Heber-Overgaard’s motto is “Always in Season,” but it’s a particularly prime destination during the summer, when mid-70s temps offer a refreshing reprieve from the scorching Phoenix heat. Perched atop the Mogollon Rim and surrounded by the sprawling Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the twin communities of Heber and Overgaard boast a quaint small-town charm sprinkled with a colorful history.
3 Places to Eat
A Wild Women Saloon and Grill
Nestled in the corner of Bison Ranch, a replicated 1800s Western town, Wild Women’s exterior looks more like the set of a spaghetti Western than a place to devour a plate of spaghetti. But with a bill of fare that includes brick-oven pizza, burgers and house-made mac and cheese, the saloon serves up high-country comfort food at its finest.
2381 AZ Hwy. 260, Overgaard
928-535-5595, facebook.com/wildwomensaloonandgrill
B Perky’s Express-o
This drive-thru java shop is a down-home version of Dutch Bros. – if Dutch Bros. also served fish and chips and pulled pork sandwiches. Chai lattes, smoothies and Italian sodas also share the menu.
2848 AZ Hwy. 260, Overgaard
928-970-1199
C Casa Ramos
If you’re looking for margaritas the size of your head, this lively cantina is a must-try. The family-friendly eatery also has a robust menu featuring Mexican favorites like fajitas and mole enchiladas.
1849 AZ Hwy. 260, Heber
928-535-4448
3 Things to Do
D Overgaard Fitness Trails
The majority of Heber-Overgaard’s hiking trails were affected by the catastrophic Rodeo-Chediski Wildfire in 2002. Fire damage is still visible from some of the footpaths, but a plethora of pines remain on the Pasture Trail, a mild 1.3-mile jaunt rife with wildflowers.
Tall Timbers County Park, AZ Hwy. 260
Heber , 928-535-7300
E Windy Hills Lavender Farm
Though the farm is about 10 miles north of Heber, its boutique is a popular port of call to purchase lavender-infused goodies. The space was formerly a restaurant, and the commercial kitchen is a convenient place to distill the flowers and produce everything from incense to olive oil.
3374 Stone Bridge Trl., Heber
928-240-2273, windyhillslavender.com
F Rock House Museum
Built in the 1930s, the Rock House is a well-preserved relic of Heber’s storied past. A free audio tour allows visitors to learn about the family that lived there while walking through the home, which is furnished with antique curios. Tours are available by appointment only.
1831 Black Canyon Rd., Heber
480-720-0560
PHOTO OP
Phone Home
Rumor has it that these now-abandoned phone booths are where forestry worker Travis Walton was discovered after being abducted by aliens in 1975. Today, the inoperative telephones stand as a nod to Walton, and the two lime green extraterrestrial statues that guard it make for a fun photo op.
1839 AZ Hwy. 260, Heber
