1. The Superstition Mountains

The Apache Trail in the Superstition Mountains just outside Mesa is one of the most majestic deserts in the world. The volcanic Superstition cliffs rise 2,000 feet above the ground like a ghost crawling out of the earth. At dusk or dawn, the sunlight shining across the valley is breathtaking and casts a golden glow over everything it touches.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Mesa (@visitmesa)

2. Orange Patch

The Orange Patch is a great spot to take a beautiful picture as well as gulp down a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice! The Orange Patch is a family-run Citrus farm where you can come and pick your own oranges as well as marvel at the bright-coloured fruits hanging off their trees!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @riyahtaylor

3. Usery Mountain Regional Park

Usery Mountain Regional Park is THE place to go if you’re looking to spot saguaros. There are over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in this area and most of them are relatively easy and short hikes bring you to incredible vistas. A favourite of locals and visitors alike is the Wind Cave Trail, which looks out onto the adjacent Tonto National Forest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andy Dilling (@andydilling)

4. Mesa Community College Rose Garden

Take some time to stop and smell the roses…no, literally stop and smell the roses. The Mesa Community College Rose Garden is one of the most colourful places to visit in Mesa. Over 400 volunteers tend to over 9,000 rose bushes all year round to ensure that no matter the time of year, there is always something extraordinary to see here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Griselda Edgell (@mrsedgell33)

5. Starlite Motel

Along the famed Route 60, there is plenty to see, but while passing through Mesa, stop outside the famous Starlite Motel. What makes this such a popular spot is their ‘Diving Lady’ sign on East Main Street. Neon signs were once all the rage in America but have become somewhat of a relic today. This classic sign was preserved by the Mesa Preservation Foundation at $120,000 and can now be seen by passers-by for years to come!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charles Blackburn (@charlesblackburngallery)

6. Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town offers a wealth of interesting and beautiful photo opportunities with its preserved historic buildings, old-fashioned saloons, and vintage western decorations. The surrounding desert landscape with its rugged mountains, cacti, and scenic vistas adds to the town’s charm and makes for an excellent backdrop for photographs. Visitors can capture the essence of the Wild West by taking pictures with the costumed performers, the old steam engine, and the antique mining equipment. The ghost town also offers a range of activities and events throughout the year, including gunfight reenactments and live music performances, which provide additional photographic opportunities.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Catherine Senechal (@cs.catherine.senechal)

7. Paddle along the Saguaro Lake

Believe it or not, some genuinely breathtaking lakes are found in Arizona, and one of my favourites is the scenic Saguaro Lake in Mesa. This lake was formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam and stands in one of the most majestic desert landscapes. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Saguaro Lake Marina to explore the area and get fantastic pictures of this incredible slice of nature.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Mesa (@visitmesa)

8. Park of the Canals

Park of the Canals is an ancient Indian canal system used to grow corn, beans and squash in approximately 300 B.C. The Park of the Canals preserves about 4,500 feet of ancient canals. Along these canals, you can admire the amazing technology employed by these ancient cultures and look at some of the most gorgeous desert flora in all of Mesa.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christina (@christinagoestravelin)

9. Downtown Mesa Street Art

Along West Main Street, from South Country Club Drive to Centre Street, you can wander along looking at a series of some of Arizona’s most colourful and creative street art! A new mural by a local artist is always being painted, and the sculpture walk is one of the best in town. No matter how often you visit there is always something new to see!

10. Jarrod’s Coffee Tea and Gallery

After all this driving, it’s time to sit back and relax! And there is no better place than Jarrod’s Coffee Tea and Gallery (and not just because it has the most amazing rhyming names!) Jarrods is located right off the main street in Mesa, and just upon stepping in the door, you are overwhelmed by not only the sumptuous smells of roasting coffee but by an onslaught of incredible artworks spirling around you! All the art covering the walls is from local artists, and it is one of the coolest (basically free) community art galleries you can visit in Mesa.

Throughout the year, Jarrod’s hosts live performances from poetry nights to live music, improv shows and more. Stopping in here to participate in one of their lively events is a fantastic way to get insight into a slice of the community life and have a wonderful end to your day in Mesa!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nasta Salgado (@nastasalgado)

The best way to explore Mesa and its wondrous attractions is by vehicle! To find out more about riding with USA Auto in Mesa, Arizona, check out their website!

The post Discover the 10 Best Photo Hotspots in Mesa, Arizona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darby Paul (@darbs3)

#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. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tictac ♡ (@tic.tac.toad)

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.

Table Of Contents

1. History & Information
2. When to Go
3. Hours, Fees & Parking 
4. What to Pack
5. Accessibility
6. Pets
7. The Trail
8. Staghorns
9. Barrel Cactus
10. The Great Saguaro
11. Teddy Bear Cacti
12. Wildlife
13. Petroglyph Plaza 
14. Waterfall

History & Information

The White Tank Mountains are a fascinating range of carved stone. The mountains were created by the huge flash floods that sent rainwater pouring down the canyon year after year, creating depressions in the white granite rocks. In 1893, gold was starting to be discovered in central Arizona. Because of the water that past through the rocks, a natural basin was formed. Having access to water on the long road through the mountains to central Arizona was so important for the gold miners. The water basin was named “the White Tank” as the water was surrounded by bright white granite cliffs. Between 1898 and 1902 the natural basin which held the water collapsed due to a heavy rainstorm. But the name remained.

The mountain range takes up about 30,000 acres and the highest part is over 4,000 feet. As early as 500 BC, the Hohokam native people began to build villages throughout this area. Evidence of these sites has been discovered in archaeological excavations.

When to Go

The summer is HOT in Phoenix! Even before the sun comes up it can be over 100 degrees in the sun. So I would always advise against going out hiking in the middle of the summer in Phoenix unless you’re a huge fan of the heat. Otherwise, as long as you stick to the beginning of the day, you can usually avoid the heat pretty well. Early in the morning will also mean you will have the desert to yourself! This trail is often busier during the afternoon so if you want a peaceful walk to yourself, come early in the morning. 

My favourite time to go hiking in Phoenix is during the springtime when the desert flowers are blooming! Yes, there really are flowers in the desert. Wildflowers generally bloom in the Sonoran desert from mid-March to late April. And if there has been a lot of rain that year expect a huge burst of colour! This trail is the perfect way to get away from a busy week in the city. It’s a welcome quiet interlude.

Hours, Fees & Parking 

The park entrance fee is $7 USD. If you enter the park on foot, bike or horseback, the fee is only $2. After you pass through the park entrance, continue driving for another 3.5 miles. Drive until you reach the Waterfall Canyon parking lots. In addition to parking, you’ll also find picnic benches and washrooms.

The Park is open: Sun-Thurs: 6 am – 8 pm; Fri-Sat: 6 am – 10 pm.

After paying your entry fee, you can make a stop off at the nature center and library which is located just to the right of the park entrance. Here you can learn more about the mountains or ask the rangers any pressing questions. It’s also a great place to find maps of the trails.

What to Pack

• Water. Always be sure to pack lots of water! Even if you don’t think it’s going to be that hot, it’s always hotter than you expect. And even a short hike will get you dehydrated, especially when you start working up a sweat.
• Good walking shoes! Even though this is a beginner trail it’s still important to wear good footwear. I’ve seen people try to make this hike in sandals and once they get to the top of the waterfalls, the path is much rockier and it’s very easy to lose your footing.
• A hat. Always be sure to wear a large brimmed hat to keep the sun off your head. This helps prevent any chance of heatstroke if its a particularly hot day.
• Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a necessity even on cooler days because the sun is still out. And in Phoenix, we tend to get really cloudless skies. Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 depending on your skin type is best for hikers.
• Sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses are also important to wear as they can make a big difference in protecting your eyes from the bright sun.
• A picnic! Although the hike isn’t very long, it’s a beautiful place to have a little picnic snack. When you reach the top of the mountain the views across Phoenix are stunning and it’s nice to sit and enjoy.

Accessibility

While the last portion of the path has a set of stones and stairs to climb, the majority of the trail actually has been made to be wheelchair accessible! The first portion of the Waterfall Trail is paved, allowing mobility aids to be used. This route also has a series of benches along the way to ensure those with mobility issues have places to stop and rest. I love that this makes it so accessible for so many people! As all easy trails should attempt to be where possible.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on the trail so long as they are leashed. Since the first mile is very flat animals will find this trail easy to walk on but older or less nimble dogs might find the last mile, with all the rocks and steps, more difficult.

The Trail

The Waterfall Trail is a fantastic beginner hike. It’s only 1.8 miles long and could easily be done in about an hour if you didn’t stop along the way. But definitely stop and look around! That’s half the fun! The trail takes you through all the beautifully weird flora and fauna that Arizona has to offer. Cacti are abundant on the trail. If you’ve never seen the desert before this is an amazing introduction to all the cool varieties of cacti that grow in the Sonoran Desert!

Staghorns

Old staghorns slump on the sidelines as you walk through the trail. The Staghorn cholla (Opuntia versicolor) are one of those cacti that looks like it’s from an alien planet. They have thin branches where crawl up from the ground covered in thin spikes. The name versicolor comes from the fact that their long-lasting flowers come in a range of colours; from ed, yellow, purple or intermediate shades.

Barrel Cactus

Barrel cacti poke their heads out of the rocks as you walk along the path. The Ferocactus, or more colloquially Barrel cactus is one of the most commonly seen cacti in the Sonoran desert. The word Fero means “fierce or wild” as these cacti are some of the most ominous looking plants growing in the desert. In some species of the barrel cactus, the spikes which protrude from the cactus are curved, like a fishhooks. Which are pretty painful if you get stuck. Barrell cacti are one of my favourites when they bloom. Their yellow and red flowers bloom on top, look like a little crown on their head.

The Great Saguaro

The Saguaro cactus (or Carnegiea gigantea) is often referred to as the king of cacti! It has become the symbol of the Sonoran Desert and of Phoenix itself. The cactus grows up out of the earth like a column and develops braches, often referred to as arms. Some saguaros have been known to grow up to 25 different arms throughout their life! Saguaros are covered in large spines that protect the plant from animals. But even still, owls are often seen roasting in the trunks. In the late spring, saguaros bloom and grow beautiful white flowers which are said to smell like overripe melons. After they flower they will produce large red fruit, which is eaten by animals like finches, woodpeckers, doves, bats, tortoise, javelina and coyotes.

Teddy Bear Cacti

The “Teddy Bear” cactus is one of the most interesting cacti found along the edge of the trail. But don’t let that cute name fool you! These cacti are very dangerous! The cactus is officially called the Cylindropuntia bigelovii and is best known for its furry appearance. The furry texture is actually just a solid mass of thick spines that completely cover the stems. The form of the cacti looks almost like an animal and led to the name “teddy bear”. But it’s also known as the “jumping teddy bear”. The jumping part is due to the fact that if you even brush past the cactus, the cholla’s spines will grab onto the fibres of your clothes and dig their way into your skin. Ouch! Not quite the cuddly plant it seems to be….but they are still so interesting to look at from afar.

Wildlife

While most of the animals which live in these mountains are nocturnal there are some bits of wildlife you should keep an eye out for! The most commonly seen birds are cactus wrens and if you’re lucky you might spot a roadrunner! My favourite things to spot are the multitudes of lizards and reptiles which crawl along the rocks and poke their heads out to warm themselves in the sun. Mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions and javelinas have all been spotted by visitors but are extremely RARE!

Petroglyph Plaza 

As you continue along the path, you’ll soon come upon one of the most interesting parts of the trail; the Petroglyphs. The Petroglyph Plaza is where you can find a grouping of these ancient images. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface by carving into the stone. These are the earliest form of art. Ancient tribes would have used symbols to tell stories more than pictorial drawings. The Hohokam tribes which lived here from 100 BC to 1200 AD would have been the ones creating these works of art. Their style was very circular and curvy when compared to the art of other tribes.

Also located inside the Petroglyph plaza is a large rain barrel that has now been riddled with bullet holes and punctures.

Waterfall

After hiking for some time you’ll reach the pinnacle of the trail, the waterfall! Now, truthfully most of the time when you get here there will be little more than a puddle of water inside the basic. But, usually in the spring, when there’s been a significant amount of rainfall, a temporary waterfall appears seemingly from out of nowhere – falling from the sky.

From the top of the mountain, you’ll get one of the most lovely Sonoran deserts views looking across the city. This is a wonderful place to stop and sit. Depending on the time of year, the valley below could be bursting with green or keeping its cool with golden and brown colours.

As you make your way back down, look at the sprawling desert, slowly disappearing as the city pops up in the distance. From above, the rugged mountains that surround the valley seem to tightly cradle that precious little city in their palms, keeping it safe from the world outside.

But all good things must come to an end. As you drive back to city life, enjoy the view of the saguaros spread out across the valley, as if popping up to say goodbye!

The post Discover the Amazing White Tank Mountains Waterfall Trail, the Best Beginner Hike in Phoenix 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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deano Bandino (@youareeverything67)

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!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phoenix IG Community (@igersphx)

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. 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. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scott Jordan (@theplayertobenamedlater)

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stephanie W. Trussell (@stephanie_w_trussell)

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.