Phoenix DAY & NIGHT

Mystery Castle

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "No Mystery At All"

Mystery Castle Photo - Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona

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A man by the name of Boyce Gulley left his wife after learning he had TB and wound up building a monument to them in Phoenix. The family learned of it from an attorney after he died.Inside there are built-in nooks and crannies that serve as shelves for nic-nacs and photos. But there are also items like furniture from famous people such as John Wayne, Barry Goldwater and Frank Lloyd Wright. Overall there are 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces.Although the home was erected in 1930, it was interesting to note how remote the location remains within Phoenix. Obviously urban sprawl did not occur in all directions.The mystery castle name is rather misleading. A castle it isn’...Read More

A man by the name of Boyce Gulley left his wife after learning he had TB and wound up building a monument to them in Phoenix. The family learned of it from an attorney after he died.

Inside there are built-in nooks and crannies that serve as shelves for nic-nacs and photos. But there are also items like furniture from famous people such as John Wayne, Barry Goldwater and Frank Lloyd Wright. Overall there are 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces.

Although the home was erected in 1930, it was interesting to note how remote the location remains within Phoenix. Obviously urban sprawl did not occur in all directions.

The mystery castle name is rather misleading. A castle it isn’t, and I would say innovative or creative in lieu of mystery.

Being built at the base of the mountain, you could walk into the front, but not out the back. The windows at the back were a matter of feet from ground view. In essence looking out the window at a coyote walking by, you would only see the paws. Perhaps akin to a basement window.

The house was constructed from stone, concrete and recycled materials such as bottles. Round windows formed from old spoke wagon wheels created a rustic western appearance. This was fitting for the room that was essentially a bar used for entertaining guests. The dimly lit room had a long bar and wine rack on one side and a pile of sand with old bones and a tombstone on the other.

If you had one too many, but not enough for your own RIP sign, the room next door was used for weddings. A tradition of leaving one of the bride’s shoes behind for good luck had began. This resulted in some interesting shoes. There was one with buttons sewn all over it, one covered in red sequins, a boot with lace and many more.

Passing through a catwalk of sorts, was a bedroom still containing odd items like the rest of the place. While looking down at the bed I had the feeling of a presence. I turned around to see an old lady sitting in a chair by the window. At first I thought it was a dummy like the one propped up in the bar. In fact she was real and is the daughter who continues to live there even though tours come through.

How would you like to having strangers traipsing through your house as if you didn’t exist.

Cost is $2 Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 26, 2009

Mystery Castle
800 East Mineral Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85040
+1 602 268 1581

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Wrigley Mansion

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "High Society for All"

Operator, operator! Photo - Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix, Arizona

Quote:

The Wrigley Mansion in Scottsdale was the 5th mansion built for Wrigley, of chewing gum fame. Completed in 1932, there was no other buildings for 10 miles in any direction. In sync with grandeur of the mansion the Biltmore Hotel below and other surrounding buildings are upscale in and of themselves. The tall green trees and the beautifully landscaped canal below give no evidence of being in the desert.During the hour-long tour the guide explained that the mansion contained 12 fireplaces, all of which were unique and that all doorways were individually designed. This prompted closer investigation of the curves above doorways and design and dimensions of fireplaces. Of the 24 bedrooms, ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 30, 2009

Wrigley Mansion
2501 E. Telawa Trail
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 955-4079

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El Dorado Hot Springs

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Backwoods Hot Springs"

Tonopah Tubbing Photo - El Dorado Hot Springs, Phoenix, Arizona

Quote:

El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah is such a delightful place that’s hard to know where to begin to describe it. About an hour east of Phoenix off highway 10, off an exit that appears to lead to nothing more than a gas station are the Springs. As a matter of fact, the restaurant/bar across from the gas station are the only facilities and they are about ¼ mile or less from the hot springs.Everything about the place makes you feel that you have either stepped back in time or, for the high society people, you want to run as fast as you can. The surrounding fence is the old dark brown picket style that about 8 feet high. Inside the area along perimeter are dense walls of bamboo about ...Read More

El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah is such a delightful place that’s hard to know where to begin to describe it. About an hour east of Phoenix off highway 10, off an exit that appears to lead to nothing more than a gas station are the Springs. As a matter of fact, the restaurant/bar across from the gas station are the only facilities and they are about ¼ mile or less from the hot springs.

Everything about the place makes you feel that you have either stepped back in time or, for the high society people, you want to run as fast as you can. The surrounding fence is the old dark brown picket style that about 8 feet high. Inside the area along perimeter are dense walls of bamboo about 15 feet high with a small creek of warm water.

The communal pool is for nude bathers and is surround by the same type of picket fence as previously mentioned. There are two hotel rooms, for lack of a better term, for those that want to spend overnight. The rooms have a door right to the pool.

Several individual pools, each entirely different, can be rented hourly, day use or overnight. Day use until 9pm is $20 and 9pm until 11am is $30. We opted for the later and slept on the cushioned lounged chairs. Because they put out a private sign on the walkway that led to where we were, how we dressed or didn’t wasn’t an issue. The sunrise we awoke to was a dusty pink with the mountains in the background. We watched the quail, lizards, bunnies and other wildlife then hopped back in to the pool. We drain the pool and filled it with fresh hot spring water. The pools are not heat artificially and the temperature is a very comfortable 105 degrees. A claw foot bath tub to the side could be filled with cooler water if you wanted to give your heart a jolt. There is also a shower and area to change, but there aren’t individual restrooms.

Antique farming equipment from days long ago blend in well with the surroundings. The spa is slowing expanding with more new tubs being built while retaining the privacy and oddity so prevalent now.

As a side note there is an old post office that has been converted into a room with private bathing facilities and as well as a bed along with couple other similar accommodations in case you don’t want to rough it. And the massages are top of the line. Looks can be deceiving. Inside a trailer that has wear marks from dust storms, is a green room with peaceful music where Greg gives a massage that actually uncurled my sisters mangled hand.

I have nothing but rave reviews for this place and want to return VERY soon. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 30, 2009

El Dorado Hot Springs

Phoenix, Arizona
(623) 386-5412

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Japanese Friendship Garden

Attraction | "Japanese Gardens"

Quote:

The garden is a joint product of Phoenix and its sister city Himeji, Japan. An authentic park, it spans 3 ½ acres and includes waterfalls, ponds with koi fish, and streams. There are also footbridges, statues and lanterns dotting the pathway. And somehow amidst the city, this place is very, very quiet.A map is provided at the entrance to the park and indicates the direction of travel. The purpose walking in a particular direction is that there is suppose to be suspense or a build up to the pinnacle. Numerous varieties of flowering plants adorn the walkways so that there is something in bloom nearly all the time. Both land and water plants offer shade and coolness to this oasis in the...Read More

The garden is a joint product of Phoenix and its sister city Himeji, Japan. An authentic park, it spans 3 ½ acres and includes waterfalls, ponds with koi fish, and streams. There are also footbridges, statues and lanterns dotting the pathway. And somehow amidst the city, this place is very, very quiet.

A map is provided at the entrance to the park and indicates the direction of travel. The purpose walking in a particular direction is that there is suppose to be suspense or a build up to the pinnacle. Numerous varieties of flowering plants adorn the walkways so that there is something in bloom nearly all the time. Both land and water plants offer shade and coolness to this oasis in the desert.

Head clockwise through the low grasslands with the pond and waterfalls on the right. A viewing pavilion provides a shady area to sit near a waterfall. There are plenty of koi fish of all different sizes in the pond. Fish food is sold at the park entrance. Blooms from pink and white lotus plants provided wisps of color rising up to meet the low hanging weeping willows. This was a serene sight indeed. A beautiful teahouse with the sound of trickling water flowing into a bucket seemed to pier out from a heavy growth of bamboo. An hour long ceremony is performed occasionally that requires reservations. The path elevates as it passes by the teahouse and rounds a curve.

Here is the highest point of the garden, the mountain region with the largest waterfall cascading down the other side. In essence, it is designed to be the apex of the park. A 4-sided stone pyramid style structure with 13 represents the pagoda that would store Buddhist relics. This a great vantage point for most of the pond along with the zig-zag bridge the cuts through it. The zig-zag keeps demons away as they can only follow straight paths. The waters edge near the bridge is designed with carefully placed flat dark gray rocks representing the seashore. This sand and rock garden provides a home to favor tortoises and cranes of the orient.

You have now come full circle through the park.

Japanese Friendship Garden
www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ (602) 256-3204
Parking free, admission $3-5, Free 1st Fridays
Tea Ceremony with admission $20 Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 4, 2009

Japanese Friendship Garden
2700 N. 15th Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 256-3204

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Arizona Broadway Theatre

Attraction | "Broadway Peoria!"

Quote:

While not heavily advertised, this is an impressive dinner theatre located in Peoria, nearly across the street from the Arrowhead shopping center. Perhaps it is not well-known because it north and west of downtown Phoenix. Parking was right in front of the theatre with several handicapped spaces, all of which get taken early. Ticket prices were $61-66 whether it was a matinee or evening show, both of which included meals. Meals included soup or salad and entrée choices from fried pork chops to mahi mahi and Portobello mushrooms with vegetables. The food was very good with decent portions. Beverages of any kind were extra as was desert, the later of which was served during inte...Read More

While not heavily advertised, this is an impressive dinner theatre located in Peoria, nearly across the street from the Arrowhead shopping center. Perhaps it is not well-known because it north and west of downtown Phoenix. Parking was right in front of the theatre with several handicapped spaces, all of which get taken early. Ticket prices were $61-66 whether it was a matinee or evening show, both of which included meals.

Meals included soup or salad and entrée choices from fried pork chops to mahi mahi and Portobello mushrooms with vegetables. The food was very good with decent portions. Beverages of any kind were extra as was desert, the later of which was served during intermission. Deserts, such as cheesecake and flan cost from $5-8. The doors opened for dinner 1 ½ hours before the show. You order and are served at the table. Depending on the size of your group and occupancy you may or may not be seated with others. Call for reservations if you’d like disability seating and you will be accommodated. Each row of tables is on a different level so actually being able to see the performance isn’t a problem.

Do be prepared to spend your evening at the show. Dinner services begins at 5:30, the show starts at 7:00 and lasts until about 10:00. Allow the same amount of time for the matinee. The facilities are very upscale with efficient wait staff taking your entrée, beverage and desert selections.

Both the performance of Guys and Dolls and Annie Get Your Gun offered great entertainment with a very good cast. Costume and props were good and the signing and dancing abilities of the actors and actresses was quite good. Of course I happened to like to story line of both shows. Cast members usually linger around after the show for anyone wishing to take photographs or just talk about the performance.

Productions include well-known musicals and comedies as well as special engagements and offers for season ticket holders.

http://www.azbroadwaytheatre.com/index.html
7701 W. Paradise Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382 623 776-8400
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 22, 2009

Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 W. Paradise Lane
Peoria
(623) 776-8400

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Mesa Arts Center

Attraction | "Mesa Theatre"

Quote:

I really liked the surrounding area of this place. Half a block away is a stretch of the old downtown with outdoor café’s and vintage cars cruising the street on the 4th Saturdays of the month. Enjoyed a beverage and watched the cool cars before heading over the arts center.The arts center is quite large with 4 stages. The door we walked into had a line with participants for an obvious bodybuilding competition. Right next door was a snack bar with beverages and light snacks. These items are permitted in the theatre.Seating is first come, first served. The front rows are ground level which may not have been the best seats to see a lively dance performance such as Footloose...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 22, 2009

Mesa Arts Center
1 E. Main St. Mesa
Mesa 85211
(480) 644-6501

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Desert Botanical Gardens

Attraction | "Chihuly in the Garden"

Quote:

General speaking a garden of cacti would not be something I would make a point of visiting. But the Desert Botanical Garden will prompt a return. One reason is because I did not go during the blooms which I discovered from a roving volunteer occurs twice a year both during the hot summer months. Naturally this is not when I have ever been near the desert. Hence I never could understand the beauty others talked about with regards to the desert plants. The other reason I would return is the special events, so fitting I might add, displayed. I unfortunately missed the butterfly event, but intend on seeing the hummingbird display. During special showings, online tickets are offered along with entry ...Read More

General speaking a garden of cacti would not be something I would make a point of visiting. But the Desert Botanical Garden will prompt a return. One reason is because I did not go during the blooms which I discovered from a roving volunteer occurs twice a year both during the hot summer months. Naturally this is not when I have ever been near the desert. Hence I never could understand the beauty others talked about with regards to the desert plants. The other reason I would return is the special events, so fitting I might add, displayed. I unfortunately missed the butterfly event, but intend on seeing the hummingbird display. During special showings, online tickets are offered along with entry times. This ensures that a limited number of visitors are there during different hours. The idea is to give visitors plenty of time without allowing mass crowds. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like.

I did have the opportunity to visit the garden during the Chihuly Glass ExhibitIncredible displays of glass that took weeks to put together forming different scenes throughout the walkway through the gardens. Items were carefully placed near surrounding that seemed to be so natural.

Translucent, gleaming green plants that look almost like yucca plants are the first to catch your attention. Look closely and you will notice each "leaf" is a separate piece of glass. Some displays, I was informed include 2400 pieces. When I asked if they were numbered I learned originally they were, but finding the correct ones became so difficult it isn’t done that way anymore. A display may be a little different each time it is erected.

A favorite of mine was the long narrow glass fading from a deep blue to clear sprung up from a rectangular pond of water with small grey stones at the bottom serving as both an anchor and growth source. A variety of glass chandeliers hung from the atrium area where the smaller variety of cacti, including the pebble plants grown. Interspersed within the plants were more displays of glass.

www.desertbotanical.org
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 480-941-1225
Disability Accessible
Daily 7-8, parking free, admission $15
Spring evening Jazz concerts
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 22, 2009

Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 North Galvin Parkway (southeast Of Mcdowell Road & 64th Street)
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
(480) 941-1225

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