Arizona, the 6th largest state in the U.S., is a unique combination of diverse landscape, rich history, and eclectic culture. Here are our top 3 picks!
1. The Cave Motel
The Cave Motel is one of the largest, oldest, deepest, quietest motels in the world. Take an elevator down 22 stories, 220 feet below ground, in a cavern that took 65 million years to form.
The room is 200 feet wide, 400 feet long with a 70 foot ceiling that is completely absent on any light. You are guaranteed a restful sleep as the dry cavern contains no life forms and is completely silent. The only thing moving or breathing is you with clean air coming in through 65 miles of limestone crevices from the Grand Canyon to the caverns. Limestones are known to take out moisture and impurities, therefore the air remains dry.
The room is contains a library of old books and magazines such as a National Geographic collection dating back to 1917. Other books are dated back to the late 1800s. There’s a working record player with records, chairs, bathroom and several lighting options to set the ambiance of the room. If you are looking for an adventure and want to escape reality, this is the perfect home away from home.
2. Valley of the Moon
George Legler was a visionary artist who planned and created the Valley of Moon without benefit for construction or architectural education. The place was designed to promote kindness, imagination and mental health, especially to children. He began construction around 1923 with the help of individuals who shared his dream, including homeless men who would work in exchange for food and a place to stay. The construction took a team to help dig out many paths, grottos and the amphitheater in front of the Wizard’s Tower. Many of his finer, more detailed rock structures were created using metal wire and concrete. The magic snake was constructed using round oatmeal containers that were wired together in a chain and covered with a layer of concrete. He created beautiful water scenes including ponds and waterfalls that are still the home of many fish, ducks and geese.
During construction, George and his family lived near the University of Arizona. In 1940, he moved to Valley of the Moon where he moved into what is now called the Yellow Room, behind the Enchanted Garden. Over the decades, Valley of Moon was declared a Tucscon Historic Landmark by the Mayor and Council in 2015 where George’s legacy continues to live.
“If we can influence children to develop a friendly attitude toward everyone while they are children, they will be happier adults. That friendly attitude will unconsciously react on their subconscious minds and, in turn, will strengthen their characters and give them deeper spiritual outlooks on life, regardless of what church they may ultimately belong to.” — George Phar Legler, 1959
3. Abandoned Jerome Post Office
Known at one time as “The Largest Ghost Town in America”, Jerome, Arizona now has a population of almost 500 people. With such a small population it can still be considered a ghost town, but in recent years the town has made some major renovations. The abandoned Jerome post office sits on the outskirts of Jerome which has also been called “America’s Most Vertical City” (5,200 feet above sea level). Tourists come to see the many historic homes and artsy community, but tend to bypass the decrepit post office. The aging building is considered to be super dangerous, but many have dared to venture into the post office to view the scattered old lockers, broken ceilings and glass. The building might be falling apart, but it’s a good reminder of how far a community can fall, how resilient it can be and how quickly it can rise again.
