Today is nationally known as Valentine's Day, but in the Grand Canyon State, February 14 has another, more consequential meaning.
On February 14, 1912, President William Howard Taft signed a bill that turned Arizona Territory into the State of Arizona. At the time, Arizona had just 200,000 people living in it — a far cry from the roughly 6.7 million who today call the state home.
As our state turns 105 years old, there are plenty of things you can do to celebrate, with or without a valentine — from hiking and scenic drives to fine dining and overnight stays. We've got plenty of options on our website, and we hope you'll take a look at them.
If your focus is on Valentine's Day and you still haven't found a gift for your sweetie, why not stop by our gift shop (2039 W. Lewis Avenue) in Phoenix? We suggest our vintage diner mugs, which feature art by longtime Arizona Highways Art Director George Avey.