click here for our Renaissance package

www.renfestinfo.com

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park
Walk through the rooms of this 700-year-old pueblo and discover what life was like for the Salado and Hohokam Indians who lived here between A.D. 900 and A.D. 1400. View a variety of well preserved artifacts, including utensils, pottery, and furnishings of the remarkably advanced and colorful Salado culture. Besh Ba Gowah translates to a “metal village” from the Apache language. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. located near the city of Globe, about 50 miles east of Gold Canyon. Take Hwy 60 to Globe and follow the signs to the park. 520-425-0320

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
A tranquil respite nestled at the base of Picketpost Mountain and home to an astounding variety of gardens showcasing plants of the world’s deserts, herbs, roses, hummingbird and butterfly plants. Stroll the peaceful nature trails amid towering trees, cacti, lakes, and even a hidden canyon. [here’s a picnic area as well as gift and plant shops filled with uniquely southwestern items. Open daily S am, to 5 p.m. Admission required. Located off of Hwy 60 E at mile marker 223 near the town of Superior; a half-hour drive from Gold Canyon. 520-689-2811
http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/

Goldfield Ghost Town
Journey back in time to the 1890’s, when Goldfield was the booming center of the local working mines. Tour the famous mine, take a ride on Arizona’s only operating narrow gauge railroad, and pan for gold. You’ll find a restaurant, bakery, gift shop, ice cream parlor and general store among the town’s many attractions. Open daily 10a.m. to 5 pm. Take Hwy 60W to Idaho Rd and go north to Hwy 88, the historic Apache Trail. 480-983-0333

Canyon Lake Marina
Canyon Lake is located 14 miles northeast of Apache Junction and IS a popular spot for swimming and boating. It has a designated swimming site and a pair of boating ramps. The three recreation sites at the lake -- Acacia Picnic Site, the Palo Verde Recreation Site and the Boulder Creek Recreation Site -- are open year round.
The Canyon Lake Marina and Campground is open year-round offering a variety of marina services, food, a beach area, and 46 spaces. Located nearby is a Maricopa County Sheriffs aid station.
For fishermen, Canyon Lake offers walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.

Tortilla Flat
Tortilla Flat, Az. population 6, is the last remaining stage coach stop along the historic Apache Trail. The main attraction is the Old West restaurant where you can literally saddle up to the bar and enjoy a big beefy burger or homemade chili, surrounded by walls covered with southwest memorabilia and dollar bills posted by visitors from all over the world. The town also has an ice cream shop (try a scoop of Prickly Pear) and a U.S. post office. Located IS miles northeast of Apache Junction on Hwy 88. 480-984-1776

Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake
Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the “Junior Grand Canyon.” Your captain will recount many of the legends and lore of the Superstition Mountains. Bring your camera and binoculars for possible sightings of highorn sheep. 90-minute narrated nature cruise daily at 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. Also twilight dinner and lunch cruises. Located off of Hwy 88, about a 45-minute drive from Gold Canyon. 480-827-9144 www.dollysteamboat.com

Mining Camp Restaurant & Trading Post
If you’re looking for something different, this is it! A restaurant that replicates an old mining camp cook shanty and specializes in heaping platters of all-you-can-eat roast chicken, roast beef, and barbecued ribs with all the fixin’s. The Trading Post displays and sells authentic Indian relics, legendary maps, and photos of early mining days in the Superstition Mountains. Open October - June, located 4 miles NE of Apache Junction on Hwy 88. 480-982-3131

Antique Malls
Hunting for things yesteryear is a popular pasttime at nearby Apache Junction’s two antique malls. Both feature a huge selection.

Lost Dutchman Marathon
The Fourth Annual Lost Dutchman Marathon will be held on February 17-19 2006 - Presidents Day Weekend. Once again, the events are being held over the Martin Luther King long weekend, January 14-16, 2005.
http://www.lostdutchmanmarathon.org

Apache Trail Tours
Are you up for a Wild West Jeep adventure? How about a camp site Steak Out” evening? Or a trek through the Superstition Wilderness? Apache Trail Tours has something for everyone, in tours that range from 2 hours to overnight. Experienced outfitters will guide you through some of the most incredibly scenic areas in all of Arizona. Located at Goldfield Ghost Town, Hwy 88, Apache Junction. 480-982-7661  www.apachetrailtours.com

Roping The Wind Hot Air Balloon Company
We are the premiere hot air ballooning company in the East Valley area of Phoenix. Flying since 1994, we have offered hundreds of scenic and safe flights for our customers. We exclusively offer private flights for 2 passengers with several flight locations to choose from, each with a uniquely different view! Our private flights are perfect for a romantic exursion/getaway, birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and weddings! Sunrise flights are available year round while sunset flights are offered seasonally.
www.ropingthewind.com

Hiking the Superstition Wilderness
Dozens of hiking trails for all abilities abound in the nearby Superstition Mountain chain. Created by volcanic explosions dating hack more than 15 million years, the Superstitions offer incredible rock formations, fabulous vistas, and endless legends of lost gold. Visit the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce building at 567 W Apache Trail (Mon-Fri 3-5; 480-982-3141) for specific trails and information. NEVER HIKE WITHOUT PLENTY OF WATER, A MAP, AND A FIRST AID KIT...AND ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHFRE AND WHEN YOU’RE GOING.

OK Corral Stables
Saddle up with the Feldman family owners and enjoy a beautiful, guided desert horseback ride through the Tonto National Forest. horse rentals from I hour to a full day. Take Hwy 60W to Tomahawk Rd. turn left and go 5 miles. 480-982-4040 http://www.okcorrals.com/

Barleens Arizona Opry Dinner Show
A relaxing air-conditioned theater where you can enjoy a hearty home cooked meal followed by a fun-filled evening of family entertainment with Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen and the talented Barleen family of entertainers. Harmony, comedy, music and skits — the stage show is professional, exciting, and colorful! Open November - April, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Located at 2275 Old West Highway in Apache Junction. Reservations suggested. 480-982-7991

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
“South Pacific”... West Side Story”... ‘Ragtime” -- you’re just a short drive from some of your favorite Broadway musicals on stage at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Mesa. Acting professionals from all over the country perform at this award-winning venue throughout the year. Enjoy a buffet dinner first, then it’s sit hack, relax, and on with the show! Performance days and times vary by season. For current shows and reservations, call 480-325-6700. Located at 5247 E. Brown Road in Mesa.

Canyon Sounds
From November through March, the Gold Canyon Arts Council presents musicians from around the world in special concerts held at the United Methodist Church, £640 Kings Ranch Road. For more information, call 480-983-2171

Mesa Swap Meet
A favorite shopping stop for Gold Canyon visitors! Aisles and aisles of tent-covered stalls selling everything from souvenir T-shirts to art sculptures, Indian jewelry, Mexican imports, clothing, rugs, candles, baked goods - you name it! All the merchandise is new, bargains abound, and haggling over price is not uncommon. Food stalls and live entertainment add to the fun. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays year round. From the Resort, take Hwy 60W and exit at Signal Butte Pd; go left to Baseline Rd, then right to the entrance.

Superstition Springs Mall

VF Factory Outlet Mall