The west valley of Arizona has some hidden gems you maybe didn’t know about. In my efforts to try to write about All of Phoenix and its sister cities, I have made a list of some great things many in Phoenix just didn’t know about. Its time to boast about the West Valley.
PHOENIX RACEWAY
The NASCAR races make a pit stop here in March and November. If that isn’t exciting enough for you, check out how fast you can fly on a professional raceway. You get to ride next to an instructor taking you up to unbelievable speeds. You can book one of several to choose from. NASCAR racing experiences
7602 S Avondale Blvd, Avondale 85353
623-772-2000
ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE
did you know you can watch a Broadway-style show right here in Peoria? At this state of the art, theater guests can grab a drink and dinner during great all-time favorites such as Les Misérables, The Producers and Legally Blonde.
7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria 85382
623-776-8400
LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK
.Lake Pleasant is the largest Lake in the Phoenix area. Bring your jet skis, kayaks, boats and whatever water toys you have. You can also take advantage of Lake Pleasant Cruises, complete with a bar and sound system.
41835 N Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown 85342
928-501-1710
TOLMACHOFF FARMS
Spend your day down on the farm. Tolmachoff Farm is a fourth-generation family-operated farm that grows a great selection of fruits and vegetables. The farm also puts on special events and activities throughout the year, including Family Farm Day, Pumpkin Days and a Corn Maze, a haunted corn maze for Halloween, as well as Christmas events throughout December. Be sure to check their website often. Always something fun going on.
5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale 85303
602-999-3276
CERRETA CANDY COMPANY
I have written about this one before. At Cerreta’s Candy Factory you can find every sweet you can imagine. The factory sells its creams, caramels, crunches, truffles and other candies by the piece in additon to their boxed chocolates. Take a guided factory tour, held Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale 85301
623-930-9000
SAHUARO RANCH PARK
Sahuaro Ranch Park is a place to learn about our history here in Arizona. With its historic buildings, a barnyard and fruit orchards there is so much to see. You can tour the historic Main House Museum, built from 1891 to 1898, and learn about the history of the pioneers who lived there.
9802 N 59th Ave, Glendale 85302
623-930-2820
WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Meet the assortment of furry, feathered and scaly creatures. Experience dragons in Dragon World, visit newborns at the Baby Animal Nursery and you can even feed parrots and giraffes. Love Aquariums? Yep they have an aquarium that has sharks, colorful tropical fish, crocodiles, jellyfish and more.
16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park 85340
623-935-9453
ADOBE MOUNTAIN DESERT RAILROAD PARK
The family will love the ride. They have five routes operated by Maricopa Live Steamers. Every Sunday the park offers free train rides for visitors along their 13 miles of railroad track. While you are there, enjoy railroad artifacts and model-train layouts and browse research materials.
23280 N 43rd Ave, Glendale 85310
623-670-1904
PIONEER LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
At Pioneer Living History Museum, you can explore 30 historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop and a mercantile store. You can even look through a 1890s dress shop and tour a sheriff’s office. It feels like you are in another time.
3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix 85086
623-465-1052
HURRICANE HARBOR PHOENIX – SIX FLAGS
Who doesn’t love water rides? Cool off on one of 30 water slides and attractions, including the Tornado, which shoots riders from seven stories up, down a 132-foot tunnel at speeds of 35 feet per second; and the Big Kahuna, which winds more than 600 feet around sharp turns, and over steep drops, giving your group tons of wall time. Let the little kids splash and play at the Soak ’em Playground and Splash Island. Adventure River and Hurricane Bay are perfect for relaxing the day away with the entire family. Be sure to check their website for hours.
4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale 85310
623-201-2000
TOUR STATE FARM STADIUM
It’s an opportunity to get up close and personal. It’s hosted two Super Bowls. It hosts the annual Fiesta Bowl and has hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Go behind the scenes and tour the facility. Public tours are available on select days throughout the year. Be sure to check their website.
1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale 85305
623-433-7101
CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING
Arizona is the hub of all things Spring Training. We have the weather and with the ten stadiums throughout the Greater Phoenix that host baseball teams, five of them located in the West Valley. The Spring Training baseball schedule goes from the end of February until the end of March.
Peoria Sports Complex: San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners
16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria 85382
Maryvale Baseball Park: Milwaukee Brewers
3600 N 51st Ave, Phoenix 85031
Camelback Ranch: Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers
10710 W Camelback Rd, Glendale 85037
Goodyear Ballpark: Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians
1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear 85338
Surprise Stadium: Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers
15960 N Bullard Ave, Surprise 85374
So much to see. Have other ideas you would like to see published? Email me!
Related: Tours in the Valley
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