IN THIS REGION Fort McDowell, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Superior, Tempe PHOENIX & CENTRAL ARIZONA maker studios and shops inside Barnone before lingering on a patio with a glass of wine from Garage-East or a craft beer from 12 West Brewing Co. TEMPE BEACH PARK, TEMPE Perched on the southern shore of Tempe Town Lake, this 25-acre urban park offers recreation on land and water. Stroll more than five miles of trails, drop in a fishing line (buy a fishing license at azgfd.com/fishing-2 ), or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for water fun at Boat Rentals of America. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, PHOENIX With a vast collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries, this museum celebrates the rich diversity of cultures and craftsmanship through the shared language of music. Peruse the galleries, engage with interactive media and watch live concerts to hear sounds of all kinds. CITY LIMITLESS BEERS & BREWS PASSPORT, MESA AREA This free digital passport combines the best of both worlds — craft beer and gourmet coffee — inviting folks to discover nearly 20 places to enjoy these two libations in Mesa and the surrounding vicinity. The program serves as a tour of the breweries, tap rooms, sports bars and coffee shops, and when you check in at each location, you could win prizes. WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB, FORT MCDOWELL Play on two award-winning golf courses set in the scenic Sonoran Desert on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains as you sink your putt. A world-class practice facility is also on-site. HEARD MUSEUM, PHOENIX With an impressive collection of more than 40,000 objects, this comprehensive museum includes intricate Navajo textiles, Zuni jewelry, Hopi Katsina dolls, prehistoric ceramics and contemporary art. See the new permanent video installation Substance of Stars to learn about the connection between celestial bodies and fundamental origin stories. 43 Area Highlights ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MESA Spanning continents and millennia, this comprehensive museum delves into the ancient histories of people, land and creatures large and small. See colossal dinosaurs, glittering gems and minerals, archeological excavations and insights into some of the Southwest’s first civilizations. Free tours in American Sign Language are available. WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, GLENDALE Anchored by Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, this sprawling complex is a hot spot for entertainment of all kinds. Watch a movie at AMC Theatres, play games at Carousel Arcade Bar or Dave & Buster’s, test your sleuthing skills at Escape Westgate and have a laugh at Stir Crazy Comedy Club — then take your pick from dozens of eateries. WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST, SCOTTSDALE Explore a variety of perspectives on Western culture, history and beauty at this Smithsonian-affiliated art museum that features ongoing and special exhibits in media ranging from paintings and drawings to pottery and jewelry. AGRITOPIA FARM, GILBERT Local flavors intertwine with local makers at this farm-community hybrid. See the orchards at Agritopia Farm and pick up gourmet food items, from artisanal flour to small-batch honey, at the farm store. Then, stroll through Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Scottsdale TOP TO BOTTOM: LONNA TUCKER; SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST; MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2023-24: Page 43
