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Is That a Geyser in the Middle of the Desert?

By Mark Gridley

Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty, Reinventing the National Real Estate Office!

September 28, 2010 06:28 AM

No, It's one of the World's Highest Fountains in Fountain Hills, AZ

It’s not uncommon when I am talking with friends from out of town, potential home buyers, or even people who have lived in the Valley for years, that many of them don’t know that people actually live and work east of the McDowell Mountains. They don’t know that Fountain Hills exists, or if they’ve heard the name, they have no idea where it is, or what it is that makes it unique. For some, it’s that place with the Fountain that they drive by when headed to Payson! Or you’ll find the avid golfer who discovered that some of the best courses in the metro area are in Fountain Hills, after one of their friends invited them out to play Firerock, Eagle Mountain, SunRidge Canyon, Desert Canyon or We-Ko-Pa Golf Clubs.

I've lived in Fountain Hills since 1973. I met my wife here. Raised my family. Owned a business and now sell Real Estate. I'm and expert in Fountain Hills Properties and would love to show you our Town. My family owns the oldest business in Fountain Hills which is ran by my sister. Gridleys of Fountain Hills, located on the Avenue of the Fountains.

So what else does Fountain Hills have to offer? First and foremost is the natural beauty surrounding Fountain Hills, including some of the best mountain vistas in the Valley, a gorgeous view of Four Peaks, and phenomenal sunrise and sunset views. Other unique attractions include:

One of the world’s tallest man-made fountains, shooting up 560 feet. It is surrounded by a lake and a park, which is the center of recreation for many of the city’s residents and visitors.
On St. Patrick’s Day the Fountain runs green several times during the day!
The park is adjacent to a center with restaurants, a wine bar, and ice cream!
A commitment to public art, as indicated by over 70 pieces, many of them sculpture, adorning the downtown area and local parks.

Two major juried art fairs are held each year, one in spring and one in fall. This fall’s Festival of Arts & Crafts is November 12-13-14, 2010.
Thanksgiving Day Parade, Octoberfest, Stroll in the Glow, Thunderbird Artists Wine and Art Festival, Movies in the Park, Farmers Market and more!
Find more info on Fountain Hills

Many avid hikers are well acquainted with the trails in McDowell Mountain Park. Did you know that you can start a hike at the 124^th or 128^th street trailheads in Scottsdale, and end it in Fountain Hills, via Sunrise Trail? Sunrise Vista gives you phenomenal views of the Phoenix metro mountains, plus Four Peaks, Red Mountain, and from the vista, near 360 degree views. Sunrise Vista is a hike of moderate difficulty, with a 1300 ft. gain in elevation. This hike might give you a glimpse of some of our Sonoran wildlife including: Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Javelina, Bobcat, Coyote, Jack Rabbits and Reptiles. Bird watchers will want to bring their cameras. Your sure to see a variety of them, from Raptors to hummingbirds.

So what if, as with me, food is an important item in your life? Fountain Hills has a variety of choices, from sports bars, family owned ethnic restaurants, steaks and chops, seafood. A number of them have very good wine lists for the wine aficionado.

A couple of recent additions stand out:

Many Valley residents, as well as national restaurant critics, believe that Chris Bianco at Pizzeria Bianco has the best pizza in the US. But as a really great alternative, without the two to four hour wait, is Fountain Hills’ Sapporo d’ Italia, similar in style to Bianco or Scottsdale’s Grazzi. It’s a great pizza find, and also boasts exceptional homemade pasta specials.
El Encanto, famed for its Cave Creek location, has opened a smaller edition in Fountain Hills. Whether it is Sunday brunch, or your evening meal, you’ll remember it as one of the best authentic Mexican meals you’ve had.
Opening this week Sopritas. Which promises to be a huge success with its Sangria, Torta and Tapas menu.

So next time you find yourself wondering if there is life beyond Phoenix and Scottsdale, take a drive, and experience all that Fountain Hills has to offer and contact Mark Gridley, Realtor with eXp Realty. "The World's 1st virtual Real Estate Company."