Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West - To see or Not to see
Jan 30th, 2012, 07:13 PM
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West - To see or Not to see
We're considering a trip to AZ but might only have 6 - 7 nights. Want to see the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Flagstaff and maybe Zion and / or Bryce Canyon. Would most likely fly into Phoenix.
I've toured Falling Water and nearby Kentuck Knob, his home and studio in Oak Park (and did a walking tour in the neighborhood with several other FLW homes), and I've also driven by the Walker House in Carmel.
I'm just in the planning stages, so I really don't know how long we should stay at each location. I'm sure something will have to give with our limited time. So...should we attempt to see Taliesin West at either the beginning or end of the trip?
I've toured Falling Water and nearby Kentuck Knob, his home and studio in Oak Park (and did a walking tour in the neighborhood with several other FLW homes), and I've also driven by the Walker House in Carmel.
I'm just in the planning stages, so I really don't know how long we should stay at each location. I'm sure something will have to give with our limited time. So...should we attempt to see Taliesin West at either the beginning or end of the trip?
Jan 30th, 2012, 08:21 PM
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Don't miss Tallesin West! It's a large property, aside from the beautiful main house/studio. My DH is a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan, and he had a great time wandering around the house and sitting in the (uncomfortable) furniture that Wright designed for the house. There's sculpture in the gardens, and the small theater is a must-see. Plan on a good half day so you don't have to rush.
Jan 30th, 2012, 09:43 PM
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We've been to the FLW sites you mention and several others.
Tallesin West did not thrill me in the way Falling Water, the studio in Oak Park, and other FLW sites have done.
If the choice is between Zion NP and Tallesin West, go to Zion NP. Zion NP is one of the most spectacular places in the world; Tallesin West is not.
HTTY
Tallesin West did not thrill me in the way Falling Water, the studio in Oak Park, and other FLW sites have done.
If the choice is between Zion NP and Tallesin West, go to Zion NP. Zion NP is one of the most spectacular places in the world; Tallesin West is not.
HTTY
Jan 31st, 2012, 06:23 AM
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You might also look up to find other FLW structures in the Phoenix area. Grady Gammage auditorium at Arizona State University was his last structure, I believe. It was when he was in his 'round building phase'.
There is also a house somewhat visible from Tatum Blvd. north of Lincoln in Paradise Valley and his son's house on Exeter Blvd (just south of Camelback) around 52-54th St.
A house which burned down and had the rock supports left was visible around 32nd St between Camelback and Lincoln. When they put 32nd thru the property, one or two of the supports were moved to the entrance of a neighborhood in the area.
There is also a house somewhat visible from Tatum Blvd. north of Lincoln in Paradise Valley and his son's house on Exeter Blvd (just south of Camelback) around 52-54th St.
A house which burned down and had the rock supports left was visible around 32nd St between Camelback and Lincoln. When they put 32nd thru the property, one or two of the supports were moved to the entrance of a neighborhood in the area.
Jan 31st, 2012, 06:28 AM
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Another vote for going to see the house. And a suggestion to read, "Loving Frank," by Nancy Moran before you go. A great book [it's 99% non-fiction, there was a bit of "weaving" to connect some facts that could not be verified].
Jan 31st, 2012, 06:44 AM
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Jan 31st, 2012, 06:23 PM
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Feb 1st, 2012, 06:20 AM
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We are going for spring training in Scottsdale.
I want to do a few non baseball activities.
Taliesan West looks just the thing.
Thanks for reminding me, good Fodorites!
Starrs, that friday night tour looks great.
I want to do a few non baseball activities.
Taliesan West looks just the thing.
Thanks for reminding me, good Fodorites!
Starrs, that friday night tour looks great.
Feb 1st, 2012, 10:04 AM
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The night tour is a good idea because in dim light you won't be so aware of how down at the heels the place is.
Meanwhile Mother Nature has been taking excellent care of Zion NP, which I hope you will include in your itinerary.
HTTY
Meanwhile Mother Nature has been taking excellent care of Zion NP, which I hope you will include in your itinerary.
HTTY
Feb 1st, 2012, 10:35 AM
#17
Judyrem, I love it. When you are there at night, you can imagine how isolated the place was when it was built. Such a unique building, way out in the desert. Now Scottsdale's sprawl has edged up to it, but at night you can really sense what it was like when they caravaned down from Taliesin in his Cherokee red cars to camp - and then live - in the desert.
Feb 2nd, 2012, 12:31 PM
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Judy, have you headed up east (ne?) up into the mountains toward Strawberry, etc? I love that area - the ponderosa pines, the coolness. We drove south on our way back from Chinle and just loved the area. Will definitely go back for at least one overnight if I'm ever in the area again.
