Senior Living News

Desert Botanical Garden

1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ

Desert Botanical Garden, located in Phoenix, is home to more than 50,000 succulents, plants and wildflowers. Bring a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes to explore this stunning 55-acre landscape. Five different trails take you through the park, each featuring a theme or habitat. Highlights include a desert oasis, cactus and succulent gallery, agave yucca forest, hummingbird garden and bee garden. The butterfly pavilion, which features thousands of live butterflies in a lush, open-air environment, is also worth a visit. When you get hungry, stop by Gertrude's Restaurant for delicious farm-to-plate dining.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

41835 North Castle Hot Springs Road
Morristown, AZ

Situated about 25 miles north of our independent living community, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Head onto the water and try your hand at catching catfish, sunfish or bass, or rent a kayak or boat from one of the marinas.

There's also plenty to do on land, with 20 miles of scenic trails in the park. Watch for wildlife such as bald eagles and wild burros as you stroll along the paths, and take in views of the lake and desert. Pop into the park's Discovery Center to see interpretive exhibits and learn about the area's history and natural environment.

Shade is hard to find at Lake Pleasant in the summer, so stay safe outdoors in the sun. Don't forget to pack drinks and snacks for a shoreline picnic. You can also splurge on a meal at the Scorpion Bay Grill or Dillon's Bayou at Pleasant Harbor.  

Taliesin West

12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ

Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright spent his winters in Scottsdale creating a stunning home and studio on several hundred acres of land. Taliesin West is now designated as a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors interested in learning about Wright's architectural legacy.

Wright designed the property with low buildings that are nestled into the desert landscape and surrounded by terraces, walkways, pools and gardens. You can take audio and guided tours and see where the architect and his apprentices worked. Taliesin West is about a 40-minute drive east of LifeStream at Sun City. Tickets are limited, so be sure to make a reservation before visiting.

Prescott

117 West Goodwin Street
Prescott, AZ

Contemporary charm meets frontier spirit in the city of Prescott, which is about 95 miles north of Sun City. Downtown Prescott is home to historic Whiskey Row, a street that once housed 40 saloons. Today, the area boasts art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. The popular Courthouse Plaza is located nearby, an inviting green space that's perfect for relaxing and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Sharlot Hall Museum, just outside of downtown Prescott, is also deserving of a visit. The site consists of historic buildings with exhibits exploring Arizona's rich heritage and a rose garden honoring the women who helped settle the state. If you still have time left during your visit to Prescott, stop by Watson Lake to admire its bright blue waters and the granite rock formations that surround the lake.

Verde Canyon Railroad

300 North Broadway
Clarkdale, AZ

Climb aboard a renovated vintage train for an unforgettable 4-hour journey. The Verde Canyon Railroad retraces a historic route between Clarkdale and Perkinsville, offering passengers panoramic views of ancient ruins, desert foliage and a stunning red rock landscape. The train also takes you over fortified bridges and through a 734-foot manmade tunnel.

Once you've settled into your seat, enjoy a champagne toast and refreshments. Listen to the narrated tour or step onto the open-air viewing car to savor the fresh air and sights of the canyon. The train depot is located in Clarkdale, about a 2-hour drive from LifeStream at Sun City. Most trains depart at 1 p.m. There are sometimes morning and evening departures on Saturdays in the summer.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

20304 West White Tank Mountain Road
Waddell, AZ

It's easy to escape into nature at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, less than a half-hour drive from our independent living community. You can enjoy a picnic with the beautiful mountains and valley as a backdrop and then stretch your legs on the park's many trails.

One of the most popular hikes is Waterfall Trail, a fairly easy 1.8-mile route with an elevation gain of less than 300 feet. Along the partially paved path are ancient petroglyphs believed to be around 10,000 years old. There's a waterfall at the end of the trail, but because of Arizona's dry weather, you may only see it if it's been raining.

The county charges a vehicle entry fee to use the park. Seniors can purchase a discounted annual pass for access to all Maricopa County parks.

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