11 things to do in Mesa that are off the beaten path

From strolling the Southwest’s largest rose garden to taking a blacksmithing class, here are 11 things to do in Mesa that are off the beaten path.

Looking for creative things to do in Mesa? Well, we’ve got some ideas (11, to be exact!).

Mesa is chock-full of fun attractions, quirky shops, interesting classes, and more. Have fun exploring more of this East Valley city! 

1. Stop and smell the flowers at Mesa Community College’s rose garden

1833 W. Southern Ave. 

Shhh. We have a secret we’d like to share. Mesa Community College is actually home to what claims to be the largest rose garden in the entire Southwest. How large? You’ll find about 9,000 roses and more than 300 varieties planted there.

The garden first sprouted (see what we did there?) way back in 1997 as a partnership between Mesa Community College and the Mesa-East Valley Rose Society. Volunteers from the society maintain the garden to this day. The garden also features a special Veterans Rose Garden section that was planted in honor of the five branches of the military. Best of all? It’s free to visit the Rose Garden, and it’s open every day of the year. According to the garden’s website, the best months to visit are April, May, June, October, November, and December.

The Rose Garden at Mesa Community College claims to be the largest rose garden in the entire Southwest and has nearly 9,000 planted roses. (Visit Mesa)

2. Take a blacksmithing class at The Collaboratory

526 E. University Drive 

Yes, you read the above header correctly. The Collaboratory in Mesa offers blacksmithing classes, proving that it is not a lost art.

During this spot’s 90-minute blacksmithing class, you’ll learn the ancient art of blacksmithing and can even make and take home your very own knife. The Collaboratory also offers a four-hour blacksmithing class in addition to welding classes.

Class participants must be at least 11 years old. Be sure to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes if you go.

3. Take line dancing lessons at Scootin’ Boots

515 N. Stapley Drive 

Try your hand at line dancing along to popular country tunes at Scootin’ Boots. Founded in 2016, this venue offers plenty of dancing lessons in a family-friendly, alcohol-free environment to those who are over 18. Learn East Coast swing, country swing, Arizona two-step, and line dancing. Everyone from total beginners to seasoned pros is welcome to step on the dance floor. 

This spot offers both public and private lessons. Public lessons cost $10 per person.

Fun fact: Scootin’ Boots actually appeared on an episode of “Pawn Stars.”

4. Learn how to play badminton at the Arizona Badminton Center

2150 W. Broadway Road, Unit 107

Yes, Arizona has a dedicated badminton center. If you’re unfamiliar with the activity, badminton is a racket sport where players hit a shuttlecock across a net. The center opened on Feb. 14, 2012, and has been thriving since then.

This indoor facility features a badminton court and caters to players of all skill levels. You can take lessons or participate in open play. The center also features a pro shop where you can stock up on equipment and apparel. 

5. Walk the labyrinth at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park

400 South Power Road 

First things first: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park is part of a funeral home that happens to have a labyrinth on site that you can walk around. If you’ve never walked a labyrinth before, it’s a soothing experience where you just hear the sound of your feet on the Earth and simply spend time walking. This park also includes a water and flower garden and memorials to those who have passed.

6. Shop at the Orange Patch

3565 N. Gilbert Road

Open seasonally from December to April, The Orange Patch sells, you guessed it, citrus from the groves that surround it. The Orange Patch was started in 1962 by a family that owned a 200-acre citrus farm. The owners are dedicated to keeping the tradition of purchasing produce from a small stand alive. The website lists citrus, orange juice, dates, and candles on its homepage as being things you can purchase there. 

There’s another location called The Orange Patch Too. This spot sells gifts, Christmas-themed items, specialty foods, and fresh citrus, too. The Orange Patch Too is located at 3825 McKellips Road in Mesa and has been in business since 1983. Read more about this place here. 

7. See sports memorabilia at Hall of Fame Collectibles

2665 E. Broadway Road, #101B 

Hall of Fame Collectibles stocks a variety of sports memorabilia, comics, and other games. Inventory rotates weekly.

Here’s a sample of what you might find, though: On Instagram, the shop posted images of a signed jersey by NBA star Steph Curry and another by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

8. Browse a Variety of Colorful Items at Southwest Pottery

3610 E. Main Street 

Southwest Pottery stocks a variety of colorful statues, pottery, Mexican art, clay, and talavera that are displayed outdoors throughout its grounds in Mesa. The entire place is a true feast for the senses.

On a video posted on its Facebook page, the shop featured colorful pots, planters, wooden benches, and outdoor lawn ornaments in the shapes of aliens, cactus, succulents, giraffes, and Buddha. You’re guaranteed to find something colorful and totally one-of-a-kind here.

9. Eat Pizza and Listen to Organ Music at Organ Stop Pizza

1149 E. Southern Avenue

Although not technically off the beaten path, we just couldn’t leave this spot off this list. Organ Stop Pizza is one of the most unique places not just in Mesa, but in the entire country.

What makes this spot unique? The 1927 Wurlitzer organ, which features 6,000 pipes and is insured for $5 million. The organ is played nightly on a stage above the dining room while diners enjoy pizza and other appetizers in a hall that seats up to 700, giving the term “dinner and a show” new meaning. Organists play tunes ranging from Bach to Britney Spears.

Organ Stop has been in business since 1972.

Mesa’s Organ Stop Pizza features a 1927 Wurlitzer organ that’s played daily. (Ivan Martinez Photography)

10. Flip through comic books at Gotham City Comics and Collectibles

151 N. Country Drive

Located in downtown Mesa, Gotham City Comics and Collectibles is notable for its collection of comic books, along with action figures and statues. This shop also buys collections and offers trades. Call the shop ahead of time to arrange this.

Inventory changes constantly, but a few items on this shop’s Instagram page include G.I. Joe and Power Ranger dolls.

11. Check out Country Singer Waylon Jennings’ Final Resting Place

1212 N. Center Street 

Here’s a fact that many Valley residents are likely unaware of: Country star Waylon Jennings is buried in Mesa Cemetery. If you’re not familiar with Jennings, he’s largely thought of as one of the first singers who was a part of country music’s outlaw movement. He also wrote the theme song for “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV show. The likely reason why he’s buried in Mesa? Jennings passed away in his Chandler home in 2002. His black granite grave is located on 9th Street. 

One other notable individual who is buried in the Mesa Cemetery is Ernesto Miranda. That last name is probably familiar to you. Miranda’s 1966 Supreme Court case resulted in the “Miranda Rule” that still stands today.

Another section in the cemetery is dedicated to RAF Fighter Pilots who trained in Mesa and were preparing to fight in World War II. About 2,000 American and British fighter pilots were trained at Falcon Field, which today serves as Mesa’s municipal airport. Twenty-three British pilots and one American pilot were killed during training accidents, and a part of the cemetery is dedicated to them. Read more about the history of the Mesa cemetery here.

Grave site of Waylon Jennings (1937-2002). (Marine 69-71/CC BY-SA 4.0)

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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