J2 Photo Productions

While the works of William Shakespeare have been presented in many different styles and mediums, there's something special about the way the Southwest Shakespeare Company interprets and infuses his work with their styled and engaging performances. The entertainment company has been paying homage to the iconic writer for over ten years through an always-impressive variety of dozens of productions. The shows are put on by not only an expert group of directors and technical personnel, but also by classically trained professional actors who skillfully link the spirit of Shakespeare's original work to some of today's contemporary issues.

Get an amazingly unique historical perspective of Mesa and its surrounding area when you book your spot on the Apache Trail Tour. The excursion features a rollicking jeep ride that moves along the rugged trail into the Superstition Mountains. The basic tour lasts about two hours but there are longer packages available that include gold panning and even full day adventures that allow you to spend more time in some of the area's most beautifully scenic landscapes.

In a world where art continues to be created with the help of a computer, it is refreshing to see artisans who use basic materials to construct something truly memorable. While many of these individuals use various materials to create their art, the ones who are well versed in the practice of woodcarving are the stars whose work is celebrated every year in Mesa at the Annual Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale. This art festival of sorts features wood sculptures by some of the most talented local, regional and national woodcarvers who all convene for this very popular annual event held every February.