Attendees convening in the Southwest make a tradition of infusing exploration into the agenda, and Arizona and New Mexico have plenty of intriguing group offerings for planners to ponder. At a crossroads of North American cultures and benefitting from ample sunshine and a wealth of unique natural settings, the region is an ideal locale for downtime diversions during a meeting or event.
Here’s a closer look at eight group outings and experiences in the Southwest, from exploring a famed Phoenix mansion to offbeat animal adventures.
The Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix
This spectacular “winter cottage” constructed for chewing gum baron William Wrigley is a promising portal into Phoenix’s past. The 24-room edifice showcases Mediterranean design elements, an opulent interior and unique touches, such as the Foil Room, a one-time switchboard room lined with the iconic foil used to wrap Wrigley’s Gum.
Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday at 10 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. The mansion is home to the Wrigley Mansion Club, in addition to Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge, and tours can be combined with a luncheon, adding up to a pretty good value for groups seeking both dining and diversions.
Cowboy College, Scottsdale
For groups keen on Western adventure beyond a mere horseback gallop, Arizona Cowboy College offers attendees an unforgettable experience of authentic cowboy life. Attendees reside in a bunkhouse for two evenings while grasping the basics of horsemanship, and partake in rigorous courses about cattle essentials. They then swap their cot for a few nights sleeping in the desert beneath starry skies and immersing themselves in on-the-range sessions that teach all the elements of handling cattle on a working ranch, including cutting, branding, inoculating, dehorning and driving cattle.
The program can be the adventure of a lifetime for those willing to rough it.
‘’Arizona Cowboy College brings out your true inner cowboy,” says Megan Neighbor, communications manager for the Scottsdale CVB. “From roping to riding, groups have the unique opportunity to experience the Sonoran Desert in a way that few do.’’PageBreak
Extreme Adventure Course, Flagstaff
Taking traditional team-building ropes courses to the next level, this well-liked aerial playground boasts more than 70 different challenges to boost a group’s brains, brawn and communication skills. Guided from staffers on the ground below, groups can progress through four different extensive circuits in the adult-level course, navigating swinging ropes, hanging nets, precarious bridges and numerous surprises along the way.
“Adding an excursion to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course during a meeting in Flagstaff creates a memorable experience for event attendees,” says Gail Jackson, Flagstaff CVB meeting and events specialist. “The course can host groups for a day of playing in the trees and pushing physical limits for a true team-building experience.”
The entire course can usually be conquered in about three hours, and a children’s course is also available for families and school groups.
Trail Dust Adventures, Tucson
With more than two decades in the business of group excursions, Trail Dust Adventures provides reliable and rewarding escapes into the Sonoran Desert. Able to handle parties ranging from two to 120, the outfitter offers a cool mix of possible outings.
Desert Ecology Tours are a serene sojourn spotlighting the flora and fauna of the region and stopping at a 1,000-year-old Native American occupation site, and guides have been known to even bring some animal friends along on the tour. For some heart-pounding competition, Desert Rallies pit groups against each other, navigating the rugged terrain and partaking in matchups ranging from archery to trivia contests.
Cattle drives can be arranged as well as Dining in the Desert feasts, alfresco affairs held at a private site overlooking the Tucson skyline from afar.PageBreak
Albuquerque Alpacas
For something a bit out of the ordinary, planners should consider an escape to this charming haven of wildlife and low-key arts and crafts-making.
Attendees can interact with numerous alpacas, usually including some extremely cuddly younger herd members, arrange a private tour of the ranch, or partake in the unique experience of creating their own alpaca-related handiworks.
One of the newer offerings is a scarf-making course, employing the fur from the farm’s alpacas. The courses typically begin with some animal interaction before attendees create keepsake scarves.
Santa Fe School of Cooking
A definite favorite with groups, the Santa Fe School of Cooking boasts a spacious demo kitchen that can seat 60, and courses run the gamut from New Mexican heritage fare to trendy Southwestern cuisine, and all include a festive group meal. The school also conducts team-building culinary experiences for up to 50 attendees.
For groups that would rather leave the cooking to the real pros, the school also offers an appealing series of restaurant walking excursions, with behind-the-scenes tours, food samplings and the chance to meet with some of the area’s top chefs.
Los Rios River Runners, Taos
Los Rios River Runners was founded in 1978 and is sure to make a splash with groups seeking outdoor exhilaration.
River jaunts range from half-day affairs to three-day adventures and can be designed around the fitness level and personality of attendees.
The company has a unique approach of offering white-water excitement mixed with other fun. Sunset Dinner Floats offer fireside cookouts and storytelling; Rock ’n’ Raft matches whitewater with rock climbing; and other options incorporate everything from authentic Native American heritage to fly-fishing.
Southwest Casino Gaming
For groups seeking scintillating nightlife, the Southwest has become a hotbed of casino thrills.
In Arizona, top choices include The Talking Stick Resort & Casino in Scottsdale, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, Desert Diamond Resort in Tucson and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort in Maricopa.
Among the greatest gaming getaways in New Mexico are the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, Isleta Resort & Casino and Sandia Casino Resort, both in Albuquerque, and the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder.
