It’s Official: Arizona’s Very Own Gilbert Is One Of The Country’s Coolest Towns To Visit This Year

Small towns aren't the only charming places in Arizona worth planning a trip to - big cities deserve some love, too! According to Matador Network, Gilbert is among the coolest towns in the U.S. to visit in 2021, and we couldn't agree more. Here are some of the reasons why:

One of the largest cities in Arizona, Gilbert is the proud home of nearly 250,000 residents.

It's far from a concrete jungle, however, with tons of great restaurants, outdoor destinations, and other attractions that are undeniably worth visiting.

Practically a city of its own, Barnone is a market where skilled craftsmen sell their handmade goods.

There are 12 vendors in total, including a brewery, winery, and pizzeria. You can even shop for produce and other food items at a farm stand that operates on the good old-fashioned honor code!

Celebrating Gilbert's agricultural history, Joe's Farm Grill is a fast-casual restaurant located on a working farm.

Burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and other classic café fare make up the majority of the menu, with elevated flavors that only farm-to-table cuisine can offer.

Another delicious food option is the iconic Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, with a gigantic soul food menu sure to leave your mouth watering.

Joe's Real Barbecue, Liberty Market, and Postino East are all solid choices, as well.

After grabbing a bite to eat, head to the Hale Centre Theatre for a show.

With 350 seats, this old-fashioned theater-in-the-round puts on family-friendly performances all throughout the year.

Escape the chaos of the city when you visit the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a series of aquifer recharge basins that attract a variety of wildlife.

Several miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, with interpretive education panels and viewing blinds spaced every so often to enhance the experience. You'll also see an urban fishing lake, covered picnic areas, dinosaur dig site, and a campground.

Located in the preserve, the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory lets you admire the desert night sky like never before.

Open from sunset until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the observatory boasts an array of high-powered telescopes that take you up close and personal with the cosmos. Private sessions (six people max) are also available Sunday-Thursday evenings, with a minimum $40 donation required.

Have you ever visited Gilbert? If so, what's your favorite thing to do there? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, then check out our previous article for more charming towns to visit in Arizona.