Posts filed under 'VisitMesa'
VisitMesa.com is Mobile!
VisitMesa.com is mobile! Now you can find useful information while you’re on the go. Make your next visit to Mesa convenient as you search for your favorite places to eat, golf, and stay.
Search any of these categories:
- Dining & Nightlife
- Golf
- Group Outings
- Meeting Facilities
- See and Do
- Sports & Recreation
- Where to Stay
Other useful categories:
- Weather
- Airports
- What’s New
- Brochures
- Contact Us
- Get Social (Media)
- More coming soon!
There are no tricky urls to remember, just type http://www.Visitmesa.com in your mobile device’s web browser and you will enjoy the ease and speed of our mobile site.
Add comment November 13, 2009
Therizinosaur – Who’s that???
“Therizinosaur-Mystery of the Sickle-Claw Dinosaur”
One of the newest and strangest dinosaur fossils from North America is the subject of a stunning new major exhibit that opened last Friday at the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
Paleontologists from the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff made this an once-in-a-lifetime find in 2000 in southern Utah. The discovery led to the recovery of the most complete Therizinosaur skeleton ever found.
The exhibit includes fossil beds and a life-size Therizinosaur that is a free-standing skeleton, cast from the original bones of the 13-foot tall, one-ton sickle-clawed and feathered dinosaur. It is the first mounted interpretation of the animal’s stance and posture.
While all dinosaurs lived on land, the Therizinosaur was found in a location that was the bottom of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway, an ancient sea that covered the middle of North America. But how did the whole animal, 93 million years ago, get buried in a seafloor, 60 miles from shore? Come find the answer.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa
(480) 644-2230
ttp://www.azmnh.org
…GoGoGinger
Add comment October 7, 2009
Remembering 9/11 – In Mesa!
“The Colors of Peace”
A Free Concert – For EVERYONE!!
September 11, 2009
Mesa Art Center…Ikeda Theater
7:00 PM
The September Concert is a series of free concerts, organized by individuals, schools, businesses, and associations internationally
• to bring communities together • to reaffirm our hope for peace
• to celebrate life and our universal humanity
Globally, we owe special thanks to our partner Sister Cities International and all our Global Affiliates whose commitment and tireless effort helped to spread our event to 33 cities, in countries ranging from Italy, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, India, Great Britain, Ghana, Germany, Haiti and the Czech Republic.
“Together we will fill the skies with music”
Mesa Arts Center: 1 E. Main St., 85201 (480) 644-6500
••GoGo Ginger••
Add comment September 10, 2009
Free Time at Mesa Museums
GoGo Ginger, here again! Need something free to do with the family ????
Come downtown Mesa and take part in 3–4–Free!!
Not only can you visit the dinosaurs and pan for gold at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, but you can experience their current exhibits where you can learn about Mesa’s first residents in “Hohokam! Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley”.
Arizona Museum for Youth’s feature hand on exhibits for the little ones.
The Mesa Contemporary Arts is open for the new 2009-2010 exhibition season.
For more information on 3-4-Free Series: http://mesaartscenter.com/3ForFree.htm
Museums direct:
AZ Museum of Natural History: (480) 644-2230 www.azmnh.org
AZ Museum for Youth: (480) 644-2467 www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com
Mesa Contemporary Arts: (480) 644-6560 http://mesaartscenter.com/mca.aspx
Have a great time…. GoGo Ginger.
Add comment September 2, 2009
Get a taste of “the Keys”, in Mesa
Although I have these thoughts on a daily basis….being GoGo Ginger really keeps me on my toes…It happened recently when I attended a catered event at the Islamorada Fish Company (located inside of Bass Pro Shops).
“Where we are bringing the best possible seafood from “The Keys” to the deserts of Arizona”.
I have taken a few groups and out of town guests to Islamorada since it’s opening in June of 2007. But as I entered the restaurant for my networking event, I realized that I have overlooked this fantastic place to escape for a cocktail or happy hour in my own backyard.
When you walk in from either entrance (from the store or separate outdoor entrance) you eyes are immediately drawn to the 13,000 gallon salt water aquarium that separates the bar from the dinning room. I spent about 10 minutes just staring at the tropical fish…and they were probably staring back at me.

Islamorada Fish Company - 13000 Gallon Salt Water Aquarium
Then I proceeded to the main dining area where I tasted treats placed along the fifty-foot fireplace in the center of the room. (while it is not being used now, it does offer a cozy feeling during the winter months)
While I am mundane and always order the Mahi Mahi for dinner, I truly enjoyed the featured appetizer items last week: the Smoked Wahoo Dip (An Islamorada original recipe with smoked wahoo served with Club crackers) and the fried Alligator (hand-breaded tender American alligator served with our homemade gator sauce)
Their happy hour consists of a select list of fruity cocktails and appetizers at a reduced price.
You can view their current menu online at: http://www.fishcompany.com/Page/Mesa-Arizona.aspx
Dave Kemmer, General Manager
Islamorada Fish Company
1133 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202
restaurant (602) 606-5500
www.fishcompany.com
Opens at 11am Daily
So…I will make a conscious effort to stop by this relaxing, tropical getaway from time to time….see you there, GoGo Ginger
Add comment August 19, 2009
A Friday Night in Downtown Mesa
Have you ever considered a Friday Night in Downtown Mesa other than the 2nd Friday celebrations?
By The Way the 2nd Friday Event is next week August 14th from 6pm-10pm and the theme is “Dog Days of Summer“.
Now back to things to do in Downtown Mesa on Friday or any other night…
The Cellar located just below Sun Devil Liquors has brought back wine tastings on Friday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. This was my first time at The Cellar and the decor, artwork, and ambiance makes this a real jewel in the heart of Downtown Mesa. The friendly staff and local patrons added to an already enjoyable experience.
Then it was off to some poetry reading at Inside the Bungalow. I’ve never been to poetry readings nor did I know they were occurring right here in Downtown Mesa. This turn-of-the-century home is a pretty cool with two huge patio areas featuring coffees, teas, smoothies, and much more. It was amazing to see the passion of the different poets as the shared their art form with a packed audience on the front patio. Inside the Bungalow offers live music and even yoga!
Continuing with a Downtown Mesa Friday evening it was time for some food and karaoke at Kirk’s Sports Grill. Kirk’s is a fun neighborhood grill and bar featuring excellent food. Not to mention a bartender that can serve several patrons while singing his favorite song!
Downtown Mesa does have many unique treasures that can be experienced after the sun goes down, so next time Make it Mesa! And don’t forget your camera to take photos with the sculptures in the downtown area.
Add comment August 7, 2009
♬ ♪ Happy Trails To You ♪ ♬
Usery Mountain Regional Park Opens New Nature Center

UseryVisitorCenterFront
GoGo Ginger here again!!
Sorry it’s been a while, but I was actually out exploring the desert….braving the heat!!
I spent 2 hours at Mesa’s Usery Mountain Regional Park last Friday morning getting to know “the lay of the land”. Usery Park just opened its brand new Nature Center last month and there is more to this building than meets the eye! The nature center is just before the pay station, so visitors can utilize the facilities at no charge!
Ranger Jennifer gave me a complete tour of the BRAND NEW Nature Center and drove me around the park to get acquainted with all the offering and amenities. I took pages of notes, but here are a few of the highlights about the NEW Nature Center…
Retail store offers snacks and cold beverages, souvenirs and outdoor necessities like sunscreen, hats and water bottles available for purchase; Cactus garden & boulders are all relocated from original site (prior to construction); Garden rooftop; 12 Solar panels for sustainable energy; Restrooms utilize waterless urinals and low flow toilets and an outdoor amphitheater (that will seat at least 100ppl)

UseryVisitorCenterBackPatio
General Park amenities: 4,000 acres, 4 playgrounds w/canopies, 75 campsites with hookups, Ramada sites to be reserved, Merkle Trail – Barrier Free (wheelchair/stroller accessible, via “paved” path), Vista Trail – has a sundial located at top of trail, great trail for toddlers and Equestrian Staging area and trails available, There are many monthly ranger lead programs to choose from, complimentary with regular park admission.
Now Ranger Jennifer & Ranger B are working on getting me out on the Merkle Trail, to get me away from this computer (
So plan a visit with Ranger Jennifer or Ranger B soon…..Free guided tours the New Nature Center now available in Mesa! August dates include the 19th and 27th. The official public Grand Opening ceremony and festivities are scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, so plan on visiting in August to beat the rush!
With the opening of the new center, they have implemented a new onsite Yoga classes, three times a week. You can register as a regular participant and drop-ins are always welcome.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
(part of the Maricopa Country Parks & Recreation Department)
3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa 85207
(480) 984-0032
www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery
Park Hours: Sun-Thu: 6am-8pm & Fri-Sat: 6am-10pm – 365 days a year
until later, Hiking, Camping….Blazing New Trails with GoGo Ginger
Add comment August 4, 2009
Get Ready Laugh with Your Entire Family!!!
National Comedy Theater is a great place to enjoy Improv Comedy with your entire family. After learning about NCT on twitter @nctphoenix I decided to give them a try a few weeks back. Me and my 3 kids went to the Friday 7:30pm show and were pleasantly surprised by the talented comedians. And yes, comedy can be family fun with their “House Rules” NCT doesn’t allow the comedians to be vulgar or disrespectful. If live comedy, laughing, and family time are things you like to do I would recommend checking out NCT Phoenix right here in Mesa. They are located at 1111 Longmore Road near Fiesta Mall. Give them a call to make reservations 602-374-5638.
Here is a brief description about NCT that from their website: NCT Phoenix, recent winner of azcentral.com’s BEST of Phoenix poll in BEST Theater Company and BEST Live Theater Venue categories, is the premiere location for cutting edge improvisational theater and comedy. For two decades, the National Comedy Theater has been entertaining audiences of all sizes and types across the nation with our unique brand of interactive, Improv comedy.
Add comment July 17, 2009
Chick-fil-A Customer Appreciation Week from July 13 – 18
Chick-fil-A Loves Mesa! Mesa Riverview Restaurant Hosts Customer Appreciation Week Extravaganza Celebration July 13 – 18 to include family activities and free food giveaways
To thank its customers in the Mesa community for their loyalty over the years, the Chick-fil-A® restaurant at Mesa Riverview, located at 905 North Dobson Road, will host a . The week will include a variety of activities for the whole family! Along with product sampling, giveaways, contests for Chick-fil-A prizes and opportunities to meet the Chick-fil-A “Eat Mor Chikin®” Cow throughout the week, the community is invited to take part in the following:
Tuesday, July 14, 5 – 8 p.m.: Extreme Dinner Makeover – Join Chick-fil-A to enjoy a fine dining experience, including table-side service, a full service wait staff, and a plated dinner.
Thursday, July 16, 5 – 8 p.m.: Hollywood Night: Customers fully dressed as their favorite movie character will be rewarded with a free Chick-fil-A Meal. Guests that partially dress as their favorite character will receive a complimentary entrée. The restaurant will be decorated for the Hollywood theme.
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Community Pool Party – Chick-fil-A will be at the Carson/Westwood Aquatic Center offering a free Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich to attendees (while supplies last). The community will also have an opportunity to meet the “Eat Mor Chikin” Cow, participate in activities, and receive giveaways. Pool admission is $1.75 for children and $3.50 for adults.
“We are thrilled to host this special series of events for our customers,” said Brandon Barrett, franchise Operator of the restaurant. “They are the reason for our success and we want them to know how much we appreciate their business, so we are excited to take a week to celebrate!” WHEN: July 13 – 18 Restaurant Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. WHERE: Chick-fil-A at Mesa Riverview 905 North Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 834-0573
Story by Jayson Peters with EVTribune
Add comment July 10, 2009
$$ Keeping Cool – for Free $$

3 - 4 - Free, First Sunday
http://mesaartscenter.com/3ForFree.htm
GoGo Ginger here… planning for my holiday Staycation.
I am excite to combine my favorite two things to do this weekend, #1=Free #2=Museums (staying cool in the summer).
We are mid-way through our wonderful year of 3-4-Free, 1st Sundays at the downtown Mesa museums, sponsored by Target (Noon-5pm). The museums have tallied record numbers since January, and I received an insiders tip…since families are planning on going out of town to escape the heat on this long holiday weekend….they anticipate the crowds to be manageable.
I am planning on ”landing on” the Mars exhibit, seeing “My Favorite Monster” and “meeting” Sergei Isupov at our museums. I am thinking I will head over to the new Il Vinaio Bar & Wine Bar and celebrate my independence with a toast to our country…with a Red, White, and Brew . (
Add comment July 1, 2009



![Artwork_3forFree_final [Converted] Special event extended through October 2010, held on the first Sunday of each month](http://makeitmesa.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/3-4-free1.jpg?w=300&h=226)

