Mesa AZ area

Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa is famous for housing the world's largest Wurlitzer theater organ, which is played an incredible 363 nights each year. While the pizza is quite good, the real attraction is the show. Talented organists perform a wide variety of music, from classic tunes and movie themes to modern favorites, all while the massive organ rises from beneath the stage and fills the restaurant with sound. It's a fun and unique experience that keeps us coming back.

The Mesa area offers much more than great pizza. The nearby Salt River is known for its scenic desert beauty and its herd of wild horses that roam along the riverbanks. We went searching for the horses a couple of times but, unfortunately, never spotted them. Even so, the river itself is beautiful, with towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountain views, and peaceful spots to simply enjoy the scenery.

We also visited Mesa's Neon Garden, where restored vintage signs from around the Valley are displayed and illuminated after dark. It's a fascinating glimpse into Arizona's past and a great place for photos.

Another interesting piece of local history is that actor Lorne Greene, best known for playing Ben Cartwright on the television series "Bonanza," built and lived in a replica of the Ponderosa ranch house in the Mesa area. Although the home is no longer open to the public, it remains a unique bit of Mesa trivia for fans of the classic western.