Head to Pine and Strawberry, two mountain towns perfect for beautiful hikes, small town shopping, and a little bit of lavender, too.
Pine and Strawberry are a pair of Arizona townsfolk just about two hours from Phoenix , cuddle amongst the Tree and great deal . They ’re place a few miles apart in what ’s known as Rim Country , named after the geologicalMogollon Rimthat runs through the domain . Both were make in the late 1800s and describe for the swaths of Ponderosa Pines that cover the landscape and the wild strawberries that would grow in the area . Today , the twin townsfolk are popular with locals during the summertime with more reasonable temperatures , while also offering white pickup during winter . add together to that pieces of Arizona history , delightful eating place , and abundant agrestic sight . So it ’s clean why Pine - Strawberry is a preferent escape for Valley residents .
Travel Time
2 hours from Phoenix , Arizona by car.5 hours from Las Vegas , Nevada by automobile .
If you only do one thing: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Arizona is chock full of country parks , butTonto Natural Bridgeis definitely not one to bound off . Sitting just a few minutes south of Pine along AZ-87 , the park features the world ’s largest natural travertine bridge . tramper can revel in accept one of four trails that twine down to see the bridgework and cave . None of the trail are particularly long but can be rather steep to manage ; for those looking for an well-fixed option , try the comparatively inadequate Waterfall Trail that appropriately ends at a waterfall and only takes about 20 minutes . If you ’re only interested in look at the natural admiration and snapping some photos , there are several points in which you may view the bridge from the parking mickle .
Fill the Weekend With
Hiking
There should n’t be too much thought put into a sojourn to Pine - Strawberry for a weekend , in a good manner . It ’s an unbelievably relaxing place with an tardily - go attitude with plenty to keep anyone absorb for a couple of day . For those inclined to outdoor adventure , there are over 100 miles of trail to traverse . try out theHighline / Pine Canyon Loopthat is part of the statewide Arizona Trail or theFossil Creek Fallshike outside of Strawberry ; there are several trailheads useable , the long being 9 nautical mile roundtrip . Many of the trails in Pine - Strawberry are hound - well-disposed and populated with other hikers without being crowded .
Lavender Farms
Just outside of the center of Pine on the way of life to Strawberry , grow off the 87 to stop by thePine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm . After park the car , one rich breath will tell you you ’re in the right stain , with the scent of three types of lavender fill up the air . Owned by Terry and Rick Vesci , the farm itself has been a part of Pine since the early 1900s , but was converted into a lavender farm approximately 10 years ago . The lovingly preserve kitchen now welcomes guest for culinary class with Terry , who share how to incorporate lavender into dulcet and savory dishes . Stop by the onsite shop class to stock up on lilac-colored goods of all form .
Historical Sites
TheStrawberry Schoolhouse , the sometime remain firm school in the state , is a mythologic bit of Arizona chronicle . The one - room building was construct in 1885 but only used until 1916 , desert and left to rot . However , after being donated for preservation and repaired , the school is now on the National Register of Historic Places .
After expend metre at the aforesaid bridge circuit , make certain to check outGoodfellow Lodge , which can be reached by car . The routine - of - the - C property can be toured with park rangers , who provide history of the area and walk visitors through the lodge , as well as the other homesteading cabin nearby . There ’s also majuscule views of Pine Canyon , where the society is place .
Shopping
Pine ’s main retarding force is stack with workshop that are chock full of antiques , local goods , and art piece . Check outThe Honey Stand , which showcases the good in Arizona bring out while also supporting the local community of interests ( along with some rather scrumptious salsa , electronic jamming , and honeys ) . Swing intoThe Rusty Pine Conein the heart of Pine to pluck up a souvenir or two of your stay . Most notable are the legion rustic metallic element signs for purchase . But for a fun agency to explore around town , snap up an e - bike ; there are several varieties useable to pull at the shop .
Where to Eat and Drink in Pine and Strawberry
Breakfast : A fiddling further down the route , murder upThe Early Bird Cafefor a hearty breakfast ; recollect biscuits dripping in blimp gravy or classic diner - style egg dishes . If it ’s summer or a vacation weekend , be prepared to wait .
sunbaked good : It ’s severe to go through by the bright yellowPIEbarin Strawberry , a small construction that is recognizable for the line of customers usually snaking outside . Specializing in empanadas of all tang , the flaky incrustation hold savory selections like green chile pork barrel or the Mountain Man with potato , sausage , and gravy . Dessert is also well make up ; do not pretermit the popular Lemon Bar empanada , stuffed with luscious sweet tart filling with moment of meringue .
Lunch : drive north into Pine , stop by to pick up some of the state ’s best woodfired pizza fromOld County Inn . Extremely popular with local and visitant likewise , the restaurant offers local craft beer and pies like the East Coast Clam or Lefty with roast chicken and coriander - serrano pesto .
Tonto Natural Bridge|renzedyk/Shutterstock
Dinner : For a taste of Italy in Rim Country , pass toThe Strawberry Lodge , where reservations are strongly recommended . An salmagundi of Graeco-Roman pasta dishes are useable , along with a few traditional marrow entrees , and a respectable wine list .
deglutition : In the sum of town , Pinewood Tavernsits next to the only grocery store around ; while the large bar dominates the room , it ’s easy for families and offer a great menu of neighborhood pub meals . Keep an center on the specials board alfresco for smasher like rib or meatloaf . And for a final stop on the direction out ( or possibly first break on the way in ) , there’sTHAT Brewery , whose taps are full of local brewage from hubby - and - married woman duet Tamara and Steve Morken . Pair your craft beer with some saloon solid food , like an Cervus elaphus canadensis burger or housemade elk and beef chili pepper top with beer high mallow .
Where to Stay in Pine and Strawberry
There are a overplus of vacation rental property available to hold around the area and there are some benefits to booking a menage when relaxing in the pine trees . However , there are some peachy local hostelry that are worth checking into for your stop .
Pet - friendly with a view : TheLodge at 5600sits somewhat halfway between Pine and Strawberry with a stupefying view . The boutique hotel offer eight well - appointed rooms , each with a balcony that overlooks Pine and the Mogollon Rim . The independent floor rooms are all pet favorable as well . The Lodge has an expansive yard with oversize board games and is next toBarb ’s Bites , a coffee shop class with bistro repast that is perfect for wandering over and grabbing breakfast . You may even pick out an elk or two cruise around .
way to spread out : A piddling further into Strawberry isThe Strawberry Inn , another dress shop property that offers rooms , Airstreams , and cabin for visitor to explore . All of the accommodations are spread out around the center of Strawberry , so ensure to mark off the on-line mathematical function of where to ride out before engagement , but the variety show makes it a great choice for heavy mathematical group or families . take hold of your java at Windmill Coffee that ’s located on land site before heading out for the day .
Mogollon Rim|Photo by Kyle Ledeboer/Aurora Photos/Getty Images
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm|Photo by Asonta Benetti
Photo by Asonta Benetti
Courtesy Lodge at 5600
