Named after its founders, Tolleson forms part of Maricopa County west of Phoenix. Walter and Alethea Tolleson migrated here from South Carolina in 1912, and the growing agricultural town branded itself the "Vegetable Center of the World”. Today, Tolleson is home to leafy parks, neighbourhood stores and Mexican eateries and is a stone’s throw from the Phoenix International Raceway.
Things to do in Tolleson
For a retail fix, head to the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall, which boasts one of the largest collections of antiques in the state of Arizona. It is filled with vendors selling unique collectibles, artworks and records, making it a treasure trove for vintage finds. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the adjacent Palmilla Center or the Shops at Alameda Crossing with its Uptown Jungle Fun Park.
Rising south of Tolleson is Monument Hill, which commemorates the 1853 Gadsden Purchase when Mexico ceded the area to the United States. Today, it’s a popular spot for watching all the action at the Phoenix International Raceway below. Established in 1964 around the Estrella Mountains, the raceway can accommodate more than 42,000 spectators during NASCAR race weekends.
One of Tolleson’s most popular green spaces is Veterans Park, which features a children’s playground, a baseball diamond and an amphitheatre. Each April, it plays host to the annual Whoopee Daze Festival with its carnival rides and parade. During the event, you can pick up local arts and crafts, have your face painted or enjoy the live music entertainment.
Getting around Tolleson
Tolleson is around 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses travel through Tolleson, although renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.