Are you planning a vacation to Lake Havasu? If so, you might want to give serious consideration to staying in a Lake Havasu home rental.

Although the mobile homes, condos and resorts found in the Lake Havasu area certainly do have much to offer, it doesn’t get any better than a Lake Havasu home rental when it comes to enjoying a great deal of living space, while also having access to all of the  comforts that make a house truly a home.

As you search through available Lake Havasu rentals, you will find that there are a variety of styles and sizes to suit virtually anyone’s needs and tastes. One thing every Lake Havasu home rental has in common, however, is offering all the comforts of home.

Some of the amenities that are frequently found in Lake Havasu rentals include…

New Appliances Full Size Washers and Dryers Dishwashers Pots and Pans Coffeemakers Stereos Cable or Satellite Televisions DVD Players BBQ Grills Fire Pits Complete Furnishings Garages Telephones Dishes

Virtually everything you need to move right in and make the rental your home for a week, two weeks, or however long you plan on staying can be found when you stay in a Lake Havasu home rental.

In addition to providing you with all of the comforts of home, staying in one of these Lake Havasu rentals can save you money in the long run. After all, with access to a kitchen filled with new appliances, pots, pans and dishes, you can easily cook some of your meals at home rather than having to dine out for every meal.

Of course, another benefit to staying in a Lake Havasu home rental is the added space it provides. Most of these Lake Havasu rentals have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a living room, dining room, and other living space. Whether your group is large or small, having the extra space to spread out and relax can help make your vacation even more enjoyable for everyone.

In addition, if you are renting a home in Lake Havasu with some of your friends, you might actually find it to be cheaper to rent one home rather than to rent multiple hotels rooms – not to mention more spacious and agreeable to socializing.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Lake Havasu that will allow you to fully relax while also enjoying easy access to all of the sites and attractions the area has to offer, you can’t go wrong when you choose a Lake Havasu home rental.

Contrary to popular belief, Arizona real estate is not synonymous with cactus. Erase the picture of the lonesome wilderness with only the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote disrupting the terrain. Of course, that kind of landscape are still here and there but the fact is, Arizona today is one of the fastest growing states in the United States. A lot of people are drawn to investing in Arizona real estate because of its quality education, booming economy not to mention its popular and attractive areas of interest and of course who could forget the Phoenix Suns?

Short History

Also know as the “Grand Canyon State”, Arizona joined the US in 1912 as the 48th state. The name Arizona originated from the term “arizonac”. The word is actually two Papago Indian words that means “place of the young spring”. Recognized for its bountiful cactus growth, the saguaro cactus blossom is Arizona’s national flower, while its capital city is Phoenix.

Geography

With a total land area of 113,635 square miles, the sixth biggest in the United States, Arizona has an estimated population of 5,939,292 people in 2005. The climate, which is dry and sunny, is ideal for outdoor activities. Snows can be seen capping the tips of the high central areas.

Real Estate Situation

A lot of people have picked Arizona as one of their favorite places to be. Investing in Arizona real estate means the prospect of being close to the state’s powerful landscape, while enjoying the vitality that is offered by the major cities.

Experiencing Arizona’s vivid scenery is also truly convenient. Its metropolitan centers are not that far from the natural wonders that the state is so famous for. Once you have your piece of Arizona real estate, unwinding at the Grand Canyon or at Lake Mead is certainly within your reach. Literally.

Industry

The most significant industry in Arizona is manufacturing. Arizona real estate is ideal for those who are into the state’s primary products, namely aeronautical objects, communication and electrical items. It is also the producer of more than half of the country’s supply of copper. Arizona’s economy also relies greatly on agriculture which includes breeding of cattle, production of dairy products as well as cotton.

Places and Activities

Aside from the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead, other places for rest and recreation include the Painted Desert, Fort Apache, the Petrified Forest, Hoover Dam and Lake Havasu City’s reconstruction of the London Bridge.

For camping and hiking aficionados, you won’t get tired of Arizona’s various sites for these activities. There are five major parks to choose from, two of which are Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Fool Hollow Lake Recreation area. In these parks, you can camp, fish, canoe, hike and enjoy the view of the wildlife. For those who are into fishing and hunting, Alamo Lake State Park is the place to be.

If you’re more of the “lounge around” type, you don’t need to go far from your Arizona home in order to unwind. There are also popular resort areas there, as well as cultural sites for the Native American heritage and quaint historic towns.

About 90% of the county is desert. What sets the desert communities of San Bernardino apart from those of neighboring Riverside County is elevation. The high desert communities of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms are located well above the desert floor. The stunning landscape and unique Joshua Trees have been preserved for current and future generations to enjoy at Joshua Tree National Park. Other high desert communities are located further west, in the mountains above the Inland Empire. These communities include Victorville, Adelanto, Hesperia, and Apple Valley.

San Bernardino County also boasts numerous mountain communities complete with pine trees, ski resorts, and crystal clear lakes. Among these mountain communities are Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, and Wrightwood.

Foothill communities such as San Bernardino, Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, and Yucaipa offer the convenience of city life while remaining just on the cusp of the wide open desert and mountain landscapes.

To the east, desert communities such as Needles and Lake Havasu beckon boaters and “river rats.” These communities border the Colorado River and the state of Arizona.

Because of its vast size and geography that ranges from deserts to mountains, San Bernardino’s climate depends on the town being discussed. At its most extreme, Needles tends to be one of the hottest places in the nation while mountain communities typically see snow and sub-freezing temperatures in the winter months.

Agriculture and farming remain major industries throughout the county with milk, eggs, poultry, beef, oranges, grapes, and alfalfa among the top products. Other industries in the region include retail, services, government, construction, transportation and public utilities, finance, insurance, and real estate.

Southern Californians love to explore and play, and San Bernardino is more than willing to accommodate. From mountain playgrounds to ghost towns and mining districts, there is plenty to see and do. Skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, boating, and hiking are popular distractions while NASCAR racing, minor league baseball, and world class performing arts offer more family fun.

San Bernardino has a rich history that includes Indians, pioneers, prospectors, missionaries, and railroaders. In addition, modern history recognizes San Bernardino as being the birthplace of fast food (McDonalds, Taco Bell, Der Weinerschnitzel, and Del Taco). In addition, the iconic road, historic Route 66 passes through San Bernardino and is celebrated each September during the annual Route 66 Rendezvous, a four day extravaganza featuring cars and cruising.

Loma Linda University and Medical Center is located in San Bernardino County. This highly respected hospital is known as being an international leader in proton treatments for cancer and infant heart transplants. This medical center is also the only level one trauma center in Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Over 1.7 million residents call San Bernardino County “home.” With its own international airport, Ontario International Airport, and multiple major freeways passing through, the foothill communities of the county are easily accessible. Cajon Pass is the major route to the high desert communities such as Victorville while long, open highways provide easy routes to the further reaches of the county.

The southern California lifestyle is alive and well in San Bernardino County. Good jobs, beautiful weather, affordable housing, and recreation galore continue to attract new residents. The flipside is equally attractive; for those wanting less hustle and bustle, numerous communities in the county offer a quieter pace.

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Bringing water to Rome was always of great importance in the ancient city – if you could achieve a steady supply of clean and healthy water as Pope Sixtus V did with the Acqua Felice then you were truly considered a success. You could see this success specifically commemorated in fountains all across the city with carvings of emblems and coats of arms.

The fountain of Fontana Paola came into being because Pope Paul V wished to emulate the success of his predecessors and to create a new source of water – the Acqua Paola. The fountain here would be set on the imposing setting of the Janiculum in Rome and would celebrate his success in finding and diverting a new source of water. It’s difficult to think of a more fitting monument to celebrate this in than a fountain, after all.

Pope Paul V commissioned two of the Fontanas – Giovanni and Carlo – to construct a fountain of travertine on the spot he had picked. Plans for the outdoor fountain included six columns and other parts of masonry that were taken from the ruins of the Temple of Minerva. The Fontana Paolo fountain was an extremely ambitious project – the designers had to plan and build for five arches (three big and two small) with cascades that flowed into a vast sunken basin for the large arches and into smaller receptacles for the smaller ones.

Pope Paul V’s family arms – the griffin and the eagle – were obviously well represented in terms of design. As was the habit of the day, his emblems were used as decoration on the fountain and his success was marked by an inscription for the entire world to see. Sadly, however, he did not survive to see the finished results even though he died ten years after he gave the go-ahead to begin work. It took over 70 years in the end to finish the fountain here. Despite the length of time it took to complete, not all people can agree on how well the fountain works either aesthetically or literally. Many people believe that the Fontana Paolo contains one of the most striking inscriptions of all the fountains in Rome. However, many people also believe that the flow of water doesn’t work as effectively as it should considering how imposing the structure was meant to be.

Although the fountain here is relatively old it also has a resonance for more recent history as well. It was here that Garibaldi entered the final stages of his long defense of the republic. It was on and above the terraces of the fountain that he fought his brave fight. For many visitors this adds certain significance to the fountain.

Arizona’s Hidden Secret: The Fountain of Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is the home to the second largest fountain in the world. The city of Fountain Hills is sparsely populated and its homes are widely spaced, offering a more rural setting then the adjacent city of Scottsdale. Having no name of its own, the water feature of Fountain Hills was erected in 1971. Robert P. McCulloch designed and built the fountain. McCulloch’s other projects included the reconstruction of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

The fountain of Fountain Hills was part of a revitalization project which began in 1960 to improve and make the flat desert space of rural Arizona more desirable to families and other potential residents. The design of the fountain went through several revisions before the final structure was agreed on. The fountain consists of a beautifully sculpted and massive water lily that appears to rest on the surface of a lake. The lily is built from blue-gray limestone imported from Italy. The body of water that the lily “floats” on is a man-made 28 acre lake in the heart of downtown Fountain Hills. The lake is surrounded by lush fields of grass which are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, providing the perfect setting for an afternoon lunch, an evening escape, or a Saturday morning ball game. Fountain Park has several festivals throughout the year that entice visitors from around the world to attend.

Images of the Fountain Hills water feature can be found on any of the city’s governmental documents, souvenirs, and keepsakes sold at local shops. The fountain is a testament to American innovation and pioneering spirit because it and surrounding areas were built from literally nothing to become one of the hottest tourist and living destinations of the American southwest.

The fountain spews water up to 562 feet in the air once an hour when weather conditions are ideal. This is three times higher then the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. It is also ten times taller then the Washington Monument. The fountain is powered by three 600 horsepower pumps making it the most powerful fountain in the world. The fountain is visible from several miles away and remains the cultural and historic symbol of Fountain Hills. Today, the fountain is a landmark that is internationally recognized as one of the world’s largest fountains.

P.M. Enterprises has opened a new tour operation in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Owner Cathie (Priddy) Marshall, formerly with GlobeMasters Travel Network and All Around Branson, identified the need for group tour receptive services which specialize in sightseeing and custom packages for groups touring in the Lake Havasu region. Services being offered include meet-and-greet at both Las Vegas and Phoenix airports, transportation and step-on guides. Other options include various theme and special interest packages, which feature accommodations, theater, entertainment, recreation, gaming, sightseeing and other activities. Contact: 928-680-7949 or email to: mailmore@citylink.net

Nevada

Mystère, the long running Cirque du Soleil production performed in Las Vegas, is at the Bellagio and has added a Sunday matinee to its schedule. Evening shows are performed Wednesday through Sunday. Contact: www.mgmgrand.com

The Mirage Resort in Las Vegas has introduced several new dining options for guests. Cravings, the popular buffet restaurant, has been redesigned to resemble an international bazaar market. It has 13 culinary stations, each representing a different global cuisine. Also new at this hotel is the opening of New York Citys Carnegie Deli.

Oregon

The Woodburn Tulip Festival, mid-March through mid-April, is celebrated at the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company and City of Woodburn at the peak of the tulip blooming season. There are tours of the flower fields, wine tasting, craft fairs and other events. For a complete schedule of events, contact: 800-711-2006 or 503-982-8221

After a three-year hiatus, the Columbia Queen has returned to the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers. Its new owner, the American Rivers Cruise Line (ARCL), is completing several enhancements to the luxurious 161-passenger riverboat in preparation for its launch in April. The 2005 season offers eight-night cruise vacations which visit scenic and historic points along these rivers which follow parts of the Oregon Trail and the route of Lewis and Clark. Guests have an opportunity to experience selection of price-included daily shore excursions which are led by historians, naturalists and cultural interpreters. There are several other included features being offered by the company.

Texas

The Texas Historical Commission publishes guides to the states ten Heritage Trail Regions. Its newest guide, The Texas Brazos Trail, follows a path through central Texas and traces its early history and European heritage. It also highlights the regions many attractions, scenic waterways, small communities, commercial centers and the influence of the railroads and cotton industry on its growth and development. This region boasts having seven Texas Main Street Cities, ten notable parks and numerous historic sites. It is part of the infamous Chisholm Trail and home to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. It also features several colleges acclaimed for both their academic status and gridiron action. There are halls of fame celebrating Texas sports heroes and the Texas Rangers and many museums including the Dr. Pepper Museum. There are 36 historic communities in the region, each having sites of interest and most offering several celebrations and festivals at various times of the year. For a copy of Brazos Trail guide contact: 512-463-6100, www.state.tx.us

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Arizona MLS: Like the mythological bird, Phoenix the city rises from the desert ashes to be one of the largest, most thriving cities in America. Home buyers are drawn to the Arizona real estate listings in search of sunshine, world class resorts, award-winning golf courses and Southwestern charm. In fact, 11,000 new residents arrive to Arizona each month. Houses are dabbled with hints of Spanish-influenced architecture – rounded archways, red roof tiles, ranch layouts, stucco exteriors and vivid color schemes. While it may be surprising to imagine agriculture thriving in the desert, the more fertile areas can harvest cotton, dates, olives, citrus and subtropical fruits. Seen as a less expensive and equally scenic alternative to California, a number of Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 high-tech companies set up their manufacturing, research and development bases here that includes computers, electronics and aerospace engineering. Home buyers looking the Arizona MLS for a cultural hub won’t be disappointed, given the number of museums, theaters, golf courses, horse races and professional sports teams. Given the number of foreclosures and 15 straight months of falling prices, there are a number of outstanding deals to be had in Phoenix, Arizona real estate.

Communities were ranked based on their percentage change in population from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005. Listed below are the top 15 metropolitan areas in the United States, followed by the number of people added from 2000 to 2005, and the percent increase in population since April 1, 2000.

1. St. George, Utah: 28,531 (31.6% increase)
2. Greeley, Colorado: 48,082 (26.6% increase)
3. Las Vegas-Paradise, Nevada: 334,813 (24.3% increase)
4. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida: 103,870 (23.6 increase)
5. Bend, Oregon: 26,015(22.5% increase)
6. Naples-Marco Island, Florida: 55,865 (22.2% increase)
7. Provo-Orem, Utah: 76,073 (20.2% increase)
8. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California: 655,133 (20.1% increase)
9. Port St. Lucie-Fort Pierce, Florida: 61,607 (19.3% increase)
10. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina: 152,655 (19.2% increase)
11. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas: 108,812 (19.1% increase)
12. Gainesville, Georgia: 26,456 (19.0% increase)
13. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona: 613,201 (18.9% increase)
14. Prescott, Arizona: 31,1841 (18.6% increase)
15. Stockton, California: 100,518 (17.8% increase)

Of the metropolitan areas, San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos (California) region ranked #197 by adding 119,629 people over the past 5 years (4.3% increase since 2000).

Listed below are the top 15 micropolitan areas (population of more than 10,000 but less than 50,000)in the United States, followed by the number people added from 2000 to 2005, and the percent increase in population since April 1, 2000.

1. Palm Coast, Florida: 26,578 (53.3% increase)
2. Fernley, Nevada: 13,014 (37.7% increase)
3. Heber, Utah: 3,759 (24.7% increase)
4. Pahrump, Nevada:7,965 (24.5% increase)
5. Culpeper, Virginia: 8,268 (24.1% increase)
6. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, Arizona: 32,168 (20.7% increase)
7. The Villages, Florida: 10,837 (20.3% increase)
8. East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania: 24,547 (17.7% increase)
9. Granbury, Texas:7,599 (15.9% increase)
10. Daphne-Fairhope, Alabama: 22,171 (15.8% increase)
11. Bozeman, Montana: 10,379 (15.3% increase)
12. Prineville, Oregon: 2,883 (15.0% increase)
13. Statesville-Mooresville, North Carolina: 18,264 (14.9% increase)
14. Calhoun, Georgia: 6,175 (14.0% increase)
15. Gardnerville Ranchos, Nevada: 5,758 (14.0% increase)

Population growth can impact the supply, demand and pricing of real estate for affected areas. Be sure to consult a knowledgeable real estate agent before buying or selling real estate. For a detailed list of community rankings, visit the Census Bureau’s web site.

Grand Canyon: Speaking of the Grand Canyon, cabins and hotels provide ample opportunities for visitors to rest and recover after experiencing the awesome beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is the center for lodging, dining and shopping.

Phoenix: Attractions in Phoenix Arizona are both man-made and natural. In the spring enjoy the beauty of the blooming desert flora with a visit to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.

Surprise: Surprise Arizona is the home for spring training for the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers.  Exhibition games take place in the Surprise.

Lake Havasu: Home of the real London Bridge, Lake Havasu Arizona is located on the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada. When visitors are done boating and jet skiing on the Colorado River reservoir they often take the ferry across the river to try their luck at the casinos.

Yuma: Yuma Arizona, located in the southwest corner of Arizona, was once the home of the historic Yuma Territorial Prison. It is now the home of the Army base, Yuma Proving Ground.

Winslow: Winslow Arizona was memorialized in the Eagle’s song that mentioned “standing on a corner” in the town that pretty much died after Route 66 was replaced by I-40. Now Route 66 fans come here to pay homage to Route 66 and most recently to pay homage at the 9-11 Remembrance Garden, honoring the dead of September 11, 2001.

Sedona: If you feel drawn to Sedona, Arizona, blame it on the Sedona Vortex. Believers in the esoterical come to Sedona for vortex tours, and to consult with the psychics and spiritual specialists and see a spiritual awakening.

Arizona ghost towns can be found in every country in Arizona. With names that often speak to their origins during the early days of the gold rush, not all of them are completely uninhabited, while others have become tourist attractions.

Arizona RV Parks can be exclusive, expensive and have all the amenities you could want.  Others are cheap, with no amenities, more commonly known as boondocking. The BLM areas between Quartzsite and Yuma, along the Colorado are extremely popular with those independent RVers who don’t necessarily have the money to stay at a regular RV park.

If you are looking for Arizona Spas, you’ll find most in Tucson or Scottsdale. Some are destination spas where people go to get a physical, mental or emotional transformation. Other spas are resort spas, where visitors can decide whether or not they even want to use the spa facilities.

Southwest: Las Vegas, NV to San Diego, CA – 333 miles
Bikers Choice! It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, Las Vegas and San Diego are always nice and warm, and so is the path between these two interesting cities. On this trip, you’ll ride through beautiful Lake Havasu, Lake Gregory, the infamous Death Valley, and Palm Springs. Make sure to budget extra time in San Diego and in Vegas, both of which are ideal to tour from the seat of a motorcycle.

Pacific Ocean: Big Sur, CA to Ensenada Mexico – 500 miles
Bikers Choice! Coast Highway is one of the most scenic views in all of America and the view continues down the coast road into Mexico. On this tour you’ll experience a wide range of scenery from the natural rocky coast of Big Sur, through the beaches filled with sunbathers in Los Angeles and San Diego, and down into Mexico where the food is delectable and the manana attitude promotes relaxation.

Arizona: Cottonwood, AZ to Eager, AZ – 210 miles
If you’re seeking a relaxing tour with little traffic and lots of scenery, this motorcycle ride through Arizona’s state route 260 is ideal. High deserts and dense forests paint the backdrop as you cruise through some of the United State’s most interesting landscapes.

Florida: Orlando to Key West – 393 miles
Bikers Choice! This trip takes you from the home of Disneyland, to the tip of the Florida mainland, and across the gorgeous blue waters as you ride through the Florida Keys. If you’re looking for a shorter ride, start your trip in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, but don’t miss out on the amazing cruise over the long bridges that connect the keys.

Baja Mexico: San Diego to Cabo San Lucas – 1059 miles
Bikers Choice! This is a trip for the serious rider. It will take you approximately 15 days to cruise from San Diego down to the southern tip of Baja Mexico. Make sure to set aside some cash to pay the tolls along the way. Once in Cabo, there is no lack of relaxing ways to occupy your time like fishing, golfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Before you set out, be sure to gear up with all of the proper safety equipment and any custom motorcycle parts that will make your trip more enjoyable. If you don’t want to worry about towing your motorcycle to your starting destination, find a place to rent one in the area. Whatever you do, don’t set aside your passion for riding during the winter months-consider the season a reason to have an adventure!

For a quick history lesson, cart the kids over to the original London Bridge. Famous American industrialist Robert Paxton McCulloch bought the bridge from the city of London in the late 1960’s and brought it over to Lake Havasu, piece by piece. Seeing a bridge that once spanned the River Thames for over a century is a surefire way to ignite the imagination. Afterward, poke around the English Village that sits beneath the bridge, making sure to pop into a local pub and sample the fish and chips that England is famed for.

While the London Bridge is an interesting tourist attraction, the real attraction for Lake Havasu is the lake itself. Water sports abound in this recreational paradise. Coming to a Lake Havasu RV park allows you to easily tote along your jet skis or other watercrafts behind you so you can really take advantage of all the lake has to offer. Skid back and forth across the water’s surface on your jet ski and feel the clean air whip your hair around while the fresh water sprays gently against your face.

Launch your boat out into the lake for maximum family fun. You can tie up the water skis and take turns seeing who can last longest, or attach an inner tube for the younger ones and the balance-impaired. Find a quiet spot to cast out some reels and have a contest to see who can catch the largest fish that day. The lake is home to Bass, Crappie, Sunfish and Catfish, which gives ample opportunity for a seafood buffet supper. Maybe one of you will be the first to catch one of the White Sturgeon that were stocked in this lake in the latter part of the 1960’s. None have been caught yet, but Sturgeon can live for up to a century so hooking one still remains a distinct possibility.

Spending quality time out on the lake with family is a fun way to spend your vacation. Tell each other stories while waiting for a bite and you will discover things you never knew about each other. It’s no small wonder that Lake Havasu draws people back time and time again.