From Scottsdale to Vegas: A Family Adventure

Beginning in Arizona, you can visit "Old Scottsdale" where you explore the 5th Ave. Shopping District, filled with vintage and boutique shops and a host of places to dine. There you will find everything from modern art installations to historical 1880s sites. You can easily make a day of it. But if you want to see something a little different, and the kids are interested in trains, you can visit McCormick Stillman Railroad Park, where you can ride on a real locomotive or explore the historical cars that they have on exhibit. You could also explore the Sonoran Dessert by hot air balloon, for a picture-worthy experience.

Traveling towards The Grand Canyon, your first stop should be Sedona, which is about 2 hours from Scottsdale. Gorgeous red rock surrounds you and the town is filled with a very zen-like vibe. You can choose to explore the shops in town, but I highly recommend a Pink Jeep Tour. Your vehicle will climb huge boulders and traverse cliffs to make it to the top of the mountain to enjoy incredible views. The kids always find this to be a highlight! Luckily, there are choices, and among them are also tamer versions for those of you who prefer a less bumpy ride.

Continuing on for another couple of hours, you will reach the Grand Canyon. We chose to stay at accommodations near the South Rim, which were perfect and made for an easy trip into the park. The National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center was less than 1/2 mile and the entrance to the park, only 1 1/2 miles away. Of course, the main attraction here is the hiking, and you will likely go into the park each day, venturing out on ledges and traversing the canyon. It is considerably cooler here, which makes for beautiful days and cooler nights. The adventurous could attempt a white water rafting trip on the Colorado, depending on the time of year. A great way to see the park in its entirety is by helicopter, and I highly recommend doing so. This allows you to understand how vast the park truly is, and the guides are great at imparting knowledge, allowing you to learn facts you might not have learned otherwise.

Moving on to your next destination will likely take you about 2 hours. Here you will find Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and within it, Lake Powell. This is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country and a destination where you can paddleboard and kayak across state lines, from Arizona to Utah. Houseboats are abundant, and the sunsets are spectacular. There is ample hiking through Canyon National and any type of boating you could want to do.

A bit over 2 hours away, you will find Bryce Canyon. Beautiful deep red and orange hues surround you in the stunning park. There are several great ways to tour the canyon, such as by foot, mountain bike, ATV or horseback. We chose to travel around the rim of the canyon by horse, and our only regret is that it wasn't longer. Such a beautiful place to be. In the summer-time, there is also a local rodeo and western-themed shows and shops are available as well.

As you head south, towards Las Vegas (about 4 hours away) you can also stop at Zion National Park, if time permits. The Narrows is the most famous site in the park and consists of stunning slot canyons that have formed over millions of years: water, and the sediment it carries along with it, gouges out channels in the rock as it trickles down through existing cracks. These form high walls, narrow passageways and pools of water at the bottom. Hanging gardens and waterfalls complete this picture-perfect trek. These hikes range from easy, to much more strenuous, so there is likely something for everyone there.

Even if you have been to Vegas several times, it takes on a new feeling when sharing with the kids. The bright lights, loud music, activity everywhere....the children stare in awe. Whether you are perusing the M&M store, searching for the country's best burger or buffet, or taking in one of the many free shows on the streets or in a hotel, Las Vegas does not disappoint. Although you might not be hitting the after-hours bars or too many black-jack tables this time around, Vegas offers great food options, tons of entertainment, and fun, affordable accommodations for all members of the family.

• Scottsdale: FnB is a great local restaurant, serving up locally farmed produce, as well as great wine options. This is a fairly popular place, so good to make a reservation in advance.

• Sedona: The Hideaway House is a perfect lunch spot to stop with the family. Amazing pizzas, salads and sandwiches made with local, fresh ingredients and stunning patio views make this a great place for kids and parents alike.

• Grand Canyon: Meshing continental and southwestern cuisine, El Tovar sits near the southern rim of the canyon and boasts the most spectacular views. One of the oldest restaurants, it serves up dishes such as duck and lamb and is one of the only fine-dining restaurants in the area. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations start booking up to six months in advance.

• Lake Powell: A Native American dinner theater and great cultural food await you at Red Heritage. Perfect for families, the Navajo share their customs and history through music, dance and storytelling. This vibrant culture also showcases their favorite foods, such as frybread tacos, with both meat and vegetarian options.

• Bryce Canyon: Options are a bit limited in this area but, we found Ebenezer's Bar and Grill to be very entertaining for all. With rotating shows, and audience participation, this proves to be a fun night all around. The simple western-themed food consists of either bbq chicken, salmon or steak, all served with beans, coleslaw and biscuits.