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See the Southwest

Experience the Southwest United States and all it has to offer. Explore the arid deserts, stunning mountains, and red rock landscapes that will make you wonder how nature can be so incredible. Below you can uncover dwellings built into cliffs, out-of-this-world museums, and parks your friends and family will love. 

ARIZONA


Antelope Canyon – Page, Arizona
There’s a reason Antelope Canyon is the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the Southwest. The canyon, filled with natural light beams, was formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion, which resulted in smooth and unique sandstone waves. 

Grand Canyon – Scottsdale/Grand Canyon, Arizona
Get your cameras ready when you visit the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.  

Montezuma Castle – Yavapai County, Arizona
Ninety feet off the valley floor, you can find a magnificent ancient dwelling nestled into a limestone cliff.  

Northern Arizona
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Grand View North

When people come to visit Northern Arizona, the first thing they think of is the Grand Canyon. Though spectacular to visit, here’s a fun spot to head to that is “cool” is so many ways. The Lava River Tube is located on the Coconino National Forest between the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff offers visitors an opportunity to not only visit a 700,000 year old lava tube, but also a way to get out of the heat of summer where the tube is a consistent 42-50 degrees (make sure to bring the sweatshirts, sturdy shoes/boots and head lamps along!!). The tube is also located in one of the largest ponderosa pine forests in the world among 2 million acres with hiking, mountain biking, ATVing and exploring as well!

Carefree
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Sonoran Deserts

The Town of Carefree is a rural, residential township of approximately 4,500 residents. Located in Maricopa County, the aptly named community is slightly more than eight square miles and located in the northeast corner of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It surrounds Black Mountain to the south and west, and its landmass also continues to the northeast of this prominent landmark. Residents cite the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, clean air, less traffic, peace, and tranquility as the top reasons to live in Carefree. Enjoy the grandeur of the Sonoran Desert, visit the one-of-a-kind Sundial, and stroll through our vibrant downtown Desert Garden. Carefree offers seasonal cultural festivals and art shows; discover unique shops, exceptional galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Bring the kids to the Kiwanis Splash pad for fun in the sun. A scenic 30-minute drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Featured Listing: 37802 N Stirrup Circle

COLORADO


Hanging Lake – Glenwood Springs, Colorado
This spectacular National Natural Landmark was formed by a geologic fault will caused the lakebed to drop. Take a scenic hike and admire the waterfalls and lakes, and don’t forget to make a reservation. 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater – Morrison, Colorado
Experience a concert or event at Red Rocks, an incredible open-air amphitheater built into a rock structure. It is considered one of America’s best amphitheaters and is a designated National Historic Landmark.  

NEW MEXICO


White Sands National Park – White Sands, New Mexico
Check out the glistening white sands of New Mexico and the world’s largest gypsum sand dunefield. You can camp, hike, bike, and even sled through the powdery sand.  

Dripping Springs Natural Area – Las Cruces, New Mexico
Take in the beautiful views and waterfalls while exploring the Dripping Springs Natural Area.  

International UFO Museum and Research Center – Roswell, New Mexico
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience. The International UFO Museum and Research Center, opened in 1992, contains various materials, papers, eyewitness accounts, and artifacts related to UFO research. 

Farmington
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Golden Door

Passing through the Farmington area? You’ll want to stay awhile to see all the interesting sights such as the Historic landmark on native ruins, the Salmon Ruins Museum, and Farmington Lake. If you’re looking to hit the greens, stop by the Pinon Hills Golf Course. In the evenings, you can try your luck at the Northern Edge and SunRay Park Casinos.

OKLAHOMA


Gathering Place – Tulsa, Oklahoma
This park offers everything from a 5-acre playground and boathouse to sports courts and skate parks. The best part is Tulsa’s Riverfront destination is free.   

Edmond

Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paramount

Only making one stop in the U.S., The Painters of Pompeii exhibition is opening at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art June 26. Time travel to the Mesozoic era to see dinosaurs in action at the Oklahoma City Zoo‘s brand-new Dino Safari. Scissortail Park, OKC’s newest urban park, offers everything you need to make a day of it including a skating rink, paddle boats on the lake, a splash pad and more. Cool off at Riversport OKC’s newest adventure: indoor alpine skiing and snowboarding! Festival of the Arts – June 22-27 OKC Pride Alliance Fest – June 25-27 Prix de West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – June 25-26

TEXAS


Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Dallas, Texas
Wander 66 acres of breathtaking gardens and floral displays. There are also numerous water features and a concert series in the summer.  

The Houston Museum of Natural Science  – Houston, Texas
The Houston Museum of Natural Science houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and over a dozen permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy, space, science, Native Americans, paleontology, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife, and more. Get exploring! 

Cathedral of Junk – Austin, Texas
It’s true what they say about one person’s trash being another person’s treasure. Visit the unique structure that’s comprised entirely of people’s castaways.  

River Walk – San Antonio, Texas
The magical 15-mile River Walk offers shopping, dining, and entertainment and is a serene way to experience the city. 

Big Bend – Texas
Big Bend National Park is an impressive natural wonder combining mountains, deserts, and rivers to form an outdoor playground the entire family can enjoy in various ways. 

Lubbock
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Blu Realty

When in Texas, you have to make a pit stop on Lubbock, the birthplace of performer, Buddy Holly. First stop, the Buddy Holly performing arts center. Get your fill of summer fun at the Joyland Amusement Park. When you’re ready for a change of pace, visit the Museum of Texas Tech University for visual art, science and culture exhibits you are sure to enjoy. You can also find the National Ranching Heritage Center and well as the McPherson Cellars Winery.

Houston
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene

Everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the city of Houston. You’ll need a few days in this beautiful city to see all it has to offer. One of the most famous sights to see is the Houston Space Center, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. The museum displays 400 space artifacts and exhibits focusing on the history of the spaceflight program. You can continue your museum tour with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston. Head to The Galleria for lunch and shopping or visit the Downtown Aquarium where your kids can participate in the Marine Biologist for a Day program. End your visit with the Kemah Boardwalk, Houston’s nostalgic waterfront amusement park.

Abilene
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter, REALTORS

Abilene was designated by the Texas Legislature in 2015 as the Storybook Capital of Texas due to our efforts to celebrate literary works for children. One of a kind museums, storybook sculpture parks, and more all located in a blossoming downtown with great local food, drinks, and entertainment. Just around the corner is our famous Frontier Texas world class museum with state of the art interactive exhibits to explore life on the frontier and meet some of its most influential inhabitants in addition to being the visitor center for the Texas Forts Trail.

UTAH


Bryce Canyon – Bryce Canyon City, Utah Experience the scenic beauty of Bryce Canyon–a series of large natural amphitheaters with thousands of multi-color rock pinnacles that are called “hoodoos.” Hike or drive throughout these formations and take in the astonishing view. 

Cherry Hill Water Park – Kaysville, Utah
The family will love spending the day at Northern Utah’s premiere water park. The kids can explore the 40-foot pirate ship and then relax and float down the lazy river.   

Hole in the Rock – Monticello, Utah
Discover this unique, 5,000-SF home carved directly into a rock. It’s comprised of fourteen rooms arranged around huge pillars, and it even has a fireplace with a 65-foot chimney drilled through the sandstone.