Return of the Roadtrip: 5 Rural Arizona Best-Kept Secrets
Getting antsy for a getaway? Let’s face it: a short weekend trip is almost always x1000 times better than a long vacation that takes a lot of planning. Check out these 5 spots in #RuralAZ to escape to and support some of our favorite local businesses along the way! The Local First Arizona Rural Development Council is here to help you create a socially-distanced, safe adventure in the small towns we love — now when they need it most. Check out our rural community profiles at ruralaz.com
BeDillon's Cactus Garden and Restaurant
CASA GRANDE - see the full profile
*Masks are required
What to do: Casa Grande is home to more than 17 miles of established and marked trails, plus a variety of state of the art parks. Here’s how to “Park It in Casa Grande!” You can get unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges by bike, foot and even an aerial view! Pick up skydiving as your new quarantine hobby at Arizona Skydive or check out their award-winning Neon Sign Park at night.
If you’re looking for some socially distanced family time with critters, mask up and visit Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch! They have a Miniature Donkey, Fallow Deer, Boer Goats, Ostrich, Parakeets, St. Croix Sheep, Dwarf Goats, Bunnies, Pekin Ducks, Rainbow Lorikeets, Red Headed Diving Ducks, and Cownose Stingray Bay.
Where to eat:
For breakfast, lunch and maybe a giant cookie- to go, drop by The Cook E Jar Bakery & Cafe while in Casa Grande. For a romantic, secret dinner getaway, add BeDillon's Cactus Garden and Restaurant to your list! The century-old adobe offers a tranquil setting with views of over 85 different varieties of cacti from their private garden — did we mention steak and seafood with Southwestern flair.
Photo by @ashleymoretti on Instagram
SUPERIOR - see the full profile
*Masks are required
What to do: “Adventure, Elevated” you can only find in Superior. This town only 1 hour away from Phoenix and 2 hrs from Tucson! Where to start? Book an appointment to browse through local artists’ pieces inspired by the town at The Kay Gallery. Mask up and find an electric selection of antiques at Picket Post Antiques. For some more shopping, Rose’s Roses also acts as a collective, with (12) 12x8 stores filled with local artisan creations, handcrafted jewelry, and repurposed furniture all at amazing prices. Go for a morning or sunset hike at Picket Post Mountain Trailhead or opt-in for a relaxing stroll at the Boyce Arboretum.
Where to eat:
A great place to stop for breakfast or lunch, Buckboard City Cafe, also hosts the World’s Smallest Museum on site! (Biscuits and gravy are the way to go.) There is so much more than meets the eye at Felicia’s Ice Cream Shop. This is definitely the place in town to stop to satisfy your sweet tooth. But, you’ll be surprised to find that Felicia’s also offers specialty menu items like shrimp cocktails, street tacos, and posole.
Horseback riding in Cottonwood.
GLOBE - see the full profile
*Masks are required
What to do: Surprise! Right after 35 min. drive heading northeast from Superior, you hit Globe, AZ! From mining to ranching and Mexican food to indigenous Apache artwork, the diversity of cultures can be seen in everything from Globe’s architecture to its cuisine. Jump on an ebike from E-volve Adventure Rentals, a local rental company based out of Globe, and check out the town. You’re surrounded by trails, mining boneyard and parks, and the Salt River. For the sunset lovers, Dream Manor Inn sits at the top of a hill and is the place to stay. The inn is home to 4 story observation tower to experience some of the most spectacular sunsets, sunrises, and night skies in Arizona.
Where to eat:
Hit the road early to arrive just in time for the newly formed Globe-Miami Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 8 AM- 11 AM. For lunch, we said it in our 5 Burgers You Must Try in Arizona blog, and we’ll say it again, Nurd Berger Cafe is a rural retro gem. If you’re up for wine and want to bring your dog along for the rural ride, head to Globe’s first and only vineyard, Waggin’ Vineyard & Estate. Located right off Highway 60, drop by the tasting room for $10 flights and soon to come Sunday Brunch!
Parson's Spring Trail, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area
CLARKDALE - see the full profile
*Masks are required
What to do: Whether you want to spend your time hunting down swimming holes in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area or take a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale is where to go to explore miles of untouched wildlife and red rock beauty. Grab some food from the recommended spots below (or take them to-go for a picnic) and hit the road!
Where to eat:
Whether you’re a foodie or simply someone who forgot their toothpaste, the Clarkdale Market is worth a stop to! Owners Sylvia and Carlos have in-store everything you could possibly need, including locally-made breakfast burritos, ghost pepper salsa, and other road trip essentials. A trip to Clarkdale is not complete without visiting Violette’s Bakery Cafe. This purple train caboose parked on the corner of Main and Ninth Streets doubles as the region's most coveted pastry shop. Locals line up daily to get their fill of Violette’s delicious blueberry raspberry danishes, brioche pecan rolls, and she can also whip up a mean breakfast and lunch! They sell out daily, so maybe make it your first stop.