Homegrown

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ilbert’s farming and agricultural heritage are honored in Agritopia, a planned community of residences and retail areas. The Reber family originally homesteaded the area in 1927, and the Johnston family took over the farm in 1960. As Gilbert grew and urbanized, the Johnson’s eldest son, Joe, envisioned creating a village that paid homage to the property’s farming heritage and quieter way of life. By the early-2000s, Joe had made this dream a reality.

At the center of the village is Agritopia Farm, 11 acres used for an organic community garden and a community-supported agriculture (CSA) business. Joe’s Farm Grill inhabits the old Johnston house, while The Coffee Shop provides community connection.

There’s also Barnone, a crafters community located in a remodeled Quonset hut, where visitors can shop for handcrafted goods and food. Among the artisans at Barnone are husband-and-wife team Brandon and Katie Young, who use repurposed wood to create home decor and gifts at their shop Lettercraft. Shelley Miera and her husband Matt run the popular hair salon Wander. Joe and Steve Johnston—of the Johnston brother trio—also maintain a presence at Barnone. Joe runs Johnston Machine Co., a craft cooking tool manufacturer, and Steve owns Johnston Arms, a boutique firearm shop.

Also keeping in the Johnston family, taste the culinary designs of rustic-cooked meals at James Johnston’s restaurant Fire & Brimstone. Afterward, follow your meal with flavorful ice cream combinations by James Johnston and Matt Celaya at Cream of the Crop.

At The Uprooted Kitchen, try plant-centric culinary creations by Chad and Erin Romonoff. Or, quench your thirst at Noel Garcia and Bryan McCormick’s 12 West Brewing, or Kelly and Todd Bostock and Brian and Megan Ruffentine’s Garage East.

Barnone is a natural stop during the many events at The Farm, which conducts tours of the property and hosts Farm Night, a combination farmers market and artisan marketplace. Visitors can attend farming and gardening educational events, as well as seasonal U-pick harvests, alfresco dinners on holidays, and seasonal celebrations.

Epicenter

The newest addition to the Agritopia development includes the Epicenter, a vibrant living community that offers an urban vibe within minutes of the farm. A retail center with 20 businesses anchors the surrounding apartment buildings to whet your whistle, satisfy your palate, furnish your home, and make you look your best.

Buck & Rider serves up the best in American seafood. Belly Kitchen & Bar puts a modern spin on traditional Southeast Asian cuisine. Gadzooks redefines the enchilada among other Mexican offerings. UnderTow’s tropical cocktail bar features rare rums.

Matt’s Big Breakfast says it all, as does Peixoto Coffee, Raw Organic Juice, and Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen. Beer Barn combines a craft beer and wine bar with a retail shop, while Source offers Mediterranean cuisine for dine in, to-go, or as prepackaged ingredients from the in-house marketplace.

Find home goods at Vintage Home, focusing on farmhouse, industrial, and boho styles, and urbAna, a shop for the city sophisticate. Wear locally designed fashions from Bunky Boutique, or find chic streetwear at Manor Phoenix. Why I Love Where I Live has a variety of ways to bring Gilbert home with you. Look your best self at fitness centers and haircare places.

As Agritopia adds to the village, its mission remains the same—provide a quieter, slower lifestyle that honors early Gilbert. Experience it for yourself.

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ilbert’s Heritage District is the historic heart of the town, as well as its designated downtown. In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway set out to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. The laying of this line triggered a growing business center surrounded by agricultural fields.

Through thoughtful redevelopment, the Heritage District has become a thriving dining, shopping, and entertainment center with more than 30 restaurants. Many businesses operate in restored buildings from Gilbert’s past—including Liberty Market, Postino East, Joe’s Real BBQ, and C&J’s Antiques and Gardens.

And more shopping and dining choices continue to emerge. The Collab, a new office complex, has several shops and eateries on its ground floor. A new Heritage Park project on the north end of downtown will be underway by the end of the year. When finished, it will include a 100-room hotel and space for additional restaurants or shops. An area known as South Anchor is ready to be developed into a walkable section that complements the entertainment, shopping, and dining offerings that already exist.

Gilbert’s reputation as a bicycle-friendly community got a boost recently with the opening of a bridge along the Western Powerline Trail that leads right into the district on the northwest side. As part of the town’s Central Trail System, the Western Powerline Trail’s new bridge incorporates train-themed artwork, provides non-motorists an easy, straight shot to and from the district.

Other recent improvements tie the Heritage District sections with The Paseo, a car-free path in downtown Gilbert for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The vision of the Heritage District never stops. You’ll want to come back again and again to enjoy all the new features that pop up in this beloved old downtown.