Based in Maricopa County and just nine miles northwest of Downtown Phoenix, Glendale is a popular stop-off spot for people coming to and from Phoenix. Its population is around 226,000, and the city itself has a fairly interesting history. It was first formed by William John Murphy, who had worked as the man in charge of creating the Arizona Canal from the Granite Reef to the New River.
In 1887, he formed the Arizona Improvement Company and he started the settlement of Glendale, which was first settled to include some business lots and a town park in 1895, thus spawning the beginnings of a small town which has since evolved into a great city well worth visiting.
It sells itself as the “Antique Capital of Arizona” with multiple shops in downtown and throughout Glendale holding a treasure trove of antiques. Glendale Arizona is also home to the Arrowhead Towne Centre mall in the northwest section of the city, and it was also home to the first medical school in metropolitan Phoenix.
There’s plenty of nice things to do and see when you visit the town but if you arrive in February, you are in for a Treat. The Glendale Chocolate Festival is held annually in February and brings the whole town out to try some of the best treats out there on the market and locally at the moment. Additionally, you get more popular festivals that happen regularly such as the Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival.
If you are looking for something a bit more historic, you should visit both the Manistee and Sahuaro Ranches. They are landmarks of the region and large parks in the area, bringing people to see some fine architecture as well as to see another pair of entrants into the National Register of Historical Places.
If you are in town and want to take in some sports then the best place to go is the University of Phoenix Stadium, or the Gila River Arena. They give you access to watch the Arizona Cardinals, as well as college football and other local events which draw massive crowds. The Gila River Arena is home to the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League, giving you another choice if you want to take in some of the local sports centers.
It’s also a city that has played a fair role in the introduction of some famous people into American society. From the UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson to the popular death metal band Job for a Cowboy, many of the city’s residents have gone to achieve amazing things in various different platforms from sports to politics.