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FRESH<br />
FOODIE<br />
DIG IT<br />
MESA GRANDE<br />
CULTURAL PARK<br />
<strong>Mesa</strong>’s oldest attraction is <strong>Mesa</strong> Grande<br />
Cultural Park – 700+ years old as a<br />
matter of fact! Open to the public, this<br />
ancient Hohokam mound has been under<br />
the care of the City of <strong>Mesa</strong> for more<br />
than 30 years. <strong>Visitors</strong> can walk the<br />
interpretive trail from October to April.<br />
The archaeological staff of the Arizona<br />
Museum of Natural History have helped<br />
preserve and develop the site, which is<br />
estimated to date to A.D 1100-1450. The<br />
Hohokam built a civilization that lasted<br />
1,500 years in the Salt River Valley. <strong>Mesa</strong><br />
Grande is one of only two remaining<br />
Hohokam mounds in the metro Phoenix<br />
area. The ruins temple mound is larger<br />
than a football field in both length and<br />
width and is 27 feet tall at its highest<br />
point. Today, the site remains intact with<br />
very few excavations that have impacted<br />
its integrity.<br />
<strong>Mesa</strong> Grande is on the National Register<br />
of Historic Places and was designated an<br />
official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project.<br />
According to the Arizona Office of<br />
Tourism, 22 sovereign American Indian<br />
nations live in regions throughout the<br />
state. From ancient petroglyphs and<br />
sacred ruins to traditional foods, art and<br />
handmade goods, there are many ways<br />
visitors can celebrate and learn about the<br />
Southwest’s indigenous cultures.<br />
OLD WEST CHARM<br />
NEW WEST APPEAL<br />
ROOTS N’ BOOTS<br />
RODEO TAKES OVER<br />
QUEEN CREEK<br />
Every March, the Town of Queen Creek<br />
hosts their annual Roots N’ Boots festival<br />
and PRCA rodeo (March 17 – 20, <strong>2022</strong>).<br />
This signature event will again celebrate<br />
Arizona history, culture, and the rural<br />
heritage of this blossoming community.<br />
Activities planned include barrel races,<br />
carnival, rodeo dance, an expo, petting<br />
zoo, the always fun Mutton Bustin’ ride for<br />
younger cowpokes, and live entertainment<br />
all day and night. On Sunday, the event<br />
hosts the Arizona Cowboy Mounted<br />
Shooters Association who put on a show<br />
you won’t forget. Don’t miss the PRCA<br />
Rodeo taking place all three nights. For a<br />
complete schedule, visit rootsnboots.org.<br />
CREATIVE CLASS<br />
LARGER-THAN-LIFE<br />
ART ON MAIN<br />
STREET<br />
Mural mania has taken over <strong>Mesa</strong>’s main<br />
drag. Head to Main Street and challenge<br />
yourself to capture them all. <strong>Mesa</strong>’s most<br />
iconic <strong>Mesa</strong> mural is the vibrant, colorful<br />
Downtown <strong>Mesa</strong> sign painted by Phoenix<br />
artist, Lauren Lee. Lee was named<br />
one of Phoenix’s Top 100 Creatives<br />
by the Phoenix New Times and has<br />
designed several other art installations<br />
in Downtown <strong>Mesa</strong>, including another<br />
rainbow-colored mural at the <strong>Mesa</strong><br />
Urban Garden. Head downstairs to <strong>Mesa</strong><br />
Contemporary Arts’ outdoor garden to<br />
capture the 35-foot tall mural by famed<br />
Los Angeles artist El Mac, showcasing<br />
his signature rippled line, photorealistic<br />
portrait-style of painting. Take flight<br />
in front of Kelsey Montague’s famous<br />
butterfly wings. The most dedicated<br />
sidewalk surfers can hunt for old school<br />
murals that have stood the test of<br />
time – it’s always fun to seek and find<br />
these tucked away treasures adorning<br />
Downtown <strong>Mesa</strong>’s historic building.<br />
Airbase Arizona Flying Museum<br />
Unique memorable experiences in military aviation history<br />
They say breaking bread together<br />
has the power to unite people. For<br />
bakers Jon and Amanda Przybyl, that’s<br />
true. Literally. The Przybyls have been<br />
forging a community — in <strong>Mesa</strong> and<br />
throughout the country — around a<br />
shared love of artisanal, locally made,<br />
locally grown food.<br />
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE<br />
MESA’S CULINARY SCENE?<br />
It’s emerging as one of the most<br />
diverse areas of the Valley in terms of<br />
selection and authenticity.<br />
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR<br />
FAVORITE FOODIE SPOTS?<br />
Hayden Flour Mills; that’s where<br />
we source our flour. Myke’s Pizza<br />
in Downtown <strong>Mesa</strong>. And all the<br />
restaurants in <strong>Mesa</strong>’s Asian District.<br />
WHAT SHOULD EVERY VISITOR TO<br />
MESA TRY AT LEAST ONCE?<br />
Walk along the banks of the Salt River.<br />
You’re in the middle of a desert oasis<br />
and yet so close to the city.<br />
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE<br />
PART OF THE MESA COMMUNITY?<br />
There are people here who’ve worked<br />
their whole lives to make what’s<br />
happening today a reality. I’m proud<br />
that we’re a city that brings a<br />
steadfast approach to getting hard<br />
things done.<br />
Don’t miss Proof bread at local<br />
farmers markets across the Valley.<br />
Be sure to sign up for one of their<br />
hands-on classes.<br />
Airbase Arizona Flying Museum –2017 N. Greenfield Road — <strong>Mesa</strong>, Arizona 85215<br />
www.azcaf.org<br />
WHAT DOES BEING PART OF MAIN<br />
STREET MEAN TO YOU?<br />
This is home for us. We want to play a role<br />
in helping it grow into something unique.<br />
JON & AMANDA PRZYBYL<br />
OWNERS, PROOF BREAD<br />
AND MAIN STREET HARVEST<br />
visitmesa.com
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