Tovrea Castle Summer Hours

There was little time for a Castle related excursion this week due to holidays, pirates and writing adventures, but I cannot go without mentioning the change in tour hours and summer plans without feeling as though I am shirking my duties on this subject.

Tovrea Castle tours will not cease even in the summer heat! July through September Tovrea Cararro Society docents remind visitors to wear lightweight clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water on the outdoor tours but please do not let the desert heat keep you from experiencing this amazing site. In fact, the early bird 7:00 AM tour time might be an even better reason to schedule during the summer. What could be a more inspiring start to the day than a sunrise view of the spectacular castle and grounds? We dare you to have a bad day at work after that.

So, please, do not forget our humble castle this summer!

Tovrea Carraro Society
5025 East Van Buren Street
Phoenix Arizona

www.tovreacastletours.com/

602-256-3221

MacAlpine's Egg Creams of Awesome!

Strawberry Daiquiri Egg Creams! Oh dear gods my mouth is watering as I type this! I need another!

Okay, so Max took us out to MacAlpine’s in downtown Phoenix to work on some gaps in the Max’s Despair story, and, to have lunch, of course. The food is great and I can personally recommend the Toasted Cheese sandwich if you like classic grilled cheese and tomato, the potato salad was a filling side dish to this. Max enjoyed the Malibu Chicken sandwich. Max was rather boring in his order of a bag of chips as a side and a classic Dr. Pepper for a drink. That leads us back to the complete epicness that is the Egg Cream!

MacAlpine’s boasts 99 flavors for sodas, floats, and the Amazing egg cream. Did I mention how stunning this drink is? It is sweet and lightly creamy and bubbly and cool and even looks interesting. I swear I am going on a soda binge this summer and ordering every flavor, but so far the strawberry daiquiri is my dream drink.

So, what does MacAlpine’s to do with the Tovrea Castle I am constantly yammering on about? Well, food is not the only reason to drop into this soda shop. Flanking the 1920’s-esque seating area are two vintage shops. It was from these shops that some of the temporary display pieces for the kitchen were loaned; specifically the icebox and the stove. These pieces are no longer in the castle, but if you are seeking more history of the castle’s era this is the place to start.

I also found a stunning 60’s era phone booth that I and my Netbook fit super nice in and I think would make a perfect writing office. Just close the door to make it clear that writing is in progress. Only $300 for the office of Czep’s dreams! Anyone want to throw in?

Seriously. Anyone? Five bucks? Maybe ten? I have PayPal!

Until our next adventure!

Mac Alpine's Soda Fountain

2303 North 7th Street

Phoenix, Arizona

(602) 262-5545

www.macalpines1928.com

Tovrea Pyramid and Hunt's Pyramid

There’s a Pyramid and a Castle?

If you have not made it to tour Tovrea Castle and Carraro Heights yet you are missing out on the castle and the pyramid. Carraro’s dream was to bring a piece of Italy to the states by building the castle inspired structure and use it as a show piece hotel at the center of his resort community. This dream fell short due to the economic hard times of the 1930’s and the expanding cattle property of E. A. Tovrea. Tovrea had a dream structure fall shy of its purpose as well.

Hunt and Tovrea

The first governor of Arizona, George Hunt built the white tiled pyramid near the Papago Buttes to entomb his wife in 1931. He too was buried in the pyramid 1934. Several other members of the family were also buried there as recently as the 1980s.

Max and I took a walk around the islands of Papago park and up to Hunt’s Pyramid. I was surprised that it was finished in simple white tile, about the same as my bathroom. The view is more spectacular than the pyramid but it was worth the short climb and a great place to have a small picnic on a lunch break.

But, what does Hunt’s Pyramid have to do with the brass pyramid Tovrea constructed? Not as much as E.A. Tovrea would have liked. E.A. and Hunt were long time friends and because of that, or maybe because of good old fashion friendly competition, Tovrea wanted to be buried beneath a pyramid too. It didn’t really work out for him. By the time Tovrea passed on the laws had changed and bodies could only be entombed on cemetery grounds.

The pyramids can be seen from one another, just barely, by the naked eye. I would love to see the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation department and the Tovrea Carraro Society work together to place a pair of those public binocular setups at each location. Just a thought. Until then, take your binoculars with you and visit these interesting structures.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/15171

On a side note, do you know how many pyramids are actually in Phoenix? Leave some answers for me until next time.

Hunt's Tomb

Phoenix, AZ

(602) 262-6862

Tovrea Carraro Society
P.O. Box 61043
Phoenix Arizona
602-256-3221
http://www.tovreacastletours.com

Tovrea Castle!

Docents of TCS First Class

Knowing the history, knowing the present, knowing the plants, driving a tour cart, early hours, study, research, and a ready smile; all of these are required to be a docent for the Tovrea Carraro Society. The first class of docents began training in 2012. With the aid and guidance of TCS board members, Eileen Marraro, Sharon and David, as well as City of Phoenix employee, Roger Lidman, this dozen or so volunteers, offered to be guinea pigs for this position. I am privileged to be among their number.

It is important to remember, that TCS and all docents are volunteers. We are here from many lifestyles and vocations; teachers, retirees, local business owners and employees, and students. Though varied in our personal histories, our adoration and devotion to local history unites us. We all have an interest in the vitality of our city, and the history of this thriving desert community.

Training Begins

Our first day of training was primarily lecture and reading. The draft of facts, talking points, and basic tour script were given to us in a binder. While, a member of the TCS board wrote these drafts, docents in training were encouraged to edit, offer suggestion, and rework where needed. We really had a lot of say in the formation of the tour visitors will experience. This tour will evolve as TCS and docent knowledge grows and we always welcome public input and personal stories.

It was not until we set foot on the castle grounds that the real thrill and meaning of our purpose was clear. This stunning piece of history and the information surrounding it, was in our care. We offer the answers to the public’s questions and we take care that each visitor walks away with a joyful and informative experience.

Driving History

All volunteers of TCS hold valid Arizona state driver’s license, some even qualified CDL, but learning to drive the multi passenger golf carts an education for all. The Carraro Cactus Gardens and Tovrea Castle are contained on a 44 acre plot of land. It is a lovely walk, but in the interest of time and in the case of visitors unwilling or unable to traverse the graveled and sometimes steep terrain, tours are given on golf carts. We all took turns testing on the gas powered and the electric carts. Personally, I prefer the electric.

When visitors ride with us we do ask that you always remain seated until the engine is turned off, keep appendages and children within the frame of the cart, and do hold on, because while we make every effort to be careful, the roads are uneven and steep in places.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Changes are still being made to scripts and fact sheets. Docents are still working to memorize the information we do have. We do get nervous in large crowds. We are just as excited as you, the visitor, when we open those gates. Practice tours are happening now, and we are trying our best to be perfect for the first paying visitors, but we are human. Please, be as inviting and congenial as your guide is to you, and remember we are all volunteers here. If you do see a few cars in the visitor center lot and you have a couple hours to spare. Call the castle, there may be a seat for you in one of our training groups!

Welcome

On the out I want to welcome you. Now that you know a smidge of what goes on within Carraro’s granite walls, are you interested? TCS is always seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help as docents, grounds keepers, and assistants to our varied volunteer staff. Call, e-mail, or visit the Facebook page to join us in our adventures!

Tovrea Carraro Society
P.O. Box 61043
Phoenix Arizona
602-256-3221

www.tovreacastletours.com/

Payson, Arizona

Sedona, Sedona, Sedona, it is the place to be in Northern Arizona; if you are looking for moderate overkill on the New Age gimmicks and commercialized tourist hot spots. Sure the Red Rocks are a wonderful hike and great view, but there are so many other locations for a relaxing, quiet, more down to earth escape from the city.

The town of Payson, Arizona with its population of around 16,000 people is a haven for nature enthusiasts, families, hikers and bikers. It is perfect balance of relaxing entertainment. The town is home to many quaint antique shops, while nature surrounds as a great place for fishing, hiking, hunting and swimming.

Max is fortunate to have an adorable little cabin at the edge of Payson. This is one of my favorite places to escape to in November, or in the heat of summer. Spending time at the cabin draws up memories, for me at least, of my childhood home in Central New York with slow, relaxing days wandering the woods or hanging out in the quiet town.

Every weekend visit has to start at the Knotty Pine Café. There are quite a few little mom & pop restaurants in town but the Knotty Pine has the best breakfast and service, and pie! Do not go to the Knotty Pine if you are into gourmet spreads, fancy foods, or artisan meals at exorbitant prices. This is the perfect place to escape all of those things and just get an honest meal at a fair price.

While we are on the topic of food, I should mention that while there are plenty of fish and crayfish (more on that later), there is no sin in ordering a pizza while camping out. This is especially true if it is from the Pizza Factory.

So, you are well fed and looking to work off some of the calories? Pick a trail and wander, there are so many wonderful places to get lost. Some of the more marked trails include the Natural Bridge or the walk down to the creek to swim. If you drive a few miles out though, and are willing to venture into unmarked territory there are many places to pick out fossils and even crystals! Max is always open to showing off the best spots for fossils. He loves finding crinoids and fossilized shells. I am a complete girl however and very much attracted to shiny objects. I love treasure hunting! Crystals are incredibly easy to find just off the road if you are willing to keep your eyes to the ground and be patient.

Speaking on patience, Max loves fishing, even though he rarely catches anything worth keeping and cooking. Shh! Don’t tell him I said that. I prefer at least a small prize to take home; that is why I hunt crayfish! The little, and sometimes not so little, monsters are easy to catch with patience a shoelace and bits of raw bacon. Never use Bologna; the little buggers steal it every time! Crayfish are tedious to peel though, so be aware, it takes at least a dozen to reasonably feed one person.

Writing this makes me miss the cabin and the cool wide open spaces even though we just left. I am excited to be able to escape again soon for NaNoWriMo in November.

 Knotty Pine Café
1001 South Beeline Highway # A
Payson, Arizona
(928) 474-4602

Pizza Factory
238 East State Highway 260
Payson, Arizona
(928) 474-1895
www.pizzafactory.com

crinoids
http://www.paleosoc.org/Crinoids.pdf