Mileposts/Events

MILEPOSTS Winery Tours

The R.W. Webb Winery, 20 miles south of Tucson, offers 30-minute wine tours and tastings Monday through Saturday, on the hour from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday, noon to 5 P.M. The last tour of the day begins at 4 P.M. To get there from Tucson, take Interstate 10 to the Vail-Wentworth exit (279), then proceed east 1.5 miles on the north frontage road. A $1 per person admission is refunded with a wine purchase. To inquire, call (520) 762-5777.

Skiing Sunrise

A skiing resort USA Today called one of the Southwest's best-kept secrets also is the largest ski area in Arizona. Sunrise Park Resort, operated by the Apache Tribe in the White Mountains about 200 miles northeast of Phoenix, is a family ski resort: about 80 percent of its 65 runs are for beginners and intermediates; four runs are rated Black Double Diamond (most difficult). Sunrise's skiing season extends from early December through early April; there's night skiing on Friday and Saturday. Stay at the 100-room Sunrise Lodge orQ in nearby Greer, Pinetop, or Show Low. For more information, call (520) 735-7669.

Fighter Plane Museum

For a glimpse into the daring world of fighter pilots and their flying machines, you can't beat the Champlin Fighter Mesa. Stroll among 30 completely restored fighters dating from World War 1 to Vietnam. Must-see exhibits include a replica of the first combat aircraft, a triplane like the one flown by Germany's "Red Baron," and a British Sopwith Camel (the aircraft that finally downed the Baron). Visitors also can watch videos on aerial combat and the history of fighter aircraft and view a collection of more than 200 machine guns from 1895 to the present. Artwork, historical photographs, and a gift shop round out the attractions. The museum is open daily 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Admission is $6, adult; $3, age 14 and under. For more information, contact the museum at 4636 Fighter Aces Drive, Mesa, AZ 82515; (602) 830-4540. — Stuart Rosebrook

Museum at Falcon Field in Trail Ride Vacations

Don Donnelly and his wife, Shelly, operate a full-service, year-round stable at Gold Canyon, about 35 miles east of Phoenix, that also offers fiveto eightday vacation trail rides throughout the state. The 1996 schedule runs from March through November and includes the Superstition Wilderness, Bisbee and Tombstone, Monument Valley, and the White Mountains. For more information, contact Don Donnelly Stables, 6010 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, AZ 85219; tollfree (800) 346-4403 or (602) 982-7822.Y

Museum Guide

For a free brochure with information about 48 museums in central Arizona, write the Central Arizona Museum Association, P.O. Box 63062, Phoenix, AZ 85082-3062. The brochure includes museums dealing with history, art, science, anthropology, antique dolls and toys, military memorabilia, fighter aircraft, Indian ruins, and the Lost Dutchman Mine.

Eye on Sedona

Arizona Helicopter Adventures offers high-flying scenic tours that give visitors a new perspective on the area's red rock sculptures. Scheduled tours, all flown by ex-military pilots, range from "Famous Formations," touted as 10 minutes of airborne magic ($32), to "The Enchanted Dinner on the Mesa," the outfit's most expensive offering. For $795 per couple, your pilot whisks you to a secluded red rock mesa above Secret Canyon Wilderness, where you are treated to two hours of privacy at a splendidly scenic spot and a gourmet picnic or dinner elegantly served on white linen. For more information, call tollfree (800) 282-5141 or (520) 282-0904, Fax (520) 2821045.

Multilingual Information

A free color brochure published by the chambers of commerce in Arizona's White Mountains provides travel information in either English, Japanese, or Spanish. The brochure introduces visitors to the recreation wonderland's scenic beauty, wildlife-watching, Indian ruins and historic sites, recreation, and special events. To receive a brochure, call one of the following chambers: Pinetop-Lakeside, (520) 3674290; Round Valley, (520) 3332123; or Show Low, (520) 537-2326.

Mystery Trip

An 11-night Road Scholar education program, "Navajo Country and the Mysteries of Tony Hillerman," put on by Saga International Holidays, Ltd., of Boston for travelers age 50-plus, takes participants into Navajoland, following in the footsteps of the popular author's Officer Jim Chee and Lt. Joe Leaphorn. The trip will include sites in Arizona and New Mexico. Recursos de Santa Fe will provide talks covering the traditions of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes along with issues facing contemporary Native Americans. Hillerman plans to join the program groups for the farewell dinner and to read from his latest novel. Departures are March to May; prices start at $1,949. To inquire, call toll-free (800) 621-2151.

From Check Out to Check In

The Old Mission Store in Tumacacori, near the Mexican border and site of the Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, is one of the state's newest bed and breakfast inns. A onetime grocery store, post office, and local gathering spot, the building was constructed in the 1920s. Its south wing was converted to B&B facilities that sleep four guests. The accommodations include a breakfast/sitting room, bedroom, private bath, and separate entrance. Rates are $60 per night per couple; $20 for each additional person. For more information, call (520) 398-9583. - Ron Butler

EVENTS Gem and Mineral Show January 10-February 18; Quartzsite

The "world's largest gem and mineral show" celebrates its 30th year of dazzling rock-hounds with treasures from Mother Earth that look like they belong in a museum or jewelry case. Nowadays the event has eight separate shows, many running simultaneously in January and February. Other activities include the Quartzsite Powwow, February 7-11, with food booths and a swap meet. Call for details. Don't neglect the local sights, including Hi Jolly's tomb (ask locals who he was) and Tyson Tank's petroglyphs. Information: (520) 9275600.

Dixieland Jazz Festival

January 12-14; Lake Havasu City A parade of bands at 2 P.M. Friday kicks off this annual tunefest at the waterside London Bridge Resort. The lineup boasts eight bands, including Igor's Jazz Cowboys and Sorta Dixie (out of Las Vegas). Saturday features a paddle-wheel boat ride and a music extravaganza called "Pianorama-Banjorama." Call to inquire about admission prices/packages. Be sure to allow time to stroll across the bridge and visit the shops in the English Village. Information: (520) 855-0888.

Gallery of Fine Prints: Apple Trees in Winter

This unusual scene of apple trees lightly dusted with snow in the famous red rock country of Oak Creek Canyon is this month's offering through the Arizona Highways Gallery of Fine Prints. This masterpiece of photographic art appears on pages 24 and 25 as the lead image in a portfolio by Les Manevitz. The handcrafted, unmatted print offered for sale is produced by EverColor DyePrint under the supervision of master craftsman William Nordstrom. The sizes and prices of the Apple Tree print are: #A99AP16: Approximately 14" by 17" $175 #A99AP26: Approximately 16" by 20" $225 #A99AP36: Approximately 20" by 24" $275 To order prints, call toll-free nationwide (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area or outside the U.S., call (602) 258-1000.

Rodeo Finals

January 12-14; Bullhead City Calf roping and bucking broncos are just part of the action-packed arena shows at the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. Call for admission. For a change of pace, check out the boating and fishing on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave or head for the bright lights of the casinos across the water in Laughlin, Nevada. Information: (520) 754-4121.

Winterfest '96

January 20; Pinetop-Lakeside Weather cooperating, there will be a snow sculpture contest and snow softball games at this salute to winter. But even without the white stuff, there'll be plenty to keep the whole family happy: a hot air balloon rally and balloon glow, an art exhibit, and a tastefest featuring specialties from local restaurants. There will be a charge for some activities. Information: (520) 368-6700.

Wings Over Willcox

January 20-21; Willcox Every year thousands of sandhill cranes fly into Willcox Playa from as far away as Alaska. With their huge (73-inch) wingspans and loud call, the avian wonders create quite a stir on the playa, a 60-square-mile lake bed that's dry most of the time but is transformed by winter rains into a huge shallow pond. The event celebrates the birds' presence with guided tours to the playa, Cochise Lake, Muleshoe Ranch, and the Chiricahua National Monument. Other activities include a "Hawk Stalk," seminars and workshops, field trips, a banquet and art auction, and a trade show featuring information about wildlife and related products. There's a charge for some activities. Information: toll-free (800) 200-2272 or (520) 384-2272.