Mesa is the ultimate desert playground for incredible, sought-after outdoor adventure and new experiences. In fact, just last year Money magazine editors named the city as the “Best Place for Outdoor Lovers”, calling attention to the thousands of acres of natural Sonoran Desert wonderland surrounding the popular urban oasis. Visitors can now plan the trendiest travel to-do list as the city embraces goat yoga, glamping, heritage farming and hand-crafted everything.

SAY NAMASTE-EHHH: GOAT YOGA IS THE THERAPY YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED
Sarah Williams, owner of Mesa-based Desert Paddleboards has paired up with neighboring farm to combine two of her most loved activities – yoga and goats. Now offering classes, Arizona Goat Yoga connects yogis with their inner farm girl or boy. Whether you are in warrior pose, downward dog or simply meditating, these lovable goats help motivate and challenge you to be your best. During the guided yoga class, these gentle, sweet, and loving animals roam the fields and are placed by the instructor on guests that are in specific poses. Class attendees have described goat yoga as therapeutic and effective in relieving their daily stresses of life. According to Sarah, a 20-year yogi, Goat Yoga clears the mind and offers a chance to release endorphins from exercise and increase oxytocin with pet therapy.

GONE GLAMPING: SCHNEPF FARMS OFFERS UP A NEW WAY TO STAY
If you want to make mom go camping in the desert, head for Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. This fourth-generation family homestead now offers glamping in their collection of vintage trailers on the 300-acre organic peach farm. All decked out in fun themes and pic-worthy décor, the trailers have full hook ups and best of all, it's not a canvas tent! Mom won't complain about 'roughing it' when the family overnights here. Bike rentals, a seasonal u-pick calendar of produce, u-pick flower gardens and the Fresh From the Farm bakery and café will ensure a camping trip she won't want to forget. The trailers overlook the farm's meadow and are great options for group gatherings and special occasions.

ARIZONA'S CRAFTSMAN COLLECTIVE: BARNONE AT AGRITOPIA
Dubbed Arizona's Craftsman Community, Barnone is a showpiece for all things made in America. The unique gathering spot is the newest addition for visitors to explore at Agritopia, named by New York Times as the leading agri-hood in the nation. Barnone was designed to give visitors plenty of reasons to hang around. Fashioned out of a tired World War II-era Quonset hut, the newly-designed space features a micro-brewery, plant-based eatery, a flower shop, beauty salon, printing press, and the hearth-based restaurant, Fire & Brimstone, embracing rustic cooking methods with wood-fired cuisine and locally-grown ingredients from Agritopia's on-site organic farm. The brainchild of visionary and developer Joe Johnston, Barnone is intent on focusing on the craft. Barnone guests can imbibe on craft brews at 12West Brewing and experimental wines at Garage-East. The nano-winery and distillery features wines only sold in Arizona by master winemakers. Distinct modern-day charm blends well into the historic setting at this popular stop on Mesa's Fresh Foodie Trail™. 

HAYDEN FLOUR MILLS HIGHLIGHTS AWARD-WINNING HEIRLOOM NATIVE GRAINS 
Taste Arizona history at Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms, east of Mesa. This family-owned flour mill has been featured in the new documentary Ingrained. Focused on ancient native seeds and growing heirloom wheat with minimal processing, Hayden Flour Mills in the Town of Queen Creek offers a full-sensory culinary experience that starts with a tour of their milling operation and gives visitors options to participate in hands-on classes and educational seminars. Here, they showcase flavorful grain and its importance to the American diet highlighting everything from artisan breads, pasta and wheat berries to Bourbon, craft brews, grain-based oils and more. In 2015, Hayden Flour Mills was the recipient of the Martha Stewart American Made Awards.

NATURAL SPA PRODUCT LINE EXPANDS, QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL GOES BEYOND EVOO
Grown at the base of the San Tan Mountains, Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona's only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm where olives are grown and pressed for the production of high quality olive oil products. Expanding their product line beyond extra virgin olive oils, stuffed olives and tapenades, the mill's OliveSpa line now offers home and body care items made from olive oil. Skincare products made from olive oil are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties. The OliveSpa products line offers exfoliating scrubs, foot balms, hand salves, lip balms, body butters, laundry detergent, Men's shaving foam and bar soaps.

Stop by the Visit Mesa table at IMM – NY this Thurs., Jan. 26 for upcoming press tour dates, new story ideas and more.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Streeter, Vice President of Communications

Visit Mesa | Direct: 480-682-3638 | E-mail: Michelle@VisitMesa.com | www.VisitMesa.com