le village buffet

a day in mesa

an art gallery at the mesa arts center

Mesa, arizonas Many artistic oFFerings proVe theres an art aFicionado inside aLL oF us
By h. wadowski
Photo of An art gallery at the Mesa Arts Center courtesy of Mesa Arts Center; The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre by Tim Trumble; A vintage photo of Main Street courtesy of the Mesa Historical Museum

Although mesa may be home to the largest arts and cultural complex in the Southwest, thats not the only reason its art scene is widely known. From sporting exhibits to musicals, mesa offers something for everyone.

the broadway palm dinner theatre

a vintage photo of main street on display at play ball! the cactus league experience

10 A.m. Start off your morning with a trip to downtown Mesa to see Play Ball! The Cactus League Experience (playballexperience.com). Located at 51 E. Main St., the exhibit is a must-see for baseball fans, as it chronicles the 60-plus year history of Major League Baseball spring training in Mesa. Items on display include a rare autographed Ernie Banks little league bat and the original massage table and weight scale from Mesas Buckhorn Mineral Baths lodge, where players were conditioned in the early days of spring training. NooN Now that youve worked up an appetite, dig in to some hog sloppin, field plowin, hair on chest food at The Iowa Caf. Located on 5606 E. McKellips Road, lunchtime favorites include Iowas Famous Jumbo Breaded Pork Tenderloin and a selection of hearty deli-style sandwiches, like the Mile High Ham. Whatever you decide on, be sure to save room for a slice of homemade pie, with flavors ranging from apricot to sour cream raisin.

2 P.m. After lunch, head on over to

Arizonas largest arts center, the Mesa Arts Center (One E. Main St.). Located in the heart of downtown Mesa, guests can walk through five art galleries showcasing curated and juried exhibitions of contemporary art by emerging and internationally recognized artists. The center is also home to 14 art studios and four theaters, hosting such big-name stars as Lily Tomlin March 9 and Bill Cosby March 30. For a complete schedule of events, visit mesaartscenter.com.

5:30 P.m. Finally, what better way to end the evening than with dinner and a show? At the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (5247 E. Brown Road), guests can enjoy both or simply take in a performancethe choice is theirs. Upcoming shows include the musicals Me and My Girl through April 8 and A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline April 12May 26. To see what else is playing, visit broadwaypalmwest.com.
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5/24/12 1:50 PM