Quantitatively speaking...maps, maps, maps, yeah! There were a fair number of maps here and one even made it to the side garage water heater, which is saying something, considering Mr. Garage Perfect (aka the hubby) is in charge out there. He doesn't put up just anything, so there, we do have a winner!
In addition to maps, there are some three part brochures on local tourist attractions, a small (really small) selection of gifts (no vending section ie cold drinks/snacks), a few local magazines to peruse and some kiosks linked to Arizona visitor information websites.
The couple times we visited here, Gloria was manning the desk and was as nice and helpful as could be. The space here is industrial and open and the picnic bench and campfire and Adirondack chairs and table are a nice touch. There is exercise equipment here? The weight machines, I tried these...and they're stiff. Somewhat and odd feature, but per Gloria, an individual in charge (I have forgotten this person's title) wanted them available to visitors, so there they are.
More subjectively speaking...something's missing...what is it?
Usually I'd award "five-stars" for "off the beaten path" but I think that's where you'd prefer a visitor center be located - somewhat on the beaten path. I think of other visitor's centers - Sedona, for example - and there's an energy there because you have other people coming and going more frequently. Also, the visitor's center there is in the heart of Sedona so you feel more of the energy of the place. It also has a certain vibe that this location lacks for me. This visitor center has been up here 18 months (having moved from downtown Phoenix.) It gets the job done but feels a little out of place. read more