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Arizona’s hidden treasures

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Jessica Cooper Student Contributor, University of Arizona
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Yael Schusterman Student Contributor, University of Arizona
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Arizona chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Being a native Arizonan I am well aware that it’s easy to take this desert state for granted. Each year we hope that California will just share the wealth and give us an ocean but in reality Arizona has so much that you just couldn’t find in any other state. I have at least another year here so I wanted to see what Arizona and T-Town had to offer. I had never realized all the amazing indoor and outdoor adventures that were right at my fingertips.
 
From the natural beauty to the large lakes and high mountain ranges Arizona has a lot to offer.  A popular trip that many make is to Lake Havasu where boating, Jet Ski’s and scuba diving are just a few of the activities to choose from while working on your tan. There is so much to choose from that a long weekend wouldn’t be enough time to explore it all. If you find yourself looking to have a great weekend without having to make a drive, check out http://www.golakehavasu.com/things-to-do.html for all the inclusive packages.
 

Thinking about traveling a little north of Tucson? Phoenix, being the 5th largest city in the nation, presents you with the city life you may be looking for. In Scottsdale you will find some of the nation’s top resorts, spas’ and golfing ranges. For a nice night out I suggest you venture over to Downtown Scottsdale for an old fashioned good time. You’ll be surprised to find all the greenery that Arizona inhibits to be quite refreshing! Not to mention the sunset is  incredible from the peaks of mountains surrounding the city lights. And although we may not speak of this at UA, Tempe has a fantastic nightlife to offer if you’re looking for a break from Tucson’s already stacked 4th Avenue.
 

You may be like me and enjoy some cold weather from time to time and for that I suggest a road trip all the way up north. Flagstaff is up in the higher elevation of Arizona therefore giving those residents an opportunity to not only experience snow but all the great sports that come with it. As a girl who loves her rare snowboarding opportunities, I love the escape Flagstaff has to offer in the snow. If you want to catch some snowflakes now is the time to hit the road and take a visit to our northern neighbors.
For the winter time activities check out http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com/.
 

Last but not least, for those of us who can’t spare a weekend away but are looking for a new adventure, Tucson has some of the greatest hidden treasures. With a number of state parks to the number of botanical gardens. There are a variety of museums from Fine Art to the Children’s Museum, making it easy to find  something that interests you. If you have a love for western films? Old Tucson Studios shows you how westerns  were made in the Wild West and Tucson’s ghost towns. For numerous other places to see in Tucson click here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60950-Activities-Tucson_Arizona.html.
 
I encourage all of you to enjoy the great state of Arizona and make your own discoveries. There is so much more here than a vast desert, we are fortunate to have so many  activities and scenic adventures at our disposal  each day. 
 
 

My name is Jessica Cooper and in the Fall I will be a Senior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in journalism with a dual minor in history and judaic studies. My focus is in both print and online journalism. I have loved being a part of the Her Campus team for the last semester and am so excited to be the campus correspondant for the 2011-2012 year.
Yael Schusterman is a journalism senior at the University of Arizona. She has freelanced for half a dozen publications and is ready to transition from a print to an online focus. She maintains a permanent residence in New Jersey and her goal is to live in Manhattan. The AP wire has picked up one of her stories, "Theft at gallery yields sale to help artists," as member enterprise while working for The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. She looks forward to working with the Her Campus Team and spreading awareness on the UA campus.