One of my family’s favorite places in Arizona is the Rawhide Western Town off of I-10 in Chandler, Arizona. It is an authentic replica of an 1880’s town complete with a Main Street, gunfights, stagecoach and train rides, mechanical bull, climbing the wall, gold panning, shooting gallery, unique shops, and an excellent Steakhouse and Saloon. The Rawhide Steakhouse menu traditional Western cooking and true hungry-cowboy portions dinner are served to live country music with an open invitation to get up and take a spin on the dance floor. Entry into the town is free unless there is a special event going on. 

I have been there with guests who were visiting my home state just for a day of fun and food. But I have also visited there for special events such as Rawhide’s “Snowy Christmas” which begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and is only open for the weekends prior to Christmas. During this time the town opens at 5 pm with the Arizona Rough Rider cowboy stunt gunfight shows. Santa lights the Christmas tree around 6 pm with story time followed by snowfall on Main street.  This year the kids could help Santa paint his sleigh as well as decorate a gingerbread cookie. This year a dancing light show was added at the East end of town. Also, the kids can write a letter to Santa and have their picture made with him. The shops along Main Street are filled with wonderful, unusual gifts for those special stocking stuffers.

 

The Steakhouse is only open for two-holiday meals during this time right before Thanksgiving and Christmas with a Holiday Buffett by reservation only. The menu is great with roasted lobster tails, prime rib, game hens and top sirloin medallions. This doesn’t even cover the extensive sides, salads, and desserts. Be sure and make this a family event next Christmas. Rawhide also has other special family events throughout the year. This year on April 21 will be their Easter Egg-Stravaganza and Buffet. This buffet is again by reservation only which includes the Easter egg hunt with over 15,000 eggs and other activities for the children. On May 12 they will have their Mother’s Day Buffet with the town open. We are lucky to live in an area that has so many wonderful activities and experiences for our families, young and old.