Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is well-known for its sunny weather, luxurious spa resorts, and golf courses. This, however, is not all that Phoenix has to offer. For the historically minded, this bustling, ever-expanding city also offers interesting historic sites for viewing. Here is some more information about a few of these sites that you can visit when your soul needs more than sunny skies.
The Wrigley Mansion
This old mansion was built in 1929 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. as a 50th-anniversary gift for his wife, Ada. Although this house was only used as a winter retreat for a few weeks every year by the family, it boasts 24 rooms, 12 bathrooms, and 11 beautiful fireplaces. After the death of the couple, the mansion passed through many different hands. In 1992, George Hormel, of the famous meat company, procured the mansion and saved it from obscurity by renovating it. He turned the mansion into a restaurant, as well as banquet and wedding facility, which is how it is still operated today.
Great care was taken, however, to preserve its original form, so the mansion will appeal to those who are interested in historic properties. If you are such a person, guided tours of no more than 25 people per group are available. You will learn about the life of Wrigley Jr., as well as the architectural aspects of the mansion. Enjoy a sumptuous meal in the restaurant before or after your tour.
Cosanti
Cosanti, which is located about 14 miles outside of Phoenix, was the house, gallery, and studio of Italian architect Paolo Soleri, who lived there until his death in 2013. Consisting of many different structures, including cave dwellings, a student dormitory, performance space, and the original Earth House that was built partially underground, Cosanti is truly a sight to behold. Soleri pushed the boundaries of architecture, believing in a holistic, earthly minded design that left outlaying land untouched.
Guided tours are available to view the site, as well as workshops in which you can get up-close-and-personal with Soleri’s life and work philosophies. If you want to invest in his famous ceramic and bronze bells, visit the on-site gallery.
The Rosson House Museum
This Queen Anne Victorian house, which was built between 1894 and 1895, has been restored it to its original splendor by its current owner, the City of Phoenix. Named after its first owner, Dr. Roland Rosson, this house was one of the most expensive in Phoenix in its time, boasting modern features such as hot and cold running water, an indoor upstairs bathroom, and a telephone.
Available guided tours will inform you about the lifestyle of early Phoenix families, and more specifically, the history of the many different people who inhabited the house. Tours last about one hour, with a maximum number of 12 people per tour.
If you do not know what to do on your next day off, visit some of the historic sites in Phoenix.
“Workshop Cosanti Originals Phoenix AZ 141116” via Flickr by bobistraveling. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 | cropped from original
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