larawatson: What is there to do in Pine/Strawberry during the winter?

Welcome to Pine Welcome to Strawberry

It always surprises us when people from the Metro Phoenix area visit the Pine/Strawberry area for the very first time and remark with surprise that they?ve lived in the Valley for years and never before heard of Pine and Strawberry. ?We?ve often heard visitors exclaim that the Pine/Strawberry area is ?Arizona?s Best Kept Secret.? What?s more, many Valley residents think of the Pine/Strawberry area only as a warm weather destination, and they wonder what those of us who live here full-time could possibly do during the winter. Well, of course, those of us full-time Pine/Strawberry residents who are not retired still go to work every workday, and work and recreate in our homes, just like folks in the Valley and beyond. The following are some of the fun things we do in Pine and Strawberry during the winter and throughout the year, and which you might want to do some time, too:

During the cold months, on dry days, many of us still go for hikes on the many numerous trails in the area, many of which extend from the Pine Trail Head just south of town. (Visit?http://www.arizonahikingtrails.com for a comprehensive list of Rim Country trails.) ?Those of us that have ATVs or UTVs sometimes take to the trails in those, even when there is snow on the ground. ?Sometimes we?ll take along a picnic, too, so we can spend the whole day enjoying the gorgeous weather and views.

For those who enjoyhorseback riding, Gentle Hands Equine Center?At Betsy Ross Acres?in Strawberry (www.paysontrailrides.com) is a great place to go for a nice guided trail ride.

A visit to The Ranch at Fossil Creek in Strawberry is fun for kids of all ages. ?There one can see and even help feed live goats and llamas, and sample and purchase outstanding locally-produced goat cheeses and fudge. ?For information, visit:?www.ranchatfossilcreek.com.

If going out to breakfast is your thing, you can get a good quick breakfast in Pine at The Early Bird, H.B.?s place, or the Pine Creek Smokehouse, or at the Strawberry Lodge in Strawberry.

For a more leisurely breakfast (or lunch) and excellent gourmet food, be sure to visit the?Randall House, where you can also browse through artwork and gift items available for sale while waiting for your meal to arrive. ?During the warm weather, you can bring your dog and sit outside.

Sometimes it?s fun just to browse through some of the local shops, such as Moose Mountain Gifts & Antiques, Tymeless Antiques & Treasures, Pine Country Antiques, Auntie Gail?s Collectibles, Coach House Antiques & Boutique, the Pine-Strawberry Senior Center Thrift Shop, and Carol?s Country Crafts. ?At the Gingerbread House, one can hunt through a few rooms full of antique treasures and also enjoy the offerings of their old-fashioned soda fountain and homemade ice cream. ?For quilters, a visit to The Quilt Shop at?3972 N. AZ. Hwy. 87 is always fun.

A tour through Myra?s Art Gallery and Studio (just north of Sunny Mountain Realty?s Pine Office) is always worthwhile. ?In addition to her own work, she features original paintings and gicclee prints from several renowned Rim Country artists, including William Ahrendt (www.williamahrendt.com), as well as the work of numerous other artist in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, wood carving, and jewelry design.

A trip to the Pine Deli on Hardscrabble Road is great for a good lunch to eat there or take along for a picnic. ?They offer great lunch and dinner specials daily as well as great pizza, to eat-in or take-out. And, if you plan to dine in, you may bring in your own bottle of wine, if desired. H.B.?s Place is another good choice for a good hearty homemade lunch or dinner, including a great Friday night fish fry, but make sure to bring cash as they no longer accept credit cards. ?The Pine Creek Smokehouse has good hamburgers and is also offering Friday night fish fry and other specials.

Sometimes it?s just fun to go to Sidewinder?s Saloon (corner of S.R. 87 & Hardscrabble Rd.) for some adult libations and to play pool and grab a bite to eat for lunch, dinner or appetizers. ?During the winter, they feature live music and dancing, and tasty barbeque?ribs every other Friday night (during the summer it?s every Friday night.) ?Sidewinder?s features various events and celebrations as well as six televisions and surround sound. For information, visit?www.sidewinderssaloon.com.

Another great gathering place is Pine?s one and only microbrewery, THAT Brewery & Pub, located ?on S.R. 87 at the south end of town. ?According to their Web site (www.thatbrewery.com), ?THAT Brewery is for beer enthusiasts, foodies, nature fanatics, mountain bikers, hikers,?sightseers, antique shoppers, families, home brewers and well, just about everyone!? It is a family-friendly restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, weather permitting. They also feature a great Friday night fish fry.

There are some good dining options in Strawberry, too. ?The Strawberry Lodge, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, has a great Friday night fish fry, featuring a delicious corn meal batter. ?On Saturday, the specials typically include delicious prime rib or prawns, and the Sunday pot roast special is also delicious. ?They often feature live music on weekends. And, if you?re into pie, they always have a great selection. ?Mama Joe?s offers delicious Italian food, including their own special pizza. ?And, for adult libation and recreation in Strawberry, you can visit the Sportsman?s Chalet or the Flying Grizzly. ?All of these places are located on S.R. 87 in Strawberry.

Finally, if we feel like taking in a movie, we run down to Payson and take in a show at the Saw Mill Theatre. (Visitwww.sawmilltheatres.net for listings.)

These are just some of the things there are to do in our area. ?In the coming months, we will use this blog to feature information about the numerous activities and events in the Pine/Strawberry and Payson area.

Why not check out the Pine/Strawberry area sometime soon? ?And, when you do, be sure to stop by Sunny Mountain Realty and say hi!

Sunny Mountain Realty, Pine, AZ