FMCA members will gather in the sunny Southwest to celebrate the association’s 95th International Convention.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
December 2016
Phoenix rises from the Arizona desert in an unassuming way. Tall buildings are scarce; the highest has 40 floors. But what it lacks in height, it more than makes up for in breadth. Its suburban area is exponentially bigger than its downtown. One of those areas, southeast of Phoenix, is the city of Chandler.
This pretty and prosperous combination of homes and successful companies (such as Intel Corporation) is the setting for Family Motor Coach Association’s next international convention, set for March 7 through 10, 2017, at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center.
Rawhide is similar to the towns depicted in old Western-themed movies and TV shows. Originally situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, the created town was moved by the Gila River Indian Community to its current location in 2005. It has the usual complement of Wild West accessories: a general store, a blacksmith, horses and wagons, desperadoes and good guys, a saloon or two, and even the Rawhide Steakhouse. You can take a ride on a miniature train or stagecoach, watch an exciting live stunt show, visit a petting zoo, and attempt to ride a mechanical bull, if you dare. It’s a fair bet that FMCA members will have a good old time. Check www.rawhide.com for operating hours.
Rawhide Western Town and Event Center includes a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces that can easily accommodate activities for big groups. During FMCA’s convention, attendees will be able to sit in on seminars, participate in crafts and exercise activities, visit with friends, and enjoy fabulous entertainment. And, of course, peruse the exhibits for RV-related items — and motorhomes. Visit FMCA.com for more details, and to register; or, look for Chandler convention information in this and subsequent issues of Family Motor Coaching (pages 68-70 in this issue).
Using Chandler, Arizona, as a base camp will give FMCA convention-goers a great opportunity to explore a part of the United States that is young by modern settlement standards, yet richly infused with the history and culture of its earliest residents. Following are some exciting places to see.
Chandler
Long ago, American Indians in what is now the Chandler area raised crops, watered by a 500-mile network of canals they built that were fed by the Gila River. Today, two tribes of their descendants run several area enterprises, including Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass (www.wildhorsepassresort.com), Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino (www.wingilariver.com), and area golf clubs.
The local tribes also reveal their background and culture at the HuHuGam Heritage Center, opened in 2004. It features treasures such as baskets and pottery, jewelry, carved bowls, and tools. A small cash admission is charged; see www.grichhc.org for more details.
The tribe’s Koli Equestrian Center enables visitors to saddle up and head out into the desert for a 90-minute trail ride. Or, try a 60-minute wagon ride and let someone else do the “driving.” Rides for groups (including FMCA chapters, depending on your numbers) can be reserved. For details, visit www.koliequestrian.com.
Historic Downtown Chandler. The European-settler history of Chandler, just like that of the American Indians, involves irrigation canals and agriculture. But in 1911, when the Roosevelt Dam was completed, landowners were restricted to irrigating only 160 acres. Land not useful for agriculture still could be used as a town. Local veterinary surgeon Alexander John Chandler decided to subdivide his 18,000 acres. He drew up a town-site map and advertised 160-acre sites. Speculators spent $50,000 on the first day of sale! By 1912 the town of Chandler Ranch was established. One year later, Chandler boasted Arizona’s first golf course at the San Marcos Hotel (today operated as the Crowne Plaza Resort Phoenix-Chandler Golf Resort) downtown, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other historical spots downtown can be found using the Historic Downtown Chandler Self-Guided Walking Tour brochure, available from the Chandler tourism office listed below.
Among the more well-known crops grown in early Chandler were cotton — and ostriches. The latter were raised for their feathers, which were popular ornaments on women’s clothing. Today the gangly critters are honored at the annual Ostrich Festival with live music from national artists, along with ostrich races, games, amusement rides, food, and fun. The 29th festival takes place March 10-12, 2017, so the timing is perfect to head there after the FMCA convention ends. See www.ostrichfestival.com for updates regarding the 2017 festival’s music and events.
More attractions to explore in Chandler include:
- Phoenix Premium Outlets, off the same exit as the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. It boasts brand-name stores such as Ralph Lauren. www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/phoenix/; (480) 639-1766.
- The Arizona Railway Museum, open only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from noon to 4:00 p.m. It has free admission to its outside train car display area and a museum with smaller artifacts. A small fee is charged to tour the inside of the rail cars, which include original passenger cars and a caboose. For more info: www.azrymuseum.org; (480) 821-1108.
- The Chandler Museum at McCullough-Price House, which also has free admission and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The pueblo-revival style home was built in the late 1930s. Inside, the museum displays, among other mementos, an example of a quirky Chandler tradition: a community Christmas tree made from tumbleweeds. Learn how and why it was invented! Info: www.chandlermuseum.org; (480) 782-2717.
- The Eddie Basha Collection’s fabulous paintings of cowboys, horses, Indians, and desert views; plus baskets, sculptures, and jewelry at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery. Admission to this collection is free. See www.eddiebashacollection.com; (480) 895-5230. . Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Chandler Restaurants
Before we go further, let’s check out some of the many area eateries. The following rate high with locals:
American: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, a popular spot for homemade comfort food such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and chicken.
Barbecue: Rudy’s, famous for brisket, smoked turkey, corn on the cob, and even breakfast tacos.
Breakfast: Doughnut lovers demand the locally owned BoSa Donuts. Several locations can be found in the Phoenix area, including three in Chandler.
Brewpub: SanTan Brewing Company has this category locked with its delicious shrimp and grits, family atmosphere, and tasty local craft beers.
Delicatessen: Chompie’s, for sweet treats, great sandwiches, and traditional knish, challah, matzo ball soup, and more.
Diner: Chase’s Diner, a 1950s-style eatery with a family atmosphere and diner fare.
Fine Dining: Kai Restaurant, offering an experience to remember, from top service to a million-dollar view overlooking the Arizona desert. Located close to Rawhide.
Mexican: As you may have guessed, there are many to choose from! Highly rated restaurants in this category include Abuelo’s, Serrano’s, Si Senor, and El Zocalo Mexican Grill, for starters.
Steaks: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has steaks, ribs, crab, salmon, and more.
For further details, such as addresses and phone numbers for these and other eateries, go to visitchandler.com/restaurants/, and type the restaurant name or the type of food you prefer in the search box.
Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix
There are so many things to see and do around Phoenix that it’s impossible to list them all here. So, check the tourism info sites listed below for ideas. Following are a few of the popular spots just outside Chandler and beyond.
Gilbert
- Many species of birds can be seen on and around the seven ponds at 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Wheelchairs and strollers can be used on the paved paths, and dogs are permitted on leash. Visit www.goo.gl/NyD5By; (480) 503-6234.
Mesa
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona has beautifully restored World War II planes, several of which take on passengers. If you’ve ever wanted to fly in an old warbird, this is your chance. A museum is on-site as well. Info: www.azcaf.org; (480) 924-1940.
- See and hear one of the largest Wurlitzer pipe organs in the world at Organ Stop Pizza. The theater organ was built in the 1920s, has nearly 6,000 pipes, and is played by skilled musicians. Yes, they take requests! Group reservations are accepted for lunch and dinner. Info: www.organstoppizza.com; (480) 813-5700.
- Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics baseball. Mesa has two Cactus League (spring training) Major League Baseball stadiums, where you can watch the best players in the warmth (and lower ticket prices) of Arizona. Many more Cactus League stadiums are in Tempe, Scottsdale, Goodyear, and all around Phoenix; for a complete list, see www.cactusleague.com.
Phoenix
- The award-winning Musical Instrument Museum, north of downtown Phoenix, displays instruments from all over the world and lets visitors hear them, too. Besides exhibits, the museum has a concert hall for live performances, a café, and free parking. Info: www.mim.org; (480) 478-6000.
- It will be springtime at the Desert Botanical Garden when FMCA members are in town; so much the better to see a rainbow of colorful plants in their splendor. You may also see birds and butterflies at this outdoor collection. Info: www.dbg.org; (480) 941-1225.
- The Heard Museum’s amazing collection focuses on American Indians. Once you’ve seen all of the art and artifacts from days gone by, check out newer fine art made by American Indians from the 20th century to the present. Craft demonstrations, dances, and other events are offered, too; a schedule is listed on the museum website. A café and coffee shop are also on the grounds, and parking is free. Info: www.heard.org; (602) 252-8848.
- A few of the many other attractions in Phoenix include the Hall of Flame Fire Museum, the Phoenix Police Museum, and the Martin Auto Museum. Please check with the Phoenix travel bureau for more options.
Plan Now
That list you keep of places you must go is probably a bit longer now! The good news is, in early March, FMCA members will be able to enjoy each other’s company and explore some outstanding sites, all in the Chandler area.
Further Info
Chandler Office of Tourism
MS 416, P.O. Box 4008
Chandler, AZ 85244
(480) 782-3037
(888) 663-2489
Mesa Visitors Center – Visit Mesa
120 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
(800) 283-6372
(480) 827-4700
Visit Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix Visitor Center
125 N. Second St., Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(877) 225-5749
(602) 254-6500
Chandler Area Campgrounds
Be sure to check guest age restrictions or other rules. Some RV parks also restrict the type (A, B, or C) and ages of motorhomes. For more listings, see your campground directory or the RV Marketplace found at FMCA.com and in the January issue of FMC.
Chandler
Five Star RV & Mobile Park LLC
702 E. Chandler Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 963-6892
Hacienda Solano Resort
15606 S. Gilbert Road
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 963-3477
The MotorCoach Resort
1576 S. Nelson Drive
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 639-1507
Mesa
Apache Wells RV Resort
2656 N. 56th St.
Mesa, AZ 85215
(888) 940-8989
(480) 832-4324
Desert Vista RV Resort
124 S. 54th St.
Mesa, AZ 85206
(480) 663-3383
www.desertvistarv.com
Good Life RV Resort
3403 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85213
(888) 940-8989
(480) 832-4990
Green Acres RV Park
2052 W. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 964-5058
M&M Mobile Villa
320 E. McKellips Road
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 461-6000
Mesa Dunes Mobile Home Park
7807 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85207
(480) 986-5451
Mesa Regal RV Resort
4700 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
(888) 940-8989
(480) 830-2821
Mesa Spirit RV Resort*
3020 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85213
(480) 832-1770
(877) 570-2267
Monte Vista Village RV Resort
8865 E. Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85209
(480) 833-2223
(877) 570-2267
Silveridge RV Resort
8265 E. Southern Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85209
(800) 354-0054
(480) 373-7000
Sun Life RV Resort*
5055 E. University Drive
Mesa, AZ 85205
(888) 940-8989
(480) 981-9500
The Village At Palm Gardens
2929 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85213
(888) 832-0290
(480) 832-0290
Towerpoint Resort*
4860 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
(888) 940-8989
(480) 832-4996
Val Vista Villages
233 N. Val Vista Drive
Mesa, AZ 85213
(480) 832-2547
(888) 940-8989
Venture Out At Mesa
5001 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 832-0200
Scottsdale
Scottsdale RV Ranch
7010 E. Continental Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 945-7491
Tempe
Apache Palms RV Park
1836 E. Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 966-7399
*FMCA Commercial Member