ARIZONA
Sunny skies and outdoor vacations await Snowbirds within the boundaries of the Grand Canyon State. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives, but there are many other attractions that make Arizona an ideal vacation sport for RVers.

With an annual average of 222 clear days a year visitors can make plans that include outdoor activities with confidence. "Dry heat" means that even summer days with temperatures over 100 degrees feel relatively comfortable due to the low humidity and the cooling breezes.

With 113,909 square miles, the sixth largest state in the US boasts vast public land holdings. There are more than 900 publicly owned areas accounting for an amazing 83% of the total space. Ranging from sea-level deserts to snow-topped mountains there is literally something for everyone.

The Land of Room and Time Enough reaches elevations of 12,670 feet in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff and plummets where the Colorado River drops to 70 feet above sea level in the southwestern desert area.

Informal attire is accepted nearly everywhere and casual clothing is encouraged at most establishments. In the summer months, shorts are worn day and night. There are a few restaurants and resorts that require more formal attire - so plan to take dressier clothing if you are going out for a special evening. The cities have modern shopping centres, specialty shops and craft stores. Indian Reservation trading posts sell crafts including Kachina dolls, basketry, leather goods, jewelry, weavings, paintings and pottery.

When touring here you won't want to miss: The Grand Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, Apache Trail, Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Nogales, Mexico, Navajo Indian Reservation, The OK Corral (Top)

Contact: Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 North Third Street, Suite 4015, Phoenix, AZ 85004 or call 602-230-7733 www.arizonaguide.com

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Check out eastern Arkansas and cruise along the National Scenic Byway to observe Crowley's Ridge. This is an area of geological wonders covering over 200 miles of forest-covered hills and distinctive flora and fauna. Five state parks, a university museum, a cultural centre and historical sites are also featured along this route.

Another highlight is The Ouchitas located in southwestern Arkansas, the only mountain range in the U.S. where the ridges run east to west. Nestled amongst the mountain scenery is Hot Springs Natural Park, Arkansas’ largest tourist destination. Here, you can relax in the natural hot springs and later, enjoy such attractions as thoroughbred racing, the Mid-America Science Museum and Crater Diamonds State Park - the only diamond mine in North America that is open to the public. Several large man-made lakes and four lakeside state parks offer activities such as golf, fishing and boating.

If you're a Civil War buff be sure to visit the scenic Timberlands. This region is home to Old Washington State Park that preserves a prominent 19th century town that was once the state’s confederate capital. The McCollum-Chidester House and other sites are also points of historical significance.

RV parks abound, like White Oak Lake State Park (Hope/Old Washington Area Campground) or the Crater of Diamonds State Park located just two miles south of Murfreesboro on Highway 301 south - approximately one hour from Hot Springs National Park. (Top)

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Home to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, this area will entice even the most conditioned city dweller. With many beautiful streams, wild rivers and breathtaking scenery the area offers many activities that include wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding.

Visit America's first Frontier Heritage Tourism Area and learn about Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett's trek across the Appalachian Mountains to the western frontier. Other historical highlights in this area include tours of Andrew Johnson's home, the 17th President of the United States, Rocky Mount - the oldest territorial capital in the United States and Jonesborugh, Tennessee's oldest town.

Located at the foot of the Smokey Mountains are the resort towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. RVers can taste southern cuisine and shop to their delight in the wide array of stores and outlet malls. For the outdoor enthusiast, these areas are also excellent places to enjoy hiking, fishing and of course, camping. Nearby is Dolly Parton's Dollywood amusement park the most visited attraction in the state.

Tennessee is cool in winter; average temperatures range from 40-50 degrees during the day while nightfall brings the temperatures down into the mid-20s.

With many RV parks in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area sites are usually available. As an example the Pigeon Forge KOA offers 200 sites, a heated pool, Jacuzzi, a convenience store and laundry facilities. Rates range from $25.00 to $38.00 per day. (Top)

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Starting in the city of Monterey, take the Path of History walking tour to learn about the restored historic buildings, Spanish Adobes and the days when Monterey was the capital of the Spanish Territory in California. Other parts of the city like Fisherman's Wharf, and Cannery Row offer historic sites and an array of restaurants, fish markets, art galleries and specialty shops. Whale watching and boat tours are also available. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium - home to over 6,500 aquatic creatures.

Five miles south on Highway One is the quaint, European-style village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This village features over 60 restaurants, hundreds of unique boutiques and shops and nearly 90 art galleries. Take a swim or relax on scenic Carmel Beach located right below the village.

For other spectacular sights cruise further down Highway One to Big Sur, described as one of the greatest meetings of land and water in the world. On one side of the highway are the extraordinary Santa Lucia Mountains and on the other, spectacular views of the powerful, Pacific Ocean. Traverse the famous 714-foot Bixby Bridge, one of the highest single-span bridges in the world. Visit beautiful Pfeiffer Beach or check out the three state parks for the opportunity to view wildlife.

Temperatures vary throughout Monterey County. The coastal areas have an average temperature of 57-degrees throughout the year. The spring and fall is ordinarily warm while January through April anticipate temperatures in the low 60s. Events include the Big Sur International Marathon in April while January/February hosts the annual Gray Whale migration and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tourney.

And if you enjoy golf, kayaking, diving, snorkeling or hiking, this area of land and sea is a destination worth visiting. In Big Sur, Camp sites are offered in Andrew Molera State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. There's also the Santa Cruz-Monterey Bay KOA where rates range from $33-$65 per night. (Top)

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Myrtle Beach is one of the state's most popular attractions and attracts more than 12 million visitors each year. Don't forget your golf clubs as the area boasts many golf courses. If you're not into the links, beautiful walks along miles of sandy beaches or the array of shopping outlets can keep you busy.

Just south of Myrtle Beach, is Bookgreen Gardens. Labeled the finest public sculpture garden in America, this botanical extravaganza is comprised of more than 9,000 acres of 550 works of botanical art by 240 artists.

The northwest corner of the state offers a vista of mountains, rushing waters and rich forests. Located off Highway 130 is White Water Falls, which descends over six cascades along the North-South Carolina border and are the highest series of falls in eastern America. Activities in this region include sightseeing, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

South Carolina has an estimated 1,225 sites listed in the national register of historic places, many of these in the town of Charleston. Colonial, Antebellum and Victorian architecture are featured throughout the town. Other popular attractions include White Point Gardens, Water Front Park and the Provost Dungeon.

Visit Charles Towne Landing and learn about the early settlers that arrived from England in 1670. Quaint shops displaying antiques and handmade crafts can be found along King St. Browse for the handmade Sweetgrass baskets and other crafts at Charleston's famous Old City Market. Charleston Harbor at Fort Sumter and Fort Sullivan offer further interesting, historical tours.

Many accommodating campgrounds are available in these different regions, a good example being the KOA in Mount Pleasant/Charleston. It features fully serviced sites, a 30-acre lake, a swimming pool and activities such as cycling and canoeing. Rates are 29.00 per night. (Top)

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A visit to Albuquerque is not complete without a stop at the Old Town district - a focal point of community life since 1706. Hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies are waiting for you. Shopping in this section is a delightful experience with over 1200 shops, boutiques and galleries.

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is the world's longest single span tramway - travelling 2.7 miles to the top of the mountain. From here the view encompasses 11,000 square miles of rugged canyons, distant mountains and extinct volcanoes. The 75th anniversary of Route 66 will take place next July with classic car parades, Native American dances, a roadside diner cook-off, film festival and Arts and Crafts displays. Called "Remember the Route" this festival is your chance to travel through time to catch a glimpse of history.

If you would rather not drive, you can ride the Santa Fe Southern Railroad on a 36-mile round-trip excursion in restored vintage passenger cars, or take an outback tour by Jeep to visit prehistoric ruins and ghost towns. If you prefer to travel the old-fashioned way you can explore the wilderness by horseback. For a more sedate tour try the Palace of Governors where more than 450 years of New Mexican history is displayed.

Taos, to the north, is the home of several art galleries, museums and some of the best skiing in the west. Ride the white water on the Los Rios River on a state-of-the-art raft with professional guides.

Visit the Petroglyph National Monument in the Rio Grande Valley or explore the ruins at Coronado State Monument.

Enchanted Skies Park, about 70 miles west of Albuquerque, is dedicated to the public exploration of the night sky. For amateur astronomers this is the epitome of viewing an uncluttered sky.

Try New Mexico, you will be surprised by what the region has to offer. (Top)

For more information contact New Mexico Department of Tourism, 491 Old Santa Fe Trail, PO Box 20002, Santa Fe, NM 87503 - 505-827-7400 (800) 545-2070 www.newmexico.org