Happy Birthday, Arizona! Here are some things we love about you
It's Arizona's birthday, and to celebrate 111 years of statehood, we're sharing some of the reasons we love to call this state our home.
While some outsiders view our state as a hot, dry barren land, we're here to say that Arizona is so much more than just the state where the Grand Canyon is.
So here's a tribute to our home state, and our No. 1 Valentine.
The food
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A meaty smorgasbord at Tacos Apson in Tucson consists of cheesy caramelos (top left) and various tacos de carne asada, or grilled beef.
Give us tacos, or give us death. Thankfully, Arizona almost always delivers on the tacos.
From Navajo tacos up north to chimichangas down south and everything in between, there is no shortage of unique and delicious food in Arizona.
Especially so in Tucson’s neck of the woods (how many times can we mention that we’re a City of Gastronomy?) Oh, and we're also home to a James Beard award-winning Sonoran hot dog.
Thanks for always keeping our bellies full and our taste buds sizzling.
The monsoons
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The sunset is reflected in the rain slicked intersection of Ajo Way and Valencia Rd., during the first of two bands of monsoon storms to roll over the area, Tucson, Ariz., August 28, 2019.
Ah, monsoons. Beautiful, wonderful and terrifying all at the same time.
We love monsoons for so many reasons, and not just because they deliver some much-needed water to the desert.
We love how storms can roll in within minutes — but will be gone almost as quickly as they came. We love watching lighting — from afar — and the momentary relief the clouds offer from the beating summer sun.
We also love the strong smell of the creosote bush, and how we can use the word "haboob" without even blinking.
Speaking of the weather...
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Blue lupine and gold poppies are blooming in Saguaro National Park west of Tucson.
We get around 300 days of sunshine and there's not much that beats eating a raspado on a sunny, 75-degree day in Tucson... in January.
But despite the sunny weather, Arizonans can still experience all four seasons.
You can see spring wildflowers, swim in waterfalls during the summer, check out bursts of autumn color and go skiing in the winter.
And when the heat comes in the summer, you can escape up north for some sweet relief.
The diverse landscapes
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Like the weather, the diversity of the landscape in Arizona is amazing.
Just look at Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon down south... or the mountains up north... or Antelope Canyon... or Horseshoe Bend... or...
We could go on and on (obviously).
The wildlife
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A baby javelina hangs out with their mom in Ruth Russell’s backyard on July 23, 2019.
Coatis and jaguars and elk and Gila monsters and mountain lions — just to name a few.
From the cute and cuddly, to the ones that demand respect (and tons of space), we think Arizona is home to some of the coolest wildlife.
The sunsets
UpdatedBecause a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few of our favorite sunsets, though how can you really pick a favorite?
A roaring sunset shows threw a soccer net during Kino South Complex Ribbon Cutting and VIP opening house at Kino Sports Park's South Complex, 2343 E. Tournament Way, in Tucson, Ariz. on January 15, 2020.
Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016.
Sunset sky seen from Saguaro Park East, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
A brilliant sunset competes with the annual Lighting of A Mountain party on top of the Main Gate Garage at the University of Arizona in Tucson, on Oct. 21, 2018. The event kicks off UA Homecoming Week with a flurry of activities throughout the week. Lightning prevented the Fun 5K run from taking place and shortened the activities at the garage because of some occasional showers. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
OK just one more, we promise...
A monsoon storm over Tucson on Monday evening was followed by radiant rays at sunset. Photo by Doug Kreutz, Arizona Daily Star, July 10, 2017.
The cactus
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Saguaros were blooming in lower reaches of the Catalina Mountains while a dusting of fresh snow fell higher in the range on Monday, May 20, 2019. — Credit: Doug Kreutz/Arizona Daily Star
If it has a cactus on it, we're into it.
Saguaro, cholla, prickly pear — we're not picky, we like 'em all.
And we say: The quirkier the better, kind of like our very own city of Tucson. We even made a whole photo gallery about our favorite quirky Saguaros.
The sports
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With the Terry Francona Hitting Center in the background, pitchers stretch out in the new bullpen area at Hi Corbett Field during the Wildcats’ first official baseball practice of 2018. Arizona opens the new season Feb. 16 at home against Bryant.
Two words: Spring training.
While we're still kind of sad games are no longer in Tucson, we're happy the games are only a short drive away.
And we love that if you don't want to travel, you can still kick back at Hi Corbett Field and watch the UA baseball's team play.
We also love all the school spirit and pride in Arizona (except, maybe, if you're a Sun Devil fan...).
As featured on
PHOENIX — Arizona is marking 110 years of statehood.
