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| - My husband and I, born and raised in Scottsdale, are guilty of not exploring some of Arizona's best points of interest. So back in October of 2012 we purchased tickets for a tour of Tovrea Castle and Carraro Gardens on 3-3-13. You need to plan ahead for this tour, because it books up months in advance. There are only 15 people per tour, and it's closed in August due to the heat. The tour lasts 1 3/4 hours and starts with a ride up to the castle in golf carts, with several stops along the way. The docents tell you about the history of the immediate area, how it was landscaped, and how it came to be known as the Tovrea Castle. You then tour the first floor and basement of the castle, where the family spent most of their time. (Here I wish we had a little more time because they have information boards about the history of the rooms. We didn't have a lot of time to read.) They can't take you to the top floors because the rooms are so small, they can't be made accessible to the disabled, as well as due to fire code restrictions. At the end of the tour, you are in the basement where they have a very small gift shop that supports the continuing renovation of the castle. From there you ride the golf carts back down the hill to the parking lot. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours - for tourists as well as locals. Just plan ahead!
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