The Heritage District encompasses 0.3 square miles (192 acres) of downtown Gilbert. The vision for the downtown Heritage District is a family-friendly, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development.  This is supported by the Redevelopment Plan and the Heritage District Design Guidelines. Here’s a look at what has happened in downtown Gilbert.

The Heritage District in Pictures

Water Tower Plaza is ideally located across from the Hale Centre Theatre and provides a perfect gathering place before or after a play.  The water feature that looks even more inviting in the summer is right below the iconic Gilbert water tower.  You’ll also find a 19,000 lb. granite ball that floats on a thin layer of water.

 
Downtown Restaurants

Downtown Gilbert is home to many popular restaurants.  Joe’s Real Barbeque, Oregano’s, Romeo’s Euro Cafe,  Farmhouse Restaurant, and Liberty Market are some of the more well known.

Steel Dreamz on Gilbert road  is a step back in time allowing patrons to appreciate cars from past decades for anyone looking for collector car sales.

On the northern boundary of The Heritage District is the intersection of Gilbert Road and the Western Trail that connects with the McQueen District Park to the west and The Riparian Preserve to the east.   Gilbert is fortunate to offer various trails along canals for runners, bikers, joggers and walkers.

Historic Downtown Gilbert is definitely worth getting acquainted with and offers patrons the opportunity to appreciate Gilbert’s heritage when it was known as the “Hay Capital of the World”, until the late 1920′s.

Make sure and leave your comments on your experience in historic downtown Gilbert.

Gilbert is known for many things.  A safe community with a family friendly atmosphere.  A  great place to raise children with a high quality of life.  A growing community with  highly rated schools.  Good freeway access to Phoenix and surrounding areas.  Affordable homes including waterfront and lake communities and award winning hospitals.   All in all, Gilbert is one of the most desireable towns in the Phoenix valley.   For a sample of some of the things that make Gilbert such a popluar community, read on.

Riparian Preserve  A truely unique destination in Gilbert.  This 110 acre park is an integral part of Gilbert’s water conservation commitment.  It provides residents a fishing lake stocked with catfish, trout, bass, and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In addition, there are 70 acres of recharge lakes that are home to over 200 species of birds, and 4.5 miles of trails.  The recharges basins or lakes provide a Riparian habitat and also a means for Gilbert effluent water to transfer back into underground aquifers and replenish important ground water.  There is an Observatory that is open to the public every Friday and Saturday night from nightfall to 9 p.m.  A $3 donation is requested.   To find out everything that is going on at the Riparian Preserve, to go the events calendar to classes and times.

Southeast Regional Library  The Maricopa County Southeast Regional library is located adjacent to the Riparian Preserve and offers the best views of any library in the state. Built in 1999, this 66,000 sq.ft. award winning  library offers patrons access to internet accessible public computers and state of the art library facilities.  It is located at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Rd.  Hours are from Mon-Thurs. 10 am – 9 p.m, Friday & Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm.

Hale  Centre Theatre -Arizona  Located in historic downtown Gilbert, the unique center stage configuration ensures that there are no bad seats.  The company originally started in Glendale, California in 1947 to a meager opening night audience of 6, but it has not  missed a week of presenting high quality, affordable entertainment since its humble beginning.  The Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert opened in July 2003 and has been entertaining patrons ever since. 

 Town of Gilbert Parks  – The Town of Gilbert has some of the best parks in the Phoenix valley.  For a full inventory of the parks, public pools and facilities , go to Gilbert Parks.

Freestone Park    The largest of the Town of Gilbert Parks, Freestone provides a buffet of recreational activities.  Multiple soccer fields, batting cages, 4 softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, play areas, an amphitheatre, and a 22,000 sq.ft. skate park with features to accomodate all skill levels.   

The recent addition of the $6.75 million Freestone Recreation Center provides 51,000 sq.ft. of family focused fun and recreation.  Within the award winning architecture building is a rock climbing wall, racquetball courts, a running track, dance & aerobics room, childcare center and weight room.

McQueen Regional Park  Located in the northwest park of Gilbert is McQueen Park and Recreation Center which sits on 40 acres, but only has about 500 ft. of  frontage on McQueen Rd., so it’s easy to miss.        McQueen Park Satellite View     There are sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields, and running trails.   The 27,000 sq.ft.  McQueen Park Activity Center is host to a gymnasium , game room with Wii, X-box and play station systems, pool table, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, a lobby with a 51″ TV and rooms for leisure pursuit classes.  There is pleny of area to hang out or go outside and walk around the 2 acre lake that is to the west of the center.

 Cosmo Dog Park  If you have a dog, then add the Cosmo Dog Park to your list of places to visit, especially if they love to swim.  Cosmo Dog Park was the winner of DOG FANCY’s Dog Park of the Year for 2007, a year after opening in July 2006.   It is the only Dog Park in the Phoenix area with a lake, which many dogs thoroughly love! A detailed map shows the many amenities offered in this dog paradise.  The 4 acre park provides two dog wash stations, a wet dog area,  an lighted open dog park, and a timid dog area.  This is in addition to the ramadas, walking trails, basketball court, restroom,  picnic tables and amphitheatre.  For the location check the Google Map of Cosmo Dog Park.

Polar Ice Rink  The 76,000 sq.ft. Polar Ice Gilbert facility was introduced to the public on Sept. 13, 2008. It is conveniently located near the 202 freeway at the north end of Crossroads Park at Greenfield and Knox.  Satellite view of Polar Ice Gilbert In the development of the facility, environmental features such as low energy fluorescent lighting, skylights and a state of the art ice cooling system that cost over $120,000 have been incorporated into the design.  The two rinks in the facility provide 17,000 sq.ft. of skating enjoyment.  

Polar Ice offers public skating, hockey leagues and classes offered through the Gilbert Parks and Recreations department.  It also hosts games for the ASU Hockey clubs.

Running and Biking Trails   The development of recreational paths along SRP canals has become an attractive amenity in many cities.   Bikers and joggers will be most familiar with the paths since they offer a welcome alternative to narrow sidewalks, inattentive passing cars and frequent crossings at stop lights. Websites that cater to runners and joggers even calculate the mileage between beginning and ending points along different canals. Consolidated Canal Running Route  or the Western Canal Mileage Calculator. 

In Gilbert,  the Western Canal Powerline /Sun Circle Trail runs east and west, connecting Big League Dreams, the Riparian Preserve, Freestone Park and the McQueen District Park in a 8.5 mile stretch. It continues west into Chandler and also Tempe.  Anyone looking for a peaceful bike ride or jog will find this trail enjoyable and with much less congestion than a street sidewalk with cars racing past at 45 miles/hour.

Big League Dreams  is located near Power and Elliot Rd in east Gilbert, and represents a public/private venture on 60 acres that offers a unique facility unlike anything in the state.   There are eight scaled down versions of real ballparks, past and present;  including Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Angel Stadium, Sportman’s Park, and to appease the local crowd, Chase Field. Each ballpark has seating for 190 spectators.  There are two clubhouses that provide food and beverages.  Once you see the prices for the soda pop,   you’ll make a quick note to fill up the cooler the next visit.   Besides softball leagues, there is also an indoor soccer  complex that is well utilized.

Joe’s Real Barbeque  One of my favorite restaurants in the center of downtown Gilbert.   Joe’s opened for business in January 1998 and has been satisfying cravings for barbeque brisket, pulled pork, pit ham, pork ribs, chicken and turkey breast ever since.  The food is award winning and you’ll also appreciate the old-style atmosphere that is one of a kind.  Where else will you find a  1948 John Deere tractor in the middle of the dining area?  The New Times awarded Joe’s the Best of Phoenix for Old-Fashioned Charm. If you are into sauces, you  have your choice of spicy, or “we dare you” hot which uses habanero peppers to turn up the heat.   My favorite lunch time meal is the BBQ sampler with over 3/4 lb. of ribs, chicken, pork and beef.  Most plates are in the $8 – $12 range.  What more can I say, you have to try it!

San Tan Village Outdoor Shopping Center   San Tan Village located at Williams Field and the Santan 202 freeway is comprised of two sections; the shopping center and the urban village.  For a layout of both click on San Tan Village Shopping Center layout.   The list of stores is almost endless as seen in the Story Directory  The layout of the the urban village is nothing new, but the uncommon outdoor layout for the shopping center is a unique twist, especially for Phoenix when  outdoors in the summer is synonymous  with 110 degree days.  That misting system better work! 

Places to eat include Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Famous Dave’s, Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar, Cantina Laredo and the Kona Grill among others.  After a relaxing dinner, the Harkins Theatres complex is just a short walk away.

Golf Courses – Gilbert is home to 5 golf courses; Kokopelli, Trilogy, Western Skies, Seville Country Club, and Greenfield Lakes. All are public course except for Seville.  A golfing friend of mine ranks Trilogy as the best in Gilbert. 

As you can see, Gilbert has a lot of offer its residents and neighbors.  Feel free to comment on some of the activities or attractions that you enjoy in Gilbert.

Gilbert also provides some of the best real estate options in Arizona.   For assistance with real estate needs, feel free to sign up for Gilbert Real Estate listings. Or if you live in Gilbert and want to know the value of your home. To search for homes visit, Gilbert Real Estate.

Nestled in the historic district of downtown Gilbert, serving breakfast and lunch from 6 am. – 2 p.m. is the Farmhouse Restaurant at  228 N. Gilbert Rd.  It is one of many very successful restaurants in downtown Gilbert. 

Map view of the Farmhouse Restaurant

The Farmhouse Restaurant has been the recipient of various  awards for the “Best Breakfast” for many years.   Originally, located south of the current location, the owners, a mother and daughter team purchased the historic building  and moved from the original location 2 miles  further south on Gilbert Rd.

My Early Morning Breakfast

When you write about a restaurant you just can’t go by what others have said, you have to try it out for yourself. After seeing the long waiting line on Saturday mornings, I decided to stop in Friday morning and avoid the long wait.  Upon arriving at 8 a.m. the restaurant was practically full except for two small booths. After reviewing the menu, I decided on the Chorizo, green chile, cheese and sour cream omelet.  My omelet was excellent and very filling.  My only regret was that I did not order  their cinammon rolls that I’ve heard so much about.

The seating area is not  large enough to handle all the customers during the busy times, so it is good to plan ahead.  It is easy enough to look up the restaurant on any search engine and review the ratings to  see that I’m not the only one that enjoys the food.  The interior is authentic 1920 construction with adobe walls and wood plank floors.  After a filling breakfast or lunch, you’ll be able to burn off some of those calories by walking around the corner to Water Tower Plaza where you can see the old adobe pump house that was Gilbert’s first jail.  Then go across the street and see what is playing at the Hale Centre Theatre.

When you’re looking for a breakfast or lunch spot that is uniquely Gilbert and a welcome change to the franchise restaurants, you’ll do well to stop by the Farmhouse Restaurant on Gilbert Road.

 It was quite the irony today.  I knew I wanted to visit the Heart Attack Grill  since I’ve never been there before and have read a lot about it online.  And I’m always looking for good content for my blog.  My wife  was supportive and up for something new and on the way brought along the special health issue of AZ Get Healthly.   On the way she was  reading aloud  inspiring stories of healthly people and articles such as “20 foods you should be eating”. But here I am dragging her off to a restaurant that right on the front door states “This establishment is bad for your health” and boasts that their fries are deep fried in pure lard.  I hope she forgives me!

Hospital gowns, bypass burgers and flatliner fries

You have to admire the Heart Attack Grill for being true to their brand in this health conscious culture.  They do not offer any diet drinks and all hamburgers come with a patty of cheese, and unlimited french fries fried in lard.  I was afraid I would have a heart attack just reading about the menu.  When you walk in you are greeted by a waitress in a nurse uniform and clothed in a hospital gown and given a wrist band that says “I had a BYPASS at the HEART ATTACK GRILL”.   If you weigh over 350 lbs. you eat for free.  You don’t feel too stupid because everyone else is waling around in a gown. This is not your typical burger place. You’ll never ever visit anything like it any place else.

Location of Heart Attack Grill

I must admit that I went back more than once for fries while we were waiting for our hamburgers, single bypass of course.   I was also watching the cooks to see if anyone was brave enough to order the quadruple bypass burger so I could take a picture, but no luck.   As you can tell by my repeated trips, I liked the fries even though I kept thinking “This is soooooo unhealthy.”   The hamburger was also very good and at the end I almost fell into a guilt ridden stupor of thought about how many minutes I need to be on the treadmill to redeem myself of this impulsive indulgence.

If you have visited the Heart Attack Grill, feel free to share your thoughts.

Where do you go to find a unique local restarant that serves award winning BBQ?  Head south on Gilbert Rd. to Joe’s Real BBQ in the historic section of Gilbert.  Joe’s opened for business in January 1998 and has been satisfying cravings for barbeque brisket, pulled pork, pit ham, pork ribs, chicken and turkey breast ever since.  The food is award winning and you’ll also appreciate the old-style atmosphere that is one of a kind.  Where else will you find a  1948 John Deere tractor in the middle of the dining area?  The New Times awarded Joe’s the Best of Phoenix for Old-Fashioned Charm. If you are into sauces, you  have your choice of spicy, or “we dare you” hot which uses habanero peppers to turn up the heat.   My favorite lunch time meal is the BBQ sampler with over 3/4 lb. of ribs, chicken, pork and beef.  Most plates are in the $8 – $12 range.  Joe’s also features a comfortable and large outdoor dining area. 

A Gilbert favorite in historic downtown

Joe’s Real BBQ is within short walking distance of the Hale Centre Theatre and Water Tower Plaza, home of the iconic Gilbert water tower landmark.   Across the street is another Joe Johnston eating establishment, Liberty Market and Restaurant.  You may have also heard of Joe’s Farm Grill located in south Gilbert, also owned by Joe Johnston.  After visiting these three restaurants, you’ll be convinced that Mr. Johnston knows how to please hungry patrons!

Location of Joe’s Real BBQ

If you live in Gilbert or are just passing through, Joe’s Real BBQ is definitely worth a visit.  You’ll have to come to Gilbert, because this family owned BBQ specialty restaurant in historic Gilbert is one of a kind and not a franchise. 

My recommendation is the BBQ sampler and homemade root beer!  Be sure to leave a comment after you visit Joe’s Real BBQ.

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When you’re out in the east valley, and looking for a way to reward yourself, be sure and stop in at Joe’s Farm Grill for breakfast, lunch or dinner between 7 a.m – 9 p.m.  Since Joe’s Farm Grill and Joe’s Real BBQ are both owned by Joe Johnston, the ribs and BBQ are done right.  Check the menu.   I was in a nearby community taking a video for an out of state client and finished up around luch time.  My wife had been to Joe’s Farm Grill with some friends and spoke highly of their BBQ chicken pizza, as well as the sweet potato fries, so that was the endorsement (excuse)  I needed to stop in and check it out for myself.  Glad I did.  I came away with the same conclusion as many others, including the Zagat Survey, Phoenix Magagzine, and Gilbert Times.

Food and Atmosphere you won’t forget

It’s different than any other restaurant you’ve visited.  The restaurant is actually the old Johnston home. The dining room was the family room and still has the original fireplace.  The kitchen is where the bedrooms were located.  What once was a slump block house is now an award winning mid-century retro burger stand.  The surrounding landscape was preserved as much as possible which allows you to eat under trees that must be at least half  a century old.

Satellite view of Joe’s Farm Grill

It is located at 3000 E. Ray Rd., west of Higley on Ray Rd. and about 1/2 east of Cosmo Dog Park.

The food speaks for itself

I enjoyed the BBQ Bacon Blue Burger which with all the toppings, bacon and onion ring was a good size burger.  My next visit will include the Fontina Burger with grilled mushrooms and and roasted red pepper.  As their literatue says they take common food and do it uncommonly well. I agree 100% with them.  I’ve also heard that their shakes are fantastic.  See what the critics have to say about Joe’s Farm Grill.

Joe’s Farm Grill is part of Agritopia’s agro-commerical area

As Agritopia was developed the plan was to take existing buildings, preserve the rural setting and incorporate them into the urban residential setting of Agritopia.  Joe’s Farm Grill and The Coffee Shop are the result of this undertaking for the agro-commerical area.  The vision of Agritopia is to develop a friendly community around an urban farm. Consistent wtih this focus,  Agritopa features a garden and orchard.  There is also a community center with a community pool to be enjoyed the by the residents.  Homes in Agritopia have their own distinct style.  Homes for sale in Agritopia.

Joe’s Farm Grill is within a short commute of many Gilbert Lake subdivisions including Val Vista Lakes, The Islands, Lago Estancia, and Stonebridge Lakes.

Joe’s Farm Grill will treat to you a dining experience that is difficult to duplicate in any other part of the valley.

Regional outdoor shopping mall in Gilbert

San Tan Village celebrated its newest addition yesterday with the grand opening of Macy’s.  San Tan Village located at Williams Field and the Santan 202 freeway is comprised of two sections; the shopping center and the urban village.  For a layout of both click on San Tan Village Shopping Center layout.   The list of stores is almost endless as seen in the Story Directory  The layout of the the urban village is nothing new, but the uncommon outdoor layout for the shopping center is a unique twist, especially for Phoenix when  outdoors in the summer is synonymous  with 110 degree days.  That misting system better work!

Not In My Backyard (NIMBY)

It was not too many years ago that a commerical development of this magnitude would have been frowned upon by the residents of Gilbert, especially if it included a Wal-Mart.  However, a realization that Gilbert needed a stronger tax base resulted in more commerical developments along the new 202 freeway.  I remember hearing a quote once that the NIMBY mindset was an improvement from earlier days that were characterized by Citizens Against Virtually Everything (CAVE).  Thank heavens things have changed.

The shops have been clustered according to age groups, and the picture to the left is of the children’s play area which is surrounded by stores such as Disney, Pumpkin Patch, Gymboree,  Naartjie, and The Glitter Box.   The 202 Santan Freeway makes this regional outdoor mall accessible and within minutes of Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa. 

Link to satellite view of Santan Village

Places to eat include Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Famous Dave’s, Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar, Cantina Laredo and the Kona Grill among others.  After a relaxing dinner, the Harkins Theatres complex is just a short walk away.

New edition to Gilbert Downtown Eateries

Downtown Gilbert is home to a new restaurant that opened October 14, 2008 and is quickly becoming a popular addition to the neighborhood.  The Libery Market joins the likes of Joe’s Real Barbeque, Oregano’s, and the Farmhouse restaurant.   Keirsten Traina, who along with her husband David, are co-owners with Joe and Cindy Johnston greeted my impromptu visit with all the energy and pride you expect from someone who is passionate about her business.  It is no surprise that it was named one of the Top 10 places to eat in 2008.  Julie, one of the friendly staff members was eager to educate me why The Liberty Market and Restaurant is special.  Liberty Market is close to waterfront communities including The Islands, Stonebridge Lakes, Lago Estancia, and Val Vista Lakes. The owners have done a great job of preserving the original architecture of the building that was constructed in 1936.

Favorite Menu Items and other Surprises

Keirsten said that the favorite menu items are the White pizza (parmesan cream sauce, smoked mozzarella, grilled chicken, chopped bacon, arugula, and pine nuts), and the Libery Bowl (roasted meatballs, marinara sauce, pecorino romano, grilled bread). A quick glance of the menu reveals the how economical a family can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.  The Espresso Bar features a Faema E61 Espresso machine built in 1965 in Milano, Italy. Hence the name the E61 Bar.  All the chocolates and syrup are made from scratch as well as the pastries, soups, and pizza dough.  Whenever possible, they source produce and ingredients locally to ensure freshness.  To demonstrate how good their chocolate is they insisted I try a bowl of hot chocolate with whipped cream.  Yes, it was a bowl of hot chocolate!  It was fantastic and as good as anything I’ve tasted.  I’d go back just for the hot chocolate.

Individually decorated by the owners

You have not totally experienced the true unquiness of the Liberty Market until you’ve needed to visit the restrooms. Yes, I know this sounds, uh.. strange, but stay with me.  There is a common wash area with men/women bathrooms with complete privacy. Each one has been decorated by one of the owners.  As you close the door, each has a separate music soundtrack playing. I’ve never seen anything like it, ever!

I have to echo one of the reviews that says “Joe Johnston has hit another home run with his new Liberty Market restaurant”.  Mr. Johnston is also the owner of Joe’s Real Barbeque.  You will not find another restaurant like this.  If you live in Gilbert, this has to be on your list of places to eat.

Satellite view of Libery Market