A collection of curiosities to see
There are plenty of Arizona attractions that fit the category of unique, odd or peculiar. A long holiday weekend is a good time to celebrate our state’s quirky nature. These unusual destinations and activities are worth a drive.
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
This Tucson museum is the brainchild of Walter and Patricia Arnell. Its name comes from the notion that visitors are transported to different eras and realms via the 400 miniature houses and room boxes in the whimsical collection. Sights range from an 19th century British home to an Irish fairy-tale castle to a tiny Western streetscape featuring animals on motorcycles. Take advantage of docentled tours at 1 p.m. daily. From 1 to 4 p.m. every second Saturday, children can make take-home miniature pieces during the museum’s Kids Create Family Fun Program.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays. 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson. $9; $8 for seniors and military; $6 for ages 4-17; free for age 3 or younger. 520881-0606, theminitimemachine.org.
Arcosanti
An experimental city in the scrubby high desert fits any list of quirky attractions. Arcosanti is the brainchild of the late Italian-born architect Paolo Soleri, who originally found his way to Arizona to study with Frank Lloyd Wright. Soleri started constructing his urban prototype city in 1970 based on his concept of “arcology,” or the blending of architecture and ecology. About 7,000 volunteers have participated in the construction, and about 60 residents live in this “city” intended to house 5,000 when complete. Ceramic and bronze wind bells are made to support ongoing construction. Tours are offered daily and workshops periodically. Arcosanti hosts music and theatrical performances under the stars. A cafe is on site, and guest rooms are available (without air-conditioning) for $30 to $100 per night.
Details: Tours at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. daily, except for major holidays. 65 miles north of Phoenix on Interstate 10 at Exit 263, north of Cordes Junction. $10 suggested donation per person. 928-632-7135, arcosanti.org.
Sedona vortex tours
This city nestled in the red rocks is a great getaway any time of year. While there, you’ll see references to Sedona’s vortexes by those who believe its rock formations transmit a palpable spiritual energy. You can have your aura photographed, talk to a mystic and take a spiritual-journey tour. Or you can just enjoy the beauty, fresh air and plentiful hiking trails.
Details: Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center, 331 Forest Road. 800-288-7336, visitsedona .com.
Meteor Crater
Learn about the asteroid that collided with Earth at this spot about 50,000 years ago. Meteor Crater near Winslow is 1 mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and more than 550 feet deep. NASA used this site to train Apollo astronauts because the terrain resembles that of the moon. Admission includes peering through telescopes on the viewing platforms, displays in the Interactive Discovery Center, a film about the event and a guided tour on the rim of the crater. The center has a gift and rock shop, a Subway restaurant and RV park.
Details: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during non-summer hours. Exit 233 on Interstate 40, Winslow. $18; $16 for seniors; $9 for ages 6-17; free for age 5 or younger. 800-289-5898, meteorcrater .com.
Tovrea Castle
This wedding-cake-shaped castle dates back to 1930 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alessio Carraro, an Italian cobbler turned businessman and land developer, built the castle as a hotel with the idea of a planned community surrounding it. In 1931, Carraro sold the property to the Tovreas, who ran a nearby stockyards and meat-packing plant. Phoenix purchased the property and its extensive cactus garden from the Tovrea estate in 1993. Tours are about two hours and include the castle’s main floor and basement, extensive grounds and gardens. Tours require reservations and tend to fill well in advance.
Details: General admission $15; free for age 2 or younger. 5025 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. 602-256-3221, tovreacarra rosociety.org, tovreacastletours.com.