Discover the performers, personalities and remarkable history behind the Bird Cage Theater—and the book that brings their stories back to life. Imagine arriving in Tombstone in the 1880s. Beyond the mining claims and dusty streets, an evening’s entertainment awaits: orchestra music, singers, dancers, comedy and acts extraordinary enough to make you wonder how they found their way to this Arizona boomtown. Welcome to the Bird Cage Theater. Opened in 1881, the Bird Cage offered

Doc Holliday began his working life as a dentist—and so did Dr. Jay. Raised on a farm in New York’s Hudson River Valley, Jay grew up watching Westerns and imagining adventures on the frontier. After a career as a dental surgeon and forensic dentist in New Hampshire, he retired early in 1991 and headed west to follow that childhood fascination. Along the way, he found another calling: bringing history to life. His love of theater led to years of staged Western gunfight perfor

A child sees a new possibility on Arizona PBS. A question about our state gets a thoughtful answer on KJZZ. A familiar piece of music comes on KBACH, and the drive home feels a little different. These moments are easy to take for granted. The people behind them are telling Arizona’s stories, making room for conversation, bringing learning into our homes and keeping music in our lives. At XO from Arizona, we love introducing people to the makers, merchants and communities that

Five unforgettable ways to experience the wonder The Grand Canyon is more than a view—it is a world unto itself. Look up into one of America’s darkest night skies. Walk along the rim. Travel through billions of years of geologic history. Follow the landscape east toward Desert View. Then, if you are prepared, step below the rim and into the canyon itself. Here are five extraordinary ways to experience the Grand Canyon outdoors. Stargaze Under a Dark Desert Sky When daylight f

The millionaire who understood that before you can save a beautiful place, you have to make people fall in love with it. Stand at Mather Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and it is easy to understand why millions of people come here. What most visitors don’t know is who Mather was — or why one of the Grand Canyon’s most magnificent overlooks bears his name. Stephen Tyng Mather was a wealthy businessman, a passionate outdoorsman and one of the great champions of Ameri

Why museums and galleries may be the workout your mind has been missing We know what happens when we exercise our bodies. We become stronger, more flexible, more resilient. But what about our senses? There’s a compelling idea that visiting a museum or art gallery may be the cultural equivalent of going to the gym — a workout for the eyes, the imagination and the mind. When you stand in front of a painting, study a piece of sculpture, wander through a photography exhibition or

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with its own language, history, traditions, and deep connection to the land. From the sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon to the ancient villages of Hopi and the spectacular vistas of Monument Valley, some of Arizona's most unforgettable places are also among its most sacred. One of the most meaningful ways to experience these places is by choosing a Native-owned or Native-operated guide service. A Native guide do

A Journey Through Thousands of Years of Arizona History Arizona is often celebrated for its stunning landscapes—the Grand Canyon, red rock cliffs, towering saguaros, and endless desert skies. But beyond the scenery lies something equally remarkable: one of the richest and most fascinating histories in America. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples built thriving communities, engineered sophisticated irrigation systems, established trade routes, and created cultures that

A Journey Through Desert Blooms, Hidden Oases, and Living Collections Arizona is often celebrated for its dramatic landscapes—the Grand Canyon, red rock canyons, towering saguaros, and endless desert skies. Yet tucked within those landscapes are some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the American Southwest.These gardens do more than showcase plants. They tell the story of Arizona itself. They preserve rare species, inspire conservation, educate future generations, an

A Love Letter to Books, Stories, and the Libraries That Connect Arizona Long before Arizona became known for its resorts, national parks, and stunning landscapes, it was a land of storytellers. Native American tribes passed down histories and traditions through oral storytelling. Ranchers, miners, pioneers, and railroad workers shared tales around campfires. Writers came west seeking inspiration in Arizona’s deserts, mountains, and small towns. Today, libraries continue that

High above Scottsdale, cradled in the foothills of Black Mountain, sits a town that lives up to its name. Carefree is a place where art, craftsmanship, culture, and small-town charm come together in the most effortless way. It’s one of Arizona’s true creative enclaves — a place where makers and merchants pour their hearts into their work, where galleries anchor the community, and where every visit feels like stepping into a beautifully curated desert story. A Haven for Artist

There are places that defy description, and then there is the Grand Canyon—Arizona’s crown jewel and one of the world’s great wonders. It is a cathedral of stone and sky, a rippling tapestry of ancient rock layers carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. But beyond its breathtaking scale and beauty, the Grand Canyon is also a story of visionaries—architects, artists, entrepreneurs, conservationists, and dreamers—who shaped how we experience this extraordinary nati

Janey's Coffee Co. in Cave Creek Arizona’s cultural heart hums to a rich, local soundtrack. In Cave Creek, Janey’s Coffee Co. hosts live performances seven nights a week, turning its patio into a community stage. In Phoenix, the legendary Rhythm Room is the Valley’s top blues club, a landmark for roots, jazz, and soul. Tucson pulses with long-standing venues like Club Congress inside the historic Hotel Congress, the intimate jazz-focused Century Room , and the beautifu

There are some journeys where the destination doesn’t matter—because the ride itself is the adventure. The Verde Canyon Railroad , based in historic Clarkdale, is one of those rare experiences. Known as “Arizona’s longest-running nature show,” this excursion through red rock country is more than a train ride—it’s a journey back in time, a celebration of slow travel, and a showcase of the Verde Valley’s natural wonders. Slow Train Travel at Its Best In an age of rushing, the

Hopi Artist Buddy Tubinaghtewa Arizona is a state where creativity rises straight out of the desert floor. From world-class festivals to intimate studio tours, from mountain towns to historic villages, and from sprawling city expos to arts districts tucked beneath red rocks — Arizona’s art scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Across the state, artists open their studios, towns fill their streets with color and music, and visitors discover everything from fine art and scul

Phoenix’s downtown isn’t just a hub for great food and drink—it’s a vibrant stage where music, theater, ballet, and opera all come alive. Whether you’re craving a soulful blues show, a grand symphony, or an intimate theatrical performance, here’s your guide to the top arts and culture destinations in downtown Phoenix. Rhythm Room rhythmroom.com A beloved blues and roots concert club since 1991, Rhythm Room brings national and local acts to its intimate stage nearly every nigh

Phoenix sparkles with desert light by day and neon glow by night, but some of its brightest treasures are tucked inside world-class...

Arizona boasts a rich tapestry of museums that celebrate its diverse cultural, artistic, and historical heritage. From world-class art collections to immersive experiences in music and Indigenous cultures, here are seven must-visit museums across the Grand Canyon State: 1. Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix) As the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, the Phoenix Art Museum houses over 20,000 works spanning American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American

Arizona offers a diverse array of zoos that cater to wildlife enthusiasts, families, and conservation supporters alike. Here are five...

Phoenix/Scottsdale Area 1. The Phoenician Golf Club (Scottsdale) Website: www.thephoenician.com/golf 2. Desert Highlands Golf Club...