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Education, Entertainment, Equestrian, Lifestyle, Residential Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Welcome to Rail X Ranch

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Lists Most Expensive Property Ever in Southern Arizona – 1700-Acre Historic Ranch for $30 Million in Patagonia, Arizona 

A Rare Gem, the Rail X Ranch Boasts 2 Barns, a Casita, 3 Apartments, 3 Standalone Homes, Including the Main House, Plus its Own Private Lake.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the rare and historical listing of a nearly $30 million ranch that promises to redefine luxury living amidst the natural splendor of Patagonia.

Listed by Associate Broker Gary Brasher, of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the Rail X Ranch is an awe-inspiring property spanning approximately 1700 acres and featuring 2 barns, a casita, 3 apartments, 3 standalone homes, plus its own private lake.

The multilevel estate is set within the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia and will captivate buyers with its remarkable features, rich history, and extraordinary possibilities.

Located at 2671 AZ-82 in Patagonia, Rail X Ranch features 8 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, and 3 half bathrooms and stands as a testament to timeless elegance and sophistication.

With a listing price of $29,950,000, the ranch, according to the Multiple Listing Service, is now the highest-priced residential property in the last 30 years in Southern Arizona. The prestigious property presents an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking an unmatched lifestyle set upon 1739 acres of rolling grasslands and mesquite in Southern Arizona.

Inside, the estate is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The main house and the casita, constructed in 1937, offer 11,398 square feet of living space and are a stunning blend of classic and contemporary elements. The main living space boasts vaulted ceilings and a grand fireplace, exuding an air of elegance while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The meticulously hand-painted white beams and unique black-and-white staircase add a touch of opulence. While the black and white checkered floors lead into a floor-to-ceiling library adorned with intricate details serving as a focal point of the estate.

Rail X Ranch boasts an illustrious heritage, having once been owned by the esteemed Kolbe family, known for their significant contributions to the region, with over 23 years of dedicated service in the US Congress. The property’s legacy is deeply rooted in the land, with its origins dating back to the late 1800s.

Several of the rooms are an art lover’s dream, adorned with meticulous details and custom finishes. The kitchen’s built-in breakfast nook is perfect for savoring morning moments, while a custom wood bar invites camaraderie

and relaxation. All the living quarters total 17,956 square feet, including 15 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and 4 half bathrooms.

When discussing the estate, Associate Broker Brasher of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty states, “Every once in a great while, a part of Arizona’s history comes available on the market. A signature property that is unique and breathtaking in its beauty and as diverse as the Arizona landscape. The Rail X Ranch is such a property.”

Among the distinctive features that set Rail X Ranch apart are its private lake, stunning pool, multiple barns, and the rare presence of an artesian well, which flows without mechanical intervention. The property retains all its mineral rights—a rarity in Southern Arizona. Adjoined to the Coronado National Forest, the ranch offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from horseback riding to hiking and bird watching, all within the confines of this exceptional property. Area experts have identified more than 200 species of birds in nearby Patagonia.

Baseball, Business, Education, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Jennifer Bellinger

The team of experienced agents continues to grow with Valley’s leader in luxury real estate.

 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Jennifer Bellinger, to the Camelback Tower Office.  

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Jennifer Bellinger has lived in the Phoenix area for 40 years. She grew up part-time in Los Angeles, CA, and is a dual-licensed REALTOR® in both states. Jennifer now calls Phoenix her permanent home. She travels back and forth and has first-hand knowledge of the challenges of moving as she has moved over a dozen times. She has had a wide array of real estate transactions; whether residential, land deals, or leases, she uses all of her positive energy, integrity, and hard work to serve her clients.  

Jennifer’s main strengths are: Her energetic personality. Amazing communication skills. Her direct approach to everything in life. Still, she is also really good at seeing the silver lining in everything. Jennifer loves to set goals and never sees any goal out-of-reach.  

Jennifer graduated from Northern Montana University, where she went to school on a volleyball scholarship. She received her B.S degree in education. Before she started serving her clients with real estate needs, she served as a director of children’s ministries at a huge church in Phoenix. Where she also spoke and taught in the main services several times a year. Jennifer is not shy when it comes to public speaking and has been an excellent storyteller. She is very well connected in the community and loves meeting new people and making them feel welcome.

Her biggest passions are her health and fitness where she commits to that daily. But her number one passion is to travel, and some of her favorite places and experiences that she has been on has been backpacking through Europe right after college, and recently a trip to Dubai where she was able to ride camels through the Red Desert.

Jennifer and Clay Bellinger raised three amazing children. Her daughter, Ashli Bellinger, is a professional counselor. Her son, Cody Bellinger has been a professional baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2013. The San Diego Padres drafted her other son Cole Bellinger in 2017 and he is currently going back to school to get his degree in finance. 

Jennifer recently started two nonprofits; raising awareness for homelessness and mental health and a family foundation to give back to the community and serve as an outreach and support depending on the community’s needs. 

When you meet certain people, you know immediately if they have ‘it’. Jennifer has ‘it’. Style, grace and the tenacity to make her a phenomenal partner with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. We are excited for the next chapter of her career to unfold.

SHerri Monteith, Manging Broker
Business, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Sponsors “Calling All Warriors” With Flagstaff Unified School District

The Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation will be hosting a virtual program entitled Calling All Warriors with D.J. Vanas, the author of The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement on Thursday, March 4th at 5:30 p.m.  The free program will be available to the public digitally here and is aimed at inspiring students to bring out their best. 

The FUSD Foundation is excited to share this opportunity with the community. Our board truly believes in empowering students and we are grateful for the opportunity to share Mr. Vanas’s important message with generous financial support of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Paul Kulpinkski, FUSD Foundation President

Based on concepts from D.J.’s celebrated book, The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement, this program will inspire your students to bring out their best.  Using wisdom from traditional Native American ceremonies, they’ll learn the true purpose of a warrior – to be of service – and the “superpowers” they have to make that a reality.  In this dynamic and entertaining program, D.J. will inspire students with a new sense of purpose and passion in who we are and what we can do.  

Mr. Vanas’s message is timely and right on target in these turbulent times, especially so for the youth of your community. Very powerful.”

Todd, Gillenwater

Born into poverty to teenage parents, D.J. has used the power of his culture, education and determined drive to become a highly successful business owner, speaker and best-selling author.  He’ll show your students how the simple choices we make each day can create a massive impact and create a life of excitement, adventure – and success. They’ll feel supercharged towards their future when they learn the truth about themselves – there’s a warrior within!

Participants can visit D.J. Vanas’s website, http://www.nativediscovery.com, and download a free digital copy of The Warrior’s Guide before the program.

Architecture, Art, Augmented Reality, Business, Community, COVID-19, Education, Real Estate

Sotheby’s International Realty Sees 32% Sales Growth and Achieves Record $150 Billion in Global Sales Volume as 2020 Changes Definition of Home Luxury Real Estate Brand’s

Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that its affiliated brokers and independent sales professionals achieved a record US$150 billion in 2020 global sales volume, a nearly 32% increase in sales growth year over year, as the definition of home changed for consumers around the world. Due to a longstanding commitment to innovation, Sotheby’s International Realty® agents were able to seamlessly help clients navigate the changing market dynamics brought on by the global pandemic with existing technology offerings which propelled business momentum. 

“Agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty quickly pivoted to address the impact of the global pandemic,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Thanks to innovations we pioneered nearly a decade ago, our affiliated companies and agents made the impossible possible. Their adaptability to serve clients safely further extended our position as a leader in luxury real estate.” 

Long-Standing Commitment to Virtual Technology Paved Way for Success 

Sotheby’s International Realty continued to lead the industry and was well-positioned to meet the needs of consumers as the buying and selling process became increasingly virtual. Sotheby’s International Realty agents accelerated the use of the brand’s existing video, virtual reality, and live-streaming technology to produce new forms of content that engaged buyers and set a new standard for marketing luxury properties. Currently, buyers can safely tour more than 6,000 properties via virtual reality or video on sothebysrealty.com. Property videos also proved engaging on social media where the brand’s YouTube channel delivered 43 million views, or the equivalent of more than one million hours watched. 

“As a leader in the luxury real estate industry, Sotheby’s International Realty is able to anticipate trends,” said Chief Marketing Officer, Bradley Nelson. “Our priority remains to present listings in the best possible manner and to provide a superb end-user experience however buyers prefer to search for their new home. Virtual technology has been at the forefront of our marketing strategy for several years and comes as naturally to us as our commitment to high quality service.” 

The brand also unveiled a new website, sothebysrealty.com, available in 14 languages and nearly 60 currency conversions, to continue serving its growing international clientele and fuel referrals worldwide. The website achieved a notable amount of traffic for the brand with 37 million visits in 2020. Property videos on the site produced by Sotheby’s International Realty agents were especially popular and played nearly 13 million times in 2020, totaling more than 90,000 hours watched. 

A Year of Strategic Growth and Record Achievements 

Despite travel restrictions, Sotheby’s International Realty remained committed to expanding its global footprint and achieving strategic growth. In 2020, the brand opened more than 50 new offices across the world, bringing the brand’s total presence to nearly 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories with approximately 24,000 independent sales associates worldwide. 

The brand’s existing affiliated companies around the world continued to grow in 2020. Sotheby’s International Realty increased its total domestic presence to 45 states around the country. Sotheby’s International Realty facilitated affiliate expansions through 12 domestic M&A transactions, including California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington. 

The brand also continued to expand internationally in key markets and opened offices in seven new territories. In Europe, the brand expanded to Ukraine, Romania, Montenegro, and in Germany. In the Asia-Pacific region, the brand opened its first office in South Korea and expanded in the Caribbean and Latin American region with two new offices in Paraguay and Antigua & Barbuda. 

“Our international footprint is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Tammy Fahmi, vice president, global operations and international servicing. “Our brand’s locations are in the most desirable places around the globe, so our clients know they can rely on our local market expertise wherever they are looking to buy or sell.” 

As affluent individuals looked to acquire secondary homes in markets around the world, Sotheby’s International Realty agents acted as true global real estate advisors and referral volume surged by 42% to US$2.9 billion in closed sales volume. 

“Our 2020 results prove what is possible when you focus on quality above all else. We remain proud to be the real estate brand of choice for so many luxury real estate experts and affluent clients. We will continue to work tirelessly to prove their trust has been well placed,” concluded White.

Architecture, Art, Augmented Reality, Business, Community, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

February Newsletter

The Sotheby’s International Realty® 2021 Luxury Outlook is a deep-dive into high-end residential markets across the globe, reflecting on an unprecedented year for real estate and global wealth. The report looks at what’s in store for some of the world’s primary and secondary markets as well as the wealth trends that will drive discretionary investment in the coming months. Read more
Sotheby’s Masters Week Auctions in New York achieved $95.4 million across an exciting week of four live auctions and a successful online auction. Nearly half of all sold lots exceeded their high estimates and 15 lots exceeded $1 million. The Master Paintings Evening Sale realized $61.1 million making it the highest total for a Master Paintings Sale at Sotheby’s New York since 2012 and setting 7 new auction records.  Read more
It’s been a long year, so we have good reason to rejoice when thinking of the interior design trends coming up in 2021. From the growing importance of sustainable materials to elegant elements and a celebration of individuality and uniqueness, our 2021 trend edit will provide you with a curated look that will bring your home into the New Year with sensational style. Read more
Amazon dropped big announcements this week. In the span of 24 hours, its CEO, Jeff Bezos, revealed he’ll be stepping down from his role later this year. Then the corporate giant unveiled its plan for its second headquarters to be built in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. The 2.8 million-square-foot HQ2, PenPlace, will transform Arlington’s skyline. Designed by global architecture firm NBBJ, who led the design of Amazon’s Seattle headquarters, PenPlace is the next step of Amazon’s expansion. Read more
Although some countries have reopened their borders, many travellers are still unable to venture out during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. This has forced tourism industries to rethink how they can promote tourist attractions online. One way of getting tourists to travel abroad from the comfort of their own homes is through virtual reality (VR) technology and 360-degree videography. We round up the best virtual travel tours and online travel experiences that can be enjoyed online right now. Read more
It’s been a long time since most of us have used our dining rooms for one of their intended purposes—hosting a good old-fashioned dinner party. At some point later this year, we hope, gatherings like this will be possible, but until they are, we know that you could use a little inspiration in the meantime. (And you can always “host” your own intimate gathering without inviting guests, right?) Here, we’ve gathered 15 of our absolute favorite dining rooms from the pages of ELLE Decor over the past year—each and every one is memorable in its own way and will leave you wanting more. So grab your best china and silver and get ready to set the table—we hope these 15 stunning displays of style and flair will help bring you some cheer until we’re all back together in the dining room. Read more
We often create these “grazing boards” for family dinners, but of course, they’re absolutely perfect for parties and occasions. Even my daughter helps add her favorite foods to the boards for snacks. 
Speaking of occasions, Courtney Whitmore of PIZZAZZERIE created a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board to share! I’m absolutely tickled pink with how it turned out, and I’ve decided it will be a Valentine’s Day tradition. Read more
Agency, Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate, Technology, Travel

Russ Lyon SIR January Newsletter

Every Car Needs A Home: The new year means it’s auto season here in Arizona! Things may seem a bit different this season as some shows and auctions have decided to change their dates and host a more intimate setting for health and safety, but we’ve got a line up of lavish estates to get any car lover ramped up. Read more here

Home is Where the Heart Is: Whether by necessity or choice, home is not just our place of comfort and relaxation. Home is now our office, our gym, our favorite restaurant, our date night and more homebuyers and owners have discovered that their next purchase or renovation needs to match and accommodate their new lifestyle of being at home more than ever. Read more here

Design Trends of 2021: Elle Decor asked designers and industry veterans what they are forecasting as the top design trends moving forward into 2021. A neutral palette, relaxed seating, state-of-the-art entertainment equipment, and substantial dining tables are just a few of the trends that have emerged from all these days spent at home. Read more here

Sophisticated and Snug: 6 home features to chase away the chill this winter. With the winter months upon us, now is the time to create warm and cozy spaces for relaxing on chilly nights. While there are many tried and true strategies for making winter bright (with a steaming mug of mulled wine at the top of the list), set a foundation with inviting interior design. Whether you’re giving your current rooms a makeover or thinking ahead on inspiration, here are five sophisticated features to help welcome in the cheer. Read more here

Explore Switzerland: Every day, Sylvia Michel and her fluffy White Swiss Shepherd Rasta go on a hike through the perfect hills and valleys of Switzerland, and they take their Instagram followers along for the ride. Since COVID19 has kept many people in self isolation, travel-lovers around the world have been living vicariously through Rasta the dog’s daily adventures. Read more here

Upcoming Auctions: Following the guidelines for the Phase Four reopening of Manhattan, Sotheby’s is able to accommodate clients in their building by appointment only. For interest in upcoming auctions, to preview, or bid, click here.

Business, Education, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR December 2020 Ninja Installation

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has completed their 6th Ninja Installation and is proud to announce its new Ninja Graduates:

Carlos Ayuso, Valerie Bonsonto-Schultz, Bob Brangan, Benjamin Cameron, Portia Chambers, Traci Daniels, Christin Dockery, Angela Doss, Jacqui Firestone, Janelle Flaherty, Jim French, George Fried, Virginia Gee, Cathy Green, Jeff Grimm, Michelle Hodges, Eric Z Horn, Tonja Howard, Natalie Jacobsen, Sheral James, Jennie Jantz, Emily Jensen, Adam Johnson, Beth Krueger, Frank Lococo, Laura Lucky, Charles Maxwell, Jim Mednik, Brian Mitchell, Sandon Nixon, Josie Pakula, Shawna Perkins, Donna Raskas, Carol Reill, Linda Ruiz, Katie Scala, Jeffrey Serpa, Barbara Smith, Kellie Stevenson, Karen Supman, Rachel Tomlinson, Barry Van Patten, Stacey Vandivert, Rebecca Watwood-Millington, Kim Weber, Wyndie Whitney, Elizabeth Wilson

Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Fitness, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR December Newsletter

Physical distancing mandates put in place by government and health officials suspended much of the in-person interactions that businesses rely on, and stay-at-home orders made technology imperative. Technology has never been more important than it is right now. When the stakes are high and deals are on the line, clients want to know trusted agents have the tools to get the job done and agents want to know that their brokerage is going to support them. Read more

The holidays will look and feel a bit different this year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that does not mean holiday traditions have to stop. Some of the best light displays around Arizona have already opened for the season, while others are preparing to open in the next few weeks. Here is our list of fun, festive light shows and experiences to check out! View our list

Marissa Mullen brings holiday inspiration to your traditional meat and cheese plate. The trend-setting, cheese-loving influencer is decking the halls with the charcuter-wreath, charcuterie chalet (formerly known as the ginger bread house) and charcutertree. Whether your ready to be inspired for an upcoming holiday soiree or are just craving something fun and new, check out That Cheese Plate and Cheese by Numbers and sign up for a That Cheese Class.

Holiday 10? Quarantine 15? We’ve all heard about it…Who says you have to go to a gym to get exercise? Or even venture outside the house? From virtual training to live streaming, luxury at-home fitness is on the rise. Fitness enthusiasts furnish home gyms with NordicTrack equipment, as well as free weights, benches, yoga mats, jumping ropes, and punching bags, among other accessories. Matrix Fitness features a portfolio of gym-quality cardio and strength equipment including ascent trainers and treadmills. Read more

Who says your WFH space needs to be all work and no play? Catching up on work from the living room sofa always seemed like a pleasure—up until it became a full-time affair. With companies like Facebook and Twitter leading the charge to make working from home the new normal, the home office is finally top of mind once again. Whether used every day of the week or for an occasional evening brainstorm, a well-designed space can help shut out distractions, center the mind, and inspire creativity. Read more

You can wander into the belly of an Egyptian pyramid, explore the house where Mozart was born, or fly over the rocky peaks of Glacier National Park. Sure, you’ll be looking at a screen, but you’ll see new places, hear new languages and pick up some interesting tidbits about other cultures. Call it a warm-up for that moment when you’ll actually be packing your bags and heading out for your next adventure. View here

Sotheby’s is honoured to present A Celebration of Art Deco: Masterworks from the Collection of Dr. Stephen E. Kelly. The collection is, at its essence, a true celebration of the modernity, sophistication, richness, and aesthetic innovation of the artistic movement that defined the first half of the 20th Century. The impeccable quality of the collection is owed to the unbridled passion and unparalleled connoisseurship of Dr. Stephen E. Kelly. View more auctions

Art, Business, Education, Entertainment, General

Successful Tips for Holiday Shopping

Don’t limit yourself to one type of shopping: About 7 in 10 consumers plan on shopping in-store for their holiday gifts, with the average person planning to visit about six stores in total. Instead, you may be able to score awesome prices from the comfort of your couch.

Don’t pay full price: There are lots of ways to save around the holiday season. This can come in a variety of forms, from free shipping codes, promo codes, coupon codes to cashback offers. 

Do your research: Some stores will price match during Black Friday season, so it’s worth looking into the policies if you’re debating between several stores.

Check online deals: Many retailers will offer the same Black Friday deals online as they do in stores. AmazonSmile 

Follow brands on social media: Sometimes, especially around Black Friday Week, you will find door buster codes. These are promotions that promise additional discounts.

Download apps and extensions: Consider downloading some apps for your smartphone and browser extensions that plug into your internet browser and alert you to cheaper prices and deals.

Shop after the sale days end: Only about a third of Americans plan to shop on Black Friday. In fact, over half say they will wait until the week after to complete their holiday shopping. You may be able to find better deals on certain items after Black Friday and Cyber Monday end.

Use credit cards: Credit card can give extra protection compared to debit cards; such as the right to dispute charges and a limit on liability. 

Monitor: Check your credit card and bank accounts before, during, and after the holiday shopping season. 

Business, Education, Entertainment, Fitness, Inspiration, Life

Arizona’s Wide-Open Spaces Are Still Open for Business

Arizona’s diverse and lavish landscape has always been one of the state’s biggest selling points.  From the national wonders of the Grand Canyon to the historic ghost and mining towns to the perfectly positioned saguaros and bountiful mountains, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery or outdoor recreation.  Mother Nature blessed the 48th state with hundreds of miles of vast open spaces.  The Grand Canyon state has been drawing tourists from around the world for over a century and it’s still happening today. 

Even during the pandemic, travelers and residents alike continue to show their appreciation and love for Arizona’s outdoors and all it has to offer.  While the Arizona Office of Tourism says it may take a little more than a year to get the state’s tourism back to pre-COVID levels, steps are already underway to keep Arizona’s tourism on the map for many years to come.  The office recently released a recovery plan that includes accelerating leisure travel activity statewide, stabilizing visitor volume in urban centers, and reinvigorating and strengthening tourism in rural and Tribal areas.

The foundation our industry has built through the best of times will continue to serve us through these challenging times. We’ll use the strategies outlined in our Tourism Strategic Recovery Plan to stabilize, recover and rebuild our travel industry, which supports so many Arizonans.

Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism

Among those sizzling factors that keep Arizona a hot spot for tourism – two words – The Weather!

While there’s no shoveling the sunshine here, it can certainly be counted on when it comes to aiding the state’s recovery. With the Phoenix Valley of the Sun averaging 296 days of sunshine, Tucson averaging 284, and Flagstaff averaging 264 days a year with sunshine – Arizona is the ideal state to visit for all the seasons and for all the best reasons. As many travel plans came to a halt, tourists are still making their way to explore Arizona’s parks, trails, lakes, and play its golf courses. 

Recreational state parks and trails are open to the public and continue to attract tourists, including a one-of-kind tourist destination like the cave tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park, which resumed in June.  The vast open space in Arizona will be cherished for many years to come as the national forest land covers 15% of Arizona. The state is home to 24 national parks, making day trips and weekend adventures all the rage. 

After a brief closure and a few added restrictions, our favorite backdrop and Natural Wonder of the World, the Grand Canyon National Park, is open and shuttle service is continuing.  The Grand Canyon is unmatched throughout the world for the vistas it offers visitors on the rim.  The canyon stretches an impressive 227 miles long and averages over 10 miles wide. On a normal year, Arizona’s premier National Park attracts about five million visitors per year.  For those looking to visit, the entry is through the Town of Tusayan. With plenty of available lodging in neighboring Tusayan, the community has renewed its efforts to promote local tourism to Arizona residents.

Tusayan’s Mayor-Elect, Clarinda Vail, remains optimistic, “Since the re-opening of the Grand Canyon National Park we are seeing more tourists in our community and it is a welcoming sight. At 7,000 feet in elevation, Tusayan remains a place for Arizonans seeking some relief from the heat and an opportunity to reconnect with the Grand Canyon or see it for the first time.”

Renegade Golf Course at Desert Mountain

From 5 million visitors at the canyon to 12 million rounds of golf, it is fair to say there has never been a better time to get outdoors and enjoy a round of golf.  Home to more than 300 public and private golf courses, Arizona deemed golf an essential activity allowing golf courses to remain open with new protocols set in place for physical distancing. While other sporting events such as Spring Training were cut short this year, the Arizona Golf Association managed to hold its 96th Arizona Amateur Championship in July.

This winter there’s even more reasons to fall in love with Arizona again. Arizona Snowbowl plans to open for the ski season and unveil its new high-speed Agassiz combo lift that will redefine the Snowbowl experience with six-person chairs interspersed with eight-person gondola cabins. The new lift will transport passengers up 2,000 feet of vertical in just 7 minutes – less than half the time of the existing lift.  You don’t need to wait for winter to enjoy Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl. During the summer months, enjoy live music events or take in the dramatic scenery of northern Arizona from a bird’s eye view on the Grand Canyon Express lift. As the lift travels up to 10,800 feet, one can see the cinder cone volcanic field, the red rocks in Sedona, and as far as the Grand Canyon on a clear day. No matter the season or the temperature, Arizona offers some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. With its diverse topography and awe-inspiring wonders, pandemic or not, it will surely be the place visitors will return for many years to come.