Between May and October, dusk in Arizona brings relief as the relentless sun dips behind the mountains. Near the corner of 40th Street and Camelback Road, it also brings bats – more specifically, 10,000 to 20,000 Mexican free-tail bats. With a chorus of chirping and squeaking, they flap their leathery wings, making frenzied loops and ...

Ostriches in Chandler, Ariz. It sounds absurd, but the truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. And, turns out, these large, flightless birds are inseparable from this Arizona city’s history. Chandler’s founder was none other than Dr. A.J. Chandler, an engineer, veterinarian and – apparently – ostrich rancher. The doctor thought he could cash in on ...

Visiting from out of town and looking for an authentic Wild West experience? Need something to do with the kids this weekend? Bored with Phoenix? Maybe you’re just curious about what else southern Arizona has to offer. Look no further than the Goldfield Ghost Town, at the base of the Superstition Mountains right off the ...

Nothing quite says “desert oasis” like a cluster of slender palm trees. They’re found all over the southwest, lining the highway, parks and found in many of our backyards. The iconic trees are tall and majestic, not even bending with the wind. Though palms are a seeming eternal installation from Phoenix to Los Angeles, the ...

On the morning of June 2, 1976, Don Bolles, a reporter for the Arizona Republic, wrote out a brief note on his typewriter. “John Adamson. Lobby at 11:15. Clarendon House. 4th + Clarendon,” the note said. Bolles never returned to his typewriter. Soon after he left his desk, Bolles was critically injured by an automatic ...

Fans of Mid-Century Modern architecture would be forgiven if Phoenix didn’t immediately spring to mind as being a haven for the movement. However, one of the era’s most prolific and influential architects did most of his work here. Ralph Haver, a California native who moved to Arizona following his service in World War II is ...

Since 1991, an odd-looking arch has spanned McDowell Road just east of 16th Street. It's made of structurally reinforced steel and painted with white enamel and, in a way, resembles Roman numerals careening high above the street.

PHOENIX – In the lengthy list of recycled things, the Sip Coffee & Beer Garage deserves a second look. Located at 3620 E. Indian School Road, the establishment offers food, a full selection of lab coffees, handcrafted cocktails and extensive lists of local beers and wines, on tap or in glass containers.

Rusty Warren was a comedian who performed in the 50s and 60s at the Phoenix’s Pomp Room. The popular hangout and piano bar was previously located at 16th Street and Camelback. A classically trained pianist, Rusty would tinkle the ivories and welcome guests with witty repartee.

Arizona is filled with peculiarities, weird stuff, unusual things, oddities, curiosities and that doesn't even include a state legislature that passed a law naming the Colt .45 as the state's official gun. Here are a few others worth mentioning.