Hidden Treasures
in Phoenix, AZ

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If you’re looking for must-see hidden spots in the area, you’ve come to the right place. We have everything you’re looking for to enjoy the town – whether for a few, fun vacation days or as a new resident. The area is full of quaint little plazas and gardens, and gorgeous cathedrals for a fun-filled afternoon with friends and family.

Among hidden treasures, you will also find important memorials and historic buildings that you won’t want to miss during your outing. Below you’ll find a detailed description of each location, along with their address, phone number, and website, to check out more information. We also have a useful map to easily plan your visit to every spot you want to hit.
Brass Armadillo Antique Mall
Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

(602) 942-0030

12419 N 28th Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85029   Directions Website

Discover the treasures awaiting you at Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, where you can browse a vast array of collectibles, antiques, and memorabilia from more than 600 antique dealers. You'll be amazed at the selection of Star Wars memorabilia and other nostalgic collectibles. Also, you'll find various antique items, including Depression glass, crystal, china, and pottery, such as Roseville and Rookwood.

If you're a history buff, you definitely won't want to miss the military memorabilia. The dealers have rare items from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, and World War II. And, if you're looking for something specific, they've got you covered with a personal shopping request service.

Cerreta's Candy Company
Cerreta's Candy Company

(602) 930-9000

5345 W Glendale Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301   Directions Website

To experience the magic of candy making, visit the Cerreta Candy Company. This family-owned business has been making delicious treats for over 50 years. They offer public tours of their factory, where you can watch as vats of chocolate are poured into delicate molds to create mouth-watering candies. You'll be able to hear the popcorn popping before it gets coated in luscious caramel.

The Cerreta family has passed down their candy-making skills for four generations, and they continue to oversee production and operations. You can watch them make a variety of caramels, fudge, brittle's, Camelback's, and caramel popcorn. They combine modern and old-fashioned candy-making techniques to create popular chocolate-covered creams such as butter, maple, fudge, or peppermint. They specialize in molded chocolates like the famous French Mint and the Chocolate Enrober, where creams, caramels, pretzels, cherries, and marshmallows get covered in luscious chocolate.

Curious Nature
Curious Nature

(602) 314-4346

4346 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013   Directions Website

Are you looking for something unique and fascinating? Look no further than Curious Nature, downtown Phoenix's premier science and natural history emporium. The store has an ever-changing assortment of oddities, museum-quality specimens, and ethically sourced taxidermy, skulls, and bones. You can even find exotic plants, collectibles, and gifts here.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, there's always something new and intriguing to discover at Curious Nature. So satisfy your curiosity and explore everything the emporium has to offer.

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve - Arizona State University
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve - Arizona State University

(623) 582-8007

3711 W Deer Valley Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85308   Directions Website

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a self-guided quarter-mile nature trail that features over 1,500 recorded petroglyphs on nearly 600 boulders, native desert plants, and animals in their natural habitat at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve.

The preserve also has historical research data and displays of ongoing Southwest archaeology research by ASU faculty and students. The museum, gallery, trail, and free audio tour are available for the petroglyph trail. The university has been operating, protecting, and preserving the site since 1994, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn more about the area and indigenous cultures through guided tours, publications, and ongoing lecture series.

Heritage Square
Heritage Square

(602) 699-5994

113 N 6th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004   Directions Website

Stroll through Historic Heritage Square for a visual feast that delves into the rich history of Phoenix's Victorian past. The Rosson House dates back to the late 1800s and is the Square's centerpiece and a sight to behold. The historic architecture remains intact, while the buildings have become museums, shops, and restaurants.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a peaceful place to unwind, Heritage Square has something for everyone. Remember to acknowledge the O'Odham and Piipaash peoples and their ancestors, whose traditional territory and homelands we now stand on.

St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica

(602) 354-2100

231 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004   Directions Website

Visit the last remaining basilica in Arizona, St. Mary's Basilica. As the oldest Catholic parish in the city, this beautiful church has a rich history and is worth a visit.

St. Mary's Basilica is also one of the most-photographed religious icons in the area. The structure has an otherworldly, unique atmosphere, and visitors often live in a peaceful state of mind. Interestingly, in 1985, Pope John Paul II declared St. Mary's a Minor Basilica, a massive deal in the Catholic Church. So, if you're in Phoenix, check out this fantastic piece of history.

Taliesin West | Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Taliesin West | Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

(480) 627-5340

12345 Taliesin Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85259   Directions Website

If you're a fan of architecture or appreciate stunningly designed structures, you won't want to miss touring Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright-designed this masterpiece as his private winter home, studio, and architectural campus. Its prehistoric grandeur and deep connection to the surrounding desert will captivate you. What's even more impressive is that Wright and his apprentices built and maintained the building almost entirely by hand, making it one of the most personal creations of his career.

Public tours are available daily, with themed terms incorporating Wright's architectural theories also on offer. As Wright once said, his mission was to "make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life." The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation seeks to continue this legacy by inspiring people to connect with nature, the arts, and each other through architecture.

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights

(602) 256-3221

5025 E Van Buren St
Phoenix, AZ 85026   Directions Website

Have you ever heard of Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights in Phoenix? This historic landmark has captivated the Valley of the Sun for 90 years and is a true gem of the Sonoran Desert. You're not alone if you're curious about why someone would build a castle in the middle of the desert in the 1920s and why it still stands today. The unique location and fascinating history of the property have piqued the interest of many over the years.

One of the main attractions of Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights is the Castle itself, a stunning four-story, 5,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece on the property's highest point. Surrounding the Castle are meticulously groomed cactus gardens and undisturbed natural Sonoran Desert flora, which provide breathtaking views and scenic backdrops along the established trail system.

UnderTow
UnderTow

(602) 739-1388

3626 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018   Directions Website

Step aboard The UnderTow and be transported to a different world where you can indulge in classic Tiki and modern, exotic cocktails. The unique atmosphere takes guests on a 90-minute journey in the belly of a spice trader's turn-of-the-century Clipper ship.

Follow the adventures of Captain John Mallory and his crew as you sip on your favorite drinks. The signature décor and special effects are custom-created by various commissioned artists, making this world-class cocktail experience one-of-a-kind. And if you're a fan of rare rums worldwide, the UnderTow has a great selection. Plus, there's plenty of handcrafted, signature merchandise available to purchase.

University of Arizona | Biosphere 2
University of Arizona | Biosphere 2

(520) 621-4800

32540 S Biosphere Rd
Oracle, AZ 85739   Directions Website

Ready to explore the wonders of Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona? Step into a world of natural and human-made ecosystems that have been carefully crafted to simulate a microcosm of the world. From a rainforest to a simulated ocean and more, you'll be amazed by the stunning variety of climates on display.

Initially built for research purposes, Biosphere 2 now offers daily tours that take you through an incredible system of trails and levels. And with the Biosphere 2 Experience app, you'll have access to never before seen photos and videos that bring the science and 30-year history to life.

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