Mesa: The Gateway to Arizona's Adventure and Culture

• HelloHowdy
  [hou-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-ter]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [please/yur wel-cum]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thanks uh bunch]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [ex-kyoos me/sor-ee]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [hou yall doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fine and yoo]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yall speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out the men-yoo]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll take the check, please
  [I'll take the chek, please]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Get outta here!
  [get out-uh here]
• Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy]
• I'm just lookingI'm just looking
  [I'm just looking]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duhz it cost]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [that's too pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you lower it?
  [can yuh low-er it]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [Morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvening
  [Evening]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
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• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Mesa region was home to the Hohokam people, who inhabited the area from roughly 200 to 1450 AD. They were known for their advanced irrigation canals, which made the desert landscape arable and supported a thriving agricultural society. These canals formed the basis for Mesa's modern irrigation system and are a testament to the ingenuity of the Hohokam civilization.

In 1878, Mormon pioneers led by Daniel Webster Jones established a settlement in the region, which they named 'Lehi.' A few years later, Mesa was founded in 1878 by a group of Mormon settlers from Utah, who built an organized grid for the city. The Mormon Temple, built in 1927, stands as a prominent symbol of the city's rich religious heritage and continues to be a central landmark.

Mesa's fertile lands and irrigation systems laid the foundation for a booming agricultural industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Crops such as citrus fruits, cotton, and vegetables thrived, attracting more settlers and contributing to the city's growth. Agriculture remained a major economic driver until the mid-20th century.

The Mesa Grande Cultural Park preserves the ruins of a Hohokam platform mound that dates back to the 13th century. This archaeological site offers valuable insights into the Hohokam way of life and their sophisticated societal structures. The site is now a protected area, offering educational tours and exhibits to the public.

The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century was a transformative event for Mesa, facilitating the easier transport of goods and people. This development spurred economic growth and connected Mesa more closely with the broader region, helping it transition from a small agricultural town to a more diversified economy.

Following World War II, Mesa experienced rapid growth and suburbanization. The establishment of Williams Air Force Base in 1941 (later converted to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport) played a significant role in this expansion, bringing new residents and fostering economic development. The post-war period saw the integration of modern infrastructure and amenities, shaping Mesa into a contemporary urban center.

Over the decades, Mesa has evolved into a culturally diverse city. This is reflected in its vibrant arts scene, numerous cultural festivals, and a variety of ethnic restaurants and markets. The Mesa Arts Center, opened in 2005, is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment, offering a wide array of performances, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Today, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and a thriving hub of education, technology, and healthcare. Home to Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus and several other higher education institutions, the city continues to evolve while honoring its rich history. Mesa's blend of historical landmarks and modern amenities makes it a unique place to explore and experience.

Mesa, Arizona, is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 20 miles west of Mesa. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Mesa. If you're driving, Mesa is conveniently located along U.S. Route 60 and is also accessible via Interstate 10 and Interstate 17. Amtrak trains also serve the nearby city of Phoenix, providing another travel option.

Mesa offers a variety of transportation options for getting around the city. The Valley Metro Light Rail system connects Mesa to Phoenix and Tempe, making it easy to travel between these cities. Buses operated by Valley Metro cover most areas within Mesa and are a convenient and affordable option. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are plentiful, and the city's road network is well-maintained and easy to navigate.

The official currency in Mesa, as in the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, so withdrawing cash is easy. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors that may not accept cards. Tipping is customary in the U.S., typically 15-20% in restaurants and for other services.

Mesa is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always be aware of your surroundings. Areas such as West Mesa have been known to have higher crime rates, so exercise caution when visiting these neighborhoods. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas or when using public transportation.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Mesa has several hospitals and urgent care facilities available for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and according to the weather, which can be hot in summer. Casual clothing is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and places of worship. Remove hats when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and give up your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'hello' or 'hi' is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Southwestern cuisine, including Mexican food and BBQ. Don't forget to tip your server.

To experience Mesa like a local, visit the Mesa Farmers Market and Flea, held every Saturday, where you can buy fresh produce and unique crafts. Explore the Mesa Arts Center for a taste of local culture and performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in Usery Mountain Regional Park or taking a walk along the Salt River are popular activities. Dining at local favorites like T.C. Eggington's for breakfast or Organ Stop Pizza for a unique dining experience with live music from a massive Wurlitzer organ is highly recommended.