Wrigley Mansion

For an interesting slice of Phoenix history, head to the Wrigley Mansion which sits proudly on top of the pretty hill known as La Colina Solana. This former stately home is one of the most famous landmarks in Phoenix and is a great place to visit for fine dining and an historic snapshot of 1930s high society.Most famous for being the former home of the chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jnr, today this splendid mansion is known as a private members club that welcomes visitors of all persuasions. To visit here, sign up to become a temporary member at a cost of $10, which is about €7.50. This charge is actually donated to charity so it’s good to know that as you are enjoying your visit, you are also contributing to a good cause!The mansion is an opulent blend of Spanish Mission Revival, California Monterey and Mediterranean architectural styles and at one stage had 24 period rooms and 12 elegant bathrooms. There are a number of day tours available, all of which give visitors an in-depth look at the history of the house and its residents since 1930. The prized Steinway piano on the second floor is a real highlight and the quirky telephone switchboard room is worth a peek – if only to see the unusual chewing-gum foil wallpaper. Most of the tours also include a lunch of your choice at the exclusive Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge which boasts a stylish Art Deco interior.In the evening, banquet here in style with a menu that offers sumptuous dishes ranging from mouth-watering, coffee-cured duck breast with sweet red wine glaze to chilled lobster salad. Wash it all down with the finest wine as you enjoy sweeping views of Camelback Mountain and the Valley of the Sun. After dinner, retire to the charming lounge area and kick back with a cocktail or two. And if you listen very closely, you can almost hear the ghostly tinkling of that grand piano floating across the room.