Top American Indian and Canadian First Nation hoop dancers from the United States and Canada are set to compete for the prestigious title of world champion during a weekend of competition at the Heard Museum on Saturday and Sunday, February 7 & 8, 2009. These accomplished dancers will showcase their skills in amazing performances of the intertribal hoop dance.

Hoop dance fans from across the U.S., Canada and Europe are already making plans to cheer their favorite dancer on to glory. For many years, the intertribal hoop dance has expanded to incorporate new and creative designs and extremely intricate footwork. Each dancer presents a unique variation of the intertribal hoop dance, weaving in aspects of his or her distinct tradition and culture.

Bring your camera and be sure to see the Grand Entry at 9:30 a.m. both days. Final adult competition begins on 2 p.m. on Sunday. That will be pretty exciting!

Also, it’s easier to get to the Heard events via light rail! Look for the Heard Museum parking signs along Central Avenue, take the light rail to the Encanto Station and avoid having to locate a parking spot! Or use Park and Ride lots all along the Light Rail route.

Full Profile: Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

Photo Credit: Brian Hammill - Courtesy: Heard Museum

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) named Santa Fe, NM, Fort Worth, TX and Virginia City, NV as three of the organization's Dozen Distinctive Destinations in America for 2009.

New Mexico: Santa Fe is noted for its individual architectural style, well-preserved historic districts, and dedication to cultural conservation. The city's efforts to safeguard the authentic sense of place found in its old neighborhoods, winding streets, historic buildings, and cultural traditions has led to Santa Fe's reputation as one of the most original and authentically-preserved cities in the country. More on Visiting Santa Fe.

Nevada: Located only 23 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, the historic mining boomtown of Virginia City, NV provides unique insights into the spirit of the Old West. More on Visiting Virginia City.

Texas: In its youth, Fort Worth was a frontier town, home to the brave and the brawling. Today, it is known as the "City of Cowboys and Culture," shaped by its revitalized downtown, world-renowned cultural arts district and well-preserved Western heritage. More on Visiting Fort Worth.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Santa Fe

When I attend the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, I always take away memories of cars that I find special. Often these are the very obscure cars or collections that others might not notice. Case in point, I'll always remember seeing the "Citrus Grove of Classics." Real car buffs wouldn't be quite as impressed as I was.

But this year, collectors, T-Bird afficionados and yours truly will remember seeing the first Thunderbird ever produced by Ford. It has quite a history as you will see in our photo essay of T-Bird 001. I don't yet know what price this beauty will fetch but you can be sure I will be paying attention to this weekend's Barrett-Jackson auction.

So along with classic VW Campers, a Ford Tri-Motor Airplane, and a fascinating early motor home, I've added this Thunderbird to my collection of Barrett-Jackson must-sees.

Photo Essay - First Thunderbird.

Photo Gallery: Rare Cars of Barrett-Jackson 2009 Auction.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Barrett-Jackson Auction Block

For those that plan ahead, here are some ideas for a great 2009 Valentine's Day! While these just happen to be from Arizona, watch in upcoming weeks for romance across the Southwest.

• A Western Romance at Rawhide, (Wild Horse Pass) Friday, February 14th 2009. This Valentine's Day take your sweetheart to Rawhide. Listen to romantic western songs, enjoy an elegant 4 course dinner, and complete the night with a sunset buggy ride for two. To place your dinner reservation, please call Rawhide Steakhouse at 480-502-5600 x1204. More information. (If you frighten easily, turn your sound down!)
• A Sonoran Romance - Resort packages, special meals and romantic limo rides. You can find all the deals on the Scottsdale website.
• Romantic Spots in Phoenix - Whether you are looking for ideas for a special Valentine's Day, a setting for a marriage proposal, or you just want to tell your sweetheart that you love him/her, there is a wonderful selection of potential winning places in the Phoenix area for your romantic adventure. Full Article.
• Glendale Chocolate Affaire in Historic Glendale - Glendale’s Festival of Chocolate and Romance Will Be an Affaire to Remember. Historic Downtown Glendale will be a chocolate lover’s paradise February 6-8, as the 14th annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire celebrates with music, romance and an abundance of that sinfully delicious confection, as well as free admission and free parking! Full Article.
• Romance in the Southwest - From Denver to Dallas, find love in all the right places. Full Listing.