Central Arizona
Phoenix
and the surrounding metropolitan area and countryside comprise most
of this section. Phoenix itself offers the visitor or resident a full
line of activities. From great eating establishments to a variety of
music and entertainment, we have it all. Located in the Southwest part
of the country one will find tradition Mexican food to the more updated
Southwestern style cooking which uses the spices, peppers, beans of
the area a true dining experience, one must take their taste buds on
the tour and find out what you like. The ever-popular margarita is a
popular drink, whether served on the rocks or blended and frozen, they
too come in all varieties. Music can be anything from Blues to Country
and everything in between. Phoenix is like a melting pot of many cultures
and if
you look, you'll find it. Ever popular for our weather, sporting activities
abound, whether you're a participant or a fan. We have professional
teams such as the Suns, Coyotes, Cardinals, Rattlers, and Diamondbacks.
Popular mountain climbing and hiking trails abound. For the motorcyclist,
there is a whole environment to check out specific to riding.
One of the more popular riding trips out of Phoenix is the Rock Springs,
New River, Cave Creek, Carefree, must step at Greasewood Flats putt.
And a putt I mean. Generally a popular Saturday or Sunday ride, one
tends to "bar hop", but certainly take that in the way it's
intended. All the places have eating, drinking, sit outdoors and take
in the desert environment atmosphere, some with live entertainment.
Rock Springs Patio has great BBQ and a fabulous bakery. On the last
Saturday of the month they hold a "Hogs in Heat" BBQ and nut
fry outside. Down in New River, the Roadrunner Cafe (you can sit outside
also and play horseshoes if you want). Their margaritas and a medium
rare cheeseburger or club sandwich are pretty good! Also in the area
is New River Station Cafe and Saloon. Popular for biker events it also
has an outside area and hosts the "Grandpa Horny Fart Blossom Chili
Cook Off" an annual memorial for charity (look for it this fall
in September). Continuing on into Cave Creek, there are a variety of
stops from The Mine Shaft (great Bloody Mary's), to the Buffalo Chip
(Packer fans), to Harolds Cave Creek Corral (Steeler Country and great
Mexican pizza). Continuing to Carefree, my greatest enjoyment is looking
at the rock formations and how the houses nestle, perch or whatever
they do in those rocks. Pretty neat! Last but not least is Greasewood
Flat at Reata Pass. Well known for its casual outdoor relaxed county
atmosphere, this former stagecoach stop is popular every weekend. Fabulous
cheeseburgers, known as "Greaseburgers" and live folk/country
entertainment on weekend afternoons and evenings.
Other areas out in the same vicinity are Lake Pleasant and New Waddell
Damn on the west side. Wild Horse Saloon is at the corner of US 60 and
HWY 74 and offers a real good Patty Melt. You can pick up last minute
fishing supplies if you forget them on your way to fish Lake Pleasant.
Lake Pleasant also offers cruises; you might want to check it out. On
the east side, a nice ride through the desert landscape to Bartlett
Lake where boating activities are very popular. Continue to Fountain
Hills. You won't be disappointed. The Fort McDowell Indian Reservation
is nearby and the casino, one of many in the state continues to draw
people in. One can't miss but hear about the Superstition Mountains
and the Lost Dutchman's Mine. Out north of Apache Junction go north
on HWY 88 toward Tortilla Flats and Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake and Roosevelt
Lake. At Tortilla Flats only 6 people live, but they have a great kitchen
and a cold beer or sasparilla waiting for you. While out in this area
a beautiful ride to Superior and Globe/Miami or Superior to Winkelman.
Likewise you won't be disappointed in
the scenery, winding roads and quaintness the area has to offer.
