Located in Maricopa County, the Town of Carefree, Arizona is "Home of Cowboys and Caviar, Where the Old West Meets the New." Whimsical street names like Tranquil Trail, Easy Street, Ho-and-Hum Roads and Long Rifle, Stagecoach and Bloody Basin, cultivate Carefree’s Western and casual atmosphere. Like the name implies, the residents of Carefree enjoy a relatively easygoing lifestyle.
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert near the Tonto National Forest, Carefree typifies desert living. Visitors to the area are often struck by the stark beauty of the desert, with its sandy washes and contrasting mountain views. Not only does the scenic grandeur captivate residents, but Carefree has become a destination for art and culture in the Southwest. The town has 15 restaurants, which is 1 restaurant for every 247 people, the highest per capita ratio in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Carefree History
Like much of Phoenix area, Carefree was designed as a master-planned community. K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington started selling land for the Carefree project in 1955, with the first homes built there in 1958. Its creators envisioned a place “Where the Old West Meets the New,” or a community that reflected a quiet casual air as well as its Western Heritage. Cementing its place in the Valley of the Sun, Carefree’s Giant Sundial was constructed in 1959. Carefree’s giant version of one of the world’s most ancient timepieces is the third-largest in the Western Hemisphere, and still attracts visitors to Carefree.
Carefree Parks and Recreation
With its beautiful high desert setting, and plentiful recreational space, Carefree residents are inspired by the outdoors. Visit one of Carefree’s parks and attractions to see why Nature is Carefree’s greatest resource!
Carefree Sun Dial
During a time when developers constantly were thinking up new gimmicks to attract visitors to see new communities springing up in the middle of nowhere, the Carefree Sundial was built. Developer K.T. Palmer set out to construct the largest sundial in the world at that time to celebrate Carefree’s place in the “Valley of the Sun.” Attracting visitors since 1959, this is the third-largest sundial in the world. Made from a steel frame covered in anodized copper, this sundial is 90 feet in diameter and towers 35 feet above the Carefree landscape.
Adobe Mountain Recreation Area
This 1,526 acres recreation area is used by commercial and nonprofit enterprises. At the recreation area, you can find a water park, sports complex and kart racing.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Located in the Lower Verde River basin, this park containing more than 21,000 acres contains camping, hiking, biking, picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. With elevations in the park reaching over 3,000 feet, visitors can take in some of the best views of the McDowell Mountains. Visitors can also spot wildlife like deer, javelina, birds and coyotes.
Tonto National Forest
The Tonto National Forest spans about 3 million acres near the town of Carefree. In this rugged, but beautiful country, you can experience desert landscapes dominated by the tall Saguaro cactus as well as mountainous pine forests. Tonto National Forest is one of the most visited “urban” forests in the U.S. with about 5.8 million visitors annually. Enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, recreational shooting, rockhounding and prospecting, and water sports at the National Forest.
Carefree Events
Carefree has its share of local events attracting both residents and visitors to participate. From fine art to classic cars, Carefree has something for everyone!
Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
This juried fine art festival attracts artists and art collectors from all over the United States and the world. The picturesque desert setting of Carefree serves as a great backdrop for this celebration of magnificent fine art. In addition to fine art, this festival is home to Arizona’s largest wine tasting event. Delicious food from Carefree’s gourmet restaurants accompanies this wine. To round out this spectacular weekend, live music entertains festival attendees. Whether you are artist, art collector or wine enthusiast, the Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival is for you!
Cadillac LaSalle Club/Sonoran Desert Region
Founded in 1958, the Sonoran Desert Cadillac & LaSalle Club fosters appreciation for and encourages the maintenance of these American classics. The Club recognizes all Cadillac and LaSalles, regardless of year or model. In addition to being a car club, this group focuses on being a family and social organization, with membership dinners and charitable projects.
Sonoran Festival of Fine Art
This juried festival is a great opportunity to purchase works from local artists. Held in Carefree’s Garden Plaza, peruse artwork while being serenaded by strolling musicians. A variety of artwork for every taste—ceramics, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, metals, mixed media, photography, sculpture, and more—are featured in the festival. Admission to the festival is free.
Carefree Arts
Carefree’s picturesque setting inspires artists to create every day. In addition to its art festivals, Carefree has quite a few art organizations and private galleries showcasing the best in local art. A few examples of these are listed in this section.
Janne Art Antiques Artifacts
This Carefree, Arizona Art Gallery contains oil paintings, antiques, artifacts and sculptures. Janne, an artist from Norway who settled in Aspen, Colorado, shares her personal interests and styles in her gallery.
Sonoran Arts League
This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the visual arts, artists, and art education in the Carefree community. The League works with local schools to promote art education and produces community events.
Click here for more about Arts in Carefree
For more information on Carefree, AZ visit the official website by clicking here
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