Images Arizona (June/July 2023)

T h e a p p r o a c h a t t h e C e n t e r f o r I n t e g r a t i v e H e a l i n g &

W e l l n e s s i s p e r s o n a l i z e d a n d c o m b i n e s t h e b e s t e l e m e n t s o f p r e v e n t a t i v e , r e g e n e r a t i v e , i n t e g r a t i v e , f u n c t i o n a l , a n d a n t i - a g i n g m e d i c i n e t o h e l p y o u a c h i e v e o p t i m a l h e a l t h .

I n a s l i t t l e a s 3 m o n t h s w e c a n h e l p y o u l o o k & f e e l 1 0 y e a r s y o u n g e r , l o s e w e i g h t , p r e v e n t d i s e a s e , r e v e r s e c h r o n i c c o n d i t i o n s , r e l i e v e p a i n , i n c r e a s e f u n c t i o n , a n d i m p r o v e q u a l i t y o f l i f e !

C o n c i e r g e A d u l t P r e v e n t a t i v e C a r e

I n t e g r a t i v e & F u n c t i o n a l M e d i c i n e

I n t e g r a t i v e C a n c e r C a r e

N u t r i t i o n & C u l i n a r y M e d i c i n e

A n t i - A g i n g M e d i c i n e

H o r m o n e B a l a n c e

W e i g h t L o s s

I V T h e r a p y

B i o - E n e r g y T h e r a p y

E x e r c i s e & F i t n e s s C o a c h i n g

Fabio Almeida, MD, ABOIM, ABNM, ABOM

Triple Board-Certified Physician Founder | Medical Director

Cindy Almeida, CNC

Master Holistic, Sports & Obesity Nutritional Counselor

Kelly Montana, CPT, TPI Fitness & Performance Expert

Locally owned and operated, Carefree Outdoor Living is a convenient resource for all your outdoor needs. The age of the outdoor room has arrived and Carefree Outdoor Living has firmly established itself as the go-to resource for innovative outdoor room components, designs and patio furniture. Located in the Carefree Marketplace

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Amanda Christmann

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari

860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377

623-341-8221

imagesarizona.com

According to a recent online survey, nearly 85% of Americans intend to travel this summer. In fact, 100 million of them are planning to embark on a road trip of at least 250 miles.

A separate study found that Arizona — with its five National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads that offer archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities — is home to the absolute best road trips of any state in the entire U.S.

In celebration of that, we have designed this special summer edition of Images Arizona as the ultimate guide to the many amazing drives and destinations around our spectacular state. It is our hope that these pages inspire you to explore Arizona in ways that you may have not considered before.

Summer is all about having fun and making memories with friends and family; and I cannot think of a better or more exciting way to do that than to hit the road in search of adventure — especially here in Arizona, where there is a seemingly endless variety of fascinating, beautiful and truly remarkable things to see and experience.

Whether you head out with a particular destination in mind or decide to simply get behind the wheel and see where the road takes you, remember to take plenty of pictures of what you find and send them to images@imagesaz.com or tag #imagesaz on Instagram for possible publication in an upcoming issue of Images Arizona.

Travel safe!

Shelly Spence

Publisher, Images Arizona magazine

shelly@imagesaz.com

623-341-8221

APhotography by Loralei Lazurek

History and Tradition of the Wedding Vase

BY SUE KRZYSTON

I am often asked how I decide what artifacts to use for one of my compositions. I have a large collection of pottery, baskets, rugs and beadwork at which I look until a piece speaks to me.

For example, as I was composing “Beauty and Meaning,” this wonderful wedding vase created by Reylita Naranjo from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico grabbed my attention. I immediately knew that I wanted to portray the piece’s elegance and history.

Originally, for a Native American wedding ceremony, the groom’s parents would fashion a wedding vase from local clay, usually from a river bank. They used a technique of building the vase with coils of clay, then smoothing the surface with a special stone rather than using a pottery wheel. They would then incise a pattern into the surface. In this particular pot, the carved patterns are Kiva steps, representing spirituality, and a water serpent, signifying the importance of water to the people.

The piece would then be fired in an open pit in the ground, which is what gives these wedding vases their distinctive black color. Their surface would then be smoothed and polished with a special flat stone that, oftentimes, would be handed down through many generations of potters.

There is much symbolism in the shape of the wedding vase. Just as the bride and groom are two individuals who are being joined into one, there are two separate flutes, joined by a handle, with the two parts becoming one in the bowl. The space between the flutes is often symbolic of the circle of life.

During the wedding, the bride and groom take turns drinking nectar, tea or water from the vase. Sometimes, they both drink at the same time — which seems pretty tricky and would take a lot of coordination. There is no wonder why it is said that if no drops are spilled, the married couple will have a long, happy life together.

To highlight this elegant vase in my painting, I placed a Hopi coiled plate behind it and used the lighting to cast the vase’s shadow onto it. Since this black pottery has its own wonderful glow but also reflects, I placed it on a richly colored, patterned Navajo

blanket and added the beaded sash to reflect the patterns into the bowl of the vase. I then added the small Santa Clara pot to the right for balance.

To achieve the glow and 3D effect that I try to capture in my oil paintings, I apply several glazes to the pot and blanket, resulting in a translucent glow when light travels through the layers and reflects back. The realism of the beadwork requires me to hand-paint five or six layers of oil paint in every bead and then add a small highlight to each of them. For the basket, I under-paint to tone the white canvas and then paint each fiber individually with a small brush before adding a highlight and shadow to each of them.

While painting this elegant piece, I pondered the significance and history of the wedding vase and it occurred to me that this painting — “Beauty and Meaning” — would make a truly special wedding or anniversary gift.

SUE KRZYSTON

Beauty and Meaning, oil. 30” by 24”

TREVOR SWANSON

Quail Family, oil and patina on metal. 38” by 36”

AMY LAY

Hummingbirds and Bear, oil. 60” by 20”

“Quiet Reflections” by Sue Krzyston, 24” by 30”

“About seven miles down the dirt road, we were greeted with incredible wildflowers,” Dusel says. “We parked our car, crossed the road and wandered up a wash into the scene captured in this photograph. In celebration, we drove to Horseshoe Lake, uncorked a bottle of wine and witnessed a bald eagle soaring over the reservoir.”

instagram.com/tom_dusel

Photo by Tom Dusel

Photo hobbyist Tom Dusel, a retired dentist who lives in The Boulders in North Scottsdale, recently set out with his wife, Addie, and their friends Kathye and Craig, for a day of exploration and relaxation on Horseshoe Lake Road near Bartlett Dam.

GRACE RENEE GALLERY FEATURED ARTISTS

A CURATED COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Grace Renee

Left clockwise: Cathy Hegman, Figure with Dove, Acrylic on Canvas, 50” by 45”

Keneth Peloke, Found My Way, Oil on Wood Panel, 60” by 48”. Martin Blundell, Red Rock Cottonwood, Oil on Canvas, 20” by 24”

Left clockwise: Gabriela Aguilo, From Bloom To Fade V, Encaustic Painting on Walnut Panel, 24” by 24” John Bell, Sky III, Oil Painting on Wood Panel, 19” by 19”. Cathy Hegman, The Beekeeper, Oil on Canvas, 24” by 24”

MMore than 7 million people call Arizona home. But while big cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe receive all the attention, it is actually the small towns — which make up a mere fraction of that population — that boast the biggest, most unique and most interesting attractions and are, therefore, the true heart and soul of our state.

With populations fewer than 5,000, these eight quirky communities may be the best-kept secrets in all of Arizona.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Bisbee, AZ // Photo by Eric Jewett on Instagram (@ericjewettaz)

BISBEE (POP. 4,907)

Driven by the booming mining industry, Bisbee once boasted a population of more than 20,000, making it the largest city in the Arizona territory in the early 1900s. Today, the city — located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona — is known as a culturally rich community, offering visitors a mix of art, music, history, architecture, outdoor activities, dining and nightlife.

More than a half-million people visit the Smithsonianaffiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, whose exhibits include “Bisbee: Urban Outpost on the Frontier” — an in-depth look at the lives of the miners and settlers of this unique area of the Southwest. Meanwhile, the Queen Mine Tour offers tourists an up-close experience of the underground world of the miners who “carved their community and a living out of bedrock.”

However, it is the quaint, old-fashioned, small-town feel of the city’s shops and restaurants that may be Bisbee’s greatest appeal. A weekly farmer's market featuring regional artisanal goodies, a monthly art walk and yearly events like its Great Stair Climb and Historic Home Tour round out the many reasons people love this cosmopolitan community.

WINDOW ROCK (POP. 2,226)

A census-designated place that serves as the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock’s main natural attraction is the window formation of sandstone for which the community is named.

In addition to its namesake, Window Rock — located in Apache County in northeastern Arizona — is home

Window Rock, AZ // Photo by Stan Slade on Upsplash

to The Navajo Nation Zoo and Botanical Park — the only Native American-owned-and-operated zoo in the entire country, containing plant and animal species that are of cultural importance to the Navajo.

Window Rock’s attractions also include the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds, where the annual Navajo Tribal Fair is held; The Navajo Nation Museum, which boasts collections, exhibits and other activities focused on the cultural history of the Navajo; and the Navajo Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial, home to a statue of a Navajo Code Talker with his 32-pound radio on his back.

SUPAI (POP. 639)

Dropping down into triple-digit populations, Supai — surrounded by the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon — is one of the most inaccessible censusdesignated places in the U.S. The only way in or out is by foot, horseback or helicopter.

About 3 miles above Supai, a spring rises from the ground, welling up water from ancient aquifers. The

Hackberry, AZ // Photo Courtesy of Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona

Supai, AZ // Photo Courtesy of Joseph J. Airdo

water descends as an idyllic creek below leafed-out deciduous trees, rushing through Supai and crashing down five wondrous waterfalls into deep, tranquil pools.

Having been stored in limestone caverns for millennia, the water is rich with minerals that not only give it an awe-inspiring turquoise color but also create jaw-dropping travertine rock formations. The 10mile journey down and through the canyon can be brutal — especially with 30 pounds of camping gear and supplies on your back — but the rewards are remarkable.

HACKBERRY (POP. 328)

“Across 66 and the Santa Fe tracks and Truxton Wash lies the tiny town of Hackberry, which owes its name to the nearby Hackberry Mine, established in the 1870s,” reads a marker that briefly summarizes the history of this unincorporated community and census-designated place in Mohave County.

“When the railroad arrived in 1881, the ‘town moved down,’ establishing itself on both sides of the Truxton Wash. The town's livelihood then shifted from mining to the railroad, and it became an important shipping center for sheep and cattle. The water tank is a reminder of the town's former importance as a watering stop for steam locomotives before they were replaced by diesel in the early 1950s.”

Following the closure of its silver mine in the 1920s, Hackberry saw a significant population decline but received a lifeline courtesy of U.S. Route 66, which led to many families embarking on road trips in search of adventure. Today, the town still sees some tourism courtesy of

Hackberry General Store — an eclectic shop dedicated to Route 66.

CHLORIDE (POP. 296)

The oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Arizona, Chloride was once a booming area, populated by about 5,000 residents. However, as the silver mines closed, Chloride fell from grace.

By 1917, its population had fallen to 2,000 and, by 1944, it was nearly a ghost town. Chloride continues to survive, though, offering travelers en route to or from Las Vegas a unique pit stop thanks to the elaborate rusty metal yard art found around town and artist Roy Purcell’s rock murals.

Other attractions include Cyanide Springs — an Old West town built by locals using lumber from the Golconda Mine, one of the richest mines in the area — and one of the state’s oldest cemeteries. An old gas station surrounded by railway tracks is among the many unique photo ops in the area.

AMADO (POP. 76)

Dropping down into double-digit populations, Amado is a census-designated place nestled in the Santa Cruz River Valley, known as a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Amado’s wide range of ecosystems extends from the rugged peaks and pine forests of the Santa Rita Mountains, named for the patroness of impossible causes, to spring-fed canyons to the Sonoran Desert and Santa Cruz River Valley.

Movie buffs may recognize Amado from the opening sequence of the 1955 film “Oklahoma!,” with Gordon MacRae singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” on horseback by the stalks of corn “as high as an elephant's eye.” A scene in 1974’s “Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore” was also filmed at the Long Horn Grill & Saloon — an iconic restaurant with an entrance in the shape of a large cow skull.

DRAGOON (POP. 33)

You may never have heard of Dragoon, an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Cochise County, but you have likely seen signs

Chloride, AZ // Photo by Robbie Vegas on Instagram (@robbievegas)

Amado, AZ // Photo by Tim Melideo on Instagram (@timmelideo)

Dragoon, AZ // Photo Courtesy of @akilian0744 on Instagram

for its main attraction — The Thing, America's most purposefully mysterious tourist destination.

However, Dragoon’s far more interesting attraction — Rattlesnake Ranch — is nearly as unknown as the community itself. An assortment of large sculptures sits just inside the entrance of the free makeshift, outdoor exhibit. Here, rusty and expertly painted dinosaurs mingle with a giant Gila monster, a wild stallion and a Native American on horseback.

Dragoon also serves as the final resting place of Johnny Ringo — a notorious Wild West outlaw whose death is shrouded in mystery. Today, Ringo’s grave is preserved as a historic site.

SUMMERHAVEN (POP. 26)

Boasting one of the smallest populations in Arizona, the aptly named Summerhaven is a small, unincorporated community and census-designated place on Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.

At one point, Summerhaven had the highest golf links in the world on 50 acres of U.S. Forest Service and private land, with two trout streams running throughout.

Today, in addition to being a respite from the heat, providing picturesque surroundings and offering incredible views via Ski Valley ski lift and the University of Arizona SkyCenter, Summerhaven is also home to the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin — a mountain-top lodge known for its delicious, homemade cookies the size of dinner plates.

Summerhaven, AZ // Photo by Raquel Baranow on Flickr

COMMUNITY

June + July 2023

Through June 3

AN EVENING AT DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

Surrounded by the matchless desert landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Ballet Arizona choreographer Ib Andersen challenges the boundaries of contemporary ballet. See website for prices. Tuesdays–Saturdays 8 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. balletaz.org

Through June 4

CAREFREE RESTAURANT WEEK

Carefree Restaurant Association will host a week-long period of culinary discovery during which diners can explore the cuisine of a multitude of restaurants at a fraction of the cost. Participating restaurants will offer lunch and dinner menus that highlight limited-availability or hyper-seasonal ingredients, allowing diners to experiment with new flavors while chefs and restaurateurs showcase their innovative talents. $18+. See website for participating restaurants. carefreerestaurants.com

Through June 4

‘THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL’ Fountain Hills Theater presents its production of “‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” See website for price and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Through June 30

‘DIVERSION: RECYCLED TEXTILES TO ART’

June 16

ART AFFAIRE

The Finer Arts Gallery will host a special event to showcase its expanded 4,000-square-foot gallery space and celebrate the new, diverse works of its 50 artists. June’s featured artists include pencil artist Dick Mueller, contemporary painter Gail Haire, oil painter Cynthia Eral and oil painters Kathleen and Chuck Eaton. Free. 7–9 p.m. The Finer Arts Gallery, 6137 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2923; thefinerartsgallery.com

Scottsdale Public Art draws attention to the worldwide environmental crisis caused by textile waste with its new exhibition, “Diversion: Recycled Textiles to Art,” which showcases pieces from Arizona-based artists who have created artworks from old, self-sourced clothing and castoff textiles as their major components. These artworks carry their own independent messages while saving a small portion of garment waste from entering landfills. Free. See website for hours. Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. scottsdalepublicart.org

Through June 30

SUBSTANCE OF STARS: MEDITATIONS AND EXPLORATIONS

Heard Museum hosts a pop-up exhibition in partnership with Amangiri — one of the world's finest resorts resting on 900 pristine acres on the border of Utah and Arizona. The exhibition showcases the work of acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steven J. Yazzie (Diné), who grew up not far from the resort in Page. Yazzie draws upon the themes of earth and sky to explore his ancestral landscapes through visually stunning, stimulating and calming videos and photographs. See website for price. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. heard.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through July 8

‘BEN BUTLER’

Don Bluth Front Row Theater presents its production of “Ben Butler.” $30; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Through Aug. 6

‘VISIONS ‘23’

Scottdale Arts Learning and Innovation will host an exhibit that highlights the skills, inspirations and ideas exchanged between students and professional teaching artists over the course of its Visions program. $10+; student, senior, veteran and member discounts available. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleartslearning.org

June 2–11

‘NEXT TO NORMAL’

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its production of “Next to Normal” See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

June 3

‘FANCY MEETING YOU

HERE’

ASU Kerr Cultural Center will host a celebration of the music of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, starring Brian Runbeck and Shana Bousard and featuring Joe Bousard and Scott Hay. $20+. 2 p.m. ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-596-2660; asukerr.com

June 5

LITERATE FOODIE CLUB

Literate Foodie Club will host a discussion of Sheldon Simeon’s “Cook Real Hawaii.” The club’s volunteer cooks will serve a sampling of foods related to the book. $15. Noon. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

June 5–9

DHCSM SUMMER CAMP

Desert Hills Community School of Music will debut its first summer music camp featuring a band instruments workshop for ages 10–17 and a beginning strings workshop for ages 8 and up, including adults. See website for prices. Desert Hills Community School of Music, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale. 480-8697660; deserthillsmusic.org

June 5–July 28

DFT SUMMER CAMPS

Desert Foothills Theater will host a series of summer camps for young performers. Sessions include “The Little Mermaid,” “Encanto,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Greatest Showman” and more. $200+. See website for schedule. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1981; dftheater.org

June 5–Aug. 12

PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY SUMMER

CAMPS

The Phoenix Theatre Company will host a series of summer camps for young performers. See website for price and schedule. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

COMMUNITY

June + July 2023

June 7

PATRICIA L. BROOKS AND EARL GOLDMANN

Desert Foothills Library will host a meet-and-greet with “Sick as My Secrets” and “Intestinal Fortitude” authors Patricia L. Brooks and Earl Goldmann. Free. 3:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

June 7–July 9

‘THE PROM’

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Prom.” See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

June 8

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Klara and the Sun.” Free. 10 a.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

June 9 and 10

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’

Detour Company Theatre will present its production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Free. Friday 7 p.m. Saturday 3 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. detourcompanytheatre.org

June 9 and 10

‘JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH’

PROMUSICA SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra’s executive director, Yvonne Dolby, has announced that she will retire June 30 after a successful 12-year tenure. The organization is, therefore, now searching for a new executive director to work with its talented and dedicated team of musicians and volunteers who are committed to bringing live music to the community; help shape the future of ProMusica Arizona by contributing your organizational skills and leadership; and grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the arts community. promusicaaz.org

Detour Company Theatre will present its production of “James and the Giant Peach.” Free. Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. detourcompanytheatre.org

June 10 and 11

CELEBRATE THE BLUES

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an exploration of the origins of the blues — including Southern delta traditions and big-city electrification — through expressive performances and informative lectures. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

June 12–Aug. 1

FHT SUMMER CAMPS

Fountain Hills Theater will host a series of summer camps for young performers. Sessions include “Legally Blonde: The Musical, Jr.” and “Annie: Kids.” See website for price and schedule. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

June 14

GET LIT BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of Eliza Reid’s “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World.” Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

June 19–July 21

CAMP TALIESIN WEST

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation will host a series of summer camps featuring a variety of themes that encourage K–12 students to delve into architecture, engineering, art and photography. $40+. See website for schedule. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. franklloydwright.org

June 28

MURDER MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of Elly Griffiths’ “The Stranger Diaries.” Free. 1:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

July 4

RED, WHITE AND COOL

Scottsdale will host its 10th annual Independence Day celebration — featuring bull riding, mutton busting, lively games, balloon artists, face painters, a parade of heroes and, of course, fireworks. $20+. 5–9 p.m. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-656-9940; scottsdale4th.com

July 15 and 16

EXPERIENCE FRANCE

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an event that celebrates the music and culture of France. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

COMMUNITY COMMEMORATES CONSERVATION

Desert Foothills Land Trust along with Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April to celebrate the conservation of nearly 30 acres of critical land adjacent to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The town of Cave Creek, Maricopa County and the Desert Foothills Land Trust collaborated to protect this land, ensuring its preservation for future generations. dflt.org

CCheese, wine, whiskey, friendships — there are many things in this world that improve as they age. Unfortunately, our health is not among them.

Although how well you age can be influenced by a number of lifestyle factors over which you have a great deal of control — such as your nutritional status, your physical activity level, your sleep quality and your stress levels — some degenerative processes are simply a natural and inevitable part of the cycle of life.

In recent decades, science and technology have made important inroads in identifying the specific mechanisms of aging at the cellular level, with a significant discovery being the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) — the central redox coenzyme in cellular metabolism.

NAD+ is naturally present in every cell of our bodies and plays a significant role in a number of cellular processes, including the repair of DNA. However, as humans age, we lose about 50% of our NAD+ levels, impeding our body’s ability to repair cells and prevent degenerative health issues.

Additionally, NAD+ plays a key role in our cognitive function. One of the most feared and devastating signs of aging is cognitive decline. Advanced brain disorders — such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — are on the rise, appearing in ever-younger populations and taking a toll on patients and their loved ones.

NAD+ stimulates the neogenesis of neurons to promote brain neuroplasticity and reduce inflammation. It also supports the production of norepinephrine and serotonin — important hormones that help regulate mood, suppress anxiety and promote healthy sleep.

Writer Joseph Airdo // Photography Courtesy The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

MAXIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF NAD+ THERAPY

There are a number of oral supplements on the market to boost NAD+. However, oral supplements must be absorbed in your digestive tract and processed in your liver before entering your circulatory system and finally arriving at your cells. During digestion, supplements are often only partially absorbed; some may even pass right through your digestive tract without ever being broken down.

Therefore, administration via weekly injection is recommended as the most effective and convenient way to deliver the coenzyme directly to your bloodstream, where it can be immediately distributed to cells throughout your body and begin the repair process. The many remarkable anti-aging benefits of NAD+ injection therapy include:

Anti-aging Benefits of NAD+

l Improved cognitive function

l Increased longevity

l Reduced risk of cancer

l Increased basal metabolism

l Reduced insulin resistance

l Decreased inflammation

l Protection of cellular mitochondria

l Improved sleep

l Improved liver function

l Improved hearing and vision

l Improved muscle function and recovery

l Improved immune system

THE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE HEALING & WELLNESS

Growing in popularity among celebrities, athletes and health-conscious people who want to maintain youthful robust health for decades on end, NAD+ injection therapy is offered locally at The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness — a spa-like clinic staffed by professional clinicians who guide patients through their treatment so they can keep living the life they love.

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness offers 100mg NAD+ subcutaneous injections with four convenient and easy-to-use, ready-to-administer prefilled syringes delivered directly to patients each month. The clinic works exclusively with a 503A licensed and accredited pharmacy to ensure the highest quality and safety of NAD+.

The clinic’s expert staff instructs and guides patients through the process of injecting the coenzyme once a week in the morning to increase their energy and longevity. Injections offer excellent absorption and the beneficial effects are generally noticed very quickly. The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness also offers concierge high-dose IV NAD+ treatment in the comfort of its clinic for those who have health issues that may benefit from a more rapid restoration of NAD+ levels.

Contact The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness to inquire about NAD+ injection therapy and stop aging in its tracks today!

Dr. Fabio Almeida M.D. ABIOM, ABNM, ABOM Medical Director Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

TThere is no doubt that Arizona is one of the most photogenic areas on the entire planet. Between our sensational sunsets over our majestic mountain vistas and our statuesque saguaros, it is exceptionally easy to make our out-ofstate friends, family and followers ridiculously jealous on social media.

However, if you really want to go viral, here are ten Arizona landmarks that best showcase our state’s impressive pageantry.

OLD FOSSIL CREEK DAM

Though it may be the site nearest to the Valley on our list of Instagrammable places around Arizona, access to Old Fossil Creek Dam requires a physically demanding 5-mile desert hike one way into a 1,500-foot-deep canyon via Fossil Springs Trail in Strawberry.

Old Fossil Creek Dam

One of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in Arizona, Fossil Creek is fed by springs coming from the cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. More than 30 million gallons of water are discharged each day at a constant 70 degrees while high mineral content leaves travertine dams and deposits, giving rise to fossil-like features.

Affectionately dubbed “The Toilet Bowl” due to a round slide on the side of the river that will spin a diver around and out into the main pool from the base of the falls, Old Fossil Creek Dam offers much more than just a pretty backdrop for photos. There is even a shallow cave from which swimmers can hide from the sun before embarking on the even more strenuous hike back out of the canyon.

DEVIL'S BRIDGE

The largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge is surrounded by the stunning red rocks for which the area is famous and accessed via a relatively short 1.8-mile roundtrip hike.

However, with ease comes crowds, so the actual distance you have to hike from your parking spot may vary and you will likely have to wait in line for a chance to take that iconic picture of your travel companion walking across the 54-foot-tall and 45-foot-long bridge.

Though you may feel pressure to pose and move on, remember to pause momentarily to look around at the radiant landscape. As with any of the locations on this list, an impressive post on social media is merely an added benefit. The true reward comes with being present in the moment and appreciating all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Devil's Bridge // Photo by Loralei Lazurek

Birthing Cave // Photo by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash

Cape Royal //

Photo by Chris Larson on Flickr

BIRTHING CAVE

While in Sedona, you may as well double down on your quest to capture picture perfection with the area’s other highly Instagrammable landmark. To reach the Birthing Cave, park and begin your roughly 2-mile roundtrip hike at either the Long Canyon or Mescal trailheads.

At the fork in the trail where a wooden fence sits, turn left onto an unmarked narrower trail. You will soon see a heart-shaped depression in the cliffs and be ready to snap your second Sedona stunner. Carefully climb the smooth slickrock walls of the cave to get one of the most breathtaking views in all of Arizona.

Have your travel companion capture the moment on camera and impress your followers with what could easily be mistaken for a production still from “Jurassic Park.”

YAKI POINT

No list of Arizona’s most Instagrammable places would be complete without our state’s most famous landmark — the Grand Canyon. On the South Rim, Yaki Point is the ideal overlook to enjoy a sunrise or sunset, providing jawdropping views of the dramatic and vivid color changes.

Public parking access is prohibited so, to get there, you will need to board a free Grand Canyon South Rim Shuttle Bus. Adventurers may alternatively opt to rent a mountain bike and ride it along a spectacularly scenic 12-mile roundtrip trail.

When caught in sidelighting, a photo taken from Yaki Point provides a fine perspective of the massive formations within the canyon and the distant North Rim — which is, coincidentally, the next stop on our journey.

CAPE ROYAL

On the North Rim, Cape Royal provides the widest panorama of any Grand Canyon overlook, revealing stunning colors, deep gorges and towering buttes. Dominating the landscape to the southwest is Wotans Throne — a 7,721foot summit that is sure to impress your Instagram followers.

Among the other notable sights visible from Cape Royal is Vishnu Temple to the southeast as well as Horseshoe Mesa and the Grandview area of the South Rim in the distance. Nearby Angel’s Window — a picturesque arch high on the limestone wall that beautifully frames the Colorado River — is another notable landmark that makes the photographic possibilities of this spot seemingly endless.

Accessing Cape Royal requires a 23-mile drive along a road whose speed limit is mostly 35 mph; so bring a dose of patience, enjoy the scenery and stop at Point Imperial, Vista Encantada, Roosevelt Point and Walhalla Overlook on the way to capture some supplemental shots.

MOONEY FALLS

Deep inside the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon, Mooney Falls is the highest and perhaps most spectacular of the five waterfalls that have made passes to visit the Havasupai Indian Reservation one of the most highly coveted items among adventure-seekers.

Havasu Creek’s waters plunge nearly 200 feet off Mooney Falls, providing quite possibly the most magnificent backdrop on this list. However, as if the sight alone were not impressive enough, the story of how you got there — which involves a semi-technical downclimb using bolts, ladders and chains — adds to the exclusivity and awe of this particular shot.

Yaki Point // Photos by Bruce E. Moore

Hike, wade and bushwack 3.5 miles downstream to the extremely secluded Beaver Falls or climb back up to explore the more easily accessible Havasu Falls, Lil’ Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls — the turquoise waters of which will make your followers green with envy.

ANTELOPE CANYON

Located on private land within the Navajo Nation in Page, guided tours are required to visit Antelope Canyon — which, named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area, immerses visitors in the swirling embrace of sandstone walls that have been shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion.

Plan ahead to arrive midday March through October, when the position of the sun creates light shafts that reach the canyon floor and illuminates the pink, red, orange and gold patterns on the canyon walls.

Because it is shaped like an upside-down “V,” narrow at the top and wide at the base, Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to walk through and more photogenic therefore more popular than Lower Antelope Canyon. However, many visitors claim that the latter is more fun, with narrow passageways to squeeze through and ladders to climb.

Antelope Canyon //

Photo by Noel Reinhold on Flickr

Mooney Falls // Photo Courtesy of Joseph J. Airdo

HORSESHOE BEND

While Antelope Canyon is best experienced and photographed midday, its neighboring landmark Horseshoe Bend looks most impressive at sunrise and sunset. Below the rim, the Colorado River makes a wide sweep around a sandstone escarpment, creating a roughly 1,000-foot-deep, 270-degree, horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.

There is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the overlook over a hardened path. This — combined with recent exposure on social media — has made Horseshoe Bend one of the most popular tourist destinations in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, drawing more than 2 million visitors each year.

However, between the tranquil turquoise waters gently flowing below and the remarkably vibrant colors of the canyon and distant horizon, you will have no trouble tuning out the crowd, finding your zen and capturing the perfect shot of an iconic Arizona landmark.

THE WAVE

The most exclusive landmark on our list, The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah-Arizona border. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management issues just 64 permits — selected via a lottery — to visit the stunning sandstone rock formation per day.

Needless to say, demand to experience what has been dubbed the premier photographic destination in the U.S. Southwest far exceeds the supply. And as if the difficulty obtaining a permit did not make visiting The Wave challenging enough, you

Horseshoe Bend // Photo by Drif Riadh on Unsplash

will need to hike three miles through the unmarked desert — guided only by a vague map of visible landmarks — in order to get there.

However, once there, you will be mesmerized by the trippy rock formation’s smooth, flowing shape and striking red and yellow stripes that prove that Mother Nature is the greatest artist of all. With its swirling layers and undulating forms, The Wave is not only an Instagrammable site but also a geological wonder 190 million years in the making.

FORREST GUMP POINT

It is only appropriate that we conclude our road trip in the place where Forrest Gump ended his ultra-ultra marathon of more than 15,000 miles in the eponymous movie starring Tom Hanks.

With the majestic Monument Valley as a backdrop, this spot on Route 163 at mile marker 13 near the Arizona-Utah border is extremely wellknown among fans of that 1994 film. Though one could argue that there are many remarkable vantage points of Monument Valley, this one has become one of the most iconic and frequently photographed — and for good reason.

In addition to being an instantly recognizable piece of cinematic history, it also offers one of the most spectacular and archetypal views of the entire American Southwest, accentuated by Monument Valley’s gorgeous crimson mesas and towering sandstone buttes in the distance.

The Wave // Photo by Gert Boers on Unsplash

Forrest Gump Point

// Photo by Dave Cox and Sammi Chicken on Instagram (@sammichicken)

WWith apologies to Sly and the Family Stone, “hot fun in the summertime” seems a bit of an oxymoron in Arizona. You might think the only way to truly experience fun during our summers is to get out of town, lest you end up scorched like an overcharred kabob on the barbecue.

Not so! In fact, there are a lot of cool things to do around these parts — for both kids and adults. We’ve sleuthed out a selection of local entertainment options to help you beat the heat this summer.

SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

Scottsdale joins the ranks of steamy locales like Cairo, Dubai and Zagreb with its new

Museum of Illusions at the Arizona Boardwalk. Visitors can peruse more than 60 interactive exhibits at their own pace. The friendly staff is on hand to help with setting up trick photography shots that make subjects look like they’re hanging off a balcony, defying gravity or appearing abnormally tall or short, among other Instagrammable set-ups.

“Museum of Illusions welcomes guests to experience mind-bending fun all summer long,” says Stacy Stec, director of sales and marketing at LOL Entertainment. “This is a place for children of all ages. The magic of these exhibits brings out the ‘wow’ factor in everyone.”

The museum bills its exhibits as an“edutainment” experience. Stec says the Vortex Tunnel, which appears to spin as you walk through, is particularly popular. There are also plenty of puzzles to solve. The museum plans to roll out back-to-school specials in August.

moiscottsdale.com

DRUNK SHAKESPEARE

What began in 2014 as an Off-Broadway tipsy celebration of the Bard in New York City has made its way to Phoenix. Often hailed as a “Live-Action Drunk History,” the show, for ages 21 and up, is different every night depending on who’s drinking and their choice of tipple.

Five professional actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society;” one actor is chosen to down five shots and then perform a major role in one of Shakespeare’s plays. The task of the remaining four sober actors is to stick to the script and keep the story on track. Hilarity and mayhem ensue.

Writer Shannon Severson

Photo Courtesy of Drunk Shakespeare

Photo by Tim Fuchs

Photos by Dana Gibbons Photography

“We have been overwhelmed with an incredibly positive response from Phoenix audiences,” says Dakota Reider, the production’s national marketing manager. “[People] often comment about our intimate, speakeasy vibes, great cocktails and the show being one of the most hilarious and unique pieces of theater they have ever seen. We’ve had patrons see the show over five times who still plan on coming back again.”

The show gets great reviews with many audience members commenting that they can’t recall ever having laughed so much, pointing out that the show is great for those who love Shakespeare or those who wouldn’t know “Macbeth” from “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Performances take place at The Rose Theatre at Arizona Center, where craft cocktails are available for purchase by attendees. Drunk Shakespeare has experienced so much success that the show schedule is being expanded to meet demand. Shows often sell out quickly, so purchasing tickets early is recommended.

drunkshakespeare.com

POPSTROKE

Miniature golf goes grand at this new Tiger Woods-owned venue at Westgate in Glendale. While the two Woods-designed 18-hole courses are admittedly outdoors, there are fans and a misting system installed throughout the courses and at the indoor/outdoor restaurant and indoor ice cream parlor where customers can order scoops or over-the-top milkshake creations. There’s also a shaded playground and outdoor yard games.

The courses themselves mimic traditional golf courses with fairways, bunkers, contouring and, on the “Tiger Red” course, some tricky hole locations, attracting those looking for

a challenge. The “Tiger Black” course is great for beginners and kids.

Woods, who has recounted spending time with his “pops” on the golf course as among his happiest memories, has expressed excitement about the possibilities in the Phoenix market.

“I am thrilled to have PopStroke expand into Arizona,” he states. “PopStoke is a fun way for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy time with family and friends.”

Founder Greg Bartoli concurs and cites the Phoenix-Metro area as an existing world-class golf destination where the “growing mix of families, retirees and young professionals” will enjoy this style of family entertainment.

Something other than star power makes PopStroke different — its use of technology. A mobile app features a virtual scorecard that transmits scores to a giant leaderboard, connects players to on-course cocktail and drink delivery, adds up loyalty rewards points and there will soon be an electronic “iPutt” ball that transmits scores electronically, allowing players to compete against each other in a new way.

Currently, duffers get to keep their TaylorMade ball as a souvenir at the end of their playing time and, instead of paying by the round, fees are good for as many rounds in a day as desired. A Scottsdale location is also planned.

popstroke.com

JADE & CLOVER

Succulents are having a moment. They’ve got texture, color and style when artfully arranged. Guests can get their garden on at Jade & Clover, a family-owned Arcadia shop and plant bar known for its picturesque living wall of these sculptural, drought-resistant plants.

Photos by Katie Crow

“We help you create your own, oneof-a-kind terrarium,” says Frank Ruggeberg, who opened Jade & Clover with his sister, Giselle, in 2016. “It’s like Build-A-Bear but for succulents.”

The charming shop has multiple rooms filled with gift items, plants for sale and a rainbow-hued array of plant containers in every shape and size. Once a preferred planter is selected, there is a wall of succulents to choose from — large and small, tall and short, smooth and spiky. Next, the store’s staff provides direction on how to plant and care for the finished product.

Patrons can let their creativity guide them with colorful and often whimsical choices of sand, rocks, plants and small decorative accessories to individualize their creations. What terrarium would be complete without a mini disco ball or a tiny animal figurine?

“Our motto is plants, gifts and good vibes, which we really try to emulate when interacting with all our guests,” Giselle says. “We try to make sure everyone has the most outstanding experience possible. I think that’s why people want to come back and host parties of their own here. It’s a great way to beat the heat this summer and experience it with your loved ones.”

Jade & Clover offers a variety of classes and also has a mobile component if you’d rather host a terrarium-building event in your own home or office.

jadeandclover.com

Photos Courtesy of Impact Museums

‘LEONARDO: THE UNIVERSAL MAN’

Immersive art experiences continue to attract audiences and summer seems like the perfect season to sneak a little education into your air-conditioned entertainment. As perhaps the most well-known of the Renaissance masters, Leonardo DaVinci contributed greatly to the spheres of art, science, math, architecture, philosophy and invention.

“Leonardo: The Universal Man” is the latest icon to be celebrated at Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix in Old Town Scottsdale. The artist’s “Vitruvian Man,” circa 1485, is first to greet visitors in the form of a photo opportunity.

Once inside the cavernous display space, DaVinci’s life and work are divided into five floor-to-ceiling displays that detail the Italian legend’s life, sketches, journal entries and art using cutting-edge projection technology featuring animated and kaleidoscopic treatments and music. The Mona Lisa (1503) and The Last Supper (1492) also make an appearance along with current interpretations of his drawings and creations.

“We have always admired Leonardo da Vinci as an artist,” says Carlo Ruijgers, who co-founded TWOFIFTYK, the company that created the concept for the exhibit. “Not only because of his paintings but mostly for his never-ending curiosity and drive to learn more about how the world we live in works and how we can use these elements to create new things. Looking back on his life and what he has accomplished it is amazing to see how far ahead he was for his time on so many levels.”

immersiveleonardo.com

TTwo summers ago, Images Arizona showcased a selection of Cassell Archinuk’s photography that invited viewers to see themselves down the road. The intention was to beckon you, our readers, to visualize and embark on venturesome road trips of your own. After all, as any adventurer will tell you, the journey itself is oftentimes more memorable than anything experienced at the destination.

The response was remarkable. So, naturally, we just couldn’t wait to get on the road again.

“I think what is unique about Arizona’s roads is the fact that it does not take long for the scenery to change,” Archinuk says. “If you are in the Southwest, you will see the desert and cacti along your drive.

“Only two-and-a-half hours north, you have majestic mountains — like the San Francisco peaks in Flagstaff along with snow and skiing in the winter. Along the east, you get the Mogollon Rim with forests and lakes where you can camp and fish. Not to mention one of my favorite Arizona places — Sedona, with its stunning red rocks that surround the town.”

With this special summer edition’s photo essay, Images Arizona is again hoping to call our readers to the open road in search of adventure, wonder, amazement and — most of all — fun.

And this time, we want to see where that road takes you. Send photos of your Arizona expeditions to images@imagesaz.com or tag #imagesaz on Instagram for possible publication in the second of our special summer issues!

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Cassell Archinuk

HAPPY TRAILS

Since we last spoke with Cassell Archinuk, the photographer has been able to fulfill one of her bucket list dreams — hiking to the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon.

“I had been trying to get a permit there for the last seven years,” she says. “With the area being closed for the past two, this was the first year they reopened since the COVID shutdown. I was able to get on the cancellation list and snag a permit for mid-February. The waterfalls were beyond beautiful and the whole experience — from camping to hiking to just being there — was surreal for me and one I will never forget.”

Archinuk has, of course, also embarked on a few out-of-state adventures.

“This past year, I did an amazing summer hike at Mt. Rainier in Washington,” she says. “It was really amazing to see all of the colorful summer flowers, yet snow on the mountain where we were hiking.

“In the fall, I took a road trip to Durango and Telluride in Colorado to catch the last of the fall leaves — which were spectacular with the gorgeous mountains there. The Million Dollar Highway to Silverton and Ouray was definitely thrilling, as the elevation gets up to 11,200 feet and there is not much of a shoulder on these roads. But the mountains and views there make it worth driving. You just need to keep your eyes on the road.

“I also did a road trip in January to Moab and was pretty excited to see snow among the arches and red rock at Arches National Park. It was a great time to be there because the crowds were at a minimum during that time.”

As for the road ahead, Archinuk is looking into traveling to Iceland — another one of her bucket list dreams. She is also planning to explore areas around Page, such as White Pocket and the Vermillion Cliffs.

Arizona has a lot of history and there are many places that still tell their stories — from ghost and western towns to Indian ruins. One year, I visited 13 Indian ruins and had a blast learning about how these people lived here so long ago. You learn so much by visiting these places. Cassell Archinuk

I am one to stop a lot along the way if there are interesting things to see. I guess that comes with being a landscape photographer. Cassell Archinuk

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My favorite season in Arizona is spring, because of the variety of wildflowers that line the roads — including the highways. Sometimes, there is a super bloom and so many places in the desert have poppies and other flowers scattered throughout, which makes for interesting hikes and Sunday drives. Cassell Archinuk

About the Photographer

About nine years ago, Cassell Archinuk started taking photos on her new smartphone while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. She was mesmerized by the remarkable rock formations and found herself exploring a variety of different angles through the lens of the camera on her smartphone.

Archinuk had always been an avid hiker and loved spending time outdoors but never really considered herself a photography enthusiast. But as she began experimenting, her interest in the art form intensified.

One year later, Archinuk purchased a Nikon camera and continued experimenting. A few online tutorials and a lot of trial and error later, she founded Cassy Arch Photography.

“I am a passionate photographer who loves to capture landscapes, nature and people with gorgeous scenic backgrounds,” Archinuk says. “I love nature and the outdoors as it provides a sense of peace, balance and beauty. I also love to capture the feeling and emotion of the love between two people, family joy and many other portrait scenarios.”

Archinuk believes that her former career in cosmetology gifted her with an ability to visualize end results — a very advantageous tool when it comes to photography.

“I specialize in natural light photography and use that to bring the ‘wow’ factor into a photo,” she adds. “I feel like that is one thing that sets me apart because I understand the surrounding landscapes and how to best use this natural light to accentuate the photos In the best possible way.

“Arizona and the Southwest are a favorite to photograph with so much diversity it has to offer, but I have loved capturing the mountains and beaches as well. From weddings, elopements and engagements, you cannot go wrong with such a variety of backgrounds to choose from.”

cassyarchphotography.com

thepaintedlens.com

instagram.com/cassyarchphotography

RRoute 66. The name alone conjures up myriad images and memories: of wide-open spaces where the blacktop stretches for miles into the horizon; of neon signs and quirky roadside motels; of a time when cars were king and the highway was seen as a symbol of adventure and independence.

Route 66 was freedom. Route 66 was America.

Starting in Chicago and cutting across 2,448 miles, three time zones and eight states — Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California — Route 66 was one of the country’s first continuous spans of paved highway linking East and West.

Seligman, AZ

By Rebecca L. Rhoades

The fabled thoroughfare had its official beginnings more than a century ago. In the early 1900s, Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery, “The Father of Route 66,” saw a need for better roads through his state and across the nation. At the time, what was to become the country’s most famous road was nothing more than a series of dirt and gravel auto trails.

As the chairman of his state’s highway commission, Avery helped lay out a system of numbered highways. Originally named U.S. 60, it was later dubbed 66 — because roads that ended in multiples of 10 were transcontinental and because

From all of these, the people are in flight, and they come into 66 from the tributary side roads, from the wagon tracks and the rutted country roads. 66 is the mother road, the road of flight.

John Steinbeck

// Photography by Dave Pisani

Kingman, AZ

Oatman, AZ

Avery noted that 66 was more phonetically pleasing. The route was approved in 1926 — and Avery coined it “Main Street of America.”

It wasn’t until after the Great Depression and World War II, however, that Route 66 saw its heyday. A promotion by the U.S. 66 Highway Association advertised it as “the shortest, best and most scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles.”

Thousands of travelers journeyed along the road — from postwar families making westward migrations to vacationers in candycolored vehicles intent on exploring our national parks and the Wild West. Businesses also sprouted up alongside the highway, from motor courts, cafes and tourist attractions to filling stations, souvenir shops and drive-in theaters. Cities along or near its path thrived.

John Steinbeck immortalized Route 66 in his famous 1939 novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.” In the epic tale of the Great Depression, he bestowed upon the highway the sobriquet “The Mother Road.”

He wrote, “66 — the long concrete path across the country, waving gently up and down on the map, from Mississippi to Bakersfield … Holbrook and Winslow and Flagstaff in the high mountains of Arizona. Then the great plateau rolling like a ground swell. Ashfork and Kingman and stone mountains again, where water must be hauled and sold. … From all of these, the people are in flight, and they come into 66 from the tributary side roads, from the wagon tracks and the rutted country roads. 66 is the mother road, the road of flight.”

In 1946, it entered the popular lexicon, thanks to the release of “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” Written by Bobby Troup and sung by Nat “King” Cole, the musical tribute captured America’s love affair with the road. “If you ever plan to motor west / Travel my way, take the highway that’s best. / Get your kicks on Route sixty-six!”

Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last. In 1956, the Federal Aid Highway Act brought about the development of the national interstate and defense highway system. Modern multilane divided highways bypassed the small towns along Route 66.

By 1970, most of the route was replaced by five interstates, and the areas that once relied on The Mother Road’s traffic began to decline. The last town to be bypassed in 1984 was Williams, Arizona. At that point in time, Route 66 no longer existed officially.

One man in the tiny town of Seligman, however, refused to let the road die.

Angel Delgadillo, the now 96-year-old retired barber, saw how the loss of Route 66 affected his hometown. During its peak, upward of 9,000 cars a day rumbled through Seligman. But when Interstate 40 opened to the south, the main drag fell quiet.

After watching business after business close down, Delgadillo decided to take action. He formed the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona — its headquarters were in his barbershop — and lobbied to get part of the road designated as a historic highway. His work served as a blueprint for other states to follow. And Delgadillo became known as the “guardian angel of Route 66.”

In 1990, Congress recognized that Route 66 had “become a symbol of the American people’s heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life.”

Today, The Mother Road is full of brightly colored, eye-catching retro attractions that recall the route’s glory years. Nowhere is that more visible — and easily accessible — than along its stretch across the Grand Canyon State.

Here are some of the most memorable stops along Arizona’s Historic Route 66, traveling from West to East.

OATMAN — A LIVING GHOST TOWN

The most frontier-themed of Arizona’s Route 66 destinations, this former gold mining town located high in the Black Mountains is chockfull of old-timey buildings, cluttered souvenir shops and plank sidewalks. Getting here is not for the faint of heart. The road to Oatman is very narrow with several sharp hairpin curves as it climbs through the rocky landscape.

On the weekends, Wild West gunfights are staged in the center of town, but the main attraction is the area’s herds of wild burros. These friendly pack animals are the descendants of burros brought here by the miners in the late 1800s.

Today, there are more burros in Oatman than there are residents. Each morning, they come into town to greet tourists, who delight in feeding them pellets that are available for sale at many shops along the main strip.

Kingman, AZ

Kingman, AZ

Hackberry, AZ

KINGMAN — EMBRACING HISTORY

Kingman might not offer the originality of Oatman or the retro flash of Seligman, but it’s a great place to learn about the storied highway.

The town’s motto is “The Heart of Historic Route 66,” and the Route 66 Museum at the visitor’s center offers one of the most comprehensive histories of the road. While you’re there, don’t forget to get a photo under the giant drive-thru Route 66 shield — especially if you’re in a classic automobile.

Directly across the street is Locomotive Park, home to a 1928 locomotive that kids can explore. And rail fans also will enjoy the Kingman Railroad Museum, housed in the town’s historic train depot.

About 25 minutes east of town, at the former Kozy Corner Trailer Court, is one of the route’s more unusual attractions. Giganticus Headicus is a bright green 14-foot-tall Tiki-/Easter Island-style head created by local artist Gregg Arnold. The property also showcases several vintage cars, old gas pumps and more of Arnold’s eccentric artworks.

Eat: Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner has all the nostalgia and ambience of a bygone era. You can’t miss the bright turquoise-and-pink facade and vintage automobiles. Inside is loaded with midcentury touches, including a checkered floor and plenty of Elvis and Marilyn decor. Try the homemade root beer or one of the more than two dozen milkshake flavors.

Seligman, AZ

Seligma, AZ

Seligman, AZ

Hackberry, AZ

HACKBERRY — A PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM

Located midway between Kingman and Seligman, this small village is known for the Hackberry General Store, a popular tourist attraction thanks to its collection of vintage cars and Route 66 Americana.

Nicknamed the “Mother Lode of Mother Road Memorabilia,” the store is home to a plethora of antique gas pumps, hundreds of classic signs, neon and cow skulls. The interior serves as a museum, complete with a midcentury diner, as well as a souvenir shop. No matter how many times you stop by, there’s always something new to see.

SELIGMAN — THE BIRTHPLACE OF HISTORIC ROUTE 66

This tiny town is one of the road’s most colorful and photogenic stops. Packed into a quarter mile are historic businesses, eye-popping signage, junk shops and oddball emporiums, and classic automobiles in various stages of rust and decay.

Stop by Seligman Sundries for photos of old cars decorated to resemble the characters in Disney-Pixar’s “Cars,” which was inspired by many of Arizona’s Route 66 locations. And you can’t miss the weirdly wacky Rusty Bolt gift shop, where a crowd of questionablelooking mannequins stand guard on the roof.

A must-see is Angel Delgadillo’s world-famous gift and barber shop, where the man responsible for the revitalization of The Mother Road worked until his retirement in 2022. Here you will find just about every type of Route 66 souvenir you can imagine, from magnets, keychains and shot glasses, to clothing, books and music CDs.

Eat: Built in 1953 by the late Juan Delgadillo, Angel’s younger brother, the colorful, kitschy Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In managed to survive the rise, fall and rebirth of Route 66 and remains one of the town’s most notable attractions. Enjoy classic diner food, such as burgers, hot dogs and burritos, or sip on a homemade milkshake while exploring the vintage cars, memorabilia and artwork displayed throughout the property.

Flagstaff, AZ // Photo Courtesy of Practice Hospitality

Williams, AZ

Williams, AZ

Williams, AZ

Williams,

WILLIAMS — GATEWAY TO THE GRAND CANYON

Located in Kaibab National Forest, Williams is the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway. Each year, more than 200,000 visitors depart from the mountain town to the canyon’s south rim, while thousands more come to view the vintage gas station museums, historic train cars, renovated motor lodges and replica Old West village. Today, Williams’ main street is a National Historic District.

Located on the outskirts of town, Bearizona is home to bears, wolves, wild cats, bison, elk, javelina and many other North American wild animals. Drive- and walk-through tours are available. And new since 2022, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park offers a 1-mile-long coaster that speeds guests down the mountain at upward of 27 mph.

Stay: With almost 300 rooms, and one of the area’s only indoor pools, the AAA 3-star Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is one of the most luxurious stays along Route 66. Book a package that includes a trip on the historic train.

Eat: Located a block away from the Grand Canyon Railway depot and hotel, and open early to accommodate passengers, Pine Country Restaurant is known for its generous portions of American cuisine. Don’t forget to leave room for a delicious slice of homemade pie.

FLAGSTAFF — A MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

Home to Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is the largest town along Arizona’s Route 66. It’s also the world’s first International Dark Sky Community. While you won’t find the collections of neon and rusty cars, there are still plenty of sites to see,

including numerous historic buildings and colorful Route 66 murals.

Flagstaff boasts a flourishing restaurant and craft beer scene. Quench your thirst at Mother Road Brewing Co. or dine at one of the city’s James Beard Awardnominated establishments before heading east toward Winslow and stopping at Twin Arrows, Two Guns and Meteor Crater Natural Landmark.

Popular attractions during the golden age of Route 66, Twin Arrows, a former trading post, and Two Guns, once a small town complete with a gas station, lodging, swimming pool and zoo, are now crumbling reminders of the road’s past. The decrepit buildings are covered in colorful graffiti, while remains of the zoo’s mountain lion exhibit are a popular photo attraction.

Meteor Crater is located about 25 miles off Route 66, but it’s worth the detour. The massive crater is the site of a meteor impact that occurred about 50,000 years ago. Don’t miss the now-abandoned dome-shaped Meteor City Trading Post, which served as inspiration for Fillmore’s house in “Cars.”

Stay: Built in 1962 and reopened in July, the pet-friendly Americana Motor Lodge offers nostalgic travelers the chance to step back in time. Eightynine rooms feature a retro-futuristic vibe, with wood-paneled walls, disco balls and boldly patterned carpets.

Also finding new life is High Country Motor Lodge, a former roadside motel that’s been transformed into luxurious boutique stay. It opened in May 2022. Rustic elements combine with midcentury-inspired fixtures and furnishings for an elevated-yet-casual experience.

Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ

WINSLOW — STANDIN’ ON A CORNER

Even if you’ve never been to this small town about 60 miles east of Flagstaff, you’ve definitely heard of it. The former railroad stop was made famous by the Eagles’ 1972 hit song, “Take It Easy.” The lyrics put the city on the map. “I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona / And such a fine sight to see.”

The city capitalized on the song in 1999 by creating the “Standin’ on a Corner Park,” which features a mural depicting a flatbed truck and an eagle, as well as a bronze statue that resembles songwriter Jackson Browne. A massive Route 66 marker dominates the intersection. Just outside of town is Homolovi State Park, which contains hundreds of petroglyphs as well as the ruins of ancient Anasazi and Hopi pueblos.

Stay: Designed by Mary Colter, who also created a series of buildings at the Grand Canyon, the landmark La Posada is considered the architect’s masterpiece. Closed to the public in 1957 and later nearly demolished, it was restored to its former glory in the late 1990s. The hacienda-style hotel sits on 12 acres of lush gardens — a true oasis in the desert.

Eat: Winslow offers a selection of casual dining options, but the Turquoise Room at La Posada is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Saltillo flooring, stained glass windows, custom tin-and-glass chandeliers and turquoise ceiling beams lend a warm, comfortable feel to the space. And the menu celebrates regional Southwestern and Native American dishes and ingredients.

Holbrook, AZ

Holbrook, AZ

Holbrook, AZ

Holbrook, AZ

HOLBROOK — A TRIP INTO THE TRIASSIC PERIOD

Once known as “the town too tough for women and churches” and where streets have names like “Bucket of Blood,” Holbrook nowadays is the perfect home base for a day trip to Petrified National Forest, the only national park bisected by Route 66. Almost 350 square miles of otherworldly landscapes are filled with vividly hued formations, petroglyphs, colossal fossilized trees and an array of wildlife.

Next, head into town and stop at one of the many “rock shops” for your own piece of geological history. Not sure where to go? Just look for the angry T. Rex or bright green brontosaurus. Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co. and the Rainbow Rock Shop are two of the town’s most photographed sites thanks to the herds of giant concrete dinosaur statues that attract visitors. The Painted Desert Indian Center, located just outside of the park, also is home to some hulking roadside reptiles.

Stay: The Wigwam Village Motel No. 6 is one the most iconic attractions along the entire nationwide stretch of The Mother Road — and a night here is a must-do for any Route 66 aficionado. At one time, there were seven Wigwam villages across the country. Today, only three remain. The tiny rooms feature two twin beds and a small bathroom and shower.

FFive Cs played an important role in Arizona’s development. Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate were the driving force behind the state’s economy. In Graham County, however, another C — chile peppers — has been attracting visitors to the tiny agricultural towns along U.S. 70 for more than 15 years.

The county in southeastern Arizona, just a short drive north of the Mexican border, is home to one of the state’s most delicious attractions: the Salsa Trail.

The trail comprises a collection of restaurants that pride themselves on their unique chilebased sauces. Bowls of zesty salsa are found on dining tables morning, noon and night. And no two concoctions are alike. There’s smooth, spicy salsa; intense green sauce; chunky onion-forward pico de gallo.

“We celebrate salsa,” says Vance Bryce, executive director of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce. “We put it on everything — tacos, enchiladas, burritos, whatever. And you don’t find it only in our restaurants. We all make it at home, as well.

“Every family in this area has their own recipe. I have an aunt who makes a chunky cilantroheavy salsa. She also has a really nice cream tomatillo salsa. And everyone has a brother or brotherin-law who makes the spiciest sauce they’ve ever tasted.”

We celebrate salsa. We put it on everything — tacos, enchiladas, burritos, whatever. And you don’t find it only in our restaurants. We all make it at home, as well.

Vance Bryce

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

The Salsa Trail was born in Safford in 2005, when former chamber director Sheldon Miller and local residents Jerome and Susie Thompson sought a way to market the region’s Mexican restaurants and bring people into town. Part of their initiative was the creation of SalsaFest, a now-annual fall festival devoted to the piquant pepper sauce.

“One thing that this community does well is it comes out for different types of events, and the Salsa Trail can be included in those events,” says Safford city manager John Cassella. “It also draws people in from outside of the area. We have a lot of high-quality restaurants that make their own salsa.”

Bryce adds, “There’s a lot you can do with some chiles, tomatoes, onions, cumin and garlic. You have some salsas that are so smooth that they’re almost a sauce, while others are so chunky that they could be a garnish.”

WHAT IS SALSA?

Most people associate the popular condiment with Mexican cuisine, and its roots can be traced back to the ancient Aztecs, Incas and Mayans who created their own salsa using tomatoes, chilies and squash seeds. But it wasn’t until the Spanish conquered Mexico in the 1500s that the sauce became known worldwide. In fact, it was a Spanish priest by the name of Alonso de Molina who in 1571 deemed the mixture “salsa,” which simply means sauce.

Today, salsa most commonly is thought of in the U.S. as a popular accompaniment for tortilla chips. In Hispanic cultures, though, is it a must-have ingredient for just about every meal. “Salsa de mesa,” or table salsa, is a basic tomato-based red salsa that can be found on every table in every home. It’s perfect for topping tacos and other Mexican dishes, but it’s also used on eggs, meat, fish and even grilled vegetables.

Because the ingredients in salsas vary due to seasonal availability or simply personal taste preference, there’s a salsa for everyone.

Red salsa (salsa roja) is a sauce made with cooked tomatoes, onion, garlic and hot peppers. Green salsa (salsa verde) typically is made with tomatillos for a more tart flavor, although it sometimes can be made

Only a human can get to know you and your needs. That’s why, for over 80 years, we’ve built relationships first and plans second. Contact me today and let’s start protecting your future the right way.

with tongue-burning green chiles. Fresh salsa (salsa fresca) or pico de gallo is a chunky mixture of chopped ingredients, including jalapenos. And then there are sweet salsas made with mango, pineapple and other tropical fruits.

SAVORING THE SALSA TRAIL

Restaurants that are involved in the trail belong to the Graham County Chamber, and over the years, the number of participants has fluctuated. Currently, eight restaurants are on the trail. Surprisingly, not all focus on Mexican cuisine.

Start your salsa adventure at La Unica Tortilleria Toaqueria in Willcox. The perfectly blended salsa has a nice bite but is not too hot, and it’s served with a basket of crisp tortilla chips. The restaurant is known for its Molcajetes — heaping servings of vegetables, steak, chicken or shrimp served in a traditional molcajete, or stone mortar. If you’re getting an early start, the menu offers a selection of traditional egg-based breakfast items, including huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos.

Next, head to Safford, where the majority of restaurants are located. Two longtime Salsa Trail participants, El Charro and El Coronado, sit within blocks of each other on Main Street. El Coronado is an old-school diner that serves traditional Mexican food, while El Charro is a large family-style restaurant housed in an 1890 building. Its recipes have been handed down from owner to owner since the eatery first opened in the 1950s.

Thomas Biggs is the current proprietor. He purchased the restaurant in 2013.

“Everybody has different kinds of salsas,” he explains. “We've got one that's a little bit spicy. It’s filled with jalapeño, habanero and chiltepin chilies. Then the other one is a bit more mild and a little bit chunkier. As far as I know, we're the only one that puts both kinds out on the table alongside our bean dip.”

Favorites at El Charro include the chalaca, a cornmeal bowl filled with beans and green or red chile; the chimichanga, a deep-fried green chile

Celebrating Salsa

If you can’t get enough of the spicy goodness, make sure to return for the NatureSweet Tomatoes SalsaFest. This year’s celebration will be held Sept. 22–23 in front of Safford City Hall. Salsa Trail restaurants offer samples of their salsa and compete for the title of Best Red, Best Green and Best Overall salsas. Amateur salsa makers have the opportunity to win cash prizes.

In addition to the tastings and competitions, the festival features live music and entertainment, food trucks and vendors.

“The Salsa Trail offers of the opportunity for people who live in bigger cities to come to Safford, especially during the Salsa Fest, and experience the community interacting and kids playing games,” says Kip Kempton, Safford resident and owner of Kempton Chevrolet Buick. “You don’t see that in this day and age. Everybody knows each other, and it’s a beautiful place to be.”

grahamchamber.org

burrito; and the chile relleno, a whole green chile wrapped in egg and grilled for a healthy take on the classic dish.

On the north side of I-70 is Mechy’s Mexican food. The drive-thru eatery with a small dining room has been a local favorite for almost 20 years.

The homemade salsa at Mechy’s is simple and traditional, and it’s sold in cups ranging from 8 to 44 ounces. But the signature dish is the chile relleno, a deep-friend Anaheim chile stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese. And on Fridays, customers line up for green chile chicken enchiladas.

While in Safford, make sure to stop at Mi Casa Tortilla, which is not on the Salsa Trail. This familyowned tortilla factory prides itself in making preservative-free products. You can pick up fresh warm tortillas, containers of spicy chiltepin salsa and prepared dishes such as tamales and chile burritos. Factory tours are available.

The trail continues along I-70 into Thatcher and finishes at Meg’s Place in Ft. Thomas. Opened in 2019, the 5,400-square-foot cafe with ample roadside parking offers a selection of Mexican food; classic diner options such as burgers, sandwiches and salads; and fry bread made by a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe. Can’t decide? Try an Apache burger served on fry bread. And don’t miss out on the fresh-made baked goods.

“A lot of visitors think there’s a competition, but there’s plenty of great people who support every single business here,” says Mechy’s manager Steven Geven. “I don’t think that one restaurant stands out more than the other, because they’re all so unique. How can you compare different places and different foods? You can’t. We all have our unique styles and at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to enjoy some great food.”

Experience

If You Go

Casa Mañana 502 S. First St., Safford casacrave.com

El Charro 601 W. Main St., Safford myelcharro.com

El Coronado 409 W. Main St., Safford facebook.com/ElCoronadoFamilyRestaurant

Gila Hanks’ Cafe 615 N. Stadium Ave., Thatcher (928) 428-8325

JD’s Grill House 2019 W. US Hwy 70, Thatcher jdsgrillhouse.com

La Unica Tortilleria Toaqueria 142 N. Haskell Ave., Willcox launicaaz.com

Mechy’s 720 W. Fifth St., Safford mechysmexican.com

Meg’s Place 15560 W. Hwy 70, Ft. Thomas megsplaceft.com

Mi Casa Tortilla 621 Seventh Ave., Safford micasatortilla.com

DINING GUIDE Giordano's Trattoria Romana

OOriginally from New York City, Adele Giordano arrived in Arizona more than 18 years ago and saw an opportunity to bring a piece of her hometown and cultural heritage to the town of Carefree. Authentically capturing the feel and ambience of a little Italian eatery in New York, Giordano’s Trattoria Romana has become a true cornerstone of the community.

Giordano strives for a casual-yet-classy atmosphere and achieves exactly that with a focus on providing each and every guest an exceptionally personalized experience that is comfortable, relaxed and memorable. Reservations are, therefore, highly recommended.

“We have so many repeat customers,” says Giordano, emphasizing her gratitude to the community for supporting her restaurant throughout the pandemic. “We have received so much support. We would have never survived without the help and support of all of the wonderful people who dine with us.”

Giordano adds that she loves meeting her guests and getting to know each and every one of them. She also loves being able to share with them a tantalizing taste of the Italian flavors with which she grew up — such as osso buco milanese, featuring a succulent veal shank in red wine sauce with diced vegetables over fettuccine, and veal gorgonzola, prepared in a delectable cream sauce with mushrooms over capellini.

“We have been known as the best-kept secret in Carefree, but we are not such a secret anymore,” says Giordano, who is grateful that the community appreciates the congenial service and delicious food that she, her chef and her staff are so incredibly proud to provide.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

We have been known as the best-kept secret in Carefree, but we are not such a secret anymore.

DINING GUIDE K

Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse

Known for amazing happy hours, sunsets on the roof deck patio, live music on Thursdays and great front patio seating, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse has something for every diner. The restaurant serves the highest quality beef, seafood and chops and, unlike many other steakhouses, two sides are served with every steak. Choose from mashed, baked or scalloped potatoes; onion rings; Brussels sprouts and many more tantalizing sides that will take your meal to the next level.

Steaks are only the tip of the iceberg, though, as Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse also offers New England clam chowder, braised short ribs, slow-roasted prime rib, Baja seabass and shrimp scampi, among many other mouthwatering entrees. Stop by 3–6 p.m. daily for a happy hour menu that includes $8 features like steak tartare and $16 combos such as a banh mi fish sandwich served with truffle fries and a glass of wine, draft beer or non-alcoholic beverage.

Speaking of beverages, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse recently launched a new cocktail menu featuring its signature innovative take on liberating libations.

Selections include Judy’s Bloom, featuring house-made limoncello with St. George Citrus Vodka, elderflower, strawberry, lemon and sparkling wine; Chamoflauge, a martini with chamomile-infused Botanist Gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon and absinthe essence; Bells and Whistles, a Moscow mule amped up with Corazon Tequila, sweet red bell pepper, lemon, ginger beer and basil; and Monkey See Monkey Do, featuring Monkey Shoulder Scotch, pineapple, honey, lemon, Orgeat Amaro Angostura and orange bitters.

Although Paul Keeler tragically passed, his family carries on his legacy of service and hospitality every day at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse. Those who knew Paul will most definitely want to raise a glass to him with The Silver Fox, featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, espresso, black walnut bitters and orange peel. $1 from each purchase of the special cocktail is donated to Embark Men, a group that inspires men to become better leaders, husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and colleagues.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photographer Joanie Simon

Steaks are only the tip of the iceberg, though, as Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse also offers New England clam chowder, braised short ribs, slow-roasted prime rib, Baja seabass and shrimp scampi, among many other mouthwatering entrees.

RECIPE

Crustless Lemon Tart

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

9 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large eggs

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/3 cups granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Finely grated zest from 2 large or 3 smaller lemons

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1-1/3 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries and edible flowers (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high power for 1 minute or until melted. Set aside to cool.

Place eggs in a medium-large bowl and whisk until well combined. Add flour and whisk again until mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds. Add sugar, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined and smooth. Lastly, add melted butter and whisk until completely incorporated.

Spray a 9-inch cake pan generously with baking spray and rub with a paper towel to completely coat all of the inner surfaces. Spray lightly one more time then pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to turn a light golden brown. The tart will still be a little wobbly at this point. Allow tart to cool completely, 3–4 hours.

To release the tart from the pan, jiggle it a bit. If the bottom is not loose, place a folded kitchen towel on the counter and tap the edges of the pan all the way around on the towel. Place a flat plate on top of the pan and quickly flip it over so the plate is now on the bottom. Firmly jiggle the pan and plate up and down a few times until you feel the tart release. Then place another plate or your serving platter on top and flip one more time to the top is now up.

With a fine sieve, sprinkle the tart with powdered sugar. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries and edible flowers, if desired. thefancypantskitchen.com

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

This crustless lemon tart is so easy to make and is a real show-stopper! The bright lemon flavor is the perfect dessert for this time of year — and the pretty design makes it ideal for special occasions!

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