Every Memorial Day weekend, I enjoy traveling to a part of the USA that I have not seen. Thus last week I spent the long holiday weekend in the state of Arizona. My limited time permitted me to visit two destinations: the Goldfield Ghost Town and the Grand Canyon region.

The evening flight time allowed me to grab a bite to eat at Boston’s Logan Airport. Fortunately, Au Bon Pain now offers a vegetarian sandwich that can be made vegan without the cheese. The veggie and hummus wrap contains hummus, cucumbers, roasted tomatoes, carrots,chickpeas, romaine, field greens, basil pesto, and balsamic vinaigrette in a whole-wheat wrap. The 12 veggie soup was vegan, as well. My vegan dinner was satisfying.

Upon arrival in Phoenix, I took the airport super shuttle to the Phoenix Downtown Hostel: my accommodations for the next three evenings. Since the time was close to 11:30pm, it was time to call it a night. Bright and early the next morning, my goal was to eat breakfast and also to purchase a breakfast meal for the following two days, since there would be no time to do so before the next day’s tour or Monday’s return flight home.

With directions and restaurant names in my hand, I quickly made my way into the downtown area. The atmosphere was clearly Southwestern. Beautiful palm trees lined the streets.

Cacti of every shape and size dotted the residential and commercial parts of the city.

Nami, an all-vegan restaurant (Nami Restaurant) in downtown Phoenix, offers wonderful vegan breakfasts and brunches.

The cozy restaurant also provides vegan baked goods such as cakes, donuts, and cupcakes.

For my breakfast, I decided upon the Country Breakfast Burrito. This absolutely delicious meal was an organic tofu scramble, organic tempeh “bacon”, sautéed peppers & onions, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, melty vegan “cheddar cheese” & breakfast potato hash in a toasty flour tortilla with a side of namibertos salsa. A freshly squeezed orange juice was my morning beverage. The burrito was amazing beyond words: one of the best breakfast meals in all of my domestic travels!

Next, I headed to Bragg’s Factory Diner (Bragg’s Factory Diner) for a takeaway breakfast that I could store in my room until the next morning. I selected the “Spiced and Sliced French Toast”. This tasty meal was made with almond French toast with cinnamon ginger spiced citrus and a side of eggplant “bacon”.

The vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurant also has a baked goods for purchase. All of the pies in the displaycase are vegan.

Their bathroom wall showcased artwork that truly represents the region: a painting of a smiling cactus! I just had to capture it on camera!

Outside the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice the funky and colorful artwork that was created upon the tree trunks and sidewalk.

As I walked further up the road, a colorful “Historic Grand Ave” emblem graced the pavement.

My final food stop of the morning was Treehouse Bakery (Treehouse Bakery ). This vegan bakery offers baked goods such as scones, pies, cupcakes, coffeecake, and more. I purchased a peach spice scone and a strawberry mini poptart for Monday’s breakfast before my 5am flight back home.

Mission accomplished finding yummy breakfast foods for the entire weekend! My next feat was to rent a car for my drive to Goldfield Ghost Town. As I walked down the street towards the light rail, my eyes gazed upon the spectacular large cactus and vibrant red flowering bushes that crossed my path.

A quick 40 minute drive brought me to Goldfield Ghost Town. The old mining town originally sprung up in 1892 when high quality gold was found in this hilly region between the Superstitious Mountains and the Goldfield Mountains. A post office, saloon, boarding house, general store, school, and blacksmith shop took root in the small town of 1,500. When the ore supply started to fizzle out, the miners moved on to other ventures. In 1898, Goldfield became a deserted ghost town. In 1988 after purchase by a local couple, the old mining town was re-created with authentic-looking buildings and a re-constructed mine to the delight of tourists.

Visitors may take a narrated twenty minute ride around the perimeter of Goldfield Town, aboard the historic locomotive. I decided to do so myself.

The Superstitious Mountains provided the backdrop to the first portion of our train ride. The mountains got their name from locals who would hear tales of strange happenings from the indigenous tribes. Legend has it that The Lost Dutchman’s Mine is located somewhere within the range.

Underground mines of yesteryear, with rusty mining equipment outside, can be seen along the train route.

Desert flora and fauna exhibit proudly along the dusty trails. Massive cacti of the singular and multi-branch types may be viewed throughout the fields.

As we head around the curb, the locomotive chugs by the back of old Goldfield Town’s buildings, with the Superstitious Mountains in clear view behind.

Typical desert brush and the region’s short white flowering tree are seen towards the end of our train ride.

After the conclusion of the locomotive ride, I walked to the center of Goldfield Town. The apothecary, shops, restaurants, and other town businesses gave a sense of a true 19th century town.

I peered into the window of the old re-created jail.

A metal art shop nearby displayed tools and equipment utilized for artistic endeavors.

An old water tower contained stacked up buckets that would supply the town’s water.

My favorite activity of the day was a tour of the underground mine. An animated guide brought a large group of tourists to explore the mine’s secrets and passageways. He shared tales of how the miners excavated for gold and precious minerals. The guide explained how the equipment we saw, was used for mining purposes. The dark long tunnel finally gave way to stairs that led outside.

Adjacent to the mine was a gold panning shack where visitors could learn how to pan for gold.

You can’t visit such a fascinating attraction without purchasing some souvenirs! So of course, I paid a visit to the mercantile shop! The old time shop housed 19th century memorabilia.

I then strolled around the remainder of the town center. An old time saloon, gift shops, and an art gallery appeared to my left and right.

A large building Was home to a history museum. Old west artifacts such as Indian pottery, mining equipment, and even Doc Holliday’s outfit were showcased.

In the town square, one can find a piece of equipment that was used to lower men into the mines.

A large green building housed many 19th century business including a brothel, a post office, and shops.

At the end of the main street, a lovely chapel overlooked the town, with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and valley.

My time in old Goldfield mining town was fun. It was time to head back to Phoenix for some great vegan dining!

Green Vegetarian (Green restaurant) in downtown Phoenix is a completely vegan restaurant.
I started with a strawberry lemonade beverage.

For my appetizer, I chose the Spicy buffalo wings with vegan cucumber ranch and celery sticks.

My dinner entree selection was the Kung Pao bowl with organic brown rice and mock chicken, in a spicy ginger and garlic tamari sauce with crushed peanuts. The entire meal was delicious!

After dinner, I strolled over to Nami next door. Their vegan ice cream “Tsoynamis” are quite popular! I chose the Rocky Road flavor consisting of vegan chocolate soft serve ice cream with organic walnuts, organic chocolate chips, organic chocolate sauce, and Ricemallow fluff. What an incredibly tasty treat!

My first day in Arizona had come to an end. The historic sights in old Goldfield and the wonderful vegan dining in Phoenix made for an amazing experience! I looked forward to what experiences the next day would bring as I visit the Grand Canyon and Sedona.