neighbors

Local author and travel expert reveals Mesa’s most iconic and unique destinations

Reedy Press has announced the release of its new guidebook, “100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die,” by Mesa resident Teresa Bitler.

The comprehensive list celebrates the top ways to connect with the city and nearby surroundings with exciting and unique activities, according to a release.

From kayaking on the Salt River to listening to a symphony play from the stage of the state’s largest performing arts center, there’s always something new to discover in Mesa, according to the release.

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neighbors

Local author and travel expert reveals Mesa’s most iconic and unique destinations

Posted Friday, April 2, 2021 3:24 pm

TALKING POINTS FROM THE BOOK:

• The third largest city in the state of Arizona, Mesa is the Cactus League spring training home of the Chicago Cubs (entry No. 42), who take the field against 14 other teams at Sloan Field.

• Mesa is the first autism certified city in the U.S. with programs and itineraries that cater to families with members on the spectrum.

• When summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, cool off with a float on the Salt River (entry No. 45), where tubers of all ages listen to loud music, drink beer, and toss beach balls.

• Go off road with a Segway tour (entry No. 55) through the Sonoran Desert on the tribal lands of the Yavapai Nation, just north of Mesa.

• Arizona has 22 Native American tribes, three of which are neighbors of Mesa. You can learn more about their ancestors at Mesa Grande Cultural Park (entry No. 67).

• Mesa is the starting point of the Fresh Foodie Trail (entry No. 12), featuring local farms, a dairy, olive mill, flour mill and winery.

• The largest skydiving center (entry No. 60) in the world is a short drive from Mesa in Eloy. Not ready to make the jump yourself? You can spend the afternoon watching others take the plunge.

• Falcon Field Airport in Mesa was originally a World War II training site. Today, the municipal airport is home to the Commemorative Air Force Museum (entry No. 72), which offers flights on historic aircrafts including its B-17.

• The world’s largest firefighting museum (entry No. 81) is housed in a 1-acre complex in nearby Tempe. Plan to spend at least two hours perusing the 130 wheeled pieces and 10,000 artifacts on display.

• Mesa and many of its neighbors got its start as farming communities. The Orange Patch Too (entry No. 85) sells some fresh fruits and produce as well as preserves, crafts and home décor.

• Downtown Mesa is having a growth spurt, adding new restaurants, breweries and hotels, but it remains a favorite with shoppers who browse its boutiques (entry No. 88) for unique gifts.

• Listen to the world’s largest Wurlitzer with more than 6,000 pipes and 1,074 individual keys play everything from “The Phantom of the Opera” to “Chattanooga Choo Choo” as you munch on pepperoni pizza at Organ Stop Pizza (entry No. 1).

• The goat yoga craze started in Gilbert, one of Mesa’s closest neighbors. You can drop in for a class at the original goat yoga studio (entry No. 61), try a new pose and take a few selfies with your four-legged classmates.

Reedy Press has announced the release of its new guidebook, “100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die,” by Mesa resident Teresa Bitler.

The comprehensive list celebrates the top ways to connect with the city and nearby surroundings with exciting and unique activities, according to a release.

“‘100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die’ explores Mesa and the East Valley, taking you to the places most area guidebooks overlook as well as covering the top attractions. Learn about a little-known botanical garden showcasing Native American canals at Mesa Grande Cultural Park, have a spiritual awakening at a Greek monastery in the desert, and take a leap of faith at the largest skydiving center in the world at Skydive Arizona,” it states.

There also is information on spring training in the Valley and different ways to explore the Sonoran Desert.

“Whether you plan to spend a few days or a month, award-winning travel writer Teresa Bitler has enough ideas to keep you busy your entire stay. Entertaining facts and information on tours and itineraries make this guide an invaluable resource,” the release states.

“100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die” is available wherever books are sold.

About the author

Ms. Bitler has spent much of her life in Mesa and the East Valley. Over the last 15 years, she’s written for the Arizona Office of Tourism, AAA, Allegiant Air, Visit Phoenix, TripSavvy, and publications including National Geographic Traveler and Fodors, among others.

She’s flown over Mesa and the Superstition Mountains in a T-6 Texan World War II trainer, picked peaches in East Valley orchards, and danced to live country music.

When she’s not on the road, you’ll find her trying the latest East Valley restaurants and working off the calories on a local hike.

She lives with her husband, her youngest daughter, and two dogs in Mesa.

Book signings

Scheduled events for “100 Things to Do in Mesa Before You Die” include the following. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is advisable to check with the event venue for confirmation a few days ahead of a book signing or presentation.

Book signing: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. in Mesa; 480-644-6560. Free and open to the public
Book signings: 6-10 p.m. Fridays, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 at Downtown Mesa/Second Friday Night Out, on Main Street between Center and Robson; 602-318-5689. Free and open to the public. This is a monthly festival in downtown Mesa.