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West Valley places to see: Glendale

The Bead Museum
The Bead Museum
Photo credit: 
(photo by Tina Killackey)

Glendale is a treasure trove of places to see and things to do year round. Here are some great ideas for day tripping!

Historic Downtown Glendale is actually three neighborhoods - Historic Catlin Court with its white picket fences and mature shade trees welcoming visitors to the bungalows-turned-specialty shops, Old Towne boasting brick-trimmed sidewalks and glowing gaslights leading the way to the famous antique stores. And, the newest addition, located in the center of  Downtown, Promenade at Palmaire which features the Glendale Visitor Center, a parking structure with free covered parking and a growing lineup of shops and eateries. The neighborhoods span 10 square blocks which can easily be strolled in an afternoon. Info: Surrounding areas of 59th Ave. & Glendale Ave.

Historic Downtown Glendale walking tour. This PDF offers detailed descriptions of the many landmarks in Downtown Glendale. A great resource.

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area ~ The 1886 homestead is one of the oldest and best-preserved early ranches in the Salt River Valley. The 17-acre historical area, including 14 structures and a barnyard, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restored 1895 Main House and 1898 Guest House are open for tours October to May. The lush grounds and rose gardens are open each day from dawn to dusk for walkers. Hours: Dawn todusk. Info: Free. 9802 N. 59th Ave., 623-930-4203, www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/SahuaroRanchPark.cfm

Manistee Ranch ~ Enjoy an outstanding tour of Manistee Ranch, a National Register of Historic Places site, operated by the Glendale Historical Society. Built by Herbert W. Hamilton in 1897 as a home for his family, the house is better known as the residence of Louis M. Sands, who purchased it in 1907 and named it Manistee Ranch after his hometown in Michigan. Hours: October to mid-May: Manistee Ranch Noon-4 p.m. first and third Saturdays of each month; Guest House 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Thursday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Info: $5 for adults, 5127 W. Northern Ave., 623-435-0072                     www.azcama.com/museums/manistee_ranch.html

Xeriscape Botanical Garden/Glendale Main Library ~ Award-winning garden contains over 1,000 trees, shrubs, cactus and more. Listening wands can be checked out inside the library for a self-guided garden tour. Plants are identified by common and botanical names. Many are low-water use and excellent for Arizona gardens.  Free landscaping brochures are available inside the library. Check out the water conservation web site for an online tour of the garden. Hours: Open to the public dawn to dusk. Info: 5959 W. Brown, 623-930-3596,623.930.3535

The Bead Museum ~  home of more than 100,000 beads, beadwork pieces and beaded artifacts, the extensive history of beads unfolds from earliest times to the present. Appealing to men, women and families, anyone will enjoy this fascinating experience as permanent and changing exhibits reveal the bead story. Museum store, gift shop and classes are available.The Museum also host's specialized tours for schools, retirement homes, girl scouts and boy scouts, red hat ladies. Also on the fourth Wednesday of every month is Breakfast at the museum: Private tour, lecture and breakfast. 9am -10am. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 5754 W. Glenn Ave., 623-931-2737 www.beadmuseumaz.org

Glendale Police Museum ~ Dedicated to Glendale’s finest, the museum spans police history from the early days of the territorial sheriff to the present day. Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. Info: Tours are free. Call for group tours. 6821 North 57th Avenue, 623.937.8088.                       www.historic-glendale.net/glendale_police_museum.htm

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, West Valley Art & Design Examiner

Tina Killackey, artist and small business owner in Surprise, AZ is married and a mom of two. Tina has lived in the West Valley for about 16 years and began her business, Renaissace Home, in 2006 painting Murals and Faux Finishes. Tina feels art and Interior Design are very closely connected --...

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