As a constant resource amongst friends and acquaintances for information about where to go and what to do in Arizona, I thought it was time to share the wealth and start a website with this information. Though I've been writing about Arizona since 1989, it took a while for me to come to this conclusion.
I got my first hint in 2000 when Bob Early, former editor of Arizona Highways magazine, looked at me from behind his desk and said, “I don’t know anyone who knows as many out-of-the-way places in this state like you do.” I was surprised (but pleased) since the magazine’s contributors were always ferreting out interesting places to go and competition was high.
During that time, I got to know the backcountry better than the other side of town (that being Phoenix at the time). I wrote dozens of articles for Arizona Highways, several hiking guides, a hiking column for the Arizona Republic, and travel articles for national travel magazines and newspapers.
Then my writing experienced an interesting dichotomy between backcountry destinations and foreign luxury travel for a couple years. Next, W.W. Norton asked me to write a guidebook on Arizona for their Explorer’s Guide series. During that time, I really got to know the cities and little towns around the state.
At the same time, I got to know intimately every paved road in Arizona I've driven (and then some) while doing fieldwork for my book, Cycling Arizona - The Statewide Road Biking Guide. When the book published in September 2007, a statement from the press finally got my attention. Arizona Republic outdoor writer John Stanley began a book review on it with the statement, “Christine Maxa gets around.”
Really? I thought. Duh, my friends said. I guess that goes to show when you’re out doing what you love, you may not notice what the rest of the world is doing, but the rest of the world may be watching you. Take a few minutes to peruse this site. The information - eclectic, sometimes exclusive, and even a bit esoteric - is always (okay, usually) fresh. If you like it or have a coment, email me below - Christine.
