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THINGS TO DO IN
ARCADIA
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EAT
The Henry is perfect for everything from morning coffee to a work lunch to a nice dinner, while Postino is the perfect stop for a meal, or a glass of wine and bruschetta. At CRUjiente Tacos, find shareable small plates and redefined renditions of the classic Mexican street taco.
Postino 3939 E. Campbell Ave. www.postinowinecafe.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
Shop at Biltmore Fashion Park, view art at Shemer Art Center, dine at CRUjiente Tacos, raise a glass at Platform 18.
DRINK SHOP DO
Grab a coffee, breakfast, or lunch, and view local artwork at Black Cat Coffee House. Find more than 40-plus beers on tap at O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery. And, located inside the turn-of-the-centuryinspired Century Grand—which houses three turn-of-the-centuryinspired cocktail bars—find Platform 18, a replica Pullman train car cocktail bar.
Black Cat Coffee House 4730 E. Indian School Road www.blackcatcoffeeaz.com
O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery 4900 E. Indian School Road www.ohsobrewery.com
Platform 18 3626 E. Indian School Road www.centurygrandphx.com Arcadia Public Market offers a selection of unique art, home decor, and accessories. For clothing, Kiss Me Kate offers fashion-forward women’s clothing and accessories, while men head to Carter’s Mens Clothing. Or, head to shopping destination Biltmore Fashion Park.
Arcadia Public Market 4108 E. Indian School Road www.arcadiapublicmarket.com
Kiss Me Kate 5039 N. 44th St. www.kissmekateaz.com
Carter’s Mens Clothing 5045 N. 44th St. 602.952.8646
Biltmore Fashion Park 2502 E. Camelback Road www.shopbiltmore.com Located along the Arizona Canal between 56th and 58th streets, find hydroelectric plant and neighborhood gathering place Arizona Falls, with its unique shaded viewing room and footbridge. At Shemer Art Center, view various artwork. And, on the edge of Arcadia, tour Wrigley Mansion, built by chewing gum personality William Wrigley Jr.
Shemer Art Center 5005 E. Camelback Road https://shemerartcenter.org
Wrigley Mansion 2501 E. Telawa Trail www.wrigleymansion.com
7254 E. MAIN ST., SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 480.994.0170 • 480.425.9944 SUNRISEJEWELRYUSA.COM
The Haunted Valley
THE NOW-LOCATION OF CASEY MOORE’S, CIRCA 1910 WHEN IT WAS HOME TO THE MOEUR FAMILY
Spirits in Metro Phoenix? Perhaps. From unlit fireplaces that give off heat to toilets that flush themselves, to laughter when no one is around, the Valley is filled with locales that are alleged to have paranormal activity. Visit if you dare.
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
The Valley is known for many things, including sunny days, cacti, golf courses, resorts, and its food culture—but it’s also the location of many venues that are rumored to be haunted.
PHOENIX
HOTEL SAN CARLOS
In 1928, the grand Hotel San Carlos opened for visitors. Over the years it has hosted celebrities and notables. But just over a month after the hotel opened, a woman named Leone Jensen checked in. On her second night, Jensen wrote a number of letters—including directions for her funeral—and jumped off the hotel’s roof. Since her death, a number of people have reported seeing a woman in white around the property. She’s been spotted on the staircase of the seventh floor, and some guests describe seeing her standing at the foot of their bed, staring at them before disappearing. Although she’s the most famous Hotel San Carlos ghost, there have also been reports of a little girl sitting and crying, and voices of children laughing—possible supernatural vestiges of the city’s first school, built in the late 19th century, where the hotel now stands. 202 N. Central Ave.; www.historichotelsancarlos.com
ORPHEUM THEATRE PHOENIX
The Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix was built in 1929 and originally used for vaudeville acts. The historic building is still used today for shows and events, and but not all of its guests are said to be alive. It is said that several ghosts have made themselves known at the Orpheum, though none more than Mattie, who likes to hang out on the balcony. 203 W. Adams St.; www.pccticketing.com
ROSSON HOUSE TOP: CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL, CIRCA 1950; BOTTOM: ORPHEUM THEATRE PHOENIX
original foundation in Downtown Phoenix near the Arizona Science Center. The restored home is now a museum that can be toured. Guests can explore the living areas of the home and get a glimpse into the lifestyles of early Phoenix families—as well as potentially hear unexplained footsteps and feel warm temperatures coming from empty fireplaces, antics thought to perhaps be from a caretaker who was shot outside of the home in the early 1980s. 113 N. Sixth St.; www.heritagesquarephx.org
PIONEER LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
There are 26 historic 19th-century buildings on 90 acres, including the original homes of people who helped tame the Wild West. The structures were moved from all over the state—some say with their own ghosts, too. There have been reports of children singing in the old schoolhouse, figures emerging from the Opera House, sudden blasts of cold air, and the touch of unseen hands. The reports have been so credible that the museum has been the subject of many paranormal investigations. 3901 W. Pioneer Road; www.pioneeraz.org
PARADISE VALLEY
THE HERMOSA INN
This beautiful boutique hotel was built by famous cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee in 1935. Originally built as his home and art house, Megargee created some of his greatest pieces here. After he died at the age of 77, patrons and staff began reporting seeing his shadow and silhouette—complete with his trademark Stetson hat—around the restaurant that now bears his name. When no one is around, toilets flush themselves, and bottles and glasses break. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road; www.hermosainn.com CHANDLER
SAN MARCOS HOTEL
Now named the Crowne Plaza Phoenix-Chandler Golf Resort, the San Marcos Hotel was built in 1912 and hosted movie stars like Clark Gable and Fred Astaire. It not only offers deluxe amenities like an 18-hole championship golf course, but there have been many sightings of a ghost of a floating woman, and strange noises and moaning coming from empty parts of the hotel. One S. San Marcos Place; www.sanmarcosresort.com
CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL
At one of the oldest schools in Arizona—it was built in 1914— teachers, custodians, and students have all reported hearing and seeing things on the second floor north wing of Old Main, one of the school’s original buildings. 350 N. Arizona Ave.; www.cusd80.com/chs
TEMPE
CASEY MOORE’S OYSTER HOUSE
This locale draws crowds for its elevated pub fare, as well as its oysters. But, before it was a restaurant, a couple lived in the home, and then it was briefly a bordello. Rumor has it that a girl was murdered there, and now she sometimes appears— and gets angry when there is romance in the air. 850 S. Ash Ave.; https://caseymoores.com
From Haunted Houses to Pumpkin Patches, Celebrate the Season at These Local Events
MACDONALD’S RANCH
Through Oct. 30 A pumpkin patch, horseback rides, a petting zoo, panning for gold, the Hay-bale Maze, kids' activities, pony rides, and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Tues. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www. macdonaldsranch.com
SCARIZONA AND FRIGHT IN THE LIGHTS
Through Oct. 31 Scarizona Scaregrounds features haunted attractions recommended for those ages 12 and up. New for 2022, Scarizona features a separate Halloween drive-through light show, Frights in the Lights, which is a separate mini event intended for families with young children or those who don’t wish to experience the haunted houses. Hours vary. 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa; https://scarizona.com
13TH FLOOR HAUNTED HOUSE
Through Oct. 31 This attraction was named one of the "Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses in the U.S.A.” by USA TODAY and has been featured on television stations ranging from MTV to the Travel Channel. Hours vary. 2814 W. Bell Road, Phoenix; www.13thflooraz.com
FEAR FARM
Through Oct. 31 This large attraction features multiple haunted houses, a haunted hayride, and more. Hours vary. 6801 N. 99th Ave., Glendale; www.fearfarm.com
TRUNK OR TREAT
Oct. 15 Carnival games, escape rooms, haunted houses, trunk or treat, live entertainment, a Nerf battle zone, and more. 5-9 p.m. Queen Creek Town Center, Ellsworth Road between Ocotillo and Rittenhouse, Queen Creek; www.queencreekaz.gov
STRANGE GARDEN
Oct. 21-22 Desert Botanical Garden gets in the Halloween spirit with this spooktacular event. Enjoy jawdropping performances, and encounter mad botanists, peculiar plants, and creepy crawlies of the desert. Stop for a photo-op and take home a free pumpkin from the Garden’s pumpkin patch. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix; www.dbg.org
CITY OF TEMPE FAMILY BOO BASH!
Oct. 28 This free event features train rides, face painting, and music, as well as a costume contest and parade. At 8:30 p.m. the movie Monsters, Inc. will be shown. Food and carnival games available (fee). 6-10 p.m. Kiwanis Park – North Soccer Fields, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe; www.tempe.gov/familyfun
SPOOKTACULAR HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
Oct. 28, 29 This event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with over 20 glowing hot air balloons acting as trick-or-treat stations, where kids can receive candy. There is also a Kids' Zone with over 20 inflatables, a Spook Trail presented by Saguaro High School Choir, costume contests, a Spooktacular Marketplace, and food and drinks. 5-9:30 p.m. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; www. azspooktacular.com
CAVE CREEK WICKED
Oct. 29 Celebrate Halloween with the Wicked Bar Crawl & Costume Contest. Enjoy drink specials at participating bars and restaurants, and spooktacular activities. A complimentary party bus is available between venues. 6 p.m. www.facebook. com/cavecreekwicked
It’s called Babad Do’ag in O’odham native language and often referred to as part of the Sky Islands, but whatever the name, Mount Lemmon and its surroundings are a paradise of outdoor adventures. In summer, winter, spring, and fall, the mountain hosts hikers, backpackers, skiers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts looking for mountain air and gorgeous vistas.
The 27-mile Catalina highway/sky island scenic byway is the only paved road to the town of Summerhaven and the top of Mount Lemmon, climbing more than 6,000 feet in elevation along the way.
Towering over the northeast edge of Tucson, Mount Lemmon rises to 9,157 feet—6,500 feet above the city of Tucson. And along an easy hour-long drive up the Catalina Highway/Sky Island Scenic Byway, vegetation transforms from saguaro, palo verde, and cholla, to a forest of oak and juniper trees, piñon and ponderosa pines, and then again to fir and aspen.
Near the very top is Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the United States. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes when there’s snow, but the chairlift is a popular attraction no matter the season, says Graham Davies, Ski Valley’s general manager.
For hikers, the mountains offer more than 150 miles of hiking trails of nearly unmatched variety, from Catalina State Park and the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the western and southern edges to the peaks of Mount Lemmon and Mount Bigelow.
Tucson resident Kris LaFleur started hiking on Mount Lemmon as a kid and has been going up on his own for more than 20 years, enjoying quicker day hikes and longer camping and backpacking trips. He lists the Box Spring and Aspen trails among his favorites. And for a longer, more rugged journey, LaFleur prefers the Wilderness of Rock Trail with its picturesque rock formations.
“The short hikes and longer trails make it a great, diverse place to get away,” LaFleur says. “For me, it’s a great recharge. In the middle of June when it’s 105 [degrees], I can get in my car and from my front door be at 8,000 feet within an hour, next to a stream in the mixed pine and oak forest. It’s such a unique thing to have a mountain range like this so close to a desert city.”
Two-wheeled adventurers also have an array of options on Mount Lemmon. World-class cyclists use the elevation increase of Catalina Highway for training, and mountain bike enthusiasts enjoy the rugged trails.
Local Stephen Jordan has done it all, from driving his bike up to ride a quick trail or embarking on the 10-hour, 130-mile roundtrip ride from his house through Redington Pass and up the rough, steep Oracle Control Road on the backside of the mountain.
