Here are a few things you can only do in Phoenix, AZ. These are some of the activities and distractions that always get tagged in the “only in Phoenix” realm, yet nobody here in the Valley of the Sun seems to actually be doing any of these things. It’s time to make the legends a fact, and bring the myths to reality. On your next visit to Phoenix set the trend, or at least reaffirm the legend.
Cook an egg on a manhole cover.
Where did this come from? Why is it still here. Whenever the international news media needs a demonstration of the hottest place on the planet, the crack new crews descend upon Phoenix for the terrifying facts. Ignoring boring scientific realities such as sea level, geology, geography and topography, the ‘investigative news team’ rushes to the nearest Phoenix manhole cover and cracks an egg on it; the sizzling demonstration empirically illustrating the blazing inferno that is Phoenix, Arizona. Give it a try. Wait till the talking heads announce the hottest day on record. Then grab a grade AA farm fresh and crack it on a manhole cover. Be sure to bring some butter and a little seasoning to preserve the scientific integrity of the experiment. Now watch it sizzle. It’s not sizzling is it? It should be done in an hour or two. Or three. It mostly depends if you like ‘em over-easy or scrambled. At least now you can answer in all confidence and clear consciousness the next time you are asked “Can you really cook an egg…?”
Jump a Cholla.
The Cholla cactus are always jumping us, so it’s time we turned the tables and did a little Cholla jumping of our own. Long the bane of locals and visitors, the Cholla cactus seems to have a mind of its own. Sneaky and devious, the cactus waits for you to walk nearby. Then, without warning, the prickly pest and all of its pals go on the attack. Before you know it, one of them is embedded in your shoe, or leg, or worse. Let’s show these painful perpetrators that were not going to be pushed around anymore. Wait until they’re out with friends, or catch one just as it is getting off an elevator. Let the prick-er become the prick-ee! Try this and then tell me how it turned out.
Wear a Bolo Tie.
The Bolo Tie has been designated the “official neck-wear of Arizona” since 1973. Makes you wonder who the competition was; the ascot and the squirting bow-tie? Yes, Arizonans really did wear them. A lot. But we’ve moved on since then. We adorn ourselves with all kinds of stylish neck-wear now. Nobody seems to notice. Hollywood movies and popular literature still insist on perpetrating this Arizona stereotype. Then lets really give them something to talk about; the re-birth of the Bolo! With all of the scientific developments in flashing colorful LED technology, surely we can come up with something fashionable and fun, embracing our accessorized past while promoting our technological future. In the meantime, grab a Bolo off the rack next to the postcards. Proudly wear your plastic-encased scorpion attached to a black string. Do your part and bring back the Bolo!
Ride a Horse in downtown.
This is another one of those iconic images that just won’t go away. The cliché of a rugged cowboy riding off into the sunset, with the Phoenix skyline in the distance is an image embedded in our psychological catalog of images when we need to recall an iconic Phoenix moment. In reality however, the only people riding horses through downtown these days are the mounted police. Believe it or not, you can still ride a horse in Phoenix, although you won’t be clomping through downtown. One of the oldest established riding stables in the city is still in operation, just spitting distance from downtown. The Ponderosa stables have been taking folks on trail rides, cook-outs and cowboy adventures all within the city limits for over 40 years.
Ride the light rail from start to finish.
My light rail excursions are seldom more than park-n-ride experiences. I park in a lot near the station for free, get my ticket and get on. I ride 4 or 5 blocks away from where I parked and then I disembark, only to discover there is beaucoup parking available right where I needed to go. For many Phoenicians, the light rail is strictly utilitarian. I don’t know anyone who rides the light rail just for fun. I’ve seen where it begins; I’ve driven past where it ends. But how does it begin? What happens when it ends? Does it turn around and head back? Or does it just slam it into reverse and back up all the way from its abrupt termination in Mesa. I’ve heard the experts and seen the videos, but humans need proof. We inherently need to investigate and to discover. Most of all, we need something to do for an afternoon in Phoenix that costs 5 dollars or less. Have your car waiting for you at the end, and get on board at the starting point, either in Phoenix or in Mesa. One way will only cost you $1.75 and if it turns out to be the ride of your life, you can do it all day long for just $3.50.
About the author: Signature Vacation Rentals offer vacation rentals and property management in Arizona, specializing in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. Learn more about travelling in Arizona on their website – www.ArizonaLodgingExperts.com.
