Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Rim Country
Rim Country (with Rim referring to the Mogollon Rim) beckons with mountain views, fresh air and stunning views. Here’s how we enjoyed a weekend in Rim Country. No visit to Rim Country would be complete without taking a trip out to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. After you drive down a steep and winding road and admire the gorgeous views, you’ll arrive here. Pay the entrance fee and walk down to Viewpoint One to see your first glimpse of this natural travertine bridge – believed to be the largest in the world. We admired this natural creation (we even heard one visitor say, “This is spectacular.”), but what we appreciated the most was the babbling creek below the bridge. It was so soothing to hear the running water and know that it helped create the site in front of us. Lucky for you, you can hike down to the base of the creek and see the bridge from below. The park contains four hiking trails.
Payson
The Old County Inn
Where to Eat
The Beeline Café is an old school diner that we immediately fell for. There’s an open kitchen to the right of the entrance where cooks work hard to churn out breakfast and American eats, fast. We were only waiting for maybe five minutes until our classic and hearty American breakfast of two eggs, hash browns and sausage arrived. Tables line the perimeter of the cozy interior with memorabilia on the walls. Country music plays over the speakers. It’s an all-together charming experience that feels like stepping back in time. One thing to note: you’ll spot a sign declaring that this spot is cash-only as soon as you walk in the door. An ATM is on site. One of Payson’s independent coffee shops is Common Grounds. Don’t miss the oversized coffee cup in front of this tucked-away shop. Inside, Common Grounds features cozy couches and a handful of tables. Order espresso drinks here, like the Peppermint Mocha we had. You also can get drinks from a window on the side of the building. Macky’s Grill is home to one great expansive patio in this restaurant that’s in a strip mall. On a perfect spring day, you could sit out here enjoying your food, fresh air and sunshine. We ordered a cheeseburger and fries. We loved how the ground beef was seasoned. The fries also tasted like they’d been fried twice, which is always a nice touch. Inhale sugary aromas if you decide to pop in Sweet Country Charm Fudge & Gifts. Once inside, you can purchase homemade fudge, oversized truffles and espresso. The fudge is the star here, with more than 150 flavors that rotate regularly. Our personal favorite was the creamy and not too savory peanut butter flavor. Outside, you might see two café tables and chairs so you can sit outside indulging in your treats as the cars whiz by. We couldn’t not mention Payson’s hiking trails. Many are forest hikes, and we love being surrounded by tall trees. Water Wheel Falls is a 1.6 mile out and back trail. You’ll have to scale some rocks – they can get slippery – but you’ll be rewarded with a waterfall and a waterwheel. Be sure to check the weather before you head out though. This area can be prone to flash floods.
Mogollon Rim
When in Rim Country, you must visit the Mogollon Rim. We’d suggest taking a drive on AZ-260 to the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center. The center was closed on our most recent visit, but you’ll for sure want to step out on the back patio. When you’re there, you’ll see jaw-dropping views that you came for. You’ll want to savor those vistas for as long as you can. See many of Arizona’s major mountain peaks and hundreds of miles ahead all around you. To take in those views for even longer, cross the highway and head to the Rim Top Trail. On that paved trail, find a flat, easy walking path that hugs the edge of the rim and will give you those sweeping views. If you’re short on time, drive along Rim Road and stop along the way at various viewpoints. This was probably our favorite part of the trip.
The Old County Inn
Pine
The Old County Inn is a gem of a restaurant in Pine. We started with rich, dripping Beer Cheese and long, salted breadsticks that warmed us up on a chilly winter’s day. Next, we had a delightful Meat Pizza that was hearty, tasty and just crispy enough. Our server told us that was the most popular pizza, and we can see why. The setting is also noteworthy. Sit under a covered patio in front of the restaurant or spend time inside the cozy wood building and watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen or sit outside by the kid’s play area with a gorgeous tree-covered mountain background. Don’t miss the chickens in a wire-fenced cage beside the building. The Old County Inn also features a small bar in a tiny house, the aptly named Tap Room. The restaurant has live music every Wednesday and every weekend. Diners can look forward to a brunch pizza on Sunday, typically topped with fresh eggs and house-made bacon, sausage and pork belly. The Old County Inn is closed on Monday and Tuesday. If you’re looking to get in a quick hike, consider the Pine Loop Trail. The trailhead is close by the Old County Inn. Enjoy a relatively breezy, less than 3-mile hike. Take in sweeping views of the mountains, tall trees, and weather dependent, blue skies. Pine’s main street or AZ-260 is worth a stroll. Look forward to a variety of shops. At The Rusty Pine Cone gift shop, find hand-poured candles, cabin décor, and hear the wind chimes blowing in the wind. We couldn’t help but notice that Rim Country is home to two different fudge shops. Pop in the Pine Creek Fudge Ice Cream & Espresso to get that caffeine buzz and sweet tooth fix. Pine Creek Lavender Farm is a must-visit place. Spot the rows of the fragrant purple plant as soon as you pull up to the property. Don’t miss the purple bicycle out front. The lavender should be in full bloom sometime in June. But even if it’s not yet in bloom, you can find a celebration of all things lavender. That can include beard oil, cooking items like lavender hot cocoa and lavender salt. We took home lip balm, lavender and peppermint body lotion and lavender spray.
Windmill Coffee
Overnight Option
Located outside of Pine in nearby Strawberry, the boutique and country chic The Strawberry Inn is a quaint place to stay. Pick a room inside the main white-colored inn or stay in one the private cabins off on Fossil Creek Road. The entire property in Strawberry was remodeled and re-opened in 2016. Look forward to luxury linens on the bed, light-filled spaces accented with contemporary flourishes like modern wall art and simple decor. Another highlight is Windmill Coffee. Order coffee drinks, snacks, tea and Italian sodas out of an adorable windmill.
Prescott
Central Arizona’s Prescott beckons with outdoor recreation, museums documenting Arizona’s early history and one happening downtown. Here’s how to spend some time in Prescott.
Sharlot Hall Museum
What to See and Do
No visit to Prescott would be complete without wandering around Courthouse Square, located in the heart of downtown. The Yavapai County Courthouse is a gorgeous, well-constructed building that’s lit up at night. Discover historic hotels, restaurants, shops and Whiskey Row. We visited Fite & Sons Mercantile and Ice Cream for warm roasted cashews, house-made fudge and an agate necklace. The store also has a Christmas shop that’s open year-round. Also downtown, the open-air Sharlot Hall Museum is situated on four acres and features 11 buildings. The museum is named after Sharlot Hall, who dedicated herself to preserving Arizona’s history and artifacts during the early 1900s. Built in 1864, the former governor’s house is one of the main attractions that was being restored during our winter visit. Another highlight is Fort Misery – the oldest standing log cabin in Arizona’s history. It’s called “misery” due to its owner’s poor cooking skills – is also on the grounds. But what we loved most about this museum was that it’s both indoors and outdoors. Admire the lush grounds as you wander in and out of the historical buildings, six of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. During the spring, the flowers will (hopefully) be in bloom as you walk around the grounds. One highlight includes the Territorial Women’s Memorial Rose Garden where you can stop and smell over 400 rose bushes. The rose garden honors the women who helped settle Arizona. The museum is closed on Mondays. We’re big fans of local bookstores, and the Peregrine Book Co. is one of our favorites. The setting is charming. The shop is light-filled with colorful murals on the wall and high ceilings featuring wood beams, and of course, books everywhere. Browse the latest titles, indie magazines and other gifts at this indie bookstore that’s been open since 2012. The Founding Fathers Collective is a 14,000-square-foot warehouse that’s a multi-use space and home to a few restaurants and shops. City Tavern Taproom claims to be Arizona’s largest self-serve beer taproom. Choose from 65 beer, wine or cocktails on tap. What we love the most about this spot is that there are so many rotating taps hand-selected by the staff. Find rare beers, cider and meads. Perk up at specialty coffee shop at Merchant Coffee. Find men’s hair care, leather goods, knives, apparel and sunglasses at Liberty Mercantile.
Where to Eat
The Porch is an adorable, Instagram-ready spot serving up coffee and breakfast. The space is expansive with high ceilings, a porch swing hanging from the ceiling inside and spaced out tables throughout. We loved our made-to-order Nutella crepe dusted with powdered sugar. Watch your breakfast being made behind the counter in the open kitchen. The food menu is rounded out by fresh bagels, quiche and scones. Find organic and local produce at the Raven Café. The interior is quaint. Look forward to ordering your food at the wood countertop and seeing local art hangs on the walls. Have your meal on the outdoor patio. Vegetarian options rule this menu. Find Tofu Scramble, Spicy Mango Sticky Rose Bowl, Vegan Nachos and Cauliflower Tacos. We drank a morning latte at this spot before we started our day. One of the newer restaurants to open, The County Seat, is a chic restaurant that wouldn’t be out of place in a large city. Located on the top floor of the Burmister Building, it’s bright white and Prescott’s largest restaurant at 6,500 square feet. Enter through the Spice Traveler and walk upstairs to find this gem. This is also one of the latest spots from the Vivili Hospitality Group. You get a bird’s eye view of the Prescott’s Yavapai Courthouse from the expansive windows where we watched the sun set. The centerpiece is a wrap-around bar. The relatively small menu is approachable and offers breakfast, salads and sandwiches. We devoured the savory, texture-rich Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich made with Madras curry chicken, diced apple, golden raisins, micro cilantro, cucumber, roasted red pepper and shaved red onions on fresh Wildflower bread. We also couldn’t get enough of the sweet and savory sweet potato and apple potato salad – a warming dish that was perfect for winter.
Peavine Trail
Outdoor Recreation
Watson Lake is Prescott’s outdoor playground. Here, you can partake in fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, camping and picnicking. One of the most popular hiking trails in the area is the six mile out and back Peavine Trail. Take in views of Watson Lake and the Granite Dells – large granite boulders that are unique to Prescott – as you trek on this path that was originally followed by the Santa Fe Railway.
Terra Farm + Manor
Overnight Options
The recently renovated SpringHill Suites by Marriott is a few blocks from downtown and offers decidedly modern digs. The hotel hosted us this past winter. The spacious modern lobby comes complete with a fireplace and is where you can grab included breakfast foods. The rooms are spacious mini suites. The room we stayed in featured a mini-fridge, modern, a roomy bathroom, a coffeemaker, a sink and a 37-inch flat screen TV. We loved the separate area with a couch where we could relax after a day spent exploring downtown Prescott. Located roughly 45 minutes from downtown Prescott, Terra farm + manor is tucked away in Prescott National Forest and is a working farm and manor that gives a whole new meaning to “farm to table.” The day after checking in, guests take a three hour class where they can learn about topics like handmade pasta, cooking with fire and breadmaking. Next, they’ll take part in recreational activities and conclude their visit with cocktails and themed dinners. Terra is part of an expansive 100,000 plus acre ranch. The property features a nine-acre garden teeming with vegetables, flowers and herbs. Terra also has a four-acre vineyard. The manor has a rustic chic feel featuring fireplaces, wood walls and plush leather couches topped with hides.
Arcosanti. Photo by Jessica Jameson.
Arcosanti
If you’ve driven by the sign for Arcosanti off Interstate-17 and have never stopped, it’s high time you did. After you drive on a bumpy unpaved road, discover a truly unique place designed by renowned Arizona architect Paolo Soleri. For starters, Arcosanti feels like a place out of a science fiction novel. It’s in the middle of the desert and offers expansive views. Arcosanti began being built in 1970 as an experimental town. According to Arcosanti’s website, “Arcosanti is an attempt at a prototype arcology, integrating the design of architecture with respect to ecology.” Consider taking a guided tour. When we last visited, we were blown away by the architecture. Although many of the buildings were constructed decades also manage to look futuristic. Many are constructed out of concrete and feature upside side down dome structures. See those designs in the Amphitheater, the open-air Vaults and the Crafts 3 building where large circular windows offer desert views. You also might see some of Arcosanti’s distinguished bronze wind bells being made in the Foundry Apse. Arcosanti is only accepting cashless transactions as of press time. Arcosanti also offers a handful of overnight guest houses you can book if you’d like to stay overnight. If you choose to stay overnight, you can access some of the on-site hiking trails. Day visitors can only hike the Visitor’s Trail.
Metro Phoenix
If you’ve lived in Sedona for any length of time, you’ve probably been to metro Phoenix many times. Here are some newer spots and hiking trails in the Valley you can check out when you have time to spare in metro Phoenix.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Luxury Wing
You may have visited mega-mall Scottsdale Fashion Square, but if you haven’t stepped inside the luxury wing, you’re missing out. For starters, the space is bright white and outfitted with tall ceilings and shimmering hanging lights. Even if you have no intention of purchasing anything, window shopping is a dream. Luxury shopping boutiques Saint Laurent, Cartier, Dior, Bottega Veneta and Salvatore Ferragamo all call this wing home and usually display their lavish wares in a beautiful way. We couldn’t write about the luxury wing without also mentioning its stellar restaurants. There’s high-end sushi spot Nobu, which was co-founded by Robert De Niro. An outpost of Los Angeles-based Toca Madera serves fine Mexican cuisine with literal flair.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
There are usually fire dancers performing inside. Enjoy all things seafood at Ocean 44. We also really love Francine. The French Mediterranean restaurant is a stunning, light-filled space complete with a marble wrap-around bar that anchors the space. Book a table right before sunset so you can see the restaurant’s transformation from day to night. The food is fresh and tasty. To start, try the oysters or notable Steak Tartare. For entrees, feast on Mediterranean Branzino, Honey Nut Squash Soup and Filet Mignon. If you’re in town on the weekend, don’t miss the stellar brunch. The Croque Madame is to die for good. Ask the staff to add raclette to the decadent sandwich and watch as a waiter slices off hot Gruyere cheese.
Tom’s Thumb Trail
Take a Hike
Much like Sedona, metro Phoenix is teeming with top hiking trails. Here are a few of our favorites. If you don’t have a ton of time, the Quartz Ridge Trail is a great urban hike. The 3.2 mile out and back hike is right off Lincoln Drive. Hike about one mile, and be sure to turn around so you can take in beautiful views of the desert and downtown Phoenix. Follow the trail and then head up a small mountain. From here, turn around or keep going to explore more of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Piestewa Peak isn’t nicknamed “The Stairmaster” for nothing. This 2.2 mile out and back trail ascends more than 1,500 feet. The views on top are gorgeous, and you can expect a calf-pumping climb. Perhaps metro Phoenix’s most iconic hike, Camelback Mountain offers one challenging hike and sweeping views of all of Phoenix. It’s the highest spot in metro Phoenix at 2,704 feet. Be prepared with lots of water and good hiking shoes. You’ll also need to be ready to scramble up plenty of rocks. Your reward is unparalleled views and the satisfaction that comes from finishing an arduous physical task. If you’re in Scottsdale, here are a few top hikes. Pinnacle Peak Park offers a four mile out and back trail with top desert views. Although not a true peak hike, it’s a nice meandering trail that also gives you the chance to check out the gorgeous mansions of The Estancia neighborhood. Tom Thumb’s Trail is a tough 4-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,200, but totally worth the effort due to the tremendous views you can take in at the top. One of our favorite moderate hikes in Scottsdale is the 4.5 miles long Gateway Loop Trail that offers stunning desert views.
Downtown Mesa Light Rail
South Valley Hot Spots and the Arts Scene
One of the best things about metro Phoenix is that there are plenty of places where you can spend time outside. We’ve highlighted a few restaurants in the South Valley, the Mesa Arts Center and outdoor shows from The Phoenix Theater Company. Located in the south Valley, Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill is one of our top places to visit if we’re in the Valley. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. This gourmet market and restaurant features Queen Creek Olive Mill’s olive oils that come in an array of flavors like Meyer Lemon, Dark Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. Find bath products like soaps, body oil and lip balm from the mill’s olivespa. One of the best ways to spend your time here is by ordering your food and having it outside. Feast on Bruschetta, fresh pizzas (try the Estrella topped with Olive Mill pesto and Meyer lemon olive oil), sandwiches and Italian dishes like Linguine & Meatballs and Pasta Carbonara.
Queen Creek Olive Oil
Downtown Mesa has also become another dining hub in metro Phoenix. Walk down Main Street and stop at Worth Takeaway to dine on tasty sandwiches. For a savory option, try the Buffalo Chicken. Head to Cider Corps to sample all types of Arizona cider. The business is co-owned by a former veteran, and the ciders have military-themed names like Mango Foxtrot, made with mango and rose hip. The Stone Korean Tofu House serves organic tofu that’s made from scratch. Find soups, hot pot and noodles – most served with tofu, but many with meat or fish options – at this spot. The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum at the Mesa Arts Center is also worth a trip. The museum’s five galleries feature contemporary, juried work from emerging and internationally renowned artists. If you’re looking to watch a live show outside, The Phoenix Theater Company has adapted to the pandemic by building an outdoor stage. The capacity is limited to 250. Patrons are seated in pairs and are placed six feet apart. The shows are performed outside at the Central United Methodist Church in Central Phoenix. Shows run until May 2021.
Cider Corps
Overnight Options
Plenty of new (or new-ish) hotels have opened in metro Phoenix in the past few years. Here are some places where you can stay overnight. Opened in October of 2020, ADERO Scottsdale is one of
the area’s newest hotels. Located in Fountain Hills across from Sunrise Peak – which is a great, scenic hike – ADERO features 177 guest rooms that all have private balconies. Additional highlights include an Adventure Center in partnership with REI Co-op where guests can book a variety of off-site guided excursions including hiking, mountain biking and kayaking for all skill levels. The hotel also offers dining at restaurant Cielo, a spa and a 5,300-square-foot Wellness Center.
ADERO Scottsdale
Located in Uptown Sedona on Camelback Road, Arrive is about as centrally located in Phoenix as you can get. The boutique 79-room hotel is housed in two restored mid-century modern towers. Rooms are modern with a dash of Southwestern flair like pillows bedecked in the Arizona flag and wall murals behind the bed featuring prickly pear cacti. Food and drink options are noteworthy. Enjoy cocktails and other Hawaiian-inspired small bites poolside at the Lylo Swim Club, local coffee from Cartel Coffee Lab, frozen popsicles at Pop Stand and classic libations at the rooftop bar Don Wood’s Say When. We love the art-centric FOUND:RE Hotel in Central Phoenix. For starters, don’t miss the hanging Burt Reynolds/Britney Spears (“Burtney”) mural behind the wall. It’s eye-catching and an image you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Browse the halls on the ground floor to check out local art of all stripes. The rooms feature a modern, industrial vibe complete with black fixtures, plush beds and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing city views. The on-site restaurant Match Market & Bar serves up modern American food. Try the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Budha Bowl or the Chula Smoked Salmon Chopped Salad.
Castle Hot Springs Resort
Castle Hot Springs Resort
Located about an hour’s drive from both Phoenix and Cave Creek, Castle Rock Hot Springs is one of the most noteworthy hotels to open in the past few years. For starters, the history of this spot is fascinating. It was established in 1896 as a place where guests could soak in the property’s natural thermal hot springs that can reach temperatures of 115 Fahrenheit. At one point, Castle Hot Springs Resort had quite the reputation. Past guests included master artist Maxfield Parrish and Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. A fire in 1976 destroyed one of the main buildings, and it didn’t see a single paying guest until it reopened in 2019. Today, guests still flock to this spot for the same reasons they did over 100 years ago: seclusion and natural hot springs. The expansive 1,100-acre property in the Bradshaw Mountains boasts 34 luxuriously appointed private rooms and cabins (and nary a television inside each one) and plenty of outdoor activities. Guests can practice yoga, hike, horseback ride and even get in some archery. One of the newest offerings is a Via Ferrata adventure course. Translated from Italian, it loosely means “Iron Way.” Use ladders, rungs and steel cables affixed to rock to climb up a mountain. The culinary program is also notable. The agriculture team grows more than 500 varieties of rare and indigenous fruits, vegetables (including more than 30 types of heirloom tomatoes alone), herbs and florals annually on the resort’s thriving one-acre organic farm and greenhouse, all of which supply the resort’s food. The resort is open seasonally from October until May.
Castle Hot Springs Resort
Cave Creek
Cave Creek has an Old West, small-town feel despite being located about 20 minutes outside of North Scottsdale. Walk down the city’s main street to discover shops, restaurants and views of the desert. The town’s motto is even “Where the Wild West Lives.”
Cave Creek
Cave Creek
Here are spots along Cave Creek’s main drag, North Cave Creek Road, that we think are worth your time. Local Johnny’s Tavern & Cafe is a well-lit, cozy space with one comfy couch and tables scattered throughout. Find mostly hearty fare like a Fried Egg Sandwich, burritos and Breakfast Tacos. Coffee and craft beer here are noteworthy. It’s a Divine Bakery serves classic European pastries. Find bread on shelves in addition to cakes and cupcakes under the glass case up front. Patrons also can order coffee and smoothies. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is a classic Cave Creek institution. Order steaks, chops, fish and other hearty entrees at this county and western themed restaurant where you can often hear live music. See fossils and mineral home décor pieces at the 10,000-square-foot Rare Earth Gallery. Check out items like an Agate Coffee Table, the Flourite Bowl and Onyx Chess Set. You’re bound to be wowed by an eye-catching piece. One of the latest restaurants to open is Latin-inspired Ofrenda. This restaurant is from the team behind popular Phoenix spot, Taco Guild. The menu features options like Mesquite Grilled Chicken and Duck Carnitas that you can eat served in your choice of tacos, tortas or gorditas. Additional entrees include Trout Tamale and shareable plates like Nachos, Duck Fries and Adobo Prawns. Ofrenda offers one of the largest collections of agave spirits in Arizona, along with craft cocktails and wines from all different regions of Mexico. Find cocktails like the Mi Casa Su Casa, featuring mezcal gin, cassis, lime, red Moscato and allspice. Cave Creek is home to two different massive recreational areas where you can revel in the desert scenery. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area is a 2,154 acre open space that features 16 different hiking trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. You might even spot some wildflowers in addition to birds, horseback riders and even petroglyphs. The close to 3,000 acre Cave Creek Regional Park features nine hiking trails and also might be blanketed with wildflowers when you visit. Expect majestic desert views at this park.
Overnight Option
Located in Cave Creek’s neighboring town of Carefree, Civana Wellness Resort & Spa is a wellness destination. Guests can partake in robust programming including barre, yoga, guided labyrinth, nature immersion and even mindful mixology. Like any true wellness spot, the spa is the jewel. The Aqua Therapy Circuit is one highlight. The Klafs Sanarium – the only one in the continental United States – features a steam room, a cold pool, a warm pool and a cold deluge shower. Rotate each water experience to appreciate the full experience. Indulge in facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. The on-site fine dining restaurant Terras offers fresh, healthy cuisine like Beet Hummus, Hemp Crusted Tuna and Fire Roasted Cauliflower. At Seed, find lighter fare including juices, smoothies, grain bowls and tacos.
