Roadside Attractions

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat

way from Tucson to Phoenix, here is your step-by-

step guide to all of the crazy things you can see and to make the 120 mile drive fun.

If you're taking the direct route to Phoenix from Tucson you are in for a world of strange and fantastic opportunity.

The first major stop for the weary traveler is the fun-filled town of Marana, home of Sherry Potter-Cervi, the 1995 World Champion WPRA (Women's Professional Rodeo Association) in Barrel Racing. You can also take your life in your own hands by flinging yourself out of an airplane with the help of the folks at Marana Skydiving Center off Avra Valley Road.

As the journey continues, you can turn off at Picacho Peak Road and visit the Dairy Queen/Authentic Indian Jewelry shop, which is about 40 miles northwest of Tucson.

According to Tom Rush, Manager Trainee of the Bowlin's store, the stop just outside of Tucson draws a wide variety of people.

"We have snow birds, motorcyclists, and tourists usually stop here. We also get a lot of tour buses and such that stop," Rush said.

If you happen to be traveling this way on March 8 or 9 you can also catch the Civil War re-enactment from the Valverde, Glorieta Pass and Picacho Pass battles, put on by the folks from the town of Red Rock.

After enjoying a Dairy Queen frozen treat or hot eat, you can begin to head back toward Tucson on Frontage Road, which runs parallel to Interstate 10, and visit the largest ostrich ranch in the United States, the Rusty Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. That's right. Ostriches. Right here in Arizona. You can drive by the fence, but unfortunately, you'll be asked to stay in you vehicle for the safety of both you and the ostriches.

According to owner Rooster Cogburn, by visiting the ostrich ranch you are visiting "the meat of the future."

Once you're on your way again, the route becomes a little barren (best pop in some tapes to alleviate the boredom) until you reach Casa Grande and Eloy.

In addition to numerous outlet stores (you can actually find some pretty good deals on clothes and books there ... whether you're looking for them or not), there's also the Eloy municipal golf course, just in case you feel like a round of roadside golf.

"We get a lot of winter visitors that are staying in Casa Grande. They come here because we have the lowest prices," said Michael Jamenez, golf shop attendant.

For those of you who would like to spend an evening in Casa Grande, there is always the luxurious Francisco Grande Resort.

After passing through Casa Grande, the road, again, becomes somewhat absent of wild, crazy or even mildly interesting elements that make road trips fun.

If you're a veteran of the trek between Tucson and Phoenix on I- 10, and are looking for a more interesting route to take, try the state Highway 87 from Chandler.

Where does this road lead you, you may be wondering. Well, other than the picturesque mountains and pollution-free skyline, you can make a stop at the Central Arizona College campus, just outside of Coolidge.

However, be forewarned this is a drug-and-weapon-free zone, so be sure to leave the heavy firearms and fun narcotics at home.

After Central Arizona College, the roadway continues on to Coolidge, home of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. For a mere $2 per person or $4 per carload you too can educate yourself about the former home of the Hohokom Indians.

As you make your way through Coolidge to the ruins there are many little stops you can make. For instance, if you're looking for a small-town restaurant, be sure to stop at the Galloping Goose on the corner of Woodruff and Highway 87.

For those looking to sample the exotic cuisine of the orient, there is the Canton Dragon for (according to the sign) "fine Chinese food." And last but certainly not least, for those of you who are in a hurry and are just looking for a convenience store, be sure to make a stop at the Jiffy Stop - Food and Beer store along Highway 87.

Here's a warning for you speedsters out there: there are a lot of police cars in this area. Be aware of the speed limit. It is strictly enforced. That's right, if the sign says 25 mph, then make sure the speedometer reads 25 mph.

After taking in the sights of Coolidge, continue traveling southeast on Highway 87 until you reach the Pinal County Seat of Florence, home of the infamous Florence State Correctional Facility.

There is an abundance of interesting things to see and do while in Florence. For those of you interested in government operations, there are the County Courthouse and city buildings. If the idea of touring governmental buildings doesn't excite you, then there is always the maximum security state correctional facility.

At first thought this does not sound like the most interesting of stops. After all, much like the ostrich farm, you are asked to stay in your vehicle for your safety as well as the safety of others.

For those of you interested in shopping, there is a very unique shop at this location. Just off Highway 79, which you should be on if your destination is Tucson, there is a Prison Outlet store.

At this location, you have the opportunity to purchase items such as prison replica attire. You got it, you too can now own a pair of prison blue pants (belt loops not included), with a matching blue shirt .

"The pants, shirts and jackets are all inmate-worn," said an inmate employee who was not permitted to give his name.

In addition to clothing, consumers can also look for furniture that has been hand-crafted by inmates from various state institutions. The location of an inmate would determine what type of products that they make.

In addition to all of the products being crafted by inmates, the building was also constructed by a work detail from the prison.

If you happen to be in search of art work, have no fear, artifacts lovingly crafted by inmates are available for sale. For these products the artist receives 75 percent of the revenue, since the pieces have been developed on their own time.

The other 25 percent goes to administrative costs according to the shopkeeper, who is also not permitted to provide her name.

Once you're done putting yourself in debt, continue traveling southeast on Highway 79. As you travel on this backroads highway, check out the roadside signs informing travelers of what types of trees they are passing, such as a Palo Verde.

As you get closer to your goal of Tucson, Highway 79 will become the Pinal Pioneer Parkway. Between mile markers 116 and 115 be sure to stop to pay homage to the Tom Mix Monument. He lived from 1880 to 1940. "Mix" was a silent film star of western classics who, according to the plaque in his honor, "preserved the way of the old west."

At the end of Highway 79 the brave road warrior will arrive in Oracle Junction, home of McGee's Restaurant and Bakery. This is the stop for all of those travelers that weren't interested in the small town restaurants of Florence. If you're craving a great piece of pie, you can order a slice (or two) at McGee's between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week.

This, for the most part, will be the end of the amazing journey. After leaving McGee's, head south through Oro Valley and on to your home sweet home in beautiful Tucson.