Glendale

About GlendaleEstablished in 1892, Glendale retains much of its turn-of-the-20th-century charm. A tree-lined town square, red brick sidewalks and gaslights form an appropriate setting for the abundance of boutique and antique shops around shady Murphy Park in the city's historic downtown. Cerreta Candy Company , about half a mile east of Murphy Park at 5345 W. Glendale Ave., provides behind-the-scenes guided tours of its candy- and chocolate-making operations; phone (623) 930-9000.

In early January, the Fiesta Bowl, one of the nation's largest college bowl games, is played at State Farm Stadium, which also is the home stadium for the National Football League's Arizona Cardinals. In early February, chocoholics flock to Murphy Park for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire , which features chocolate purveyors from across the country.

In a more modern vein, Glendale also is home to Thunderbird School of Global Management and the jet fighter wing at Luke Air Force Base, purportedly the world's largest F-16 training base. Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox play their spring training games at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, while the Arizona Cardinals football and Arizona Coyotes hockey teams call the city home.

During the holiday season, Glendale Glitters jazzes up downtown in festive multicolored lights.

Visitor Centers Glendale Visitor Center 5800 W. Glenn Dr. Suite 140 Glendale, AZ 85301. Phone:(623)930-4500 or (877)800-2601

ShoppingKnown as the Antique Capital of Arizona, more than 90 antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants are concentrated around Glendale's town square, Murphy Park, at the intersection of Glendale and 58th avenues. Old Towne Glendale and the Historic Catlin Court Shops District specialize in arts, crafts, furniture, dolls, jewelry, period clothing and Western memorabilia. Arrowhead Towne Center contains more than 170 stores, including Dillard's and JCPenney. More than 90 stores draw deal-seekers to Tanger Outlets Westgate, off Loop 101 at Glendale Avenue exit.

Things to Do Arizona Doll and Toy Museum

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area

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