The tour was worth the five year wait/lottery! We had a wonderful docent and received a fantastic…read moretour of Tovrea Castle which was superb in every way possible. I have lived in Arizona, specifically the Phoenix area, for most of my life and have driven by Tovrea Castle thousands of times. It was so cool to be able to walk the grounds and get a peek inside. I would highly suggest entering the lottery, it's free and some people have better luck than I did and can get in sooner than 5 years. This was an insightful tour mixed with great storytelling and history. The basement with all the artifacts of the family and learning more about the area makes me proud to be a part of Arizona! Worth the visit!

If you live in the Valley it's highly likely that you have driven by this place. From the 202 fwy…read moreyou can easily see it. I often wondered what is that building? Finally after passing it so many times I was curious enough to look it up. I googled "cake shaped building PHX" and it was the first result. "Tovrea (said tov-ree) Castle aka A jewel in the Sonoran desert" Since 2010 the City of Phoenix purchased, renovated, and opened it for tours. The very abbreviated story with this place is that some homesteaders from the early 1900s owned the land, sold 277 acres to a wealthy Italian man. Alessio Carraro had built a fortune in the sheet metal business in the 1920s from San Fran. He planned to build a hotel resort surrounded by a housing subdivision on 277 acres, Carraro Heights. The castle was built near the timing of when the Great Depression set in. Carraro wanted out, he sold the castle and some amount of acreage (for a fraction of his investment) to Della Tovrea, wife of cattle baron E.A. Tovrea. She lived there until her tragic death in 1969. Nearby is the Stockyard Restaurant, built by E.A.'s son so cattlemen had somewhere to eat near the stockyards. That restaurant still exists today. I plan to check it out. If you want more details and full story, go take the tour :) however tickets are not easy to come by. Tours sell out many months in advance and they started using a lottery system. I bought my tickets months ago. However worth a try to go. I wouldn't say its the most amazing thing I've ever seen and the use of the word "castle" is a stretch. I've been inside some real castles in US and Europe, however it's interesting and a fun thing to do and it satisfied my curiosity! :) Per their website- The Ticket Lottery for Fall 2022 Tickets has ended and all tickets have been distributed - look for last minute cancellation tickets. Ticket Lottery for Spring 2023 Regular Tours closed on October 15, 2022 and Winners will be notified via email starting November 1, 2022. https://tovreacastletours.com

Scorpion Gulch in Phoenix is such an interesting historic stop. It's an abandoned stone structure…read morebuilt in 1936 by William Lunsford as a home and trading post, and it still has that rugged Wild West feel. The stone walls and open-air layout make it a great backdrop for photos, which is why I stopped by to scout it for a shoot. It's right on the way to South Mountain Park, just before the main entrance, so it's easy to find. There is convenient parking right in front of the buildings and more parking adjacent to the site. I drove down to the visitor center for a restroom but they were closed, so that was a little disappointing, though I did find very clean porta potties in the parking lot. There are also some beautiful hiking and walking trails around the area, but I didn't get a chance to explore them that day. I went midweek and I was the only person there, which made it peaceful and easy to look around without any crowds. Whether you're into photography, history, or just want a quick scenic stop on the way to South Mountain, Scorpion Gulch is worth checking out.

This is a neat stop in the south Phoenix area. It's a good place for a western photoshoot, if…read moreyou're into that sort of thing. We had directions here and it was easy to find with directions. Without knowing this was here or having any directions, I don't think this is something you'd just stumble upon. Driving off the 202 and into south central Phoenix to get here was questionable with some sketchy areas. We were rerouted because ADOT decided to close the exit we needed to get here, so we ended up driving through the south central area longer than expected. A drive that should have taken us 20 minutes, took more like 35 minutes. Once here, it was neat to walk around the building and take photos. There are mountains behind the building which make a nice backdrop. Glad we saw it, but would not go out of our way again to come here.

Phoenix is full of history and Heritage Square is one of those places that maintains some of its…read morepast. Heritage Square is home to some preserved 19th and 20th century homes, museums and restaurants. The Rosson House is a beautiful restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house that was once home to early settlers in Phoenix. Heritage Square also hosts many food and cultural festivals. There is a large garage nearby for parking and ASU has a small campus next door. The Arizona Science Center is the building that stands out the most here at Historic Heritage Square. I have gone to it a couple of times and have enjoyed my time there. Arizona's most iconic restaurant Pizzeria Bianco by James Beard Award-winner Chris Bianco is also here. It can be a very long wait to get a table and has been visited by many celebrates like Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy Fallon over the years. Sometimes I will park near Heritage Square while going to a baseball game and like to enjoy its relaxing peaceful atmosphere before the game. There are some shaded areas to take cover on warm sunny days.

The neighborhood boasts a mix of vintage residences from the turn of the century alongside modern…read morebuildings. We recently visited a festival that spanned across the entire square and even spilled out beyond. The location provided an ideal backdrop for such an event.The neighborhood is filled with both historic homes and modern buildings. We recently enjoyed a festival that covered not only the main square but also extended beyond it. It was the ideal location for such an event.

Follow Arya on Facebook…read more Arya Collins The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a great spot to travel with your dog! We had a wonderful time and Arya thought it was tte most spectacular walk ever.

2 generous stars for the state of Arizona. Where to even begin with this state? I've been to all…read moreareas of this state and I keep coming back because sadly, I am invested in this place. I have a higher education degree from this state and some property here. The weather is bipolar....the summers are hot. The winters are freezing cold. There is no in between. The air quality is not the best. With all the desert plants everywhere, you will have allergies you never knew you had. The driving, OMG the driving in this state could be its own trash TV show! A near collision every time you drive anywhere here! The snowbirds/blue-hairs in the winter....please flock somewhere else! People here love to hate on California and people from LA, but I've got news for you....I've never been around so many angry, irate, mad, mean, rude, and pushy people as I've been around in Arizona. Not to mention the amount of road rage incidents I've seen! What is with the on-ramps to these freeways being all left turns and double stoplights? No wonder there are so many wrong way drivers. Has anyone payed attention to the crime all over this state? Every day, multiple shootings, kidnappings, deceased bodies being found, murders, human trafficking, etc. It's also not cheap to live here! Groceries and basic things are the same prices here as in Los Angeles. Every plant growing here has a thorn on it and every bug bites, stings, or poisons you! After about a week here, I'm ready to leave. I visit often. I've been all over this state and seen tons of sights. Tried most of the food places. There are certain things here that are good: Ducth Bros, Andy's, Black Rock Coffee, Culver's, Egee's, and now Buc-ee's. However, this is not a place I could live full time. Places in AZ I've been to: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Yuma, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu, Ehrenberg, Quartzsite, Buckeye, Wickenburg, Grand Canyon, Peach Springs, Kingman, Hackberry, Sedona, Payson, Winslow, Tonto National Forest, Superstition Mountains/Lost Dutchman state park, Goldfield ghost town, Salt river, Saguaro Lake, Usery mountain park, Tortilla Flat, Roosevelt, Globe, Miami, Kearny, Winkleman, Hayden, Saguaro National Park, Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Mesa, Gold Canyon, Tempe, Superior, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Kingman. I'm sure there are a few I've missed, but I've been all over this state.

This is a sculpture that belongs to a family of the very similar Homeless Jesus sculptures that…read moreappears in more than a dozen cities throughout North America. It was gifted to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica, in March 2022, by Andre House. It is intended to bring more attention to the issues surrounding homelessness, especially in the downtown Phoenix area Schmalz's Homeless Jesus sculptures are laying on benches. This one is sitting on the ground with a blanket over his head. You cannot see his face and there is a bowl in front of him and a cup next to him. It is very realistic looking and you have to do a double take to make sure that it isn't. In some cities, citizens have called the cops thinking the sculptures were real. This piece was Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:35, and serves as a visual representation of charity. With that, the Church hopes this sculpture will generate donations and support that they can use to support homeless programs. If you want to park and get a closer look at this piece, there is metered street parking available within a reasonable walking distance, and there are a few commercial lots nearby as well. I love the Homeless Jesus concept and Schmalz's sculptures are so very detailed. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

Such a lovely mansion from the late 1800's early 1900's Museum with some great Tempe history…read moreinvolved. There is a lovely garden area outside for events and a kid's city park next door keeping with the farm cattle theme that the mansion once was. They are not open all the time but have an event schedule on the website. My friend is the creator of the Vintage Society so we had a garden party here yesterday and it was so, so, so lovely. If you can get to an event here it is wonderful. Check it out. I hear the holidays are really spectacular. Fair note, most of the mansion has been renovated and has non original, but still period era appropriate, pieces. However, there are still original pieces and the stain glass windows are original to the house. No public bathrooms only port a potty if you need to know that. All of the staff that we met were outstanding. I am not sure if the tours are given by Docents, volunteers, or paid staff but they were all so lovely, knowledgable, kind, and very helpful. I would go back here to an event in a minute. If you are looking for a unique venue space for a smaller maybe under 100 outdoor party this just might fit your bill. We had about 80 and it was perfect, with plenty of rooms for tables and high tops, a food buffet and even musicians.

What fun and decorated for the holidays a total win…read more What a great spot of history to visit in the heart of Tempe. Self guided.

AZ Ghost Tours is absolutely fantastic! Our guide, Vinnie, was knowledgeable, fun, and brought the…read morehaunted history to life with real evidence and amazing stories. If you want a ghost tour with real history, real evidence, and real thrills, this is the one. Highly recommend!"

Did a ghost hunt at the old jail in Globe AZ and it was an incredible night. We used SLS camera,…read moreOvilus and each of us were given a meter to use the entire night. We did Spirit box sessions and got responses to our questions. The team that ran the event were very knowledgeable and did various experiments with us.

We had an absolutely wonderful day on our private Grand Canyon tour from Phoenix. To be honest, we…read morehad two hesitations when we booked: (1) It sounded like a LONG day (with a really early start), and (2) It seemed a little pricey. At the end of the day, though, everyone in our group agreed that it was well worth the price (and, particularly if you're coming from the East Coast, you're going to be awake early anyway!). Our guide, Jon, made sure that everything ran as efficiently as it possibly could have. Not only did he ensure that we hit all of the Park highlights, but he took us away from the biggest crowds to show us views that were true " hidden gems." Jon was so knowledgable on the history, the environment, and other facts related to the area that we could not have enjoyed it more. Truly an experience of a lifetime! If, like us, you are making your first trip to the Grand Canyon, this is THE way to see it! Thank you, Jon - and Arizona Scenic Tours - for a very memorable trip.

Wonderful trip. Steve was extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company.read more

This event space is fascinating and beautiful. I went to college downtown for years and never knew…read morethe space existed. My what a joy it was to be able to attend an Arizona tech week event here and get to see this magnificent space and all its glory. This is a large venue, perfect for weddings gatherings, and large events. Will come back here again and again just now that it is outside so I can't get a little bit warm in those spring and summer months. Parking downtown is always a little bit difficult, but there were several public parking places you could pay to park at close by.

Monroe Abbey is absolutely stunning -- a beautifully restored historic church turned one-of-a-kind…read morevenue in downtown Phoenix. The architecture, atmosphere, and attention to detail are incredible, and the team running it couldn't be kinder or more professional. You can tell a lot of heart and vision went into bringing this space back to life. My only critique is the limited vendor flexibility. The in-house vendor is excellent but extremely costly compared to others in the area, and it would be great if the venue allowed more options like many others do. Still, it's a remarkable place -- just be prepared for premium pricing when it comes to f&b.