The Thing – Tucson, Arizona
Traveling on the highway south of Tucson you will see the signs that are reminiscent of the Wall Drug Store signs of years ago. Every few miles (and sometimes closer than that) you will see a sign promoting The Thing. It may say something like "Mysteries of the Desert" or "The Thing, Mysteries of the past."
They go on for miles asking if you’ve seen it and so forth. Of course your curiosity is awakened by this marketing ploy, you really want to know what The Thing is!
As you get closer to the spot of The Thing the signs get closer only…what the heck? They are promoting jewelry and moccasins as well as rattlesnake eggs and cold drinks. Oh yes, don’t forget the frosty malts.
Be prepared to find that The Thing is no more than one of the hundreds of trading posts in Arizona. The signs work, people stop, and of course, most buy something.
There is a museum, of sorts, for you to see while you are at The Thing, containing such wonders as….three old cars and an exhibit of carvings that depict ancient methods of torture…Whee!
Most people realize that it is a gimmick to get you to stop in the trading post, and it works. In this instance you get what you pay for, not much but you can tell everyone that you stopped at The Thing and have them wondering just what The Thing is…don’t tell them, have them come to AZ and see for themselves.
Location: Between Willcox and Benson off I-10 at the Johnson Road exit #322.
Admission and Hours: $1 for adults, 75 cents for children 6 to 18.
Open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
Phone (520) 586-2581.
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