Thomas Russell

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 the importance of going green seems to get more and more important every day, learn about what you can do to help out when you visit Vertuccio Farms in Mesa. Established in 1979, this unique farm is home to fall festivals, corn mazes, a spring break camp and Easter egg hunts. Also, field trips and tours are available, but must be booked in advance. Some of the many highlights of the tour include a visit to the Pizza Farm, a straw maze, farm animals and lots more.

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.