Day Trip: Agritopia

Gilbert’s farming roots inspired its native son, entrepreneur Joe Johnston, to create Agritopia, a one-of-a-kind community built on what was once the Johnston family farm. While the village-inspired development is still an agrarian paradise, it has evolved into a lively East Valley destination for farm-to-table dining and locally handcrafted goods on its 160-acre grounds. New this year: Epicenter, a mixed-use development that’ll include apartments, local shops, restaurants, bars and wellness centers.

Photography by Sydnee Wilson

3 Things To Do

1 The Farm Store

Want to take home an Agritopia momento? The Farm Store offers fresh produce, local goods and unique gifts. There are a variety of sauces, baking mixes, honey and more sourced from local vendors, plus T-shirts, hats and tote bags.
3000 E. Ray Rd.
agritopiafarm.com

2 Epicenter

Enjoy a pint at Beer Barn or try a class at the new Barre3 studio opening at Epicenter this fall. Other retail and dining options including Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen, Why I Love Where I Live, Bunky Boutique, Gadzooks and more will be opening through the end of the year.
3150 E. Ray Rd.
480-988-1238, epicenteratagritopia.com

3 Barnone 

Shop for handcrafted goods from local artisans inside Barnone, a makers’ hall that includes 12 vendors ranging from restaurateurs to cosmetologists to woodworkers. Enjoy a pizza from Fire & Brimstone and then head over to 12 West Brewing for an award-winning Zona Pilsner.
barnoneaz.com

3 Places To Eat

1 Garage-East

This wine bar has a huge selection of Arizona wines. A daily menu of hot pressed sandwiches and savory hand pies complements its selections, and guests can enjoy brunch on weekends. Swap the typical mimosa for a breakfast wine made with grapefruit straight from The Farm at Agritopia. Wines can be enjoyed on property or canned to enjoy anywhere.
garage-east.com

2 Joe’s Farm Grill

Formerly the Johnston family’s home, Joe’s Farm Grill is a farm-to-table restaurant offering a wide selection of typical American foods, “but done better,” according to Joe Johnston. Try the customer-favorite bacon-gouda-garlic-bacon burger stack or Waffles & Chicken, which was featured on Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.
480-563-4745, joesfarmgrill.com

3 The Coffee Shop

The Coffee Shop at Agritopia serves breakfast and lunch and has a variety of freshly brewed coffees and pastries. Pair the California club sandwich and chips with an iced vanilla latte for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
thecoffeeshopaz.com