Wandering Around Azeroth: Exploring (and enjoying) Goblin hospitality in Azeroth

There are as many ways to play World of Warcraft as there are individual players. From roleplaying to Mythic raiding to making fortunes on the auction house, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For me, it’s often about enjoying the game as a de facto walking simulator — as World of Wandercraft, if you will. Sometimes there is nothing more enjoyable than galloping along the Redridge Highway at night, or watching history unfold in a tavern in Old Southshore via the Caverns of Time, or using a glider to access a hidden oasis just slightly out of normal reach in Zereth Mortis.

Although Dragonflight has given us exciting new vistas to discover, I continue to be drawn back to the rest of Azeroth and realms beyond while exploring the nooks and crannies of nine expansions worth of content. Looking for a short break from storming the skies with your dragon mount? Join Blizzard Watch on a guided tour of notable locations  — from the ludicrous to the terrifying, from the magnificent to the historical — around new zones and old in the months ahead.

So, where to start? As a Human Paladin main, my conception of the Light itself is that of a literal explosion of joy; and among the many races of Azeroth, our sistren and brethren in the Goblin community do certainly take a joyfully explosive approach to the enjoyment of life and hospitality. With that in mind, I went searching for the best Goblin hospitality around the world.

Here’s a sampling of what I found the Goblins up to around Azeroth.

Galliwix’s Pleasure Palace, Forlorn Ridge in western Azshara

Our first stop: Azshara, adopted home of  the Bilgewater Cartel, and the base of much Goblin activity in Kalimdor. Now under new management, the Pleasure Palace (formerly owned by the not-yet-late but definitely not lamented ex-Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix) is an all-inclusive resort that pampers its guests. Come for the grenade golf, stay for the luxurious amenities. The enthusiastic personal attention provided by the staff is as oversized as they are. The hot tub is a special treat, pleasantly scalding and whatever additives are in the water leave the skin surprisingly smooth and supple.

Brawl’gar Arena Pub, Orgrimmar

Watching participants fighting for the honor of the Horde apparently raises quite a thirst and hunger in visitors, so Orgrimmar’s Brawl’gar Arena not only features martial activities but also a fine Goblin-run pub. Although I found the security detail for the arena a bit on the pushy side, I soon settled in for a meal of seafood so fresh it had an attitude. I recommend the Potent Pineapple Punch.

Silvershard Mine, Pandaria

Surprisingly, the Goblin facilities in the Silvershard Mines in Pandaria offer excellent opportunities for refreshment and relaxation when involved in, um, friendly intermural competitions between the Alliance and Horde. The fish sandwiches are not to be missed.

The Iron Eagle, Grom’gol Base Camp to Orgrimmar

Despite a small kerfuffle involving a missing ticket, I found The Iron Eagle a refreshing alternative for traveling to Kalimdor. Amenities are limited, but a quick meal from the Snack-O-Matic IV hits the spot during the transit.