Buckeye

While the drive west from downtown Phoenix to this treasured town is only a mere 30 minutes, once you arrive in Buckeye, it will seem as though you’re a million miles away.

Stand in the middle of any Buckeye thoroughfare and you’re provided with a mountain view at the end of every corridor. It is this seamless blend with nature where vivid greens and gentle waters mark the Gila River, that gives Buckeye its sense of place.

Nature surrounds in all directions, be it the majestic peaks of the White Tank Mountains to the north or the subtle rolls of Buckeye Hills. Bird watchers will delight at the Arlington and Robbins Butte Wildlife areas, and trails throughout the Buckeye Hills offer even more glimpses of native desert animals.

Beyond the desert creatures, flora and fauna, lies a thriving town. There is no question about it, Buckeye is BIG! There are currently 30 master-planned communities in the planning stages or under construction. Buckeye will be home to more than 100,000 in the year 2010.

Amidst the housing boom lies the heart of the town, with icons that have been carefully preserved along the main street – historic Route 80 (the southern sister of the famed Route 66) and once the only all-weather, all-year route to California. The most notable icon is the playful giant, Hobo Joe, a colorful symbol of a past Valley restaurant chain. Today, for an authentic Buckeye breakfast or lunch, you’ll want to step into Darla’s Country Kitchen. Always filled with locals, Darla’s is the sort of place you come for home-cooked goodness served up with just the right amount
of sass.

Beard’s Western and Country Store offers an endless inventory of Western gear including Wranglers and Stetsons. But, it’s really the original wood-planked floor that people come to see here. Owner Levi Beard is on hand most days to share the history of the boards, which date back to 1932 and have garnered offers of as much as $1 million.

Buckeye Town Park, adjacent to downtown, is home to the area’s museum. The Buckeye Historical and Archeological Museum features an impressive collection of pottery made by the Hohokam and Anasazi tribes, early inhabitants of the Valley. Town Park is also home to a wonderful aquatic center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, complete with 35-foot water slide.

Buckeye’s Municipal Airport offers hangars, gyroplane rides, skydiving lessons and flight instruction, as well as 24-hour aviation fuel capability, ensuring the perfect view from above.

Visitors will enjoy the many local events that take place throughout the year. The National Senior Pro, and Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeos, demolition derbies, the West Valley Air Fair, Pioneer Days, Countryfest, Fourth of July, the Hometown Holiday Boutique, and the Christmas Electric Light Parade are just a sampling of Buckeye traditions.

For more information, go to www.buckeyevalleychamber.org!