrastructure, evaporative cooling, lowimpact design and native-plant landscaping. Guests at the inn can enjoy expansive desert views, hiking and mountain biking. Each morning an array of homemade breads, quiche and burritos is served and can be enjoyed near the local watering hole where javelinas and other wildlife frequently visit. Information: 520-822-2065 or www.paca depaja.com.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH THAT'LL IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS IN EAST LANSING

Red Rock Crossing - Sedona: Located south of the city, Cathedral Rock serves as an icon of the Southwest and a picturesque backdrop to Red Rock Crossing, arguably the most photographed destination in Arizona - other than the Grand Canyon. Best photographed from the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, Cathedral Rock and its surroundings are postcardperfect, so much so that the unparalleled red hues and crisp blue skies behind them will undoubtedly make winter-weary Midwesterners green with envy. Information: www.fs.fed.us/r3/ coconino/recreation/red_rock/rec_redrock.

BEST PLACE TO SLEEP NEAR AN OPEN MEADOW

Hannagan Campground: The epitome of relaxation may very well be sleeping in a wide-open meadow. Of course, a nap in Hannagan Meadow might get interrupted by a wandering elk, but it's still worth the trip on U.S. Route 191. The meadow itself is fenced off and only open for day use, but provides visitors with the rare opportunity to see a Mexican gray wolf, as well as an abundance of wildflowers. Nearby, Hannagan Campground is the place for overnight sleeping in the area. A night there makes for perfect stargazing. Information: 928-339-5000.

BEST CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Noftsger Hill Inn - Globe: Falling asleep in class is rarely a good thing a notebook-paper pillow, the glaring eye of the teacher, the hard seat underneath and the arm cramp from awkward positioning. But the classrooms at Noftsger Hill are made for more. Beneath long chalkboards are perfect, expansive beds. Rosalie and Dom Ayala took the expansive, two-story schoolhouse on a Globe hilltop and turned it into a bed and breakfast in 2001. Now, former students and teachers return on a regular basis, bringing back old class photos, lesson plans and report cards. Information: 928-425-2260 or www. noftsgerhillinn.com.

BEST OPPORTUNITY TO STAND IN THE SETTING OF A JOHN WAYNE MOVIE

Monument Valley - Navajo Nation: Only the towering buttes and majestic monoliths of Monument Valley could have measured up to the statuesque form of John Wayne. These two epic characters lit up several movie screens and became quintessentially “Western” from the moment Wayne first rode across the vast landscape in the 1939 film Stagecoach. Wayne and the valley came together again in Fort Apache, Rio Grande and The Searchers. Take multiple hiking and vehicle tours through the area, or drive yourself across Indian Route 6485 from U.S. Route 160, near Kayenta. Information: 928-871-6647 or www.navajona tionparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm.

BEST PLACE TO APPRECIATE FILM

Kolb Studio - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park: Digital cameras have proved their worth - even some of our hardcore holdouts have made the switch, including Gary Ladd, who did his first digital shot for us in June. Still, there's something special about film, and one of the best places to appreciate that format is Kolb Studio at the Grand Canyon. Brothers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb made livings and made history by photographing visitors to the South Rim. Today, their studio/ home is open to tourists and features revolving exhibits of Grand Canyon photography, as well as showings of the project that put the Kolbs on the map - a movie of their 1912 adventure down the Colorado River. Information: 928-638-2481 or www.grandcanyon.org.

BEST PLACE TO MEET MR. WRIGHT

Taliesin West - Scottsdale: The counterpart to master architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin in Wisconsin, Taliesin West is both a museum and home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's School of Architecture. Nestled at the base of the McDowell Mountains, Taliesin West might just be the jewel of the Sonoran Desert, as well as offering a striking homage to the master, reflecting his philosophy that “the desert abhors the straight, hard line.” Information: 480-860-2700 or www. franklloydwright.org.

BEST PLACE TO FEEL LIKE YOU'VE LANDED IN A COEN BROTHERS MOVIE

Quartzsite: With a population of about 3,600 people and a setting that's more “Arizona rustic” than “Arizona modern,” the tiny town of Quartzsite is a rockhound's dream. In fact, more than 15 gem and mineral shows take place there each year, and that's why the brothers Coen might consider it for an upcoming film. Like the Arizona portrayed in the Coens' Raising Arizona or the North Dakota they captured in Fargo, Quartzsite is chock-full of quirky characters. The Colorado River lies only 17 miles west, and the Kofa, New Water and Plomosa mountains provide the only visual relief to an otherwise dusty scene. Information: 928-927-4333 or www. ci.quartzsite.az.us.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A 10-YEAR-OLD OBSESSED WITH LUKE SKYWALKER

Pima Air & Space Museum - Tucson: So maybe Luke, Darth and Chewbaca were all figments of George Lucas' imagination, but one thing is certain: The space race was real, and Arizona played a major role in it. At Tucson's Pima Air & Space Museum, young stargazers can explore the “Space Gallery,” an exhibit entirely dedicated to space exploration. It includes a training version of an Apollo space capsule, a space-race timeline and an interactive exhibit about the Phoenix Mars Mission. The museum also houses more than 125,000 aircraft and spacecraft artifacts. Information: 520-574-0462 or www.pimaair.org.

BEST EXAMPLE OF “ANYTHING A MAN CAN DO A WOMAN CAN DO BETTER”

Desert View Watchtower - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park: When architect Mary Jane Colter was commissioned by the Fred Harvey Co. to design a gift shop and rest area at Desert View in 1932, there were no visions of tacky bathrooms or rest-stop kitsch in her mind. Colter always designed with a sense of the surrounding area. That's why the Watchtower seems to have been formed right along with the Grand Canyon below it.

Colter allegedly handpicked each stone herself, and the final product is filled with Indian art as an homage to the prehistoric ruins that dot the Southwest. Information: 928-638-7888 or www.nps.gov/grca.

BEST PLACE NAME

Bloody Basin - off Interstate 17: There are a few theories as to the baptism of Bloody Basin, southeast of Cordes Junction. One theory claims that several bloody Indian battles led to the designation, while another espouses the idea that a lot of misguided sheep fell from a nearby bridge into the basin below. Neither version is pretty, but they both provide an air of mystery to the otherwise common area.

BEST OPPORTUNITY TO SLEEP WHERE AN OSCAR-WINNING MOVIE WAS MADE

Hotel Monte Vista - Flagstaff: More than a few ghosts allegedly roam this historic Flagstaff hotel, but at one point Humphrey Bogart wandered the halls - the real Bogie, not just a spectre. The hotel hallway scene in the movie Casablanca was filmed at the Monte Vista, outside room 408. Bogart also used this and room 409 many times in his career. Casablanca went on to win an Oscar, while the Monte Vista went on to temporarily house many other celebrities when they passed through Flagstaff. Information: 928-779-6971 or www.hotelmontevista.com.

BEST WAY TO GET EDWARD ABBEY'S PERSPECTIVE

Atascosa Fire Lookout - near Nogales: Climbing along the Tumacacori Highlands to the famed fire lookout where writer and naturalist Edward Abbey spent the summer of 1968, the Atascosa Trail provides sweeping 360-degree views. Although the lookout at the top of the trail is unmaintained by the Forest Service, it does provide insight into Abbey's Confessions of a Barbarian, which he penned in part during his time as a seasonal fire lookout. About the viewpoint, he wrote, “Woke up this morning on an island in the sky, surrounded by clouds.” Information: 520-281-2296 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/trails/atascosa.shtml.

BEST MOUNTAIN TOWN THAT RHYMES WITH BEER

Greer: Whether you're sick of the desert's summer heat or just looking for a change of scenery, Greer is a quiet getaway to beat all getaways. The small White Mountains town is cool in the summer, crisp in the spring and fall and stunningly powder-dusted come winter, and there's plenty to do, too, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing, wildlife watching and cross-country skiing. Information: www.greerarizona.com.

BEST WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT

Snowbowl Scenic Skyride - near Flagstaff: During the summer months, Snowbowl's chairlift is transformed into a ride for the scenically inclined. Creeping to an elevation of 11,500 feet, the Skyride is a great way to capture panoramic views that, on a clear day, can stretch for nearly 70 miles. Forest Service interpretive specialists are available at the top of the lift to answer any number of questions about the area's biology, ecology and geology. Information: www.arizonasnowbowl.com/ summer/skyride.php.

BEST KITCHEN WITHOUT ANY APPLIANCES

Betty's Kitchen Interpretive Trail - Yuma: Betty's Kitchen does indeed have everything but the kitchen sink. Almost everything, that is, in terms of Arizona wildlife. The half-mile interpretive trail winds along a river bottom that's thick with native plants and features a number of interpretive signs that explain the area's inhabitants, including an abundance of birds - spotted sandpipers, American coots and Harris' hawks, to name a few. Information: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/hiking/ betty_kitch.html.

BEST COMEBACK

The California Condor: Condors were a dime a dozen during prehistoric times, and even resided in the Grand Canyon. But just as mastodons and sabertooth tigers became extinct during the late Pleistocene era, condor numbers deteriorated, too. During the mid1880s to mid-1920s, reports of condors in Arizona were scattered, and by 1982, only 22 of the massive scavengers were known to exist and only in California. Thanks to a major effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, however, condors are the comeback kids of the avian world and are being reintroduced by captive breeding each year into the Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Canyon areas. Information: www.azgfd.gov/w_c/califor nia_condor.shtml.

Honorable Mention: The Arizona Cardinals:

From a five-win, 11-loss season in 2006 to Super Bowl contenders in 2008. Enough said.

BEST FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION

Raptor Show, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Tucson: For the "Raptor Free Flight" demonstration at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, cages have been cast aside so visitors can see birds of prey glide, flap, pinwheel and dart in their natural habitat. The program began in 1996 with three Harris' hawks, and has since expanded to 17 birds, including five more species of raptors: the ferruginous hawk, grey hawk, prairie falcon, great horned owl and barn owl. Information: 520-883-2702 or www. desertmuseum.org.

BEST EXAMPLE OF BALD IS BEAUTIFUL

Mount Baldy - near Greer: Consider Mount Baldy the slightly shorter sibling of Humphreys Peak. Although it's the highest point in the White Mountains, Baldy tops out at 11,420 feet and is so named because the peak rises barren above the tree line, devoid of most vegetation - sort of like one of the domes in a Hair Club for Men commercial. But that doesn't mean that bald isn't beautiful, baby. In fact, hikers can soak in stunning views of the surrounding area and the West Fork of the Little Colorado River, but because the peak is on the Fort Apache Reservation, adventurers without a permit can only ascend to a slightly shorter subpeak. Information: www.wmonline.com.

BEST DIESEL-POWERED SIGHTSEEING: PART 1

Verde Canyon Railroad - Clarkdale: Nicknamed "Arizona's longest-running nature show," the Verde Canyon Railroad carries passengers from Clarkdale to the ghost town of Perkinsville and back, running between two national forests and a wilderness area, thus the moniker and the only opportunity to soak in some of the state's most pristine scenery. Expert narrators and open-air gondolas are also part of the package, which takes place in railroad cars appropriately decorated with images of bald eagles, popular Verde Canyon residents. Information: 800-3200718 or www.verdecanyonrr.com.

BEST DIESEL-POWERED SIGHTSEEING: PART 2

Grand Canyon Railway - Williams to Grand Canyon's South Rim: In 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway made its first trip, transporting tourists and researchers from Williams to the grand gulch. Although automobile travel eclipsed the need for the railway by 1968, it was reborn in 1989. Today, it transports more than 200,000 visitors to the Canyon each year, some of whom prefer to get there on the "Polar Express," a special GCR ride that runs during the holiday season. This year, couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary or folks celebrating their 50th birthday can ride the train for free in celebration of the anniversary of the railway's first diesel locomotives. Information: 800-8438724 or www.the train.com.

BEST PLACE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF AN ELEGANT TROGON

Madera Canyon: A long time ago, Madera Canyon provided timber to the city of Tucson, but now all that timber goes a long way in terms of hosting a slew of winged residents. Home to more than 240 species of birds, including 12 species of hummingbirds, the canyon is best accessed via the streamside Madera Nature Trail, and the private Santa Rita Lodge is happy to provide visitors with a bird-watchers' list. That list will undoubtedly include the foot-long elegant trogon, whose vibrant red and green plumage make it one of the most conspicuous canyon residents. Information: www.fs.fed. us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/ scenic_drives/mader_cyn.shtml.

BEST PLACE TO MAYBE SEE A WOLF

Blue Range Primitive Area: The last designated primitive area in the United States and so dubbed in 1933, the Blue Range Primitive Area's 173,762 acres are rugged, wild and wolf-friendly. At least that was the case when Aldo Leopold walked the woods. And thanks to a massive conservation effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, wolves have made a comeback in the area. Elusive and crafty, they have plenty of places to hide ... the area, after all, is primitive and full of dense trees, shrubs and boulders. Information: www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/trails/alpine_trails/trl_blu_list.shtml.

BEST REASON TO VISIT A GIANT PUDDLE-

Flight of the Cranes - Willcox: In January, there are a lot of wings over Willcox, and we're not talking about airplanes. We're talking about sandhill cranes. Thanks to large quantities of water that pool between January and March in the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, approximately 20,000 of the birds bed down for the night in the wetlands, resulting in an overwhelming cacophony of squawks when the birds take off at sunrise. During the annual Wings Over Willcox celebration, bird-watchers can get their fill of feathers, whether on their own or on a guided tour. Information: 800-200-2272.

BEST PLACE TO HIKE WITH THE GHOST OF LEOPOLD

Escudilla Wilderness Area: On the list of great conservationists in the history of the United States, you'll find names like John Muir, Rachel Carson and even John Denver. Perhaps the greatest of all, however, is Aldo Leopold, who spent a lot of time in Arizona and wrote some of his most influential essays here. One place in particular is the EscudiIla Wilderness in Eastern Arizona, which, other than the effects of a fire or two, hasn't changed much since the great man walked through the woods. Information: 928-339-5000 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.

BEST FESTIVAL NAMED FOR A LYRIC WRITTEN BY JACKSON BROWNE

Standin' on a Corner Festival - Winslow: It's been 37 years since The Eagles debuted their classic hit, Take It Easy, on May 1, 1972, but the town of Winslow is still paying tribute to the multiplatinum song that made the band famous. Currently in its 11th year, the Standin' on a Corner Festival is held in late September and features local rock favorites, as well as food and crafts vendors. Information: www. standinonthecorner.com.

BEST SONG NAMED FOR AN ARIZONA HIGHWAY

"Carefree Highway" by Gordon Lightfoot: On October 5, 1974, Gordon Lightfoot cracked the Top 10 for the third time with Carefree Highway, which was inspired by the no-longer-laid-back route in Phoenix. The song's not as impressive as The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but we'll take it. By the way, we like Get Your Kicks on Route 66, too.

BEST PLACE FOR SOME COOL BLUEGRASS

White Mountain Bluegrass Festival - Pinetop: If sounds of the fiddle, mandolin and banjo are your musical cup of tea, be sure to mark Pinetop's weekend bluegrass festival on your calendar. Performances by bands with names like Igor's Jazz Cowboys and Tangled Strings are guaranteed to entertain at this family friendly event. Festivities kick off August 7 and will include workshops, children's activities and an option for nightly "camping under the pines," as well as all those fine bluegrass ditties. Information: 928-3674290 or www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com.

BEST BRITISH IMPORT SINCE JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE AND RINGO

London Bridge - Lake Havasu City: The tiny Western Arizona city of Lake Havasu owns the original London Bridge. That's right, that London Bridge. The acquisition occurred in 1962, when Londoners discovered that the historic overpass was crumbling into the Thames River. Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCullough decided to bid on the bridge at auction and won, spending a grand total of $7 million to transport it to Arizona in 1968. And that was no easy feat - it required the careful dismantling of the bridge and shipping across the pond. By 1971, however, the bridge was reconstructed, and although it's no Abbey Road, it's been a point of interest ever since. Information: 800-242-8278 or www. golakehavasu.com.

BEST REST ROOM

The rest room at the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center on State Route 89A: Tak-

ing a trip across the state will undoubtedly

include some bathroom experiences that are best forgotten. But one restroom is worth remembering. The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center opened in April 1997 with a uniquely eco-friendly public bathroom. The self-composting toilets sit above woodchips and enzymes that take care of waste. They're low-maintenance, and most people don't even know the restroom is basically an outhouse until they realize it's nonflushing. Dispensers of hand sanitizer replace traditional sinks in this completely waterless restroom. Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October; 928-355-2319.

BEST BACKDROP FOR A MUSIC FESTIVAL

Grand Canyon National Park: Since 1983, Arizona's most lauded canyon has served as a backdrop for the annual Grand Canyon Music Festival. Situated amid the striking cliffs and lofty pines, the event is a casual, comeas-you-are affair, where concertgoers can soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the Canyon while relaxing to the sounds of world-class musicians. If the venue alone isn't enough, the selection of music is sure to please - the event features classical, blues, jazz, folk and rock melodies. The festival spans three weeks in September, with midweek and weekend concerts. Information: www.grandcanyon musicfest.org.

ROGER CLYNE Tempe-Based Recording Artist BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO BUY A PAIR OF BOOTS?

Depending on your mood, I recommend either the custom moccasin-makers at the Arizona Renaissance Festival or, if you're in the mood for more Western/traditional footwear, go to Paul Bond Boot Co.'s warehouse in Nogales. Both have amazing models, but you'll need to be patient. Each is a specialist, and you'll have to wait for your custom order. I'm still trying to decide which to order ...

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO GET A KILLER MARGARITA AND TACO?

Another split decision: Best taco - Go to Mucho Gusto Taqueria and Mexican Bistro in Tempe and order a fish taco on the patio. Best margarita - Visit Tres Margaritas, also in Tempe, and request the "Original." Bring a friend, tell the staff I sent you, and don't endeavor to drive if you've had more than two. Better yet, ride a bike.

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO HANG YOUR HAT?

I love Hotel Congress in Tucson. Eat at El Minuto, just down the road, catch a show and tip big. The ruckus in the hall after the concert is over is still part of the main event. Enjoy and/or join in! Salud!

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO WATCH A CONCERT?

Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. Every seat is a great seat; each note is nectar!

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO GIVE A CONCERT?

Celebrity Theater. From the stage, there is no seam between the band and the audience.

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO GET INSPIRED?

Each time I visit, the Whetstone Mountains whisper secrets to me.

BEST PLACE IN ARIZONA TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT?

The daily squirt-gun-water-balloon meleé at the Clyne Casa is, for me, the coolest place to be!

BEST PLACE TO HAVE YOUR AWE INSPIRED

Point Sublime - Grand Canyon National Park: Whoever baptized this westernmost North Rim viewpoint must have been both a realist and a romantic. A rugged two-hour drive leads to the point, which provides 270-degree views of the Canyon and, distantly, the Colorado River. Although the Canyon views will undoubtedly take your breath away, the drive itself is nothing to scoff at - it progresses from pine forest to piñon juniper and cactus quickly as it approaches Point Sublime's tabletop plateau. Be sure, though, to travel in a high-clearance vehicle that's equipped with a spare tire and other emergency equipment. Information: www.nps.gov/archive/grca/grandcanyon/north-rim.

dierks

Like George, Garth and Reba, Dierks Bentley doesn't really need a last name. All you have to do is say "Dierks," and everyone will know whom you're talking about. Especially in Arizona, where he's one of the brightest stars.

By Robert Stieve Talking to Dierks is like talking to a brother. Or somebody hiking in the Canyon. Or a guy sitting on a barstool at the Rusty Spur. He's laid-back, unassuming ... just another dude (one of his favorite words). There's no evidence of the multiplatinum stardom, the Grammy nominations, the six No. 1 hits (and counting), the double-digit top-10s or the prestigious CMA Horizon Award. Indeed, there's a long list of reasons to include Dierks Bentley in Arizona Highways' first-ever "Best of Arizona" issue, but near the top is his down-to-earth disposition. He's a good guy - one of the state's brightest stars.

The last time I talked to Dierks, he was on his bus, headed toward Flagstaff on Interstate 17. He'd been in Paradise Valley with his wife, Cassidy (another Arizona native), and their infant daughter, Evie (rhymes with Chevy). Just before he called, he'd been doing what most people do as they cruise through Arizona: He was taking pictures. Lots of pictures. No matter how many times you've seen Lake Powell or Sedona or the San Francisco Peaks, you can't help being impressed. Dierks is no different. He's seen it for himself, and he hears it all the time.

"I travel around the world," he says, "and people are in love with the idea of the West - not just country music, but the rugged individualism that exists out here. It's a world that's so foreign to them, whether it's Monument Valley or Route 66."

Of course, he doesn't need a fan in Australia or Germany or Japan to tell him about the mystique and the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon State. He grew up here.

"I have some great memories of going to Lake Powell as a kid," Dierks says. "Every summer we'd take the Sea Ray to the lake for six or seven days. I remember packing the '71 Suburban with gallons and gallons of extra gas - the tongue of the trailer would be just inches from the ground. We changed a lot of flat tires, but it was great."

His mother agrees. "We went to a beautiful 'secret spot' on Lake Powell for 25 years," says Cathy Bentley. "We'd camp

and go waterskiing... that's where Dierks learned to drive a boat. We always went in June, right after school got out, and sometimes we'd go a second time in late July or August.

As you'd expect, Cathy is proud of her son - the day I talked to her for this story, she'd just gotten home from cleaning out Safeway's supply of Country Weekly, which had featured Dierks on the cover. Her husband, Leon, shares her pride. That said, the Bentleys are equally proud of Dierks' older sister, Vanessa, and his younger brother, Fife. Although Dierks gets most of the headlines, at home, he's simply the middle child. Just like it was when he was growing up in the shadow of Camelback Mountain.

Unlike Shooter Jennings and Hank Williams Jr., Dierks Bentley wasn't raised on country music. “Billy Idol was his favorite as a kid,” Cathy says.

“Dierks never listened to country music. We didn't have any tapes or CDs. When his dad would take him to school, Dierks would flip through the channels on the radio, and that's where he got his first exposure to country music.” Although neither of his parents are musical, per se, Dierks was attracted to the art form long before he started channel surfing with his dad.

“In third grade, he was a member of the Super Singers,” Cathy says. “They'd sing patriotic songs at the malls - even then he had a good voice. By the eighth grade, he'd gotten a guitar, thinking it would be something he could do by himself, without his brother or sister. So, he took some lessons in high school, and got hooked on playing.” He also got hooked on listening - he went to concerts every chance he could get.

“The first concert I ever saw was Skid Row,” Dierks says. “They opened for Bon Jovi. I was in eighth grade, and my parents wouldn't let me go see Billy Idol. The most meaningful concert was Garth Brooks at [U.S. Airways Center]. I was 17, and I took my 7-year-old brother.” Between the concerts and the guitar lessons, Dierks continued to master the role of the middle child.

“As a middle child he was a little devious,” his mother explains. “Like the time I found cigarettes in his room, and he claimed to be 'guarding them for a friend.' Or the time he asked to borrow my MasterCard so he could buy fireworks from Wisconsin.” “He also liked to ride go-karts in the desert,” she adds.” It was a big deal to him. He and his friends would go out riding with their BB guns. I'm sure some of that was because of The Dukes of Hazzard.” She's probably right. That '80s show, along with Hee Haw, was one of Dierks' favorites, and later inspired one of his many memorable lyrics - “hood-slidin' like Bo Duke,” which comes from his debut single, What Was I Thinkin'?. Despite his good looks and melodic voice, Dierks is a songwriter first, and maybe that's why it was another set of lyrics - not his own - that ultimately led him into the world of country music. He had an epiphany, he says, when he first heard Man to Man by Hank Williams Jr. “Everything just clicked. It kind of felt like I suddenly knew what I was born to do.” Although he detoured through the University of Vermont - “more for the skiing and the cocktails than the math and the science,” his mom says - he eventually made his way to Nashville.

“One day he called and asked if we'd make out his tuition check to another 'V' school,” Cathy says. “We were thinking Vassar, and had our doubts. Then he said Vanderbilt. He went to school, but he was more intent on hanging out downtown in the country music clubs.” For the next 10 years, that's exactly what he did. He hung out, he listened and he learned. He also managed to get an internship at the Country Music Association, and a job in the tape room at the now-defunct TNN, where he had access to decades' worth of historic country music footage. “Dierks is a very focused individual,” his mother says, and that focus paid off when Capitol Records took a chance and released his first album, which produced the No. 1 hit What Was I Thinkin'?.

Millions of albums and hundreds of thousands of touring miles later, Dierks Bentley is one of the most successful and relevant country singers in the business. Whether he's headlining a stadium show or touring with the likes of George Strait and Brad Paisley, Dierks has beat the odds. In a big way. His current album, Feel That Fire, debuted at the top of the country charts, and the title song by the same name went to No. 1 in the same week.

Beyond his Billboard success, Dierks was recently interviewed for the critically acclaimed PBS series, Live From the Artists Den - he's the first country performer to appear on the show. The hour-long program will air when the series returns in September. In addition, he was featured on the May/June cover of American Songwriter magazine.

The first time I met Dierks, I asked him about songwriting, and he told me it's as important as anything he does as an artist. He's proud of what he writes, and that cover story is validation of how talented he is. It's one more thing to add to the list.

dierks

Today, Dierks lives with Cassidy, Evie and their two dogs - Jake and George - in a three-story home a few blocks from Nashville's famed Music Row. "I'll tell you what's the key to this whole house," Dierks told Country Weekly. "I can walk to the studios where I do most of my work ... And when I'm gone, Cass can walk across the street to [a coffee and sandwich shop]... She's got friends nearby, and she's able to be around spontaneous happenings, as opposed to being stuck in the middle of nowhere."

Nashville is where they live, but when they can, they come home to Arizona. "We try to get back every two or three months," Dierks says. "We use Suns games as an excuse. Sometimes we stay with my parents, sometimes we stay at a hotel. We're thinking of getting a place here."

He's proud of his Arizona roots, and the experiences he's had. While we were talking, I asked him about any childhood memories he'd like to re-create for his daughter. Turns out, it was an easy question. He went into vivid detail about the annual Thanksgiving pilgrimage his family would make to the desert. "We'd literally go out in the desert - back then it was only a 20-minute drive - and we'd set up camp, cook a turkey, ride horses, go four-wheeling. It was a great time." Although Evie is still less than a year old, knowing Dierks, it won't be long before she's indoctrinated into another one of her dad's favorite Arizona traditions: eating Mexican food. "I love the cheese crisp at Teepee [in Phoenix]," he says. "And their burritos are more authentic than most places - not as much sauce. I worked construction for a while with some Mexican guys, and they'd bring me lunch sometimes. The burritos at Teepee are the real deal. Tortillas and meat. I could eat Mexican every day. After two or three days, I'm just getting warmed up."

The same is true of his skyrocketing career. And his life in general, for that matter. In a story that sounds too good to be true, the kid who used to sing at the mall is now selling out shows and selling millions of records, he's married to his exceedingly beautiful high-school sweetheart, they have an equally beautiful daughter... life is definitely good for the laid-back, unassuming dude from Phoenix. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Right on, brother. You're one of Arizona's best.

Best place in Arizona to toss around the football?

The football field at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, where I spent four of the most enjoyable years of my life. I was a Dorado from 1965-1969, and those football memories are still the best I have.

Best way to impress a fellow NFL referee?

I'd put him in the car and drive north. The most amazing thing about Arizona is its diversity - from the deserts to the mountains to the red rocks of Sedona to the majestic Grand Canyon and on to the many beautiful lakes we have here. And if you're into golf, we do indeed have a course or two.

Best place to grab a post-workout meal?

That's an easy one. My favorite food is sushi, and my favorite sushi bar and restaurant is Sushi Eye, on Elliott Road in Tempe. The food is always so fresh and delicious, and the people treat us like family.

Best place to go for a weekend getaway?

Well, despite all the beautiful places I could name, such as Sedona, Flagstaff, Greens Peak, Canyon Lake or even Elgin, I'd go with my home in Ahwatukee. I'm on the road so much, that when I get a chance to just hang at home, enjoy the weather and South Mountain behind me, I really can't beat that.

Best game scenario? In other words, if you could referee a game with any Arizona players - past or present - who would be on the field?

I've had the privilege of refereeing a game for the current NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. That includes Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, and so many more. But if I was going to add to that list, I'd have to include Neil Lomax, Roy Green, Aeneas Williams, and the greatest safety of all time, Larry Wilson. And don't forget Danny White (against whom I played in college), Jim Arneson, Eddie Wilson (who was my boyhood idol) and Tedy Bruschi, whose games I still officiate. However, the No. 1 Arizona great I'd include on that list would be Pat Tillman. Pat is a hero to all of us, but most importantly, Pat represents the thousands and thousands of brave men and women of our military who have died for us and who put their lives on the line for all of us every day.

BEST ADRENALINE RUSH Skydiving at Eloy:

Some people get their kicks from working out. Others get them from a great meal or a killer bottle of wine. And then there are those who get their kicks by jumping out of a plane from 13,000 feet. If the third scenario suits you, Skydive Arizona, an Eloy-based company, can make your wildest dreams come true. First-time divers can take to the skies with a certified pro after a brief introductory session, while divers with more than a few jumps under their belt will appreciate the company's expert staff and "mega drop zone." Those who are more terrestrially inclined will appreciate the facility's pool, camping and RV hookups, and the Bent Prop Saloon & Cookery. Information: 520-466-3753 or www.skydiveaz.com.

BEST REASON TO BLOW OFF THE STAIRMASTER Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb:

Who needs to conquer the gym when you can conquer 1,000 stairs at a mile-high altitude? Now in its 19th year, the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb is part fitness challenge and part homage to Bisbee's historic stairways, many of which follow former mule paths used during the town's mining heyday. Within a few years of its debut, the event grew to include the Ice Man Competition, during which frostbite-immune fellows carry 10-pound blocks of ice in antique tongs up 155 steps. This year's event takes place October 17. Information: www.bisbee1000. org/index.htm.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR JOLLY Hi Jolly Monument -

Quartzsite: Hi Jolly knew how to handle a camel. In fact, the GreekSyrian was one of the first camel drivers ever hired by the U.S. Army to lead a camel-driving experiment in the Southwest, and that's how he came to Arizona. After retiring from the "Camel Corps," Hi Jolly settled down, married Gertrudis Serna and attempted to start a freight business using a few remaining camels. When the business failed, he and the missus moved to Quartzsite, where he dabbled in mining and died in 1902. In 1935, Governor Benjamin Moeur commissioned a monument to Hi Jolly and the Camel Corps. It stands out among tombstones in the Quartzsite Cemetery as a pyramid topped with a copper camel.

BEST INTERGALACTIC IMPORT Meteor Crater -

near Winslow: The Pima Air & Space Museum is a great place to explore space from an educational standpoint, but if you're into up-close-and-personal experiences with the stuff that space is made of, visit Meteor Crater. The massive hole, which has a diameter of approximately 4,000 feet, was created 50,000 years ago when a monster boulder made of nickel and iron came hurtling toward the Earth at a rate of almost 29,000 mph sort of like a Randy Johnson fastball ... on kryptonite. After serving as a training post for NASA's moon-bound astronauts in the 1960s, the crater is now a popular tourist attraction. Information: 800289-5898 or www.meteorcrater.com.

BEST PLACE TO PRETEND YOU'RE ON THE MOON Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument -

near Flagstaff: It's no secret that volcanic eruptions over thousands and thousands of years ago played a major role in creating the Earth's topography as we know it today. One series of eruptions between the years A.D. 1040 and 1100 resulted in the formation of Sunset Crater and erased all signs of life within a 5-mile radius. Today, though, life re-emerges at the moonscape crater's boundaries, and hikers are treated to a stunning contrast of cinder fields and wildflower meadows. Information: 928-526-0502 or www. nps.gov/sucr.

BEST WAY TO SEE ARIZONA IN A WEEK Flying M Air's Southwest Circle Helicopter Adventure:

Seeing Arizona from the ground or a passenger car is one thing, but seeing it from the perspective of a big, red bird is entirely different. That's what makes Flying M Air's Southwest Circle Helicopter Adventure so intriguing. The six-day, five-night adventure travels from Phoenix to Sedona, from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, from the Grand Canyon to Lake Powell and Page, Page to Monument Valley and Monument Valley to Flagstaff, and includes accommodations at some of NorthCentral and Northern Arizona's finest hotels, as well as dining arrangements and side-trip opportunities. Information: 928-231-0196 or www.flyingmair.com/excursions/swcircle/.

BEST PLACE TO GET BOXED IN Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area -

near Safford: It's nearly impossible to get boxed in amid 23,000 acres, but if it were to happen, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area wouldn't be a terrible setting. Four waterways the Gila and San Francisco rivers and Bonita and Eagle creeks converge in the area, making it one of the most amazing desert oases around. Birds love it, as do bighorn sheep, and there are plenty of cliff dwellings and historic homesteads to explore, as well as countless sycamoreshaded picnic spots to enjoy. Information: www.blm.gov/az/ st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/ ncarea/gbox.html.

BEST WAY TO GET AN EDUCATION

Grand Canyon Field Institute Classes: The Grand Canyon Field Institute gives families a chance to truly explore the world's grandest canyon by offering classes in topics such as wilderness studies, photography, culture and natural history. And, because the Field Institute has strong relationships with the National Park Service, the classes are fully supported by the world's foremost Canyon experts. Information: 866-471-4435 or www. grandcanyon.org.

BEST PLACE TO SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL

Along Chevelon Creek near Winslow: Right around Winslow, south-to-north-running Chevelon Creek joins forces with the Little Colorado River, where it continues its run north past Flagstaff. Here, ancient Sinagua and Puebloan people found a verdant swath of land on which to settle. Little remains of their civilizations, with the exception, of course, of the petroglyphs decorating nearby rock walls. Today, visitors to the area can get up-closeand-personal with images of deer, elk, lizards and, sometimes, the artists themselves. The creek can be accessed via several trails in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, including Telephone Ridge Trail 103, a difficult trek that descends into Chevelon Canyon just south of Chevelon Lake. Information: 928-3334301 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/trails/ black_mesa_rd/trl_chv_telephone.shtml.

BEST PLACE TO STEP BACK IN TIME

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix: It takes a village to... build a historically accurate replica of Arizona in the 1800s. At least that's the philosophy behind Pioneer Living History Village. Just 30 minutes north of downtown Phoenix, the village is home to a blacksmith shop, barbershop, dress shop, jail, sheriff's office and a variety of vintage 1800s personalities, including lawmakers, lawbreakers and a lovely Victorian lady or two. Information: 623-465-1821 or www.pioneer-arizona.com/index.html.

BEST PLACE TO STORM A CASTLE

Montezuma Castle National Monument — near Camp Verde: The Sinagua people were into making impressive high rises long before Donald Trump and Steve Wynn were. They built this 20-room home high on a limestone cliff approximately 1,000 years ago. Although visitors to the monument can no longer explore the actual dwelling, a short loop trail guides them through a grove of sycamores and past views from below the impressive remnants. Information: 928-567-3322 or www. nps.gov/moca.

BEST PLACE TO GO UNDERGROUND

Kartchner Caverns - near Benson: Maybe you've never heard of Gary Tenen or Randy Tufts. Prior to 1978, it's unlikely that anyone had heard of James and Lois Kartchner, either, but that's the year Tenen and Tufts, two young cavers, notified the Kartchners that they'd discovered a remarkable limestone cave on their property. The cave plays host to an ever-growing assortment of stalactites and stalagmites formed by calcite layers of travertine, particularly in the "throne room," which is home to one of the world's longest soda straw stalactites, measuring a whopping 21 feet, 2 inches. The cave was purchased as an Arizona State Park in 1988, and today features campgrounds, a gift shop, an amphitheater and a hummingbird garden. Information: 520-586-2283 or www.azstateparks.com/ parks/kaca.

BEST PLACE TO REFLECT ON A BAD IDEA

War Relocation Center Poston: During World War II, in a controversial move that's still debated today, the U.S. government placed more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans into 10 war relocation camps. Two of the largest were located in Arizona. The "Unity of Spirit" monument in Poston marks the site of one of the camps. The monument, which represents a Japanese stone lantern, is the only memorial that doesn't contain the words "concentration camp." Information: 928-669-2174.

BEST PLACE OTHER THAN A RESERVATION TO LEARN ABOUT NATIVE CULTURE

Heard Museum - Phoenix: When Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard founded the Heard Museum in 1929, Phoenix was just a tiny Southwestern town, but the couple understood and appreciated the area's Native American foundation. Today, the museum is the best place in the nation to experience Arizona's Native arts and cultures. Its 10 exhibition galleries feature a revolving palette of Latino and Native American art, while its permanent collection includes countless Native American baskets, jewelry and art. Information: 602-252-8848 or www.heard.org.

BEST BOOKSTORE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Singing Wind Bookshop - near Benson: In 1974, Winn Bundy stocked two bookshelves in her foyer with $600 worth of books and word traveled quickly: The woman who had purchased Singing Wind Ranch was selling books there. People came from surrounding towns, and then, from all over the country, visiting Winn and her family and her dogs and, of course, her books. Now, she's 84, and Singing Wind Bookshop spans far more than a foyer, but it remains a favorite spot for bookworms who happily forgo the convenience of Border's for a genuine bookbuying experience and the opportunity to share a glass of iced tea with the first lady of Southern Arizona ranching and bookselling. Information: 520-586-2425.

BEST ARTWORK NOT IN A MUSEUM

Mission San Xavier del Bac - near Tucson: The “White Dove of the Desert” is no secret to architecture buffs. Located 9 miles south of Tucson, the mission rests on the site where, in 1700, Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino laid the foundations for a church and named it in honor of his patron saint, St. Francis Xavier. The church that exists there today was built by Franciscan fathers Juan Bautista Velderrain and Juan Bautista Lorenz - with a lot of help from the local Tohono O'odham tribe - and is often cited as the finest example of mission architecture in the United States, constructed and decorated with a blend of Moorish, Byzantine and Mexican Renaissance styles. Information: 520-294-2624 or www.sanxaviermission.org.

BEST PLACE TO SURRENDER

Geronimo Surrender Monument - northeast of Douglas: When Geronimo and his dedicated band of followers fled the San Carlós Apache Reservation in 1885, they became the subjects of a manhunt that consumed a cavalry. As the Apaches made their way east toward New Mexico, General George Crook and his men tracked them, ultimately sending soldiers to guard water sources throughout the Chiricahua and Peloncillo mountains, San Simon and San Bernadino valleys and Skeleton Canyon. After Geronimo conditionally surrendered to Crook in early 1886, he fled to Mexico, leading to Crook's replacement by General Nelson Miles. By mid-July, Miles had tracked Geronimo and his band of “hostiles” to the banks of the Bavispe River. The group moved through Guadalupe Canyon to the San Bernadino Valley and into Skeleton Canyon, where the Apache leader made his final surrender. Today, a marker, near Apache off State Route 80, commemorates the event. Information: 928-475-3213 or www.sancarlos apache.com.

BEST PLACE TO BUY A MAMMOTH BONE

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show: The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society is big into bling - at least when it comes to presenting amazing exhibits at its annual show. From Brazilian rubellite tourmaline to various and sundry agates, amethysts, amber and ancient animal bones, the 55-year-old show is a gemologist's version of Disneyland. Information: 520322-5773 or www.tgms.org.

BEST USE OF SPARE CHANGE

Cup Café, Hotel Congress - Tucson: See a penny, pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck... except at Hotel Congress' Cup Café, where the pennies are part of the décor - the floor, to be exact. Although you may be distracted by the shine at your feet, don't forget to try the café's fare. From hearty breakfast entrees to dinner items from ribeye au poivre to vegan falafel, it's a tasty piece of Tucson that you won't want to miss. Information: 520798-1618 or www.hotelcongress.com/cup.

BEST PLACE TO BE IF YOU'RE FEELING BLUE AND GRAY

Picacho Peak Civil War Re-Enactment: Each spring, Civil War buffs descend on Picacho Peak State Park to re-enact the only Civil War skirmish that took place in Arizona. Although 2009 events were canceled due to staffing issues at the park, more than 150 re-enactors usually camp at the park during the two-day event, and they dress in authentic Civil War garb, demonstrate candle making, food preparation, laundering and, of course, re-enact the actual battle. Information: azstateparks. com/Parks/PIPE/index.html.

BEST PIECE OF MEATLOAF

Rendezvous Diner - Greer: There's something particularly rustic about life in the White Mountains, and it is a characteristic that translates well into the local cuisine. Take, for instance, Greer's Rendezvous Diner. Built in 1909, the quaint little restaurant, which has been in business for a little more than 30 years, is one of the town's oldest buildings, and prides itself on down-home, homemade cooking. The simple menu features soups, sandwiches and chef-owner Pauline Merrill's famous, just-like-mom-used-to-make-it meatloaf. Information: 928-735-7483.

BEST PLACE TO BE A LOCAVORE

Canela Bistro - Sonoita: Canela is a restaurant born of oxymorons: a Southwestern bistro, located in Arizona wine country that serves the local bounty of the desert. Yet somehow, three oxymorons make a right. Thanks to a half-dozen ranches, a handful of farms and their own garden, owners John Hall and Joy Vargo produce a constantly changing menu that highlights seasonal, regional food. To wit: A salad composed of local organic heirloom apples is anointed with sage vinaigrette. Duck is sauced with green mole and nestled atop risotto redolent of cumin. "You wouldn't expect to find something like this here in Arizona wine country," Joy says. "There's no place like it." Information: 520-4555873 or www.canelabistro.com.

BEST ARIZONA BREWS

Oak Creek Amber Ale, 8th Street Ale and Old Monkey Shine: These beers, found at Sedona's Oak Creek Brewery, Tempe's Four Peaks and Tucson's Nimbus Brewery, respectively, are the best of the brews. Where the Oak Creek Amber Ale is mellow and caramel infused, the 8th Street Ale is reminiscent of English-style bitter beers and the Old Monkey Shine is like dessert in a bottle - brown-sugar sweet with a caramel malt. Yum. Information: Oak Creek Brewery, 928-203-9441 or www.oak creekbrew.com; Four Peaks Brewery, 480-303-9967 or www.fourpeaks.com; Nimbus Brewery, 520-7459175 or www.nimbusbeer.qwestoffice.net.

BEST PIZZA (IN THE SHADOW OF THE KING)

Velvet Elvis - Patagonia: In the striking Southern Arizona town of Patagonia, more and more restaurateurs and chefs are turning to locally grown and organic produce, meats and cheeses. Consider the mouthwatering menu at Velvet Elvis, where owner/ chef Cecelia San Miguel has combined the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with a dose of vintage kitsch to create such items as the Pancho Villa pizza, a combination of homemade beef chorizo, fresh tomatoes, yellow onion, cilantro, fresh jalapeños and Asiago and mozzarella cheeses. The salads, soups and calzones are equally delightful and the King wouldn't have it any other way. Information: 520-394-2101 or www.velvetelvispizza.com.

BEST PIZZA (IN THE USA)

Pizzeria Bianco - Phoenix: Chris Bianco is the king of pizza. Although contenders might dispute the claim, they'd be hard-pressed to prove it wrong, especially considering the fact that Bianco is a 2003 James Beard award-winner and that his downtown Phoenix bistro was awarded an amazing 29 out of 30 points by the Zagat Dining Guide. Most guests wait hours on end just to be seated at this tiny pizzeria, and although the menu is small, it's mighty, featuring a handful of decadent pizzas, handcrafted country bread and a selection of fresh, flavorful salads. Information: 602-258-8300 or www.pizzeriabianco.com.

BEST COOKIES IN THE NORTH WOODS

Jacob Lake Inn - Jacob Lake: Not that you need any other reason to visit the North Rim of the Seventh Natural Wonder, but just in case, the cookies at the Jacob Lake Inn are a real bonus. Of course, the chocolate-chip and peanut butter won't let you down, but you might want to try something different, like the lemon zucchini or the six-grain. Buy a dozen and throw them in your backpack. You'll be glad you did. Information: 928-6437232 or www.jacoblake.com.

BEST REASON TO GET UP EARLY

Eggs Zorba, Bisbee Breakfast Club - Bisbee: Pat Grimm, who co-owns this excellent restaurant with his spirited wife, Heather, rolls out of bed at 2 a.m. to fire up the griddle. You don't have to get there that early, but you do have to get in line for his specialty dish, which features two scrambled eggs with sautéed red onions, spinach, black olives and feta cheese. If eggs could melt in your mouth, these would be the first to do so. The scones and cookies are something special, too. Information: 520432-5885 or www.bisbeebreakfastclub.com.

BEST PLACE TO PICNIC UNDER A PECAN TREE

The Farm at South Mountain - Phoenix: It seems unlikely that amid all of the Valley's housing developments and big-box stores, a piece of the area's once rural past remains. But it does at The Farm at South Mountain. This pastoral setting is well known for its grove of pecan trees, as well as its organic gardens, art galleries and restaurants. From Morning Glory Café, which serves breakfast and lunch, to the award-winning Quiessence, The Farm is a great place to explore Phoenix's culinary chops. Information: www.thefarmatsouthmoun tain.com/dining.

BEST SWEET TREATS AT 9.000 FEET

Cookie Cabin - Summerhaven: Life is sweet in Summerhaven, which rests high near the 9,157-foot summit of Mount Lemmon, about 45 minutes from Tucson. That's due in large part to cool air, scenic views and the Cookie Cabin, an aptly named cookie haven, which serves pizza and sweet treats. Try the peanut-butter cookie. Plate-sized and chock-full of peanut-buttery flavor, it's just awesome enough to make jelly, the world over, envious. Information: 520-576-1010.

BEST CALORIE-FREE CHOCOLATE

Grand Falls of the Little Colorado - near Winslow: Also known as "Chocolate Falls," the Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River, near Winslow, might not taste great, but they're higher than Niagara Falls and so named because of their muddy, murky color. According to waterfall aficionados, the best time to visit the falls is after a snowmelt, and although the falls are on the Navajo Nation, there are no admission fees. Take care, though, to respect private property. Information: 928-679-2303 or www. navajonationparks.org/htm/grandfalls.htm.

BEST PLACE TO ADD CALORIES THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY

Snow Cap Drive-In - Seligman: Lovingly and humorously operated by the Delgadillo family since the 1950s, the Snow Cap is to Seligman and Route 66 what Mad Libs are to a family roadtrip: mandatory for a good time. Best known for burgers, malts and fries, the Snow Cap is no place for the calorie conscious, but it is a must-stop along historic Route 66. Information: 928-422-3291.

BEST FARM WITHOUT ANY COWS

Across the Creek at Aravaipa Farms Bed and Breakfast Country Inn - near Winkelman: Nope, you won't find any cows on this farm. Nor will you find any silos or troughs. But you will find Carol Steele and her gorgeous bed and breakfast - not to mention her envy-inducing culinary skills. Nestled in Aravaipa Canyon, where wildlife, history and unadulterated panoramas abound, the B&B is an escape into nature. Bird-watch, hike or pick a pound of fruit, then return to the comfortably appointed B&B, where Carol will undoubtedly whip up bourbon chicken or a similarly transcendent meal. Information: 520-357-6901 or www.aravaipafarms.com.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH RUNNING WATER

L'Auberge de Sedona - Sedona: L'Auberge sits on a prime piece of real estate along Oak Creek, but that's not the only thing that makes it a must-visit Sedona destination. The menu is also a gem. Executive Chef Johnathan Gelman keeps things interesting, mixing up the menu daily to reflect changing themes and changing seasons. It's a method that works, having garnered the restaurant Wine Spectator's “Best of Award of Excellence” designation for 14 consecutive years. Information: 928-282-1667 or www.lauberge.com/dining.

BEST TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND

Butchart Butte - Grand Canyon National Park: Harvey Butchart is to the Grand Canyon what John Muir is to the Sierra Nevada. No one knows the Canyon better than Harvey did. In all, the late Northern Arizona University math professor trekked more than 12,000 miles through the Seventh Natural Wonder. He also climbed 83 of its buttes. Ironically, one of the few he didn't climb now bears his prestigious name. Butchart Butte, which rises to an elevation of 7,601 feet, recently was named in honor of the legendary explorer. It's a fitting tribute. Information: 928-638-7888 or www.nps.gov/grca.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR FEET WET AT YOUR OWN SPEED

Bear Wallow Wilderness: Encompassing about 11,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Bear Wallow Wilderness is perhaps best known for the safe haven it provides the endangered Apache trout. Several shorter but sometimes strenuous hiking trails lead into the wilderness and to Bear Wallow Creek and its offshoots, including Gobbler Point Trail 59. The scenic trail provides the shortest route to the creek's downstream tributaries, perfect places to get your feet wet and attempt to spot one of the famed trout. Given the area's amazing views of Mount Graham and the Pinaleño Mountains, as well as countless cool ponderosa pines, it's little wonder that bears or bipeds might want to wallow there. Information: 928-333-4301 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/alpine_trails/ trl_alp_gobbler.shtml.

BEST WAY TO FLOAT YOUR BOAT

Houseboating on Lake Powell: Nearly 2 million boaters hit the waterways of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area each year and with good reason. Named for explorer John Wesley Powell and created by the flooding of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell is a houseboater's dream, thanks in large part to its abundance of stunning redrock canyons and wide-open spaces. It's a perfect place to accommodate some of the... ahem, dinghies made available through Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. They range in size from 46 to 75 feet. Information: 888-896-3829 or www.lakepowell.com.

BEST WAY TO GET YOUR FEET WET AT BREAKNECK SPEED

Rafting the Colorado River - Grand Canyon: Hit the rapids on the Colorado and you'll likely get much more than your feet wet. In fact, at some point, you'll likely end up completely soaked. Grand Canyon National Park offers three different river exploration trips, ranging from one-day commercial trips to 12to 25-day noncommercial trips. One shorter noncommercial trip launches from Diamond Creek, which rests on Hualapai land, and includes 52 miles of both smooth water and white water, as well as vibrant views of the Lower Gorge section of the Grand Canyon. Information: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/ whitewater-rafting.htm.

BEST PLACE TO CAMP WITH A KAYAK

Cattail Cove State Park - Lake Havasu City: In many lakeside campgrounds, having a kayak is a plus. In this one, a boat is a must for getting to the prime spots. For $15, visitors can leave their car in a secure parking lot, spend the day at Cattail Cove, and, at night, paddle out to more than 100 campsites. These sites are a little more primitive (outhouses, no electricity), but they're right on the shore. Information: 928-855-1223 or www.azstateparks.com/parks/caco.

BRANDON WEBB Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks Best scenario for pitching at Chase Field: roof open or roof closed?

Either way is good with me. I don't think there's that much of a difference with how the ball flies if the roof is open or closed.

Best place to sit at Chase Field (other than the dugout)?

One of the big suites maybe, get some food, drinks and relax.

Best spring training facility in the Valley?

Probably the new L.A. and Chicago facility in Glendale.

Best place in Arizona to listen to live music?

Tough one. I'd have to say Pussycat Lounge.

Best place in Arizona to take your wife for a romantic dinner?

Mastro's is nice.

Best place in Arizona to take friends from Kentucky?

One of the nice golf courses, maybe Grayhawk.

Other than your family room, where's the best place in Arizona to watch a Kentucky basketball game?

The Diamondbacks clubhouse.

What's the best thing about Arizona that you can't find in Kentucky?

The sun.

Best advice you ever got from Randy Johnson (or any Diamondbacks' teammate)?

Juan Cruz said "Live pitch to pitch."

Best pregame ritual of a teammate?

Doug Davis spitting on every step when he walks out to the mound, every inning.

BEST RIVER TRIP OUTSIDE OF THE CANYON Salt River Gorge

near Globe: This lesser-known Arizona canyon sports Class III and IV rapids and some seriously inspired rafting opportunities. Many of the rapids along the river's path between the canyon's 2,000-foot-tall granite walls have nicknames, including "Wall Slammer" and "Overboard." And there's plenty of Sonoran Desert scenery to enjoy while you're rocking and rolling on the white water. Information: 800-804-5623.

BEST (AND ONLY) PLACE TO TASTE THE TUNDRA Humphreys Peak

Flagstaff: The tallest of the San Francisco Peaks and the highest point in Arizona, Humphreys Peak stretches the tape measure all the way to 12,633 feet. A 4.5-mile trail leads hikers to the top of the peak, where the tree line recedes to nothing but sturdy tundra shrubs, preceded in appearance by a gaggle of wind and frost-bent pines. The trail itself is steep and long, but well worth it for hardy hikers looking to experience Arizona's only taste of the tundra. Information: 928-526-0866 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/humphreys-tr.shtml.