Photography and written by Leah LeMoine
Sun City wasn’t the first retirement community in the U.S. – that would be Youngtown, its neighbor in the Northwest Valley – but it was the most successful, thanks to amenities like a grocery store and recreation center. The Del E. Webb Development Co. opened the master-planned community on 20,000 acres on January 1, 1960. Adjoining Sun City West sprang up in the late ’70s and was fully built out by the late ’90s. Together, they make for a leisurely day trip for fans of midcentury-modern architecture, golf, and thrift and antique stores.
3 PLACES TO EAT
The Boyer Café
Housed in a former Starbucks, this outpost of Surprise’s Best of the Valley-winning The Boyer Bakery is a local success story. Regulars come for house-made quiche, tartines and ice cream. Excellent coffee and tea drinks, too, including a sugar-free menu.
10001 W. Bell Rd., Sun City
theboyercafe.com
Royal Polish Foods
Pop into this grocer to stock up on Eastern European staples (Sarepska mustard, kluski noodles, kvass), but don’t leave without perusing its bakery and hot food counter. You’ll find sweet kolaczki, fresh pierogi and affordable lunch specials like kotlet (schnitzel) with potatoes and cucumber salad.
13576 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City
480-471-6742, royalpolishfoodaz.com
Hanging Gardens Mediterranean Cuisine
This family-owned eatery is beloved for its mesquite-grilled shish kabobs (try the juicy beef kafta and the tender chicken shawarma), but the complimentary lentil soup starter is so tasty, you’ll almost forget about the generous platter of food that comes after. Great baklava, too.
10050 W. Bell Rd., Sun City
hanginggardensaz.com
3 THINGS TO DO
Del Webb Sun Cities Museum
Step back into the past at this museum set in Sun City’s first model home. The original flooring, fixtures and refrigerator (which still works!) take you back to 1960, along with period-correct furnishings donated by Sun City residents. Take a pic with his-and-hers golf carts under the pink and white carport.
10801 W. Oakmont Dr., Sun City
623-974-2568, delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org
Sun City Thrift Shop
Treasure hunters flock to Sun City’s scads of thrift shops, antique stores and estate sales. This one stands out thanks to its altruistic mission: Its proceeds go to Valley schools to support classroom needs. The shop also awards annual scholarships to community-minded students.
10627 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City
623-933-0102, suncitythriftshop.com
Palmbrook Golf Club
Sun City is chockablock with golf, but semi-private Palmbrook distinguishes itself with the Swing First Golf Card, which provides discounts at its five sister courses around the Valley. Rates are slashed during the summer, but book early tee times to beat the heat.
9350 W. Greenway Rd., Sun City
623-977-8383, palmbrookgolfclub.com
Overnight Option: Barb’s Sun City “Sweet”
Stay the night in a real Sun City home via this cozy suite, which was ranked a Guest Favorite on Airbnb. Location disclosed upon booking. airbnb.com
Photo Op: Veterans Pavilion of Honor
Pay your respects to servicemembers past and present at this stately pergola outside the Camino Del Sol Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center. A flag-lined walkway, commemorative plaques and official seals for each branch of the military honor those who served. Be quiet and respectful during your visit, as it is also a resting place for the deceased. 13738 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West, 623-584-6299, caminodelsol.com
