Tell us about yourself.
I am a Casa Grande native who currently serves as the executive director of Casa Grande Main Street. My job focuses on historic preservation and economic vitality in downtown Casa Grande. That means I maintain cultural preservation projects like the Neon Sign Park (an outdoor museum of vintage street signs), find new ways to honor Casa Grande’s history (like our Doors to the Past project) and encourage economic growth through annual events, such as the two-day Street Fair & Car Show each January. Our organization also operates a retail incubator called Space 108.
I left Casa Grande to attend The University of Arizona, where I studied political science. However, after working in local politics, I realized that what I love is policy and the “art of politics” — not politics themselves. In my current role, that’s what I get to focus on: revitalizing this historic district, building on my tightly knit community and focusing on the fun things to experience here.
How long have you lived in Casa Grande?
I’ve lived in Casa Grande my entire life, so 28 years, minus my freshman year of college when I lived in Tucson. Both of my parents grew up in Casa Grande and instilled in me a love for my community. Now, I live here with my husband and our two children, and I teach them the same thing.
A friend is coming to Casa Grande for the first time. Describe the perfect weekend itinerary.
We’d kick things off on Friday with dinner at The Hideout Steakhouse. Then, on Saturday, we’d have breakfast at Cook-E-Jar before browsing local shops like Space 108, Rose Luv (where you can build your own flower bouquet) and Casa Grande Books, Movies & More. We’d also drop in at Bow Wow Meow Thrift Shop and Cream of the Crop consignment shop. Next, we’d grab ice cream at Downtown Ice Cream Shop before visiting The Museum of Casa Grande. The firetrucks there are always cool to see!
After that, we’d have a late lunch and happy hour at Be Dillon's before catching a matinee showing of a local play at Black Box Theatre. Then, we’d wrap things up with dinner and drinks at Casa Collective, which also usually has live music.
On Sunday, we’d get breakfast at Big House Café. Like Hideout Steakhouse and Cook-E-Jar, it’s locally owned and operated. Then, we’d walk around to view Casa Grande’s major cultural attractions: Neon Sign Park, Main Street Alley, Doors to the Past, the Rose Johnson murals and the Highway 84 mural.
Favorite place for a cocktail in Casa Grande?
Casa Collective. The owners revitalized an abandoned historic house to create a pub and food park, which is essentially a parking lot where food trucks and mobile restaurants set up shop. It’s so cute!
Best place to get out in nature in Casa Grande?
The Neon Sign Park featuring vintage signs, including the historic Don Market Sign. Other notable attractions are Doors to the Past (which is a public art installation), the Rose Johnson murals at 424 N. Florence Street and the Highway 84 History Trail Mural.
Favorite place for coffee or tea?
I really enjoy grabbing a latte from L'Grande Café. If I have time to sit and drink it there, even better.
Best Casa Grande souvenir shop?
Space 108 has numerous State 48 t-shirts and hats from different local organizations, along with items from local entrepreneurs.
Finish this sentence: “Don’t leave Casa Grande without…”
Visiting our historic downtown!
Elizabeth Exline
Elizabeth Exline is a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in local and national publications. She believes frequent stops for food is the best way to survive a road trip. Find more of her work at elizabethexline.com.
