This shortlist is best for first-timers who are looking to get an introduction to the Ren Faire. I’ve also organized the list chronologically so you can use it as a schedule for the day. But if you want to make your own schedule feel free to use this as a thought starter. Read our Complete Ren Faire Guide for more tips on visiting the Ren Faire for the first time!

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Breakfast and Bagpipes
2. #2 Laugh and Lunge with Swordplay and Comedy
3. #3 Admire the Artisans at the Glass Hut
4. #4 Gnaw on a Turkey Leg
5. #5 Shopping till you Drop!
6. #6 Be Amazed by the Death-defying Sword Swallower
7. #7 Try out Archery
8. #8 Relax to some Renaissance Music
9. #9 Learn all About life in the Medieval Times
10. #10 Cheer on Your Knight at the Jousting Tournament

#1 Breakfast and Bagpipes

Try to arrive about 30 minutes before the gates open to ensure you get inside the festival right as it opens. This will give you enough time to head directly to the Cappucino Inn, where you can pick up a delicious iced coffee and sweet to enjoy while watching the Breakfast and Bagpipes show! Located in Falconer’s Heath, this show is one of the best ways to start your day! The band ‘Tartanic‘ starts the party by burning up their bagpipes and drums, creating this amazing barrage of sound throughout the entire festival. Dancers accompany the band, and lots of “bagpipe groupies,” who dance alongside!

#2 Laugh and Lunge with Swordplay and Comedy

Next, walk towards the ‘Theatre de la Rose’ stage where you can find the ‘Renaissance Men.‘ This hilarious duo of Rowland and Florian perform a thrilling and hilarious sword-fighting demonstration for an enraptured audience. I laughed so hard my face hurt by the end of the show and enjoyed both the comedic aspect as much as I was impressed by the wizardry with a sword. This performance felt very Shakespearean and was a great way to get into the medieval spirit. 

#3 Admire the Artisans at the Glass Hut

Right next door to the theatre, you’ll find the glass blowers hut, where they put on demonstrations four times a day. Owners of Old Castle Glass, Dylan Crouch and Rob Beckham, set up their studio here are the Arizona Ren Faire for four months out of the year, working almost 7-days a week. Not only are the glass-blowing demons entertaining and informative, but it was also amazing to see that the art of glass-blowing hasn’t changed almost at all in over 500 years. It still feels like a truly Renaissance art form. 

The only modern technology they use is a gas line to keep the fires burning instead of using wood. Watching these artisans at work, we got a glimpse into the hard labour and artistic talent it takes to create these pieces made of glass. And their prices are extremely reasonable for this type of glasswork, so buying a piece from them is a wonderful souvenir.

#4 Gnaw on a Turkey Leg

If you’re feeling pecking, it’s a good idea to head over to the King’s Kitchen to grab a bite for lunch. There are plenty of food and drink options available at the festival. But if you want to try one of the most iconic meals at the festival, you should try one of their traditional turkey legs! These things are MASSIVE, so plan to split it if you aren’t a huge meat eater. You can also pair this with corn on the cob and a glass of mead, a type of honey wine, to really complete that meal plucked from medieval times.

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#5 Shopping till you Drop!

To work off all that food, spend some time meandering around the artisan marketplace. This area is a treasure trove of handmade crafts and unique gifts. Browse through booths selling everything from leather armour to hand-crafted jewelry. While there are definitely lots of booths that cater to Ren Faire clothing and costuming, there are also shops that feel on the theme while still being accessible to the everyday person. Places like the Apothecary shop sell soaps and teas that everyone can enjoy in their everyday life. 

#6 Be Amazed by the Death-defying Sword Swallower

Lynx’s Comedy Sword Swallowing Show was one of those performances we were so keen to see, as it had been recommended to us by multiple people! Lynx is one of eight performers from around the world who can perform various death-defying feats! The show was hilarious, and I still am absolutely confounded about how he performed a myriad of those stunts.

#7 Try out Archery

Archery is one of those medieval skills that pop up in every movie set in that time. And most of us have seen many a bow and arrow but never had the chance to try it out. Well, the Ren Faire is the perfect place to do so. Twelve arrows will cost you only $6, which is a super fair price for this activity! We had a BLAST, and I was surprised how quickly you could pick it up. Alas, neither of us got bullseyes, but something to look forward to trying next year.

#8 Relax to some Renaissance Music

The festival features a variety of live music performances, from traditional Celtic tunes to medieval court music. While there are lots of planned performances on the schedule, one of my favourite things to do was simply to happen across the wandering minstrels you would find as you explored the festival grounds. Dora Viellette was my absolute favourite. 

Dora Viellette plays on the hurdy-gurdy. Never heard of a hurdy-gurdy? Well, me neither. The hurdy-gurdy is a string instrument that produces sound by a hand crank that turns a wheel that rubs against the strings to make music. The sound is ethereal and enchanting. The music she plays combines classics of the Medieval and Renaissance era. She casts a spell upon all those who pass her by. 

Another of my favourites was harpist Sarah Marie Mullen who played captivating Celtic tunes on her gorgeous harp. She can be found right outside the jousting arena. My dad’s favourite was the Iron Hill Vagabonds. This duo roams the fairgrounds playing songs on their fiddle that will definitely pluck at your heartstrings.

#9 Learn all About life in the Medieval Times

A section of the fairgrounds is dedicated to education, which I know sounds boring, but it was one of the most interesting parts of the festival. Towards the far end of the grounds, you’ll find the Yokel Village & Croft Thistlewood Cottage. Here are various members of the Celtic Reenactment Organization of Fellowship & Trades who aim to promote fellowship while researching the lifestyles and trades appropriate to the Celtic Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. They work on handicrafts, recipes and other techniques employed in medieval times that people would have needed to know to survive their everyday life. If you have kids, making a little part of your day out educational is nice. 

Also nearby the old village and cottage are Lady Tess, Countess of Trueheart. Lady Tess is, most importantly, the Fashion Advisor to Nobility. Lady Tess gives presentations to the public, explaining medieval bathing, hairdressing, and the application of make-up. She also demonstrates various garments and accessories worn by Noble men and women. Lady Tess is a performance unto herself and absolutely worth checking out!

#10 Cheer on Your Knight at the Jousting Tournament

To end your day at the festival, make your way toward the tournament arena, where you can watch the final joust of the day, the joust to the death! I like leaving the joust to the end of the day when the heat dies down slightly. Plus, it really feels like a finale you don’t want to miss. Choose your seat from the 5,000-seat arena of champions. Depending on where you’re seating will determine which knight you will be cheering on in the battle.

The joust pits two knights on horseback, wearing their finest armour, who gallop onto the field with their ten-foot lances to win the Queen’s honour. During the joust to the death, the knight also gets off their horses and fights with their swords to the literal death (ok not literally, but they pretend to do so) to the shock and awe of the crowd. You can buy flags with the banner of your chosen knight upon them to help cheer on your side of the arena. After the battle is over, you can also come down and say hello to the knights after the fight is won. Although it might just be a show, the skills required to perform it are genuine and a real sight to behold. The festival’s jousting tournaments are a must-see event. Watch knights on horseback compete in thrilling battles that will transport you back in time.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is an unforgettable experience that’s sure to transport you back in time. With so many things to see and do, you’ll want to plan your visit carefully to make the most of your day. Don’t miss out on these ten must-see attractions, and have a blast at the festival!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post 10 Best Things to See and Do at the Arizona Renaissance Festival 2023 first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Part of my never attending a Renaissance Fair was because there wasn’t one in my hometown. I simply never happened across one. I would have had to travel to New York or southern Ontario to find the closest Ren Faire. The other reason was I simply felt like the older I got, the harder it would be to “fit in.” I thought everyone who went would be old-timers. And the attendees would be overprotective of their event, and newbies would be less welcome. Literally, nothing could have been further from the truth. I have never felt so welcome in my life than attending my first Renaissance Fair as in my beloved home away from home of Phoenix, Arizona.

Finding Joy at the Ren Faire

The Arizona Renaissance Fair was one of the most fantastic experiences I’ve ever had. Having lost my mom a few months ago, I was there with my dad to bring a bit of joy back into our lives. And this was the absolute best decision we could have made. For one day, we got to be someone else. Live in a different world full of excitement and wonder. And just absorb all the amazing vibes that were all around us. I wish so much I had gone to my first Renaissance Festival years.

But in truth, I just didn’t know what to expect or what it was all about. Attending a Renaissance Festival for the first time can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. However, with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. In this guide, we will help you make the most of your first Renaissance Festival visit.

Table Of Contents

1. What is a Renaissance Fair?
2. What to Expect
3. Arizona Renaissance Fair
4. How Large are the Fairgrounds?
5. How Much Does it Cost?
6. Where to Find Your Nearest Ren fair
7. Parking 
8. What's Included in Your Admission?
9. Extra Costs
10. Essential Tips
11. Where to Spend That Extra Cash!

What is a Renaissance Fair?

The first official Renaissance Festival was held in 1963 in California. It was started by a schoolteacher Phyllis Patterson who wanted to create an immersive event to teach his class about medieval times. But the event caught on, and it quickly gained popularity. Spreading to other states across the country. Today, there are over 100+ Renaissance fairs are over the world, but most of them are located in the USA.

So what is a Renaissance Fair? In essence, a Ren Faire is an event that attempts to recreate the sights, sounds, and experiences of the “Renaissance” era. This generally refers to the period in European history from the 14th to the 17th century. At a Renaissance fair, visitors can expect to see performers dressed in Renaissance-style clothing, enjoy live music, and watch demonstrations of old-time crafts and skills such as blacksmithing, glass-blowing, and archery. All this occurs outside, set amongst permanent buildings designed to resemble structures from the medieval period.

Many Renaissance fairs include jousting tournaments, theatrical performances, and historical reenactments. Throughout the fairgrounds, visitors can purchase food and drink from vendors. This includes historical food as well as modern consumables (aka cappuccinos.) All visitors are encouraged to dress up in costume, be that historical garb or anything that suits their fancy. A day out at the Ren fair is all about make-believe and expressing yourself. 

What to Expect

While every Renaissance fair might be slightly different, there are generally some overarching themes and tropes that take place across the board that you can expect to get out of visiting the Ren fair. From the moment I walked into the fair, I was almost overwhelmed by the sheer amount of immersive artistry surrounding me. I had only seen a few pictures of the Renaissance Fair online and didn’t know what to think. The images I’ve seen made it seem cheesy and a bit like the theming you’d find at a Midway or state fair. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. If you’ve ever been to Medieval Times, that pales compared to the gorgeous amount of theming at these Renaissance fairs. It honestly felt like a Disney level of art and design. 

Arizona Renaissance Fair

The Arizona Renaissance Fair is explicitly located in…well, Arizona. Unlike most other Renaissance Fairs in the United States, this one is set in the desert. Most other Ren Fairs are set out in the forest, surrounded by a canopy of trees. I was initially concerned about this lack of forestry. The trees add an almost ‘Robin Hood’ type vibe to the immersion. But honestly, I was amazed by how the desert setting lent itself to that medieval era. Being barren made the buildings stand out, and you could appreciate them all the better. Plus, there were no signs of the modern world all around you. Save for the occasional plane flying overhead. 

Music at the Fair

Another thing that immediately sets your senses light when you walk in the gates is that you can hear music almost everywhere you go. And this isn’t music being pumped in from an audio system over loudspeakers. This is live music played by some incredible historical musicians throughout the park. Some of them play instruments I had never even seen before. Appropriately, some bands specialized in pirate shanties played on violins, and harpists enchant you with their fairy-like melodies. Just wandering the entire park is all you need to do to have a great time. You’ll suddenly hear a song floating through the air and chase after it to find where it’s coming from. Only to discover an old man and his lute weaving a spell across a quiet glade. 

Performers & Entertainment

Music is definitely one of the most important pieces of entertainment that you’ll find on the schedule, but in addition to this, you’ll also find an array of different live performers on various stages spread throughout the park. This includes comedy skits, acrobats, dancers, jugglers, stilt walkers, actors staging impromptu sword fights and more! 

A building held a mermaid tank where a “real-life” mermaid swam in the water. It was like watching something from a fairy tale. Occasionally she would pop out of the water to breathe fresh air, spitting water down upon a surprised audience smiling at the children only to dive back into the water and blow them a heart-shaped bubble kiss. 

We walked by a woman dressed as a pirate with a tiny pirate ship on stage that held a pirate crew of small dogs wearing eye patches and adorable pirate hats. She had them performing tricks much to the amusement of an enraptured young audience. 

Then there were the bawdy sword fighters who performed a slew of shocking acts combined with their quick-witted puns. I was actually surprised at how adult some of the comedy was. Most of it just went over the children’s heads, but it definitely was an interesting thing to behold in front of such young kids. My dad commented that this type of humour was done intentionally as part of medieval theming. Many medieval comedies were often filled with dirty jokes that shocked and amused the otherwise reserved upper classes. 

How Large are the Fairgrounds?

We were handed a hand-drawn map of the Ren Faire grounds when we arrived at the festival. First, the hand-drawn map was one of the cutest things I’d ever seen. The map also detailed to us that we were entering the “Village of Fairhaven,” as each Ren Faire has its one unique fairytale-like setting. What shocked me upon looking at the map was how vast this place was. I had no idea what to expect from the pictures online, but I didn’t think it would be this big! In fact, the festival takes place over 50 acres. And it isn’t even the largest Ren Faire out there! The Texas Ren Faire is 55 acres, New York is 65 acres, and the Bay Area renaissance festival is a whopping 260 acres!!!

Themed Weekends

Themed weekends are a great addition to the flavour of each weekend when the fair is open. These themes range from Viking Invasion, Shamrock Shenanigans, Pirate days, Bring Your Dog or Royal Romances. There might be special events happening on these particular weekends or different character interactions that bring forward the weekend’s theme. These themes can also give you some costuming ideas if you want to dress up!

How Much Does it Cost?

Admission to the different Renaissance Fairs depends on where you are attending. The fairs in larger, more expensive cities will usually cost more than those in smaller towns where the cost of living is lower. The Arizona Renaissance Faire in Phoenix was not only one of the lower admission prices, but the food and drinks inside were shockingly affordable!

The Arizona Renaissance festival costs $33 for adults or $22 for children. You can often find discounted ticket codes being offered in the local newspaper a few weeks before the festival begins. In California, ticket prices are $42 for adults and $22 for children; in New York, $42 for adults and $18 for children; and in Pennsylvania, $32 for adults and $17 for children. 

Where to Find Your Nearest Ren fair

You can check out this website to find the Ren Fair nearest you. But remember, just because it’s the closest doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Travelling out to a specific Ren Fair might make for an exciting trip. If you go to New York City, you may want to spend a day at their Ren fair. Or, like me, find yourself in Phoenix, Arizona; you can check out their fantastical Ren Fair. 

Parking 

It’s also essential to note parking prices. At the Arizona Ren Faire, parking was completely free as it was sponsored by a local grocery store. The walk from the car park to the entrance was also very short compared to other festivals. In California, parking is $12 for general admission, or you can pay $25 for VIP Parking. And in New York, there are free and paid parking options. The free parking is about a 15-minute walk from the entrance, while the $20 cash parking is closer to the door. These additional costs might be something to remember when planning your Ren Faire trip.

What’s Included in Your Admission?

Included in your price of admission are all the entertainment: the joust, parades, music, dance, interactive living history exhibits, Birds of Prey performances and craft demonstrations. 

There are also wandering characters, also called members of the royal family. These actors employed by the fair will spread the day’s news, perhaps filling in a central storyline or just greeting visitors. They will also happily take a picture with those “strange contraptions” we call cell phones.

The Joust

Speaking of the joust…this is one of the day’s major events and an event you don’t have to tip for. The fair employs all the actors and performers participating in the joust. Three different jousts occur throughout the day. And almost every other Ren Fairs follows the same format. There is the joust for royal favour, the joust of champions and finally, the epic joust to the death!

The joust is one of the festival’s most elaborate and entertaining acts. There is a storyline performed at the joust, which continues to escalate throughout the day. But much of the action is similar, so you should only choose one of the three jousts to attend. We choose the joust to the death, where performers ride their horses, get off, and perform a deadly sword fight at the show’s end.

When to Arrive for the Joust

It’s advisable to arrive a little early if you plan on going to the joust. Depending on the festival, seating for the joust is always slightly different. At the Pennsylvania Renaissance fair, the joust takes place in an area where there are three setting locations. At the Arizona Renaissance Fair, the joust is in the center of an arena with four sets of bleachers. We wanted to secure a spot where we could see everything but also wasn’t in direct sunlight. Sitting there for the entire show, you could get pretty sunburned if you weren’t careful. 

Support the Horses

Right before the joust starts, a costumed character will come out to your side of the viewing area to instruct who you will be cheering for. Often two to four different knights take part in the joust. And each will be represented under a different coloured banner. Depending on where you’re seated will inform which knight you’ll be cheering for. 

One of the things I found the most interesting is that they had various flags for sale that corresponded to the knight and his banner. I thought this would be another easy mark to get you to spend a lot of money, but these little flags only cost $5 and were a great souvenir. PLUS, all the money went to supporting the well-being of the horses. It was a cheap souvenir and a really good donation to boot!

Extra Costs

There are other additional forms of entertainment found throughout the fair that require extra means of payment. This everything includes archery and rock climbing to fortune tellers, petting zoos, pirate ships, pub crawls, fair quests and adventure games.

Artisan Shopping

Throughout the fair, you can find over 200 artisans in open-air shops and galleries, demonstrating techniques unchanged for centuries. You can find everything from clothing and costumes to candles, soaps, jewelry, artwork, weapons, ceramics, leather goods, books, and much more. 

Food & Drink

Some iconic food and drinks special to the Ren fair are turkey legs, meat pies, raspberry wine and even modern-day mead! But in addition to these more on-theme meals, there is everything from Mexican cuisine, iced coffee, fried fair goods and lots of different sweet treats!

Tipping

While the entertainment on the various stages doesn’t require additional fees, the performers will always ask for tips at the end of the show. I was surprised by the number of performers asking for tips at the end of their shows. I figured if you paid admission, surely you shouldn’t have to tip. But I learned afterwards that most of these performers rent their space at the fair and are only paid a little, if anything, from the fair itself. Therefore, tipping is highly encouraged (but, of course, not required). A simple thank you will go a long way if you don’t want or can’t afford to leave a tip. 

We saw about 4-5 acts throughout the day and tipped them each a few dollars. When I really thought about it, when you compare the enjoyment you get from an entire day out at the Ren Fair, likened to a comparable experience like Medieval Times, the Ren Fair was much more fun. Medieval Times tickets will cost an adult $45 as the base level, and there are so many add-ons they shove at you upon arrival. Most people need to drop $ 65+ to make it out. And the food could be better. Their shows are very entertaining, but they don’t even hold a candle to all the great acts we saw at the Ren Fair, including their joust to the death!

Rides

At any midway or state fair, you’ll find amusement rides dotted through the fairgrounds. But what surprised me was that every one of these rides at the Ren Faire was powered only by human force. You could take any of these rides and send them back to the Medieval Era, which would work just the same. The carousel spun round and round, with staff members running and jumping atop it to keep it spinning. The rocking horse was pushed by real people, and the fly machine was spun round and round by the arms of incredibly strong cast members. 

These rides all cost a small additional fee, but if I had come with a kid, I would put money aside solely for the uniqueness of the opportunity to ride in one of these ingenious mechanisms. Many were themed on Galileo’s contraptions or DaVinci’s flying machines. And I loved this inspiration and found it mesmerizing just to watch how they worked without using a single plug or generator. Although I can’t imagine how tough this job is, especially come the hot spring weather in Arizona.

Essential Tips

Now that you know much more about what to expect from the fair, here is a list of the most important tips I have for you as a first-timer attending the Ren Faire!

Dress the part

One of the most fun aspects of the Renaissance Festival is dressing. It’s not required, but it does add to the overall experience. Opt for a full costume or incorporate a few medieval-inspired pieces into your outfit to get into the spirit. Some popular costume options include knights, princesses, pirates, and peasants. While many people opt for period-appropriate costumes, you can dress up as anything! We saw fairies, trees ents, anime cartoons, and even people expressing themselves as an entirely unique character. Even if you just have a few small pieces to play the part and find yourself enraptured by all the costumes inside, you’ll find a plethora of vendors who sell costumes and accessories at the festival to bring your costume to the next level if you so choose. 

Renting a Costume

Maybe you don’t want to buy a whole outfit but want to dress up for the day. Almost all fairs have costume shops where you can rent an entire outfit! The rental costume shop at the Arizona Renaissance Festival was located even before you entered the gates, so you could get all dolled up before entering the Village of Fairhaven. 

Cost of Renting a Costume

Outfit rentals vary in cost depending on the location of the festival. But at the Arizona Fair, at Belrose, prices range for adult-size rentals from $18 to $65. After you select a costume, you can change into their dressing rooms and put your clothes in a provided bag which goes into your own personal box. At the end of the day, you can return, change back into your everyday clothes and return the items you borrowed.

What to (and not to) Wear

Since this was our first time attending the fair, and we didn’t know how quickly we would become enthusiasts, we opted not to spend too much money on our first costumes. And while I think, in retrospect, I wish I had gone all out, I think what we did is the best action plan for anyone going to their first time. 

An easy Peasant DIY

We found items from our closet that were even vaguely appropriate for the medieval era. This meant looking for textures or colours of clothing that were very common back then. My dad went with a peasant-type theme for his costume. This included a lot of tans and beige colours. He found an old button-up top and cut off the button. Then he used some old string from an old shoelace to lace up the front of the shirt, which was very period appropriate and an easy DIY. Then he added an extra large leather belt and a straw hat. All in all, for $0, it was the perfect first-time look.

Robin Hood/Maid Marian DIY

For my costume, I had a beautiful green velvet dress that I’ve had forever that felt suited to the fantasy setting. I decided to go with a Robin Hood meets Maid Marian outfit. This amazing brown lace-up corset belt immediately made it look medieval. Then, I layered some old leather belts around it, and the look instantly came together. I wanted to add texture to the velvet dress, so I layered a light cotton blouse/tunic underneath. I thrifted both the tunic and the belts for under $10. It really just goes to show that you can absolutely find things in your current wardrobe that can be restyled to fit the Renaissance era. 

Avoid Polyester Clothing

One thing to remember when planning your costume is to avoid buying anything made of polyester. Most of those cheap costume shop outfits are made entirely of polyester. And I understand wanting to save some money, but as mentioned above, I think DIY is a great affordable option, and polyester might not be worth it in the end… Polyester traps heat, and you’ll get sweaty and overheated on hot days in the sun. Anything made of cotton or similar breathable material is a much better choice. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Another key tip is to wear comfortable shoes that are well broken in. Don’t opt for something you bought for this occasion and have never walked more than a few hours in. Most fairs are spread over multiple acres. The Arizona Renaissance fair was over 50 acres large, and just wandering around was one of my favourite parts of the experience. If I didn’t have the right shoes, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I actually found that a pair of Birkenstocks not only fit the environment really well but was also super comfortable and breathable.

If you plan on wearing a long dress, this will hide your shoes anyways. You won’t need to worry about them standing out against the rest of your period-appropriate clothing. But honestly, it’s worth sacrificing some fashion for comfort. You’ll definitely find yourself having a much more enjoyable time if you do so. 

Don’t Try to Do It all but Plan in Advance

Before arriving at the fair, go online and check to see if they’ve posted an event schedule. This will allow you to look at everything going on throughout the day, everything from birds of prey shows to acrobatic acts and sword swallowing, in addition to the dozens of different musical acts throughout the park. I was amazed at how jam-packed the day can get really quickly. You definitely won’t be able to see it all. I advise first-timers to go on the website and pick two to three performances you absolutely must see. For most people, this probably includes one of the jousts and two other shows that catch their fancy. 

One of the most interesting shows that caught my eye was a bagpipe breakfast which I absolutely adored. This was one of the first shows of the day, so we planned to be there as soon as we got inside the gates. Another show that my dad was really interested in was the sword swallower. The stage where this took place was at the far end of the fairground, so we ensured we were in the area around the time of the show. That way, we wouldn’t have to run from one end of the grounds to the other to catch it.

Ensuring we planned the timing and the locations appropriately meant we didn’t feel too overstretched or stressed. While wandering from one stage to another, we would catch various musical acts along the way, just on happenstance. And simply taking a break for food and sitting in the shade admiring the amazing costumes is a show all unto itself. You really want to have the space and time in your day for these moments of respite.

Check the Weather

You also want to check the weather before you leave for the day. Just in case it might rain, it’s good to be prepared. Especially in the desert, when the evening hits, the temperature can drop significantly, so if you see a cold evening in the forecast, you want to plan to bring some extra layers.

Turn off Your Phone 

Another tip that I found super helpful was to leave your phone behind. Or at least turn off any cellular data. That was a little easier for me because where the fair was located in Arizona, there wasn’t much signal anyways. But putting your phone away (when you didn’t need it for photos) really allowed you to get even more immersed. Yes, I did, in fact, take lots of photos with it, but I also put it away for a surprising amount of the day.

Honestly, there were some times when you just wandered around, and it really did feel like you’d walked back in time. And if I’d found myself just checking Instagram, looking at my emails or posting while there, I definitely don’t think I would have felt as immersed. Next time I think I will bring my camera, so I left my phone alone altogether. Sure, a camera is still modern technology, but at least it’s slightly more analogue than the phone.

Bring Cash!

One of the things that surprised me the most about the Ren Faire was everything was almost entirely cash only. When you walked up to the gates, this was made apparent with signs detailing the list of things that were cash only. There were a lot of ATMS outside and a few ATMs inside the fair as well, in case you missed the ones on the way in. 

Many artisans accept credit cards, but you must have cash for tipping, food and drinks, rides, and other attractions that require additional fees (like archery etc.) I rarely carry cash, so using it honestly felt like another level of immersion. It felt very antiquated to have ones and fives at the ready.

In addition to bringing cash, make sure you have it in small denominations. We only had $20 bills when we arrived, and we soon found that we needed to break this up as quickly as possible to tip the performers. You can easily do this by buying food and getting some change that way. But it’s good to bring some dollar bills with you, so you have some already.

Coin of the Realm

Some of the larger Renaissance Fairs have implemented a new payment system: called “Coin of the Realm.” Essentially coin of the realm is a physical coin that represents an amount of money you exchange for it. This is done by swiping your credit card and selecting the amount of coin of the realm you want to buy. Once you have these coins, you can use them anywhere throughout the fair, just like real cash money. If you buy something that costs $8 and use a $10 coin of the realm, they’ll give you $2 cash in return. 

If you don’t use up all your coin of the realm by the end of the day, you can simply go back to the kiosk, and they will refund you that amount in cash. Or you can keep the extra coins of the realm as a souvenir. This is mainly done for people who don’t want to use an ATM because they don’t want to pay the steep ATM fees. And perhaps don’t pay fees to use their credit cards. Plus, using these coins feels really immersive, and I think I would get some just for fun!

Try ALL the Themed Food

Renaissance Festival food is a unique experience in itself. There’s something for everyone, from giant turkey legs to roasted nuts and mead. Don’t be afraid to try new foods or indulge in some of the festival’s signature treats. Just be sure to bring some wet wipes or hand sanitizer, as eating with your hands is often encouraged.

One thing that really surprised me about the Phoenix Renaissance Fair was the food price. I know this isn’t true at many of the other larger Renaissance Fairs, but the food at the Phoenix Renaissance fair was extremely affordable. This made me so happy because it allowed more people to come to the fair to enjoy themselves without this huge financial barrier to entry. At least when compared to the price of food at baseball games, for instance.

You cannot bring in outside food, so you are forced to eat inside the festival. Therefore the fact that the food is a little more affordable inside seems only appropriate. I picked up a large iced coffee for almost half of what I paid at Starbucks. It was even more delicious! 

I’ve heard that places like the New York Fair need to keep up with the cost of rental spaces in New York, so the food there is much more expensive in places like that. This might factor into your planning process when considering where to attend your first Renaissance festival. Phoenix may not have originally been at the top of your list, but if you know you’ll be paying much less for food and drink, that might give you a bigger reason to come here over more expensive cities like New York City or Los Angeles. 

Interact with Performers

One of the best parts of the Renaissance Festival is the interactive performances. Be sure to catch a show or two and interact with the performers. They are often dressed in costume and are happy to answer questions about their craft. Additionally, don’t be afraid to participate in a group dance or learn a new skill from a performer.

Shop the Artisan Markets

The Renaissance Festival is home to many talented artisans, selling everything from pottery and jewelry to leather goods. Take some time to wander through the vendor booths and find unique souvenirs and gifts to take home.

Glass Blowing Demonstrations

One of the souvenirs that I took home from the fair was a piece of hand-blown glasswork. We stopped to watch the glass-blowing presentation. Not only was it so informative, but it was also amazing to see that the art of glass-blowing hasn’t changed almost at all in over 500 years. The only modern technology they use is a gas line to keep the fires burning instead of using wood. Watching these artisans at work, we got a glimpse into the hard labour and artistic talent it takes to create these pieces made of glass. When I picked out my beautiful glass flower as a souvenir, I was taking home with me not only a piece of their craftsmanship but also a cherished memory from the festival.

In addition to the artisanal shops throughout the fair, there is also a Ren Faire gift shop. These stations are often found inside the gates, so you’ll see them as you enter and leave. They sell everything from t-shirts with the Renaissance Fair logo to other souvenir items to memorialize your visit. I returned with a handmade clay mug with the Arizona Renaissance Festival logo, and it’s my new favourite coffee cup!

Stay Hydrated!

Renaissance Festivals can be hot and crowded, so staying hydrated is important to remember throughout the day. Check the website for the specific Ren Faire you will be attending to find out if you can bring in sealed water bottles. While they don’t let you bring in outside food and drink, most fairs will make an exception for water. Other Fairs will allow you to bring in an empty reusable water bottle you can fill up at various locations throughout the grounds. 

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Hydration is half the battle against the heat from the sun. Apply lots of sunscreens or even bring a large hat to keep cool. Since the Ren Faire enters outdoors, you’ll want to ensure protection. In fairs like New York or Pennsylvania, where they take place under the trees, you’ll find it is a little more shaded but not entirely. And even in the shade, you are still at risk of sunburn.

Arrive Early!

We set out to arrive at the festival slightly before the gates opened at 10:00 am. What we didn’t expect was the huge line of traffic formed solely by other attendees trying to get to the festival! We still arrived just before ten, but unfortunately, we found about a 45-minute lineup to get inside. We didn’t get in through the gates until just before 11 am. This was still plenty of time to enjoy every show we planned to see, but we missed the opening ceremonies.

If you’re dead set on getting inside the fair at the opening, I would advise arriving about an hour to 30 minutes before the gates open. We were chatting with a couple of the employees, and they said lots of people arrive as early as 8 am and have a little tailgate party in the parking lot. They bring some coffee and get into costumes while meeting with their Ren Faire friends, who all come together yearly for this special event!

This kind of enthusiasm is infectious, and even just waiting in line, we had a great time observing everyone’s costumes and chatting with all the locals who had been to the festival dozens of times before. They couldn’t wait to share with us their advice and expertise. I never met anyone unwilling to chat with me if I had questions. No one seemed like they were trying to gatekeep this event. If anything, they were only trying to encourage more people to come. To grow the festival so there are more vendors, food, entertainment, and things to enjoy.

Where to Spend That Extra Cash!

I paid for a few additional activities I wanted to share since I felt they were worth the extra money. Aside from the food and drink of course which were highly recommended!

Archery

The first was archery. I’d never shot a bow and arrow before and was so excited to finally try it. And this felt like the PERFECT place to give it a go. I’ve seen archery booths at our local state fair and always found them overpriced. But here you got 12 arrows for just $6. You could take as much time as you wanted to have fun and compete against your friends and family.

It was honestly so much fun. We laughed the entire time as we learned how to use the bow. And screamed with excitement when one of us would get a good shot. I felt like Robin Hood, especially with my outfit that day. It was worth the money, and I think it would be even more enjoyable with the kids. They had both an adult and kids section. The kid’s area was closer to the target with small bows.

Blacksmithing

Another super interesting experience was the blacksmith forge. Here you could buy a small knife and schedule an appointment to work with a real blacksmith to forge a custom knife with some personal carvings. The experience was about $40, and you got to use these amazing dragon forges where the heat came from the dragon’s mouth! It was so cool, and even if you didn’t want to spend the money, you could sit in the audience and simply watch others at work!

Umbrellas 

As mentioned, all Ren Fairs occur in summer and early fall (or the springtime in hotter areas like Arizona and California.) Since the Ren Fair is entirely outdoors, this is scheduled to attempt to ensure the weather is dry. While the fair is held rain or shine, many events, like the joust, can be difficult or cancelled due to the weather. And no one really like walking around in the rain all day. What that means is that you’ll often be out in the sun all day long. So one of the souvenirs I found to be very practical (and beautiful) to buy were these gorgeous paper umbrellas.

Paper umbrellas are something I’ve been seeing more and more people using on vacation in the summertime. I first started seeing this trend primarily in Japan, where people really try to avoid getting sun on their faces. But I’ve seen it being implemented increasingly more frequently in other countries. All of us are learning more about how bad sun damage is for our complexion, and these fabulous fashionable paper umbrellas make avoiding the sunlight all the more chic!

A Personal Tankard

One thing I saw a ton of people wearing on their belts were these gorgeous tankards. They fit through your belt; some people even had custom leather tankard holders to carry their mugs. You can use these throughout the day to drink your more modern beverages, but look the part while doing so! These tankards are for sale throughout the fair. Some are made entirely of wood, which is absolutely beautiful, and if you have the skill and patience to ensure they’re cleaned and maintained properly, I think these could be beautiful additions to your kitchen. Other are more traditional metal tankards with gorgeous fillagree decorations around the handle.

Elf Ears

While I think I would skip on things like face painting and hair braiding (mostly because the lines were always super long), a special costume addition that I think is worth the money is custom-fitted elf ears. These elf ears are sized and painted just for you, and the artisans who make them will even glue them to your ears so you can wear them all day in the park. There are different varieties of ears; some are smaller and more dainty, while others are theatrical and will draw the attention of everyone you pass! After you’re done wearing them in the park, you just need to remove and clean them before using them again. Buy some spirit gum or body-safe adhesives, and you can use these over and over again. Definitely worth the money and such a cute thing to add to your costume. 

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They also had wire elf ears that you could buy that fit over your ears like a piece of jewelry that only cost between $25 and $30 and looked absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely something I can see a lot of more alternative fashion people wearing every single day and isn’t something I’d seen anywhere else. These kind of treasures are what makes shopping at the Ren Faire so much fun!

All in all, I’m thrilled I finally pulled the trigger and visited the Arizona Renaissance Festival! After years and years of never making it out there, I can’t believe I waited this long. Hopefully, this blog post helped dissolve any hesitation you might have in making your trip out and becoming a Ren-head like me! If you’re a seasoned visitor, let me know any tips I might have missed or advice you want to share with others.

Huzzah Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to the Renaissance Festival first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I’ve loved sharing my favourite things to see and do here with my friends for years, slowly converting them to honorary Phoenicians. But this year, I wanted to make this list to show all the amazing things there are to do in this city. Not just for visitors but locals who want to see their city from a new perspective!

Table Of Contents

1. 1. Hike Camelback Mountain
2. 2. Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright Museum
3. 3. Explore Mesa's Trendy Art Walk
4. 4. RoRo Street Art Walking Tour
5. 5. Desert Botanical Gardens
6. 6. Phoenix Art Museum
7. 7. Shopping & Sipping Along Melrose
8. 8. Sidewalk Saturdays
9. 9. Catch a Fly Ball at Cactus League Baseball Game
10. 10. Queen Creek Olive Mill

1. Hike Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain, early in the morning before or just after sunrise, is one of the most incredible places in Phoenix. And as a bonus, it is a great place to come to get a sense of the city’s layout. You have this incredible 360° view across the valley. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Although the trail is more difficult to climb than other hikes in the city, this one is well worth the effort. I am far from being an expert hiker, and aside from the last portion of the trail, this one is definitely something almost anyone can at least climb a portion of. Give yourself plenty of time and water, and don’t be afraid to sit down and rest. While catching your breath or taking a break, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views across the desert valley.

2. Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright Museum

Frank Lyold Wright is one of the most prolific American architects. But only a few people know that he called Arizona his winter residence for many years and even started up an architecture school here in the McDowell Mountains just outside Scottsdale. The architecture school is still in session to this very day and is one of the most sought-after programs for aspiring architects. You can tour the entire residence, view some new students at work, and be entertained and educated by the incredible guides who will lead you around this stunning, desert-inspired property.

The flora, which is so integral to the design, is also an important part of the city’s landscape. This tour is a great place to learn about desert plants and their contribution to the ecosystem. The views across the valley are stupendous from atop the mountains, so try to book a visit that will end around sunset to amp up the tour.

3. Explore Mesa’s Trendy Art Walk

Mesa is a vibrant and artistic neighbourhood in the East Valley section of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In such a small area, there is a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. But my absolute favourite thing to do in Mesa is their self-guided walk art along Main street. Along this one stretch of roadway, you can explore some amazing sculptures and murals created by local artisans. Plus, Main Street is home to some foodie favourites like Proof Bread, Tacos Chiwas and Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery.

4. RoRo Street Art Walking Tour

As one of the most vibrant cities in the USA, it is no surprise that the downtown area of Phoenix has an ever-growing street art scene. But when your canvas is the city itself, the artworks are ever-changing and ever-moving. A guided tour is the best way to explore the best street art scene in Phoenix. The guides at Arizona ING Tours are always looking for new and impactful artworks in the popular Roosevelt Row neighbourhood. The guides lead you throughout this trendy district to find gorgeous works of art from the leading graffiti artists and explain the hidden meanings behind the paint.

5. Desert Botanical Gardens

The Desert Botanical Gardens might not jump out to you immediately but trust me, this place is more than it seems. The gardens are spread over 140 acres outside Papago Park. It was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 to preserve, document and educate. Over 21,000 local plants and 139 rare, threatened, or endangered species live inside the garden. If you’ve never been to a desert environment before, you might imagine it without any greenery or plant life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The gardens really come alive during the various events thrown throughout the year. Their annual ‘Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most memorable events I’ve ever attended in Phoenix. They are constantly finding ways to make the gardens new and exciting for visitors and their long-term members. This year, bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures from artist Rotraut enliven the garden trails. 

6. Phoenix Art Museum

It wouldn’t be a top 10 list from me without including at least one art museum. Visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is a great opportunity to see some amazing southwestern artists and some incredible paintings and exhibits from world-known artists. American southwestern art has its own style and influences unique to this part of the country. Currently on display is a collection from artist Philip C. Curtis that explores his relationship with the landscapes of Arizona.

In their permanent collection, my favourite gallery is their Latin American collection. This collection features over 1,000 works across North, Central and South America. From Spanish Colonial to contemporary works by living artists, the collection explores artistic traditions and themes from shared between the southwest and Latin America. The best piece for me is ‘El Suicidio De Dorothy Hale‘ (The Suicide Of Dorothy Hale) by Frida Kahlo. In the Modern Art collection, you’ll find a treasure from renowned artist Yayoi Kusam. ‘You Who Are Getting Obliterated In The Dancing Swarm Of Fireflies‘ (Tú Que Estás Siendo Obliterado Por Una Multitud De Luciérnagas Danzantes) is such a unique and ethereal experience and one you might be surprised to find hidden away in this gallery.

7. Shopping & Sipping Along Melrose

The Melrose District in Phoenix, on 7th Avenue between Camelback and Indian School road, is one of the coolest shopping areas to explore. Along this strip, you’ll find some of the best thrift and vintage shops, delicious restaurants and hipster coffee shops. 

Along the strip, stop in at Retro Ranch, my fave place to score colourful vintage t-shirts and nifty knick-knacks. Melrose Kitchen is one of the swishest diners along the strip and a great place to grab a delicious breakfast in style. Copper Star Coffee serves up some of the valley’s best brews. Across the road, you’ll find Rollover Doughnuts, the perfect combo with your coffee! Rust & Roses is one of those antique furniture shops which is so much fun to explore, even if you’re not looking to buy anything.

8. Sidewalk Saturdays

Sidewalk Saturdays is a weekly event where local businesses and vendors showcase their products on the sidewalk along North 1st Street. You can find dozens of shops selling unique gifts, delicious food, gorgeous hand-made jewellery and chic clothes.

The event occurs outside Churchill, a locally focused community gathering space and home to four restaurants, two bars, one wine shop, and three retail shops. Inside Churchill, you can listen to live music and weekly performers and participate in the lively atmosphere. This event is a great way to explore Phoenix’s vibrant culture and community. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Sidewalk Saturdays is a fun and exciting event that should not be missed.

9. Catch a Fly Ball at Cactus League Baseball Game

If you’re lucky enough to visit Phoenix during the Spring, you can catch a Cactus League Baseball Game! Spring Training baseball takes place from February to March. Hundreds of baseball games occur with all your favourite players spread across the city. There are ten different Spring Training Stadiums to visit, each with its unique flavour, style, events and, of course, teams to watch. All before the official baseball season begins. But Spring Training baseball is more than just the game; there are themed events, great chances to meet the players and get autographs, and explore the various food offerings unique to each stadium. Tickets are cheap, even for the best seats in the house, so if you’re a sports fan, it’s a great opportunity.

If you miss the Spring Training season, do not fear! Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks play year-round, is also a great place to catch a game. It’s one of the nicer stadiums in the US, and in case you’re wondering – yes, it’s air-conditioned in the spring and summer!

10. Queen Creek Olive Mill

One of my favourite places to take new visitors for a relaxing and delicious afternoon is the Queen Creek Olive Mill. This is Arizona’s only operating olive mill that produces high-quality olive oil and other products made with the oil. You can tour the mill and see the olive trees, learn how the oil is processed and even see how it’s used in the kitchen to make great gourmet meals. Tours cost $7/adult or $10 with a glass of Prosecco. The tour lasts 45 minutes and runs from midday to midafternoon on the half hour. 

After the tour, you can relax in their marketplace cafe and enjoy a bite to eat. Or, sit down in their outdoor bistro for an elegant dinner under the stars. All the dishes combine, in some format, the olive oils from the very trees surrounding you. On a hot day in Phoenix, anyone knows that the best thing to beat the heat is a cold sweet treat! And the gelatos from Angelo’s ice cream bar are the best around! 

Phoenix is changing daily. More and more people are moving into the downtown area and revitalizing previously uninhabited parts of the city. There is always a new restaurant or local shop opening up. The town is literally yours to discover, but hopefully, this guide helped you make a start at planning your next trip to Phoenix! Let me know what your favourite things to do in Phoenix are. Hopefully, the next time you plan a trip, you’ll consider exploring this fantastic city!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Explore Phoenix’s Amazing Attractions: 10 Epic Adventures for 2023 first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Although these games might not be high stakes regarding rankings in the regular season, they’re a great chance to see the teams before the roaster is set. If you are a huge baseball fan, these games are a superb way to get close to your favourite players without breaking the bank!

Table Of Contents

1. About the Cactus League Phoenix Spring Training
2. Tickets
3. The Stadiums, Teams and the Food!
4. Goodyear Ballpark
5. Surprise Stadium
6. Peoria Sports Complex
7. Hohokam Stadium
8. Tempe Diablo Stadium
9. American Family Fields of Phoenix
10. Scottsdale Stadium
11. Camelback Ranch-Glendale
12. Salt River Fields
13. Sloan Park
14. Events & Activities
15. Where to Sit?
16. Merchandise
17. Tips

About the Cactus League Phoenix Spring Training

The first team to play an exhibition game in Arizona was the Chicago White Sox in 1909. It wasn’t until 1929 that the first teams held official training camps here in the desert. The warm, dry weather brought more and more teams to Phoenix to practice. And by the 1960s, the Cactus League had been established. The Phoenix Cactus League now features 15 major league teams. They play just over 200 games from February 22nd to March 22nd. See the Full schedule here.

Tickets

The best way to buy game tickets is online or from the stadium box office. Big-ticket games might sell out quickly, but if you’re not picky about where you want to sit, you can almost always find tickets on the day. Avoid buying from the scalpers right in front of the box office since you might actually pay more than face value. If you’re dead, set on seeing a certain team on a particular day with seats in the right spot to see your favourite player, buy tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Stadiums, Teams and the Food!

If you’re like me and don’t mind which team you go and see, you are more just going for the experience; you might want to choose your game based on the stadium itself. The stadiums themselves are some interesting places to see. While baseball is entertaining, for me, a baseball game is all about food and drinks. That’s what I really come for! Every stadium will have all the American baseball classics like corndogs, hot dogs, nachos and beer. But the different stadiums also feature unique items, making them more popular for certain visitors. Some of the ballparks ensure the vendors sell classic dishes from their team’s home state. So if you’re missing a little taste of home, coming to these ballparks might have just what you’re looking for!

Goodyear Ballpark

The Goodyear Ballpark is my home park so it has a soft spot in my heart. It’s the home to the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. Goodyear Park has a homely charm with beautiful views of the mountains from the berm seats. Their special right-field pavillions offer lounge furniture and nine big-screen TVs to watch the game from cool comfort. You can buy a bunch of seats here with the group ticket option, which includes access to their ballpark buffet! This is a great option for families or big groups.

The Food

Goodyear ballpark has lots of new food options this year. Try the loaded corn dog nuggets, the parmesan waffle fries, or their half-pound cheeseburger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also get nachos served inside a souvenir plastic helmet with your team’s logo! Great for the kids. My favourite thing to get is the taquito dog. It’s a foot-long hot dog wrapped in a flour tortilla loaded with cheese. It then gets deep-fried and topped with queso, guacamole and pico de gallo. You’ll be full long past the 7th inner stretch.

Surprise Stadium

The Surprise Stadium is home to the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. If it’s your first-time visit to the stadium, tell te upon entering with your ticket, and they’ll give you a complimentary “1st Visit” button! A great little free souvenir. The recently renovated stadium is sure to wow any visitor but seeing it at night makes it feel very professional. The stadium was designed to allow fans to move around and watch from not just their seats. There is even a special viewing area in the batting cages.

The Food

Surprise Stadium is a great place to come if you’re on a budget. Their value menu has food for just $3 which features all the staples like hot dogs, popcorn, soda, and nachos. One of their more unique options can be found at Saigon Kitchen. This Vietnamese restaurant features garlic noodles and lemongrass chicken. Who knew you could find this at a ballpark game?! If you’re looking to try something desert-inspired, get the AZ Dog. This ballpark dog is covered in chipotle mustard and topped with cactus pico da Gallo.

Peoria Sports Complex

The Peoria Sports Complex is home to the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The stadium is made with sandstone-shaded concrete and blue steel, matching the team’s colours. This stadium was the first to install an outfield spanning berm and 360-degree concourse. These features allow fans to see the game from all angles. Peoria is the best place to bring your kids! Peoria park has a mini baseball field made just for kids. Here, the little ones can play like they’re in the big leagues. The kid’s zone also features a pirate ship-themed playground!

The Food

Street tacos are all the rage this year, and there is even a taco cart which wheels around the stadium so you can grab them whenever you’re craving them. Spice is the game’s name here in Peoria Park, and one of their most popular items is the spicy Foot-Long hot dog wrapped in jalapeno bacon. This park also has many craft beer brands on draft from the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. So whatever team you’re cheering for, you can have a beer to go alongside.

Hohokam Stadium

Hohokam Stadium is home to the Oakland Athletics. This stadium is perhaps one of the more overlooked parks. But recent renovations have made it a great place to watch the games. Over half of the seats in the stadium are shaded, and there are also covered patios for picnics. The fan speed pitch contest is held daily, broken up into age groups. This means fans can compete against each other to see who has the best arm!

The Food

At Hohokam, vegetarians will be in heaven with the option to order the new Impossible Burger! You can also find Polish hotdogs and other Ohio-themed concessions in honour of their home team. But the most amusing item to get here has got to be the Mustache Pretzel! A delicious salty pretzel in the shape of, you guessed it, a moustache.

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Tempe Diablo Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Angels. I think the Tempe Diablo Stadium has the best views from the seats. Sitting there, you can enjoy the amazing landscape and look at the famed Twin Buttes. Especially if you’re not a local, this is a great way to admire the desert. In Tempe Stadium, there are lots of shaded seats available. You can also get a $25 all-you-can-eat food package which makes dining so much fun!

The Food

Tempe Stadium is home to Arizona’s best corndog! You also can find brisket sandwiches, jalapeno cheese sausages in hoagie buns and humongous cheesesteaks. But the best of all is the Baked Bear ice cream sandwiches! You can get your ice cream scooped between two warm cookies and covered in sprinkles! One of the most beautiful things you’ll find anywhere in the city.

American Family Fields of Phoenix

American Family Fields of Phoenix is home to the Milwaukee Brewers. Renovations on this park finished in 2019, so the stadium feels brand new! It smells like a new car. As you walk through the parking lot to the stadium, you’ll see these huge marquees with the numbers of famous Brewers; these make for great photo-ops on your way in. There’s something about this park that feels so local and intimate. Like you’re just out watching your neighbourhood team play instead of a major league sports team.

The Food

The Wisconsin-inspired “bratchos” are kettle chips covered with bratwurst and nachos toppings! Their new item for this year is a Bernie Brat, a bratwurst dipped into a secret sauce and covered in bacon and onion straws! My favourite item has to be the fried cheese curds, which are very much Wisconsin themed! Pair that with a cold beer, and you’ve got yourself a real treat.

Scottsdale Stadium

The Scottsdale Stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants. Scottsdale is one of the fanciest neighbourhoods in Phoenix, and as such, they have quite an impressive stadium. This is the one place where tickets really do sell out, so don’t wait to buy your seats. The Scottsdale Stadium prides itself on blending old-school charm with modern amenities. Even parking is made surprisingly charming by the antique trollery, which brings guests from the parking complex across the street to the park.

The Food

The best item here by far is the smoked pulled pork brisket layered on top of garlic fries. Worth a trip just for that. There is also a large selection of specialty beers, including San Francisco’s own Anchor Steam. Since Mexican food is so popular in San Francisco, street tacos are also available at the park. They are available as one of the most delicious options.

Camelback Ranch-Glendale

The Camelback Ranch-Glendale is home to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Camelback is such a great area of town, and this stadium is nestled away in the heart of the desert. It has gorgeous views of the mountain ranges from the seats, so if the game is slow, you can sit back and enjoy the view. An interesting fact about this stadium is that the field is sunk 12 feet below ground, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house to watch the game. The grounds also feature picturesque walking trails, citrus groves, and a fully stocked five-acre lake filled with swans, geese and other animals.

The Food

Come hungry if you want to try their famous 18-inch slice of pizza! Whether you support it, you’ll have to choose between the Dodger Dogs or the Vienna Beef Chicago hotdogs to represent your team.

Salt River Fields

Salt River Fields is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. As the “hometown” team, the Diamondbacks draw a huge crowd. Salt River Fields was the first Major League Baseball property built on an Indian reservation. Tribal influences have been incorporated throughout the park to attempt to pay some respect to the original landowners. There are even placards around the stadium detailing the history of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Most of the signage throughout the stadium is written in Maricopa, Pima and English. Just a little touch which makes this stadium unique. The views from here are the most impressive featuring Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Red Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains.

The Food

The Sonoran BBQ is one of the most popular items at Salt River Fields. This place is my first stop once I get inside to get my hands on their delicious shredded adobo pork. This then gets covered in lime cabbage and pickled red onions, the perfect balance to the fatty pork. 101 Cattle-Co is a new vendor this year with its half-pound grilled burger with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, bacon and sweet chilli jam. If, on the other hand, you aren’t a meat-eater, meatless options can be found here with the Beyond meat burger being sold at Home Plate Hot Dogs.

Sloan Park

Sloan Park is home to the Chicago Cubs. Since this stadium is home to the Wrigley Field players, aspects of that famous park are woven into the design of Sloan Park. You’ll see brick patterns, a cantilevered roof and even the scoreboard was designed to look like the one in Chicago. It’s like travelling across the USA in one place! The bleachers here are covered in a huge trellis, allowing shade in most of the seats. This park also features a 300-foot tall rock climbing wall for kids to enjoy.

The Food

The food at Sloan Park feels more gourmet than just a regular ol’ ballpark. Here you can sample their famous Street Corn, grilled corn off the cob covered in chipotle mayo, parmesan cheese, lime and Valentina sauce. You can also indulge in their Carved Pork sandwich, an herb-encrusted honey mustard glazed pork loin topped with horseradish aioli and pineapple coleslaw! For a twist on the tradition, try the hot Cheetos Cheesesteak, filled with Philly beef steak, sauteed peppers and onions and covered in hot cheese for an extra bite! For a traditional Chicago ballpark treat, you must head to A Taste of Chicago, which has all the traditional Chicago specialties.

Events & Activities

Spring Training games are almost always full of additional events. We were lucky enough to come to a game where we were greeted by the Budweiser Wagon and their line of Clydesdales. So neat! There are also special fan experiences you can buy. These include a meet & greet with the players on the field! Check the schedule for fan appreciation days when stadiums give out free memorabilia for attendees, such as player bobbleheads. You also should check the schedule at each stadium to see what time batting practice starts, as that is always a good opportunity for a potential autograph. Ask politely, and don’t expect them to sign, but you’ll have a truly amazing souvenir if they do.

Where to Sit?

Even though the games take place in February and March, they can still get hot. So if you’re sensitive to the heat, you should book a seat under the shaded area. If you’re worried about being too hot, try to find a night game. Since all the stadiums at Spring Training games are a fraction of the size of regular season stadiums, you’re hard-pressed to find a bad seat. They’re all pretty close to the action too. But the seats on the lawn are where the fun is at! People bring huge picnics, layout on the grass and treat the game as almost secondary to hanging out. Plus, they cost almost less than a fast-food combo meal for a whole afternoon of fun!

Merchandise

Spring Training is a great time to buy limited-edition merchandise from your favourite teams or exclusive to the Cactus League. If you’re a collector, a fan, or know someone who loves their team, this is a great place to buy some unique merch.

Tips

• Hydration is key. Remember to offset it with lots of water if you’re drinking beer.
•  Lawn or berm seats have no shade, so bring a large-brimmed hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and wear lightweight clothing.
•  Bring lots of sunscreens and reapply every few hours.
•  Book your tickets in advance if you are keen on seeing a particular team in good seats since the stadiums are much smaller than during the regular season.
• Parking is not free at all stadiums, so check the prices before you leave if that’s important to your budget.

If you are in Phoenix over the Spring Training season, I encourage you to go and check out a game. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, many additional aspects to Cactus League games make a trip out to the ballpark the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Let me know which team you’re cheering for this season and your favourite park in Phoenix!

Happy Travels Adventurers.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Cactus League Baseball Phoenix Spring Training [UPDATE 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Day One – Trendy & Tasty

The Windsor

Brunch isn’t just for the big cities. There are tons of different restaurants in Phoenix where you can find an amazing Saturday brunch! But the Windsor is one of the best. I love the midcentury decor; the bright red brick walls feel so chic and welcoming. Their Highroad Sandwich made with eggs, belly bacon, tomato & garlic aioli is pure perfection and the best hangover cure. Their Matador is my favourite though; two eggs over easy stacked with griddled cheddar potatoes, a crispy tortilla, salsa verde & avocado relish. It feels like the epitome of Phoenix on a plate, a mix of traditional American, Mexican and southwestern flavours.

Frances & Stinkweeds

After finishing up your meal, head over to Frances to walk off that eggs bacon. Frances is an adorable boutique that features chic women’s clothing, shoes & accessories, and handmade gifts. All with that touch of vintage flair. They always have something super unique that catches my eye. And they also feature Arizonan themed items that you can’t get anywhere else which makes for perfect souvenirs. Stinkweeds right next door sells used and new vinyl records. If you’re a music lover this is one of the most welcoming and unpretentious record stores I’ve ever been too. We always have a great time pouring over the records and listening to their in-store selections.

Heard Museum

After a little bit of shopping, it’s time for some culture at the Heard. The Heard Museum is one of the best places to visit if you’ve never been to Phoenix or Arizona before. Here you’ll be able to learn about the indigenous people of Arizona. The museum has partnered with various native artists and local tribes to create a collection that presents the stories of the American Indian people from a first-person perspective. Inside are you can see more than 40,000 different items and revolving exhibitions. There is always something new to see here. I didn’t know much about the history of Phoenix’s native history before I visited and found the museum incredibly insightful. The indigenous art is so powerful and inspiring that you leave feeling absolutely invigorated!

MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain

After the museum, it’s time to get something to eat. MacAlpine’s is one of those Phoenix institutions that you can’t help but adore. Since 1938, this place has been serving up soda fountain pops inside what used to be an old pharmacy. In the 1950s, this was the place for greasers and pink ladies to hang out and share gossip over milkshakes and desserts. Today the original countertop and malt machine stands as a reminder of all that great history. You can still order up classic treats and get served by a waitress in victory rolls and vintage dresses. It’s like going back in time. Along the walls are an array of antique pieces of ephemera and packaging from as early as the 1930s, which makes you feel like you’re eating inside a museum. The food is delicious, homemade, and a freezing cold ice cream float really does the trick on a hot day in the desert!

2023 UPDATE: Due to the death of one of founders, Cary Heizenrader, MacAlpine’s are temporarily closed. They currently looking for staff and plan to reopen later this spring. 

Lola’s Coffee

If the heat is getting you down, or if you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, head over to Lola’s Coffee. Lola’s offers up some of the best brews in the city with one of the most chill environments. A jumble of vintage furniture makes the place feel like your grandmother’s basement but run by some of the best baristas in the valley. They serve up amazing hand-roasted coffees, which I always order over ice. Their back patio is a sanctuary in the middle of downtown where you can sit with your favourite book or just relax under the warm sun.

Roosevelt Row 

The Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood runs from McDowell to VanBuren and from Central to 7th Avenue. These houses were built between 1893 and 1930. Today the area around these houses is known as Roosevelt Row. It is one of the few walkable districts in downtown Phoenix. The Roosevelt Arts District is home to amazing street art, fabulous restaurants and trendy boutiques. But my favourite activity is walking up and down the side streets to admire the fantastic neighbourhood architecture. There is something so iconic about southwestern architecture and if you’ve never seen this kind of design before, then this little walkable neighbourhood is the best place to see it!

Phoenix Public Market Café

If you’re getting a bit hungry, head over to the Phoenix Public Market Café. This chic open-air market is located inside the heart of urban Phoenix. All the food is sourced from local vendors and farms, and you feel like you’re eating straight from the source. If you’re looking for something sweet, you HAVE to try the cafe sundae. Served atop organic vanilla soft serve, is a layer of raspberry sauce, toasted butter pistachios, and rich chocolate shavings. It makes me drool just thinking about it.

Antique Sugar

Antique Sugar is one of my favourite vintage stores in the city. It is wonderfully curated and a joy to shop inside. The shop is small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed, and their racks are only stocked with the best-used clothing. They curate their selection with items that will suit the current trends while still being vintage. A great way to support the community and sustainable shopping!

Cibo Pizzeria

The best place in the city for a romantic evening is Cibo Pizzeria. The restaurant is located in a quaint, circa-1913 bungalow. Cibo Pizzeria features Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas. My favourite is the Diavola, with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami! Their unique and modern white pizzas are also very popular, one of the best being the Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. In the evening, the trees outside are covered in white twinkle lights, and on the weekends there are even local musicians who come to entertain diners under the setting sun.

The Vig Fillmore

After dining at Cibo, head just down the street to the Vig for a nightcap. The Vig is such a casual place to hang out, it almost feels like you’re at a backyard party. The bar also has a bocce ball playing area and bean toss games to enjoy while you’re having a drink. The outdoor patio is set up with fireplaces to sit around on cooler dessert nights. They have live music throughout the week, which makes it easy just to sit back and relax as the night winds on.

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Crescent Ballroom

If you’d rather have a more lively end to the night, I would recommend going to the Crescent Ballroom. This hip, brick-walled lounge features live entertainment, local and international, every day of the week. But the intimate nature of the place makes you feel like you’re just watching a band playing in your garage.

Day Two – Desert Immersion

Papago Park

Papago Park is one of the most amazing places in Phoenix to watch the sunrise. The enormous red sandstone ‘Hole-in-the-Rock‘ is an easily climbable geological formation whose iconic formations make peep-holes out to the desert. There is nothing like the sunrise in the desert and it an unmissable event. Yes, it means getting up early, but trust me, the view is more than worth it!

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Matt’s Big Breakfast

After a super early morning sunrise, it’s time for some coffee and breakfast! Kick off your last day at Matt’s Big Breakfast. Matt’s Big Breakfast is known for its cage-free eggs made “cracked to order.” There is almost always a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. The decor is hipster cafe meets high-school cafeteria. It feels warm and homey. Like you’re visiting old friends. Be sure to try the Chop and Chick if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with two eggs, and an Iowa seared pork rib chop! The enormous waffles are light and fluffy, and the griddle cakes are topped with sweet cream butter – drooling yet? Don’t wait – head on down to Matt’s Big Breakfast for some delicious comfort food.

Desert Botanical Gardens

Back on the road, head over to the Desert Botanical Gardens. The gardens are spread over 140-acres outside Papago Park. This park was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 to preserve, document and educate. Over 21,000 local plants and 139 species, which are rare, threatened or endangered are living in harmony and safety inside this huge garden. If you’ve never been to a desert before, you might have an image of it being arid, barren, without plant-life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Many people will go on long hikes around the mountains in search of native flora and fauna. But at the Desert Botanical Garden, you can see everything the desert has to offer without breaking a sweat! The best time to visit is during the Spring when the desert flowers bloom but throughout the year there is always something unique to see and experience.

Lunch at Gertrudes

While some museum cafes contain only awful coffee and stale pastries, Gertrudes Cafe inside the Desert Botanical Garden is a world-class restaurant all on its own. When we had a yearly membership, sometimes, we would come here just for the food! The flavours and recipes are all indicative of southwestern cuisine and the ingredients are sourced from local farmers. Giving guests a taste of the desert itself! Plus, the cafe is mostly outdoors, right in the centre of the gardens, so it feels like you’re dining in the middle of a cactus rich forest.

Taliesin West

Just up the hill from the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful, hidden sights in all of Arizona, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most prolific American architects. Very few people know that he called Arizona his winter residence. In fact, he spent years living here even before he started up the architecture school. 2020 was the last year the architecture school was in operation but the house and the school buildings can still be seen today.

Throughout your guided tour, you’ll be entertained and educated by incredibly, knowledgeable guides. They will lead you around this stunning, desert-inspired property. This tour is a great place to learn about desert plants and their contribution to the ecosystem. And how these resilient plants, inspired Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture both in Arizona and beyond! The views across the valley from here are breathtaking and well worth the drive up the mountain.

Old Town Scottsdale

To get yourself something to eat after your tour of Taliesin West, head back down to Old Town Scottsdale. This western district is full to the brim with trendy restaurants, hip cafes, unique art, jewellery stores and anything to satisfy your sweet tooth. While the “old west” vibe and style might be a little on the nose for some, I love it!

The Mission

For dinner, head over to the Mission, which amply, is situated right beside the old Spanish Mission site. The decor inside the restaurant is dark and mysterious. A large Himalayan salt block wall and the twinkle of candlelit chandeliers welcomes you inside. The Mission serves up a mix of modern and traditional Latin cuisine. Don’t skip their Wagyu pastrami taco, they are to die for!

Shakes & Cones

For dessert, head over to Shakes & Cones. While Scottsdale is mostly known for its upscale dining, Shakes & Cones still feels like a simple, family joint. They make small batch, soft-serve ice cream and even offer non-dairy options for vegetarians. There aren’t a lot of bell and whistles here, just simple ingredients that highlight the fantastic flavour of their ice cream.

Rusty Spur Saloon

To end your perfect weekend in Phoenix, head over to the Rusty Spur for one last drink. The Rusty Spur Saloon is the oldest bar in Scottsdale, which opened in 1960. It was actually Scottsdale’s first-ever saloon too. The building is an officially registered historic landmark. Originally, the building was used as the Farmers’ Bank of Scottsdale. Walking inside makes you feel like you’ve entered a different period in time. Cowboys stand at the bar sipping whiskey and every night of the week, they have a band playing old country tunes. But it’s not just cowboys who visit. There are old folks, hipsters, tourists and yes, even cowboys. So you won’t feel out of place. Take a seat near the band, and enjoy the warm desert air before heading back to whatever time and place you had come from before.

Hopefully, this guide will help you on your way to exploring all the wonders Phoenix has to offer on your next weekend away! If you’re looking for more to do, check out my Top 10 Things to do in Phoenix!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post How to Enjoy the Perfect Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. When to Visit
2. History
3. Where to Park
4. Old Jerome Cemetery
5. Ghost City Inn
6. House of Joy
7. Jerome's Sliding Jail
8. Cuban Queen Bordello 
9. Husband's Alley
10. Liberty Theatre & Gifts
11. Connor Hotel
12. The Spirit Room
13. Bartlett Hotel
14. Jerome Park
15. Mile High Inn
16. First Episcopal Church
17. The Haunted Hamburger
18. Surgeon's House
19. The Old Company Clinic
20. Asylum Restaurant
21. The Grand Hotel
22. United Verde Mine

When to Visit

Obviously, since this is a ghost tour, the best time for it is at dusk as it day turns to night. But even during the daytime, the abandoned streets and buildings still have an ominous feeling. Three of the locations on this tour are also hotels so for those brave enough to stay overnight, you’re in for an extra treat. Overnight stays allow you to experience the town without as many tourists, and the silence allows for keener ears and eyes to spot those spectres.

History

Jerome was founded in the late 19th century on Cleopatra Hill. It overlooks the scenic Verde Valley, which is 5,000 feet above sea level. During its heyday, it was home to more than 15,000 people. During the first world war, the price of copper soared, and American citizens came here in droves to mine the rich copper quarries that were abundant in this area of the west. Jerome was dubbed the “Wickedest Town in the West” by the New York Sun newspaper in 1903. It had a reputation for rampant gambling, an abundance of alcohol consumption, drug abuse, gunfights and other mayhem. With all of that debauchery came a series of unfortunate deaths, each one relating to the abandon that was felt throughout the town. It was lawless and rarely were crimes investigated to the full extent of the law.

Over the years the town seemed to be cursed. Jerome was subject to numerous fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. The population continued to decrease and the copper mines dried up. Eventually, it became a ghost town with little to no sustainable source of income. In the late ’60s, the Arizonian Tourism board saw Jerome’s untouched architectural and cultural history to be valuable for visitors. And in 1967 Jerome was established as a Historical Landmark.

State Park and National Mine Museum

In the late 2000s, art galleries and trendy restaurants started popping up to drive more people into the town. The local State Park and National Mine Museum were established to help preserve the history of mining in this village and to educate travelling visitors on the history of Jerome. But what people come to Jerome for these days, are the ghosts! Even if you don’t believe in these spectres, the dark history of the town’s past is a fascinating way to explore its decrepit streets and abandoned buildings.

United Verde Mines

The United Verde Mines in Jerome were a dangerous place. In 1922, the quality of ore they had been mining began to degrade, and they had to switch to open-pit mining. This resulted in multiple fires which plagued the operations. Often, there was no way to control the flames which burned the ore under the ground. These ever-burning fires resulted in dense smoke on the skyline of Jerome for months, a haunting sight to see. The recklessness of the mine owners was in their quest for power and wealth is thought to have cursed the town. Fire after fire, earthquakes, landslides and rampant diseases seem like something more than just chance.

Dynamite and Explosions

If the fires and dynamite explosions didn’t kill the miners, brawls and shootouts would. In its heyday, it is estimated that there were four murders a day in Jerome! Since these men were poor miners there was no money for a funeral and burial. So they were disposed of in the cities smelting furnaces, and the bone fragments from the corpses are literally now still in the foundation of the city itself. It’s a living tomb. Today, the ghosts of these fallen miners are thought to haunt the town, in search of their final resting place.

So many ghosts died in the fires which tore through the camp in the early days of Jerome. At that time, most of the buildings were made from timber, and once something caught fire, it spread rapidly. Being high up on the hill meant that the winds would pick up any bits of burning embers can carry them past where the initial blaze started. In 1898 one of the most massive fires pretty much levelled the entire town to ash and took with it many lives.

Where to Park

After visiting the cemetery, which is on the outskirts of the town, there is a parking lot for anyone on a day trip marked on the map where you can easily leave your car and then head over to the next spot on tour. If you’re staying overnight, almost all the hotels have dedicated parking.

Old Jerome Cemetery

We’ll start our tour on the outskirts of town. Before you even enter the ghost town, you’re immediately met with a sign of its darkened past. The old cemetery once housed over 400 graves and markers, but today almost nothing remains. Because the ground was so tough, most of the time, the earth wasn’t dug too deep to bury the bodies. This meant that animals, such as coyotes, were able to dig up the corpses and drag them from their “eternal” resting place out to the mountains where they were never recovered. Today, the last of the stones and markers are protected with iron fences to ensure they don’t slide right off the cliffside. From this place, you have a panoramic view of the United Verde Mining Operations and the towering Cleopatra hill which rises up above the city.

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Ghost City Inn

This charming red and white painted two storey bed and breakfast seem anything but nefarious. But like everything in Jerome, it’s not what it seems. The Ghost City Inn was initially built in 1885 by the Garcia family as a lodging house for the managers of the various mines. In 1930, a miner staying in the house had constructed a bootleg still in his room. The poorly made machine exploded, causing an enormous fire which engulfed the entire second floor. In the 1950s and 70s, the house went through multiple renovations. This was in an attempt to keep relevant after the closure of the mines.

It became an art gallery, funeral home, spiritual retreat and restaurant. In 1994, it went through its latest transformation into a bed and breakfast where brave visitors stay the night to see if they can spot a ghost. The hotel’s most popular room, the Cleopatra Hill room, a female spirt it thought to be seen roaming the halls. In the Verde View Room, there is a male spirit seen outside the halls spying through keyholes on those people inside. People have seen doors slam on their own and whispering voices in the hallways when no one is there. Perhaps these are the ghosts of the people who perished in the fire, searching for a way out.

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Ladies of the Night

The ghosts of these ‘ladies of the night’ are thought to roam these streets, searching for redemption. High-class escorts worked in brothers where they had madams who took care of their health and safety. But if you were one of the lower class working women, you worked in what was called “the cribs”. These women saw upwards of 30-80 men a night and exposed themselves to harsh conditions, illness and violence.

Dozens of women died either by the hands of jealous clients or passed away from sexually transmitted diseases they weren’t even aware of. One such woman, who is seen wandering the street, was named Sammie Dean. Sammie Dean was murdered on Tuesday July 7th 1931 inside ‘Lil’s place’, a brothel apartment off Hull Ave. Her killer is a mystery but suspects include the Mayors Son, or Deputies Son. She is reportedly spotted in windows along the street, continually looking for her killer.

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House of Joy

The House of Joy on Hull Avenue is now an eclectic shop, but it was once one of the most famous brothels in town. In front of this house, people have said they feel like they are being watched by eyes in the window, despite no one being home. Often you’ll hear footsteps behind you, only to turn and nothing is there. People have even been said to be able to smell old fashioned perfume wafting from nowhere.

This red and black painted bordello was owned by the famous Madam, Nora “Butter” Brown. She was the very first madam to open a brothel in Jerome and taught Madam Jennie everything she knew. Jennie (who we will learn about late) went on to become much more success than Brown herself but learned everything from good ol’ Nora. During one of the many Jerome fires, Nora ran to the fire department and begged them to save her house over all the others. She went so far as to offer all the firefighters free “business” if they managed to save her property. With that kinda incentive its no surprise to hear, her house was saved.

Jerome’s Sliding Jail

Continue walking along Hull Avenue, and as you climb, on your right, down the hill (pathway marked), you’ll find the famous Sliding Jail. As the miners continued to dig and disrupt the steep hillside, many buildings were lost to landslides. And this jail is one of the remaining examples of this phenomenon. In 1936, the earth gave way under the jail, and it literally slid down the hill. It originally was located 200 feet from here, upon the main street.

The concrete cell block literally fell right out of the tin and wood building it was contained within. One can only imagine if someone had been inside this cell or not when it made a run for it. The cell is now reinforced by a few new walls and an iron fence to attempts to keep people out. Spirits have been drawn to this site for years, perhaps ghosts of old prisoners, searching for somewhere familiar.

Cuban Queen Bordello 

Just up from the sliding jail, is the remains of the Cuban Queen Bordello. This building was finally torn down in 2017 as it had been left to rot and eventually collapsed on itself. The once swanky Bordello was the site of one of the town’s most unlucky couple. After drinks in the bordello, two men had a quarrel in the streets, and one had killed the other. The murdered man’s wife, now left with no income became a prostitute at the Cuban Queen Bordello. There she was also shot to death by an estranged lover. Perhaps the angry spirits of the murdered couple brought down the building itself, but no doubt they still roam the area. But at least they are together again in death.

Husband’s Alley

Husbands Alley is the small alley behind what is now the Nellie Blie building. It had a false store front with access down to the Cribs. The Cribs District or ‘Husband’s Alley’ by the locals, as this was where the majority of Jerome’s prostitutes and ladies of the night would set up shop. Miners rarely brought their families with them when they took a position at a mine, and this meant prostitution was rampant. Although prostitution was technically legal, police would look the other way, and the trade was second only to copper in terms of the money brought into Jerome. At one point over 100 prostitutes were working in town.

Brothels and Saloons

These brothels were once located right on the main street, but when Jerome attempted to become a more “family-friendly” town, these establishments were moved to this new area, away from the saloons on the main drag. This meant men could head down to the main street to drink and gamble, and then walk out the back door, to access Husband’s alley. Then they would head back into the saloon once they were finished their “business” and walk out the front of the bar without knowing anyone knowing any the wiser what they had been up to.

Liberty Theatre & Gifts

Turning up Jerome avenue, we come upon the old Liberty Theatre, which now also acts as a gift shop. This was Jerome’s first silent movie theatre. Although the theatre closed in 1929, you can still explore the space it once resided in, and ghosts don’t just head off because of renovations. To this day, the spirit of a former patron haunts the building. Immigrants often came to mining towns as that kind of labour didn’t require too much legal paperwork.

A German-born immigrant woman to the city had struck up an affair with another one of the town’s immigrants. The two had a fight, and the woman fled to the movie theatre to clear her mind. But the man followed her there. He waited until the music got louder and then he strangled her to death, her screams masked by the tune. Today, people have been said to still hear screams coming from the second floor where the theatre once was.

Connor Hotel

Built in 1898 by David Connor, the Connor Hotel is one of Jerome precious jewels of the past. Formerly this hotel was built with over twenty rooms on the second floor to house all the different travelling miners, businessmen and contractors coming from all over the west to cash in on the natural resources to be found here Verde Valley. Rooms only cost $1.00 but back in that day that was a king’s ransom and the Connor Hotel didn’t disappoint. There were a bar, card room and even billiard tables on the first floor. Everything inside the Connor Hotel felt luxurious. It was the top of the line for hotels in the West, know all over Arizona. Just like the Bartlett hotel down the street, the Connor hotel also suffered at the hands of the flames and burned down in 1898.

Because there was so little land that could be built upon and all the buildings downtown were built do close together once a fire started, it spread very quickly, and there was no stopping it. But unlike many other shop owners, Connor had purchased insurance and was able to start construction on his new hotel very quickly. He made some lavish improvements on the previous hotel, including making this one in brick (much more fireproof) and was up and running right away.

Trouble at the Hotel

But as the mines began to run dry and the travelling miners went back home, the hotel started to run out of money. And by 1931 the hotel had to close its doors, for what they thought would be the last time. It still tried to rent out its first floor to different shops to make some money but the second floor remained dormant. It wasn’t until the late 60s with the tourist boom that it was transformed into a hotel once more. After a considerable renovation to update the hotel to modern safety codes and health standards, the hotel is inviting travellers back through its doors to experience a piece of history.

The Connor Hotel is haunted by an unnamed male spirit who loves to play with and manipulate electronics. He loves to turn on and off radios, TVs, telephones, and computers. This man’s presence can be sensed with cold spots in an otherwise warm room, or sometimes the echo of his voice can be heard calling from down the dark and creaky hallways.

Ms. Marie Gallagher

Another famous incident at the hotel involved a woman named Ann Hopkins. Ann’s husband was having an affair with a local school teacher, Ms. Marie Gallagher. In a jealous rage, Ann bought carbolic acid and waited till Gallagher was coming to the hotel to meet her husband. Ann caught her in the lobby and threw the acid in her face. The school teacher, Ms. Marie Gallagher, was not killed in the acid attack, but Ann was sent to jail for about 6 years, and came back to Jerome, living for a time inside the Connor Hotel room #1. Today, her spirit returns to haunt the hotel.

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The Spirit Room

On the lower level of the Connor Hotel, you’ll find the Spirit Room. Be sure to stop in here for a drink along your journey as the desert heat can leave any traveller mighty thirsty. This famous ghost sighting stop is a must-see building along your tour. Many people have seen a mysterious woman in red who comes into the Spirit Room to quench her ever-present thirst. She is a bit of a flirt and is thought to caresses the fingers, faces and necks of visitors. Whispering sweet nothings in their ears. If you take photos inside the spirit room, look for a red smudge, as this is her telltale lipstick stain. The lady in red has also been known to crawl right into bed with male guests who she takes a particular liking to.

Bartlett Hotel

The original building built on this spot was once called the Grandview Hotel and was constructed in 1895. It was a dancehall, a dining room and a high-society social club. In 1898 a great fire broke out throughout the city, and the hotel was destroyed. The Bartlett Hotel was rebuilt in 1901, this time using bricks, hoping this would help withstand another fire. It was a lavish hotel. Each room was decorated in a different colour, making every guest feel uniquely special.

The New Jerome’s Times, the longest-running newspaper, ran its offices out of the Bartlett hotel for 20 years until it had to shut its doors due to poor circulation. But in the late 1940s, the building became unstable and eventually abandoned. Now, all that’s left of it is the framing. The Jerome Historical Society has set up wooden ghosts for tourists to throw pennies into. The money collected is raised for future repairs and hopefully more preservation efforts throughout the city. 

Jerome Park

Across from the Bartlett, the hotel is the old Jerome Park. I hesitate to call it a park; it’s little more than a rusted swing set and an empty patch of land. But this is where one of the many deadly shootouts in Jerome took place. Alcohol and boredom fueled the fires of many a miner’s heads and after one too many, feuds between men, often over the love of a woman, would get heated enough to be taken outside and ended in a bloody shoot out. People often walking the streets at night have heard the sound of gunshots, but the shooter is never found and often thought to be echoes of the past.

Mile High Inn

Beside the park is the infamous Mile High Inn. This establishment was once owned by a woman named Madam Jennie Bauters. She was the wealthiest woman in northern Arizona. Jennie arrived in Jerome when it was nothing more than tents and shacks. There was no real main street to be heard of. But what there were was men. The original building which became the Mile High Inn was first the Clinkscales Building. It was built in 1899 by an insurance adjuster from Los Angeles. It was many things over the years, including a mortuary, one of Jennie’s Brothels, then a Hardware store when Jennie left Jerome in 1903.

The brothel was exceptionally well furnished, with a large front reception room and interior bedrooms dripping with luxurious velvet. These were for the elite of Jerome and Jennie made a pretty penny from these extravagances. The “sinful” business flourished, but despite her seemingly perfect life, Jennie had her fair share of troubles. One of her best girls, Maggie Shults, was murdered in the house by a rejected suitor. He shot her multiple times and then turned the gun on himself on the second floor.

Jennie’s Murderer

But Jennie didn’t let one measly murderer get her down. No, her business was booming, and she was buying up more and more property on Jerome’s main street. Jennie was killed in the small mining town called Acme Gold Road. The town changed its name to just ‘Gold Road’ in 1906. She was seen running down the street in her nightgown barefooted pleading for her life. Clement, her lover, was a gambler, heavy drinker, and always asked her for money. She turned him down one night for money, and he got angry and killed her.

After he realized what he had done he shot himself in the chest. The he lay down next to her dead body and covered his face with his hat, ready to die. He survived, was arrested and taken to jail, and was hung for Jennie’s murder in 1907. She was buried in Kingman at the old Pioneer cemetery. But has been seen still returning to Jerome to visit her old haunts.

Today’s Mile High Inn

Today, the Mile High Inn is much as it was in the 1940s, although remodelled to become a restaurant and hotel. The Madame herself is known to be seen roaming the halls of her institution, looking after the girls as she would have done in life. Jennie is pretty particular about how her home is kept and has been seen throwing dishes if they are not put away correctly or leaving fingerprints on the bed frames as she attempts to clean them. Visitors have come back to their room with the furniture moved around and doors locking and unlocking by themselves.

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First Episcopal Church

The First Episcopal Church was built in Jerome in 1900 but moved to its current building on Clark Street in 1927. Although the church closed its doors in 1953 when the mines closed, the Jerome Historical Society bought the property in 1953 to ensure it was not lost to the ages. Today they use this place for their archives and administration. If you come to her at twilight, you’ll get the chance to meet the church’s resident ghost. She is a woman, robed in white mist, who often stands in the doorway of the church, looking out at the town from this high vantage point.

The Haunted Hamburger

If you’re looking for a place to eat which serves up a side of the spooks, then you must head over to the Haunted Hamburger. While the menu is pretty standard diner fare, the ambience and stories from the locals you’ll learn while visiting are what you really come for. Chefs say that while in the kitchen, ghosts like to throw utensils around to tease them. Contractors swear that the ghosts have been known to steal their tools. A spirit by the name of Claire is thought to wander the second floor, and often you can head footsteps when they swear no one is up there.

Surgeon’s House

This old home, once the residence of the town’s surgeon, is haunted by many spirits. The surgeon was like a celebrity. He was often the richest man in Jerome who was old not a miner. He was a scholar and an educated man. Women were enthralled by these men from big cities. And miners were impressed by the stories they would tell of these lives, so different from the ones they knew. The Surgeons House was the site of many cocktail parties that would rage well into the late hours of the evening.

To this day, phantom music has been known to play, heard all across town. These days the old house is bed and breakfast. And guests have been known to see spectres dancing through the halls. These ghosts seem rather friendly and are just there to have a good time, as they did in life. A famous ghost dressed in a blue gown is frequently seen laughing through the halls. Often chasing a man seen carrying a leather doctors bag, perhaps the surgeon himself.

The Old Company Clinic

The Old Company Clinic was the second hospital to be built in Jerome. It was where, during the 1918 flu epidemic, hundreds of Jerome’s residents came to attempt to be treated. Unfortunately, hundreds of those people died, and their souls are thought to haunt this building. People claim to have said they’ve seen eyes in the windows and patients in turn of the century gowns walking around the 2nd floor. Doctors and nurses rush from room to room, as they would have done while they were alive, trying to cope with the hundreds of sick and dying people who came through their doors. The flu was genuinely horrific to behold and the imprint this terror wrought on the people who witnessed it made a lasting impression on the town, even years after the fateful events.

Crematory

When the third hospital was built, now the Grand Hotel, this one was left to rot. But not for long. The doctors and nurses began using it as a kind of social clubhouse in 1927, to retire in after a long day at work. It had a library, pool tables and lounge. But once the winter came, they found there was no heating in the building. Going on at the same time, the new hospital realized they did not have a working crematory to dispose of their dead bodies. Never to squander an opportunity, the doctors saw a solution to both their problems. They began using the crematory in the old hospital to burn bodies and heat their clubhouse all at once. Despite the ingenuity of the solution, this imbued the entire place with ghosts angry to be thought of as nothing more than coal for these doctors.

Ghost of the Little Girl

The last famous ghost to see if you can spot is that of a little girl. She is often seen sitting near the front door of the old hospital waiting for her mother. Her mother had come down with the flu and the little girl starved to death waiting for her mother to return home, although she never did as she died in hospital of the flu. The little girl often will only come out to maternal figures who she thinks might be her mother returning to her.

Asylum Restaurant

The Award-Winning Asylum Restaurant located at the Jerome Grand Hotel offers lunch and dinner services every day. The restaurant overlooks the entire Verde Valley and provides the diners one of the most amazing views. Although the name seems a bit cheesy, the decor inside is beautiful art deco from the period the building was constructed. The food is all classic dishes and is wonderfully prepared by some of the best chefs in the Valley. The select dishes include Pastrami Salad, Char-Broiled Chilean Grilled Salmon and Mesquite Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon. If you’re looking for a spot to eat dinner, this is an excellent choice for something a little more luxurious!

The Grand Hotel

The new Jerome Grand Hotel was initially built in 1926 as the Verde County Hospital. The hospital was designed in the Spanish mission revival style of architecture which was so popular at the time. It was one of the last significant buildings to be constructed in Jerome. Since it was so far away from the city centre, it avoided a lot of the fires that broke out downtown and therefore remained its original facade. Also, because it was a hospital and contained so many expensive machines, it was made to be fireproof and withstand dynamite blasts of up to 260,000 pounds.

In 1926 it was the most modern and well-equipped hospitals in Arizona as the mining finances paid for the best services money could afford. But by the 50s, when the mining dried up, the hospital closed down. The building stood unused for 44 years until it was renovated by the Altherr family in 1994 and was turned into a hotel for tourists. The family made many efforts to keep the structure and design of the original hospital to maintain its historical memory. But this also kept within its walls, the ghosts who passed away inside these walls. It was thought that over 9,000 people lost their lives here in this very spot.

Ghosts of the Hotel

Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, venture inside the lobby where some of the most restless spirits are found. Sitting in the dimly lit waiting room, you might spot the old woman in elegant clothes who is thought to be waiting for her husband. Items have flown off the gift shop shelves, doors close on their own and the front desk phone often rings with calls from unoccupied rooms. Behind the front desk of the lobby is still in working 1920’s elevator.

Claude Harvey

The most famous ghost of them all who lives in the hotel is Claude Harvey. Claude was a maintenance worker in the hospital during the 1930s. Claude was well-liked by everyone in town, and when he was found dead at the bottom of the elevator shaft, pinned under the elevator, everyone was shocked. There was an official inquest into his death where they discovered that his neck had been broken before the fall, and there were several strange scratch marks on his body not caused by the fall. In the end, the death was ruled an accident, but many people in town thought otherwise.

Shortly after his death, strange occurrences began at the hospital, specifically around the elevator. Even when no one is inside the lights go on and off and it sounds like someone is walking around inside. The owners went so far as to think someone had been breaking into the hospital and living there unbeknownst to anyone else, but no one was ever found. To this day, any strange occurrences in the elevator are thought to be the ghost of Claude.

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The Old Hospital Ghosts

The 3rd floor was where the operating room was and where most patients lost their lives. For years people have reported hearing coughing, painful groans and cries of distress echoing through the halls. Despite replacing the old wooden floorboards with sound cancelling carpet, guests have been known to hear the rolling of old hospital gurneys on wood floors. The most famous spirit on the 3rd floor is that of an old bearded miner who has been seen turning the lights on and off in the hallways.

Strange occurrences have happened to the living inside the hotel as well. In-room number 32, a man in wheelchair mysteriously managed to fall off a balcony, reportedly committing suicide. In the same room, only a few years later, a businessman shot himself in the face. A caretaker was hanged, and there were multiple murders throughout the hotel. Although this could be due to the “wildness” of the town, the thought of these deaths being influenced by ghosts of the past is hard not to imagine.

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Maternity Ward

On the 4th floor, where the maternity ward once was, there is a ghost of a mother who lost her baby in childbirth. She still roams the halls, frantically searching for her little baby. People report smells coming from unoccupied rooms such as cigar smoke and whiskey, in the waiting room where expectant fathers would have once waited.

United Verde Mine

From the parking lot of the Grand Hotel, you have a beautiful view across Verde Valley, and the old United Verde Mines. Beneath the entire city of Jerome, there are old mine shafts and tunnels which are thought to be the resting place of hundreds of miners. One famous ghost is named “headless Charlie” who was decapitated in an accident years ago. His head was recovered but the rest of him, much like the headless horsemen, was never found. After his death, many other miners would report hearing groaning and shuffling as if it was the ghost of Charlie searching for his lost head.

Today, standing on the cliff of these mines, the wind can play tricks on you, and you might hear what sounds like the echos of men trapped beneath the earth for eternity. Cries in the distance are a common occurrence, and here in the uneasy quiet, there is almost always something which can trick your mind into thinking it heard something quite not of this earth…or many it was just that.

Jason S. Voss

A BIG thanks to Jason S. Voss, who helped clear up a few facts for us! Jason has worked for the Jerome Historical Society and works for Jerome’s oldest local tour company, Tours Of Jerome. He is also an amazing local artist. Feel free to contact him for a personal tour of the city! Jason was a contributor to the book “Haunted Jerome” which just came out 3 months ago written by Midge Stueber and Pat Jacobson. If you’re interested in learning more about Jerome I would highly recommend you pick up a copy!

I’ve been to Jerome multiple times, and the people who live here LOVE telling stories. In addition to taking this walking tour, make time to chat with the locals as everyone seems to have had their own personal ghost encounter which they are eager to share! If you’ve ever had your own haunted happening let me know in the comments!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ADVENTURERS

The post Explore the eerily beautiful haunted streets of Jerome, Arizona, on a self-guided walking tour first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Breakfast
   • Matt's Big Breakfast
   • Vovomena
2. Coffee
   • Lux Central
   • Lola's Coffee
   • Dutch Brothers
   • Copper Star Coffee
3. Brunch
   • Windsor
   • HULA'S Modern Tiki
4. Snacks
   • Phoenix Public Market Cafe
5. Lunch
   • Queen Creek Olive Mill
   • Joyride Taco House
   • Taco Guild
   • America's Taco Shop
6. Dinner
   • Cibo Pizzeria
   • Fuego at The Clarendon
7. The Mission
8. Dessert
   • Churn
   • Melt
   • Shakes & Cones

Breakfast

Matt’s Big Breakfast

Matt’s Big Breakfast is a staple of Phoenician breakfast time. After initial success at its first location in Downtown Phoenix, Matt’s Big Breakfast has expanded all over the Valley. So no matter where you find yourself early in the morning, there is a Matt’s not far. 

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Matt’s Big Breakfast has known for its cage-free eggs made “cracked to order.” Their breakfast is served all day, so there is no need to rush out the door. There is almost always a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. The decor combines hipster cafes and high school cafeterias, making the place warm and homey. But be sure to try the Chop and Chick if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with two eggs and an Iowa-seared pork rib chop! The enormous waffles are light and fluffy, and the griddle cakes are topped with sweet cream butter – drooling yet? Don’t wait – head down to Matt’s Big Breakfast for some delicious comfort food.

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Vovomena

Located in the heart of downtown, just off McDowell Road, is Vovomeena. Vovomeena is a little bit of a hidden gem, and I’m almost one to keep it secret…But such an amazing place can’t keep secret forever. The staff here are so charming and kind, making the experience exceptional. The food is a mix of different flavours. But all inspired by their Portuguese grandmother (who they named the restaurant after.)

One of my favourite things about this place is their Japanese cold brew which is the perfect pairing to all their dishes. My favourite order has got to be their Mexican benedict with chorizo and hollandaise. But if you have a sweet tooth, go for the banana bread pudding french toast – it’s to die for!

Coffee

Lux Central

Lux Coffee, just off Central Avenue, is one of those spots that screams “good vibes!” Walking in here every day feels like walking into a friend’s house. Their coffee menu is vast, but they don’t sacrifice great beans and well brewed coffee for trendy flavours. Instead, they balance a perfect brew and interesting flavour combinations perfectly to create the most delicious drinks. When it’s not boiling out, you’ll find me o the patio Thankfully their interior is huge, so there is always room inside to sit and relax with your morning brew.

Lola’s Coffee

Lola’s Coffee, just off Roosevelt Road, is a stunning family-owned & operated coffee shop that offers up some of the best brews in the city. Their menu is small and simple, but when the coffee is this good, that’s all you need! This spot is always super busy in the morning, so if you are planning on coming, I would warn you that parking is often full. It’s better to walk over or park nearby and stroll down. Their outdoor patio is so charming, and when its this busy, people watching is at it’s best here!

Dutch Brothers

If you’re in the mood for a drive-thru or quick-stop experience but don’t wanna settle for the standard Starbucks, you should give Dutch Brothers a try. Dutch Brothers have some of the best staff I think you’ll meet anywhere in the USA. Their sweet creations consist of variations like “the Kicker” (a blend of silky Irish cream) and “the Carmelized” ( creamy caramel mixed with mocha.) Or, for the daring, give “the 991” a try. It’s a blend of Irish cream and six shots of espresso! And there’s just no beating their darling Dutch iconography on their storefronts and coffee cups. 

Copper Star Coffee

If you have more time to relax, stop downtown at Copper Star Coffee in the charming Melrose District. Copper Star is a hip coffee shop inside a converted gas station and mechanics shop. Inside, there are delightful treasures and artworks all over the walls. The eclectic blend of mix-matched furniture makes for a cozy atmosphere. The drinks are unique, and their Lavender Mocha is my absolute favourite!

Brunch

Windsor

Brunch isn’t just for the big cities. There are many places to go for brunch around the city, but the Windsor is one of the best. I love the midcentury decor; the bright red brick walls feel chic and welcoming. Their Highroad Sandwich, made with eggs, belly bacon, tomato & garlic aioli, is pure perfection and the best hangover cure. Their Matador is my favourite, though; two eggs over easy stacked with griddled cheddar potatoes, a crispy tortilla, salsa verde & avocado relish. It feels like the epitome of Phoenix on a plate, a mix of American, Mexican and southwestern flavours.

HULA’S Modern Tiki

In the fashionable Old Scottsdale downtown, you can find this stylish eatery! I am absolutely obsessed with the design of this hip brunch spot! As the name infers, Hula’s offers up Polynesian-inspired food inside an old-school tiki bar-styled interior. I cannot come here and miss out on their French Toast. Unlike anywhere else I’ve been, their french toast is dipped in a coffee-batter before being cooked and then topped with apples and plantain compote! It’s absolutely magical.

While the food is next level, the drinks make this place the best stop for brunch! If you’re visiting with a group, you’ve got to try the Scorpion Bowl! It’s a huge rum-based cocktail served in a bowl for around 2-4 people!

Snacks

Phoenix Public Market Cafe

The Phoenix Public Market cafe in Downtown Phoenix is one of my favourite places to hop into for a snack. Their pastries are unrivalled, and there is nothing like a cup of their cactus iced tea or cold brew coffee on the side of a mountainous pastry. The Public Market is a program of Community Food Connections which came together to create an excellent storefront and weekly open-air market on Saturdays. Since the foodie community came together to create this place, it is no surprise that the food is so good! Try one of their enormous cinnamon buns or homemade pop tarts if you need a sugar rush to get you through the rest of the day.

Lunch

Queen Creek Olive Mill

One of my favourite places to take new visitors for a relaxing and delicious afternoon is the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The Olive Mill is Arizona’s only operating olive mill that makes its own olive oil and associated products. You can tour the mill and see the trees, learn how olive oil is processed and even how they use all kinds of oils in the kitchen. Tours cost $7/adult or $10 with a glass of Prosecco. The tour lasts 45 minutes and runs from midday to midafternoon on the half hour. 

Joyride Taco House

Joyride Taco House is one of the most fantastic restaurants in the city. When you walk in the door, it’s like you stepped back in time. The door and stylings are right out of the 70s. It’s the perfect place for a party as it’s very suitable for big groups. The food is ideal for sharing, and the best idea is to order a little bit of everything on the menu and pass it around. It might not be traditionally authentic Mexican food, but it’s a fresh take on classic dishes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Taco Guild

If you know me, you’ll know I love anything medieval. When I saw a taco restaurant in Phoenix inspired by the gothic period’s art and architecture, set inside a historic church, you better believe I was there in a split second! And thankfully for me, Taco Guild‘s food was just as good as the interior decor! as the name implies, the restaurants serve up innovative tacos inspired by a variety of international cuisine that has tacos as an integral part of their daily life.

America’s Taco Shop

Ok, ok, I know, there are a lot of tacos on this list. But that’s the best thing about a trip to Phoenix. Arizona shares its southern border with Mexico. Over the years, so much of the local cuisine has been influenced by immigrants from the state of Sonora in Mexico. America’s Taco Shop was founded by America Corrales, who first came to the U.S. from her native Mexico. She brought a passion for Mexican cuisine, specifically her mother’s hand-written recipes. After opening her first restaurant, her down-to-earth food immediately caught fire with the locals.

Today, there are more than half a dozen locations across the city. The food here feels as close to the real thing as possible; it’s simple, cheap and absolutely delicious. Don’t miss out on a cold cup of horchata (a rice-based beverage flavoured with cinnamon.) It’s the perfect thing for a hot day or to cool down your mouth after spicy salsa!

Dinner

Cibo Pizzeria

The best place in the city for a romantic evening is Cibo Pizzeria. The restaurant is located in a quaint, circa 1913 bungalow. They feature Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas. My favourite, for those who like it hot, is the Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami! Their unique and modern white pizzas are also very popular, one of the best being the Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. In the evening, the tree outside is covered in twinkle lights, and from time to time, even a local musician will come to entertain the diners under the setting sun.

Fuego at The Clarendon

Attached to the super trendy and retro chic hotel Clarendon, Fuego is a lively restaurant serving a Cuban and Latin-inspired menu with some of the best margaritas and mojitos in town! The Enchiladas and Chile Relleno are my favourites and make me think of Mexico City. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it will often have live music playing, which adds a wonderful touch to the entire experience. If you want to guarantee a meal with music, you can always call to check.

The Mission

For dinner, head over to the Mission, which is situated right beside the old Spanish Mission site. The decor inside the restaurant is dark and mysterious. A large Himalayan salt block wall and the twinkle of candlelit chandeliers welcome you inside. The Mission serves up a mix of modern and traditional Latin cuisine. Don’t skip their Wagyu pastrami taco; truly a decadent experience.

Dessert

Churn

If there’s one thing people know about Phoenix, having visited or not, it is hot. Scorching, in fact. And there is nothing better to cool you off on a hot summer than a creamy and refreshing ice cream cone. And Churn does it better than anyone else. Their rotating, innovative flavours mean that you can come back all the time and always find something new to try. But they always have the classic on hand, such as; Cookies & Mint, Sweet Cream and Butter Pecan. Rotating flavours you HAVE to try if you get the chance are Whiskey Toffee Pecan, Peaches ‘n Honey, Mexican Chocolate (which has a little spice) and Oatmeal Cookie Dough. All the flavours are made from all-natural ingredients. You can feel a little better when scarfing down on this sweet treat!

Melt

Melt is another one of my favourite ice cream shops. Just off the trendy Roosevelt Row, you’ll find Melt has some of the most interesting and unique flavours found anywhere! Everything from Butterbeer, pina colada sorbet, maple bacon, jolly rancher, apple pie, blueberry, banana nut and Vietnamese coffee can all be found here! Plus, all their ice cream is served inside those classic Chinese take-out containers, which adds to the quirky delights this shop offers!

Shakes & Cones

For dessert in Scottsdale, head over to Shakes & Cones. While Scottsdale is mostly known for its upscale dining, Shakes & Cones still feels like a simple family joint. They make small batches of soft-serve ice cream and even offer non-dairy options for vegetarians. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here, just simple ingredients that highlight the fantastic flavour of their ice cream.

What are your favourite places to visit in Phoenix? There’s always something new to try in this ever-growing foodie city, so take a chance and see if you find yourself eating at the next hot spot.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Best Places to Eat in Phoenix [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.