Once a sleepy little suburb, Mesa has risen to be the 3rd largest city in Arizona, boasts of 47 City Parks. Mesa is unique among cities in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, and is located next to the Tonto National Forest.
Mesa has renowned and diverse golf and more than 40 courses are located within minutes from the downtown area.
Founded in 1952, the area is acclaimed for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Recognized throughout the world as a model institution for innovative presentation and interpretation of native plants and animals, it is featured together in ecological exhibits. The Museum is regularly listed as one of the top ten zoological parks in the world. Its unique approach in interpreting the complete natural history of the Sonoran Desert and adjacent ecosystems in a single region is well-known.
Accommodations
Luxurious resorts complement the beautiful scenic surrounding of the Sonoran desert and mountains. Just outside of Phoenix, the Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort features luxurious villas, championship golf, first-class amenities and spectacular panoramic views. The resort features excellent dining and a host of amenities.
The Arizona Golf Resort is an elegant golf resort with a host of amenities.
Just 30 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the championship golf course is surrounded by captivating scenery. Additional stays in the area include: the Best Western Mezona Inn, located in downtown Mesa, which is within walking distance to antique shops, cafes and museums. Jeep tours and day trips are easily arranged at this location.
Restaurants
Authentic cooking is featured at several local dining establishments. Sullivan's’ Pier is a desired location for seafood delicacies, and features a nautical atmosphere and the Centennial Grille at the Marriott Mesa Hotel offers creative contemporary cuisines.
Another option is to go to the restaurant where Tortillas are made fresh daily - the El Charro Restaurant serving traditional Mexican.
Shopping
Downtown Mesa -Mesa Town Center- is a nucleus of business for government, culture, arts, recreation and entertainment. Unique shops, diverse restaurants and award-winning museums are part of Mesa's original mile-square district.
Arts/Music
Many selections abound for the arts and music entertainment including: The Mesa Southwest Museum, Arizona Museum for Youth, Mesa Arts Center - a $90 million facility-, Mesa Symphony, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Sonoran Desert Chorale, and the Mesa Contemporary Arts. They all focus on quality presentations and provide cultural diversity.
Major Attractions
The vibrant Mesa Arts Center is a 212,755-square-foot performing arts, visual arts, and arts education facility. It is the largest and most comprehensive arts center in the state of Arizona. Located in the heart of downtown Mesa Arts Center reflects the city’s rich traditions.
The five-gallery visual arts complex features changing exhibitions and works from the Permanent Collection of contemporary visual arts - both from emerging and internationally recognized artists.
A haven by day and a luminous beacon by night, the central gathering place is designed to stage a world of arts and culture. State-of-the-art studios for art education are an integral part of their passion. The design of Mesa Arts Center was inspired by the character of the Sonoran Desert including the rich desert, mountains and canyon environment. Included are a complex of four theaters, Contemporary Arts’ galleries and exhibition space and two Art Studios.
Another feature that focuses on the Arizona-Sonnora desert Museum grounds includes miles of paths on 21 acres. The Museum is predominantly a walking experience.
The area also includes the world-renowned John Jacobs' Golf School at Painted Mountain. An 18-hole championship course, a nine-hole executive course and two state-of-the-art practice areas. The 270-degree Learning Center Range, features the largest on-course teaching facility in the State.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
