Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

THIS MONTH: Treasure Seekers find Delights in Glendale, AZ

by Jeff Abramson

“Where is your family headed this summer?”

In years past, this was a question that most families were ready to answer in detailed fashion. This year, though, threats of a downward spiral in our economy and the ever-rising price of gas have caused many Tucsonans to change or cancel summer travel plans. Even the promise of a check from the government doesn’t excite people to travel.

Rather than cancel your summer plan altogether, why not consider a short vacation far enough away from home that it really is “getting away” but close enough to not break your gas bill. Less than a tank of gas away is the answer to your summer travel dilemma – Glendale, Arizona.

“We have gotten a lot of national attention in the past year because of Super Bowl XLII,” Lorraine Pino, Tourism Manager at the City of Glendale Office of Tourism and Visitor’s Center, shared, “but Glendale is always an exciting place to visit.”

Celebrate the 4th in Glendale
Coming soon to Glendale is the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Held at the Glendale Community College and Saguaro Ranch, the event features live entertainment, family picnic competitions, a “fly over” by Luke Air Force, and, of course, fireworks. With free admission and parking, this is an event that everyone can enjoy.

Christmas in July and Summer Concerts
“July is a big month for us,” Pino added, “for not only do we have the celebration on the Fourth, we also have our ‘Christmas in July’ program.”

Originally started by the Christmas Cottage, the event now includes most of the ninety specialty shops in the downtown area. Held this year on Saturday, July 19th, a major attraction will be Santa Claus – in his summer garb, of course!

“I would suggest that you start at the Tourism Office,” Pino said, “so you can pick up a map and ‘goodies bag.’ Part of the fun is the scavenger hunt that we have worked into the program.”

If you enjoy a relaxing summer evening listening to a performance by a 100-piece band, pencil in “Glendale” for a Thursday evening in either June or July. Held in Murphy Park at 8:00 p.m., the free performances last approximately ninety minutes each week and feature everything from show tunes to country to Patriotic extravaganzas.

For the Kids and the Kids-At-Heart
“One of my favorite events,” Pino said, “is our Annual Teddy Bear Day. Started by Bears and More four years ago, the whole downtown area now gets involved. You can attend a Teddy Bear Tea, or go to Cerreta’s Candy Company and make a chocolate Teddy Bear. You won’t want to miss this because everyone always has a ‘Bear-y’ special time.”

Culinary Delights
If your motivation for exploring a community is the pursuit of Epicurean pleasures, you will not be disappointed with Glendale’s offerings. With over twenty “Mom & Pop” eateries, most of an ethnic nature, there is something to please every palate. Two of the more well known locales are A Touch of European Café and Haus Murphy. The former features Polish cuisine, with the owners having migrated from Poland via New York City, while the latter offers German fare, featuring live entertainment on weekends. To satisfy the “chocolate craving” most of us have, you may want to make arrangements to visit the Cerreta Chocolate Company for a tour. You will even be rewarded with a free sample after your tour!

Shopping Fun!
With over ninety specialty shops, there’s a shopping excursion for everyone’s interest. Again, Pino suggests that you stop off at the Visitor’s Center to pick up a map and brochures of the various establishments located downtown.

There are many hidden treasures in the State of Arizona, and, as you can see, Glendale is definitely one of them! To learn more about what the city has to offer, visit them at www.visitglendale.com, or call the Office of Tourism & Visitors Center at 623-930-4500. While on their website, take a moment to order a free travel packet, download maps and print a list of local merchants offering special discounts to out-of-town visitors.