If you’re ever planning a visit to Arizona to see all the sights, put Carefree’s Sundial on your itinerary. It’s the 3rd largest sundial in the Western Hemisphere. The sundial, which points to the North Star, is made from a steel frame and covered in anodized copper. It measures 90 feet in diameter. The gnomon’s shadow casting part of the dial, stands 35 feet above the sundial plaza and extends out 72 feet. There are buildings, shops, and a few five star Carefree hotels surrounding the sundial, which makes it a bit hard to take a great photograph of the sundial, still, the best time to take a photograph is either at sunrise or sunset; this landmark is absolutely stunning and breathtaking during these two periods.

Once you make it to the Carefree Sundial, you’ll also notice that there’s a much smaller sundial installed on a rock at the base, which was donated by the Kiwanis Club, there’s also an interesting ball hanging from the sundial’s arm; a sunburst of colored glass, and theres a nice little fountain at the base. The Sundial Circle plaza, which was erected in 1959 by architect Joe Wong and K.T. Palmer has been attracting people to Carefree ever since it’s inception.

After visiting the Carefree Sundial, you need to grab a bite to eat at the Sundial Garden Cafe, located in the building surrounding the Sundial. This eatery is small, but the food is excellent, so much so, when you’re back home, the meal you had at the Sundial Garden Cafe will make you want to come back for more. Sundial’s menu is extensive and well worth the price. A turkey sandwich will cost you about $12, but after you bite into it, the price can be forgiven. The salad selection is abundant and the beer selections is superb. For dessert, try the pie! If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice many of the locals come in just to buy a whole pie or two.

Technorati Tags: five star carefree hotels