Fall Fun in Arizona and New Mexico
From Native American music to pumpkin corn muffins, there are a variety of sights, sounds, smells and tastes filling the air this autumn in New Mexico and Arizona. With so much to choose from, it’ll be a fall to remember in the Southwest.
Although Arizona may not be known for its fall foliage, there are plenty of vibrant colors to be found outdoors. ArtFest of 5th Avenue is one of Scottsdale’s most exciting annual events, featuring works by more than 100 artists, food, music and more. The three-day festival will be held in the Arts District of downtown Scottsdale October 21 through 23, 2011. Not only can you bring the entire family, but dogs are welcome, too. From ornate fountains to stunning paintings, there’s a piece of artwork that is sure to catch your eye. Visit www.888artfest.com for more information.
Thanks to Dragonfly Café and Bakery, the city of Taos, New Mexico is home to some of the sweetest tasting desserts on earth. All items are homemade, using local organic flour and natural sweeteners. While so many of their cookies, tarts and cakes have won numerous awards, there are certain treats not to pass up this autumn. Try Dragonfly Café’s pumpkin corn muffins with cayenne dusted pumpkin seeds to get you in the mood for fall, and add a chai tea for the perfect seasonal treat. Hungry for an entire meal? Check out the lunch and dinner menus at www.dragonflytaos.com. 
In Flagstaff, the Museum of Northern Arizona is a place where Native American culture – and especially music – comes alive. Enjoy the exhibits and educational programs, but don’t forget to stop by the Museum Shop where you can browse countless artifacts, artwork and more. If you can’t make it to the museum, you can still discover Native American treasures and the amazing sounds of tribal music at the online shop and bookstore. Check out the CD Ancestral Voices, a 1994 Grammy Award finalist in the Best Traditional Folk Music category, by R. Carlos Nakai and William Eaton. Through the melodies and lyrics, you’ll discover a world filled with colorful traditions and fascinating legends. Learn more about the musicians and albums at www.shops.musnaz.org.
The folks at the New Mexico Candle Company studio in Albuquerque know how to make their products look and smell amazing. The Casa Adobe Sand Cast Candles and Red and Green Chile Candles give a great Southwestern vibe to any home. For the autumn season, consider lighting a few “Corndles” – corn candles. Each Corndle® is adorned with natural cornhusks and colored to look incredibly realistic. From early fall until Thanksgiving, Corndles and Chile candles make for perfect, sweet-smelling decorations. Order your authentic New Mexico candles at www.nmcandleco.com.
There are so many one-of-a-kind events and seasonal treasures products that make Arizona and New Mexico special. Plan for fall today at www.arizonaguide.com and www.newmexico.org.