the grand slidell

Everybody knows that when you visit the southwest, you are supposed to visit the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is the quintessential family vacation destination-no matter where in America you live. Of course, there is a lot more to do in Arizona than ride donkeys down to the Colorado River!

Look, we aren't knocking the Grand Canyon-it certainly is grand and it is something that everyone should see at least once. But Arizona has so much more to do and see.

Today the Arizona Micro Blog is going to be talking about Sedona. Sedona is, arguably, one of the most beautiful desert oases in the world. Smack dab in the Arizona desert, Sedona offers a cooler climate, lush greenery and all of the painted desert scenery a person could want.

Most people know Sedona as "one of those hippie artsy towns" and, to be sure, there are quite a few artist studios and metaphysical tourist shops here. If you wanted to find a place to get balanced, learn how to heal yourself with crystals and get in touch with your inner spirit guide, Sedona Arizona is certainly the place to do all of that. But there is a lot more to Sedona than the hippie artsy stuff. Here are a few of the other things Sedona Arizona has to offer:

Slide Rock State Park

This one of Arizona's most famous state parks. The park features a natural rock slide that has become one of the world's most beloved natural water slides. This park is so popular that nature conservationists worry about it being loved right out of existence by too much foot traffic. To be sure, the US Forest Service and the Arizona State Parks Department work tirelessly to make sure that the park stays clean and "user friendly."

The Sedona International Film Festival

In 2009 the Sedona International Film Festival will last for six days, from Tuesday February 24, to March 1. The Sedona International Film Festival is when film buffs from all over the globe flock to Arizona to teach and share their art with others. This is no "up and coming" festival either-big names like Olympia Dukakis, Robert Osborne, and Helen Hunt have attended this festival!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

The most popular attraction at this famous Arizona wildlife park is Tiger Splash, a show in which full grown tigers play in a pool with their handlers-they pounce on balls, play with toys and play in and out of the water. Make no mistake these tigers have all of their claws and teeth, but because they are treated well by their handlers and have a close relationship with them, there aren't many accidents. You don't have to worry about having a repeat of Siegfried and Roy here! This show is very popular with young kids who often spend the rest of the day re-enacting the show!

When you're planning your next family vacation and wondering where you can go where the children and adults will have a good time, consider Grand Bahamas Island. If you've already done the theme parks, water parks and national parks, why not try a Caribbean island? The Grand Bahamas Island is just an hour away from mainland Florida and easy to get to by plane or boat and has wonderful beach resorts that offer the kids a place to play while the adults go off and play too.

There are two large resorts on the Grand Bahamas Island: The Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort and the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach and both offer their guests a well-thought out children's program. The children's programs are so well done at both resorts; the adults and children will completely enjoy their vacation and want to come back time and again.

The Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort offers families a beautiful beach resort with multiple pools and water activities for everyone to enjoy. This resort is about 10 minutes from the airport and is across the street from the Our Lucaya Market Place; a great place for shopping and local Bahamian fare. And should you want to spend some time away from the kids the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort has a well-staffed children's program at Camp Lucaya. Here children will be entertained with kid activities from swimming in their own pool with a huge tower slide; the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort kids' camp offers interesting classes on Bahamian culture and arts and crafts. Kids can expect to learn about native dances, island art, and even coconut bowling. The resort can arrange "field trips" with local Marine Explorers Club and swim with the dolphins. Camp Lucaya offers this highly recommended program to guests of the resort with children from ages 3-12; there is also babysitting available for younger children too.

The Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is the only all-inclusive vacation resort on the Grand Bahamas Island; they too offer a fabulous children's program for their guests named Kid's Club. The Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is just 10 minutes east of Port Lucaya and is said by many on the Island to have the most picturesque beach. This resort sits on a sprawling 26 acre compound overflowing with fragrant hibiscus plants, date palms, birds of paradise. This newly renovated property offers 1,200 feet of secluded beach and offers a tremendous amount of daily fun and sun for kids and adults alike. While the adults are off enjoying windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling or simply enjoying one of the frozen island concoctions that Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is known for, the kids at Kid's Club will enjoy sports, games and classes on local culture taught by a well-trained staff. The children's programs are designed to give the adult guests some time to enjoy their vacation but it is important to make periodic checks with their children and not rely solely on the club for their children's entire vacation. For specific age and time restrictions you will need to contact the resort directly. Children and adults can enjoy their Bahamas vacation with a little quality family bonding and sometime apart to meet and make new friends.