Unique Experiences

Unique

EXPERIENCES

From the world’s largest pipe organ to a unique castle to a giant natural hole in a rock and more, Metro Phoenix offers plenty of 'well that was different!’ experiences

WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

There’s no shortage of things to do, see, experience, and love about Metro Phoenix that are more than worth your time—stunning scenery to view, mountains to climb, golf courses to tackle, restaurants to try, and shopping areas to explore, to mention just a few. There are also some truly unique options to enhance your visit. If you’re looking for some out-of-the-box, ‘wow, I can’t believe that’ experiences, check out these memorable locales.

ENJOY NATIVE AMERICAN SPA OFFERINGS

While Metro Phoenix has no shortage of amazing spas, at Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass—named after the Indigenous Pima people’s word for sanctuary—guests can enjoy spa experiences inspired by two of Arizona’s indigenous tribes. Reflecting the simplicity, serenity, and lifestyle of the Pima and Maricopa culture and traditions through its design, storytelling art, gardens, treatments, and programs, Aji Spa provides unique and culturally rich treatments developed from ancient rituals (they have also undergone the rigorous process of approval from Tribal Elders). The treatments include ingredients such as red clay from the Gila River, and Cholla cactus bud to help purify and rejuvenate the body. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler; www.marriott.com

QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL

EXPLORE AND TOUR AN OLIVE MILL

Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona’s only working and operating olive mill, and the agritourism destination brings visitors from Arizona and beyond to experience the traditions and processes behind olive oil. Their award-winning extra virgin olive oil and flavored oils are crafted in small batches under the supervision of a professional olive oil sommelier. Here you can take an Olive Oil 101 Tour, where you’ll learn how Queen Creek makes its extra virgin olive oil and how to use it; dine outside at Di Oliva Italian Bistro & Bar; and shop the market. The Mill also has monthly events including pizza date nights, sangria socials, and special Tavolo dinners that celebrate different regions of Italy. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek; www.queencreekolivemill.com

BE MOVED BY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

This museum began with an inspiration to develop a location that focused on the kind of instruments played every day by people worldwide. Today, Musical Instrument Museum—affectionately called the MIM—is the only museum of its kind in the world, and boasts a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. Instruments featured include everything from a paigu goblet drum that dates back to China’s Neolithic period to instruments played by icons such as Elvis Presley and Maroon 5. The latest exhibit, "Rediscover Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments" includes the world’s first ukulele and Eric Clapton’s “Brownie” guitar. You can also enjoy one of the many touring concerts in the locale’s theatre. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; www.mim.org

WANDER THROUGH THE MYSTERY CASTLE

THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN OF PHOENIX

native stones, has 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces, parapets, and many nooks and crannies. Gully died in 1945 before his daughter could see his creation, though she later moved in as an adult. Today, you can tour the unique destination. 800 E. Mineral Road, Phoenix; www.mymysterycastle.com

FIND SERENITY AT A JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

We bet that you wouldn’t expect to find a lush and authentic Japanese garden in the middle of the desert, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. A project of the City of Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, Japan, here you can stroll the 3.5-acre stroll garden, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, and view a 12-foot waterfall. 1125 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix; www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org

LISTEN TO THE MIGHTY WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN

Each year, Organ Stop Pizza—which is currently celebrating 50 years in the Valley—attracts hundreds of thousands of patrons to view and listen to its Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, which has come to be known as the biggest and best in the world. The music is accompanied by theatrical performances, complete with dancing cat puppets, disco balls, and bubbles. Only one of two "pizza and pipes" concepts left in the U.S., the songs played range from classical music to Disney favorites to pop and rock hits. Dine on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more while you listen. 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa; www.organstoppizza.com

VIEW COSANTI AND WATCH WINDBELLS BEING MADE

built by architect, urban designer, and philosopher Paolo Soleri (1919-2013). The structures here were created with his “Earth-casting” technique, which adhered to his idea of “arcology.” At Cosanti, you can watch artisans still pour and make the famous Cosanti Originals windbells. Finished windbells are also available for purchase. Tours are offered daily. 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley; www.cosanti.com

TAKE IN THE SIGHT OF A UNIQUE NATURAL FORMATION

There are several hiking trails in Phoenix’s Papago Park, which is also the home of the Phoenix Zoo, Hall of Flame Museum, and Desert Botanical Garden. One trail, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, is an easy .2 mile natural dirt and step path that wraps around Holein-the-Rock Butte and showcases the large natural viewing hole in the butte. Look through the butte for a view of Metro Phoenix. 625 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix; www.phoenix.gov;trails/locations/ papago-park

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF A MAGICAL FIREFLY ROOM

Ever been surrounded by an almost infinite swarm of fireflies? You can experience the magic at artist Yayoi Kasama’s "You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies" exhibition, which has been on view since 2005 at Phoenix Art Museum, the largest art museum in the southwestern U.S. The beloved experience features a dark room, lined with mirrors, with LED string lights cascading down from the ceiling, which creates an infinity room of twinkling lights that look like a dancing swarm of fireflies—making it a magical experience that will take you back to summer nights. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; www.phxart.org