(42 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Matthew Schaffer

Chicago, IL

Arizona Travel Agent Specialist

When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and e...
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When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and every time I visit Tucson, I feel young again.  I really do not believe there is another state with so many different types of beautiful vacation possibilities all year round.

It really is difficult to explain the different experiences to be had all over the state.  For all you lovers of truly majestic scenery, nothing compares to places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Montezuma Castle or Vermillion Cliffs.  Any one of these sites are perfect for a relaxing getaway, but also offer multiple options for outdoor adventures. 

If mainly water activities is more your style, Arizona offers gorgeous locations like Lake Havasu, Saguaro Lake, Lake Powell or Lake Mead.  With amazing scenery these locations offer boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, parasailing and of course, fishing.  For a break from the water each Lake is also unique in its different hiking environments. 

Of course, you cannot talk about Arizona without mentioning the two biggest cities, Phoenix and Tucson.  While there is only about an hour and a half drive between the two, the cities are different in almost every aspect from environment to culture.  If you are looking for a city that has everything, Phoenix being the 5th most populous city in the country is just that.  To name just a few of Phoenix's draws, there is professional sports, Jack Nicholas designed golf courses, world class spas, museums, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, a lively nightlife, diverse restaurants and don't forget the hot air ballooning.  Another great perk of Phoenix is that Scottsdale is on its northern border, which is a great resort town that all should visit.

For you mountain view lovers, Tucson is the place to be.  This is because Tucson is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Tucsons to the west. Located only 70 miles from the Mexico border, the Tucson experience is everything a person imagines of the true southwest with both Mexican and Native American influence.  Tucson delivers exceptional opportunities to explore, from hiking in Saguaro National Park, to the famous 98-acre Arizona-Senora Desert Museum.  And if you like Mexican food, you will love what is known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican food.  With multiple ranch experiences and luxury resorts in the mountain side, Tucson is a must visit in Arizona.

Lastly is a town very close to Tucson, the border town of Nogales.  Native American tribes met up with Spanish explorers there Centuries ago, which has created an amazing meld of cultures in Nogales.  Luckily for all of us, that history has not been erased, and Nogales is one of the premier places to visit historical buildings.  As far as food goes, whether you are on the Arizona side or the Mexico side of Nogales,  the authentic Mexican food is outstanding.

I wish I could tell you more about all the other amazing places in Arizona, but unfortunately that would take a novel.  Instead, I hope you allow me to create an experience for you that will make you long to see every part of Arizona.  

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Matthew Schaffer

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Kiawah Island Travel Agent Specialist

Osprey Point at Kiawah Island Golf Course

There is just something about Kiawah Island that is above and beyond other U.S. coastal islands. I personally believe it is the most stunning island in South Carolina, and quite possibly in the entire U.S.  I might be a bit biased, since I am a golf and tennis lover, and Kiawah is at the always ranked at the top of the list for those activities, especially golf!  But, after a visit, I guarantee you will share my opinion about this paradise.

Kiawah is an unspoiled barrier island with an incredible ecosystem that includes 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coast beach, a maritime forest, and a labyrinth of saltwater marshes. The one thing I have always found most captivating about Kiawah is its natural beauty, and the way the community has managed to control its growth while optimizing and maintaining the environment.  That’s probably why Kiawah was voted the second-best island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020.

If you are not an avid golfer or tennis player, it’s possible to spend your entire vacation in Kiawah enjoying the incredible beaches.  Kiawah’s shoreline is pristine and consistently ranks amongst the best in the world. Its east-west orientation offers a prime spot for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The packed sand allows for recreation, including beach games of all kinds, building sandcastles, and biking along the water’s edge. 

One thing that sets Kiawah apart from other resorts, is its nature programs. There is something for everyone, from children to adults. If you are active, there is kayaking, paddling, and fishing excursions. Some seasons even offer 5Ks, polar plunges, or triathlons. If you are artistic, there is painting, photography, and other creative classes.  Some other activities of note are yoga on the beach, Surf camp, and Shelling.

Golf!!!  There is no way to avoid the topic, golf is Kiawah’s big draw. Internationally recognized as a golf destination, there are nine world-class courses sprawling across and around Kiawah Island designed by some of golf’s most elite course designers including Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Clyde Johnston, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus! 

With year-round balmy weather, lush scenery and a tranquil setting, this is a golfer’s paradise.  The island’s setting and the architect’s challenging designs incorporating the rolling sand dunes, marshes, and forests make for exciting play.  The site of three previous PGA Championships, Kiawah Island Resort most recently hosted the tournament in 2021, on the Ocean Course. Regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, this championship course provides views of the Atlantic from every hole.

After a long afternoon on the golf course, kick back with a cold beer and a tasty meal at the Ryder Cup Bar.  While admiring sweeping views of the ocean from the verandah, diners can chow down on an order of warm crab dip followed by a burger topped with smoked cheddar and peppered bacon.  But, trust me, you don't have to be a golfer to enjoy your vacation on Kiawah, it's just an added bonus!

The tennis program at Kiawah was built to be one of the best.  Kiawah's tennis program is consistently ranked as one of the top tennis resorts in the U.S, with 22 tennis courts, including 10 brand new clay courts.  If you love tennis, you know nothing beats the experience of playing on clay.

Kiawah is really a nature observers dream come true.  The forests, marshlands, brackish waterways, and Atlantic Ocean are home to 300 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, and 30 species of reptiles. There are towers that allow you to look over the marshes and view birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

I think one of the best parts of vacationing in Kiawah is how short of a drive it is to Charleston.  Charleston has been voted the number one city in the United States by Travel + Leisure for the past decade, so it’s like you are getting 2 vacations in 1!

When I vacation in Kiawah, I end up spending almost every night in Charleston for fine dining.  If you love fresh seafood, it doesn’t get much better.  After dinner, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a stroll down the cobblestone streets to explore the city’s amazing architecture, the pastel homes along Rainbow Row and many other historical sites.

To top everything off, it’s only a 20-minute drive to tiny Seabrook Island.  The island's 2 and a half miles of pristine beaches, windswept dunes, and quiet communities offer ample opportunity for exploration. The island is also home to tennis, golf, and horseback riding facilities. I have stayed a few times in Seabrook, and it is one of the most relaxing and calming places I have ever visited.

With all that said, I have just barely scratched the surface of the reasons that Kiawah Island is at the top of my U.S. coastal island destinations.  I know that with my help, your vacation to Kiawah Island will be perfect, and you will be longing to go back to that pristine little island off the coast of South Carolina, again and again.