Tag Archives: Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim weather can be cold and snowy during Autumn and Spring. Driving in from Phoenix, we arrived just as a snow storm ended. A fresh coat of white blanketed the slopes of the canyons as we entered the National Park Service gates of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

We stayed in the park at Yavapai Lodge operated by Xanterra. After lodging in other National Parks, we had low expectations for the hotel and rooms. We were delighted to find the rooms at Yavapai clean, bright and spacious. Our second surprise was the hotel cafeteria offered a variety of food at a reasonable cost.

There were many Japanese visitors at the park and signs were in English and Japanese. During our visit the lodge hosted sessions for a new batch of Japanese employees.

South Rim Grand Canyon Arizona

South Rim Grand Canyon Arizona. Photo credit @noelfwilliams

Our car remained parked at the hotel, and we utilized the free bus service within the park or went by foot. Our first morning at the park, we woke early and walked to the rim to watch the sunrise up over the canyon. The only noise was the fresh snow crunching under our feet as we watched the colors emerge from the rock walls. The scene changed continuously as the sun rose highlighted rocks and shadowed recesses.

Over the next few days, we viewed the Grand Canyon from a variety of scenic overlooks. The 6 billion years old canyon formed by the Colorado River is 277 miles long and 18 miles across at the widest section. In the distance, the pastel colors of the Painted Desert can been seen.

Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?” from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the music by Kyle E. Williams inspired by Ferde Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.

Mile High Ghost Town Jerome Arizona

This week, April M. Williams and the crew of “Where Are You Today?” go back in time to visit Jerome, Arizona. Once a thriving mining town, Jerome is now home to an artist’s colony nestled amongst the relics of days gone by.
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On our trip from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix, we stopped by Jerome, Arizona. The mines closed long ago and the town was but a ghost town. For most areas in this predicament, the story would end here as the earth reclaimed the buildings crumbling down the hillsides it was built on.

Not in Jerome. Artists found this quite town near Sedona perfect for living and working. Small shops opened to showcase their works. When tourists driving through the winding turns on Route 89A pulled over to shop, cafes and restaurants opened catering to their needs. Soon visitors found bed and breakfasts sprouting out of newly renovated homes.

A local craftsman creates custom sundials and sells them in town. Did you know they will only be accurate if they are designed for the exact location they will be used?

We had lunch at the Mile High Grill & Inn. Arriving at midday, the restaurant was not crowded. We dined near a large window which lit up the large room. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Mile HIgh Grill Jerome AZ

I had a vegetarian sandwich called Greg’s Aria which was roasted red pepper, pesto, red pepper aioli, and mozzarella on ciabatta bread. I choose tater tots over french fries.

Wondering what else we found in Jerome? Click on the image below to see this episode of “Where Are You Today?”


Mile High Grill & Inn on Urbanspoon