By Jeff Reed
It is that time of year when the
relatives are arriving from somewhere else that is much colder than
here. Have you ever noticed they never show up in August?
Looking for something fun to do with your houseguests?
I found a very interesting place the
other day while I was in search of the elusive Mexican Poppy Show around
Cave Creek and Carefree. The Grace Museum is located in the
desert mountains above Cave Creek, and though it is an oddity, it is
really something very interesting to behold.
Grab everyone who is hanging out at
your house and head for Cave Creek. Call ahead to let Grace know
you are coming. Her phone number is 480-488-9045 and get ready to
experience something very special. Grace says that she is 99 years
old, and I believe it. She uses a golf cart to wheel her way
around the Museum, but stick close to her as she narrates the history of
the United States, from room to shining room.
The Museum holds the history of the
United States, from the first Native Americans who lived here, through
today, from out house to in-door plumbing, from horse to automobile,
from radio to Television to computer innovations, the past is stored
within the walls of this Museum.
This time of year, it is also fun
getting to the museum. Since it is spring, and the flowers
are starting to appear, you might want to consider making a day of it,
with a little exploration of Carefree and Cave Creek along the
way.
Take I 17 to Carefree Highway, or the
101 North to Cave Creek Road. Either way you are on your way to an
adventure. Once in Cave Creek, follow that road to School House
road, turn north on School House and take it to the stop sign.
This is Fleming Springs Road, make a right and drive approximately 4
miles to the Grace Museum. Throughout this area, keep your eyes
open for wild flowers, as it is a beautiful setting.
Since you are in the area anyway,
select from the host of interesting restaurants and a few tourist areas
to explore. You could eat lunch at such notable establishments as
“The Satisfied Frog”, or the “Horney Toad”. Might I suggest a fine
Mexican Restaurant, complete with pond in Cave Creek called the El
Encanto. It is located across the street from the Frontier
Village.
After lunch and your tour of the
Museum, you might want to explore some of Nature’s most beautiful
settings in this region of the Sonoran Desert. If you follow Cave
Creek Road, you will find yourself at a Y that let’s you drive into
Seven Springs Park or down to Bartlett Lake. If you have time,
check them both out. As you get closer to Bartlett Lake, you will
find more desert flowers this time of year. There is a parking
charge of $4 at the Lake, but it is well worth the drive.
Jeff Reed is a retired Gerontologist,
who has owned a private travel club for senior citizens in Arizona
since 1984. He has traveled more than 900,000 miles on escorted
tours just in the State of Arizona. You can reach him at [email protected] or leave him a voice message at 480-497-2478. His web site is www.tjstravelclubforseniors.com