Day Trip: Fountain Hills

Advisory

This trip was taken before coronavirus restrictions were enacted. Check with authorities’ current recommendations before planning a day trip.

A majestic geyser steals the show in Fountain Hills, showing off for 15 minutes on the hour from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. If it’s not visible when you arrive, there are plenty of nearby options, from relaxing on the patio of a neighborhood restaurant, to stretching your quads on the Lake Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile urban path that provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding vista.

Photography and text by Judy Harper

3 Places To Eat

A Bone Haus Brewing

Stop by for a flight of craft beer, which could include a blueberry saison or prickly pear pale ale. Although they don’t serve food, the brewery boasts a regular food truck game and encourages guests to BYOF. Explore the macabre yet whimsical taproom in a scavenger hunt for such oddities as bleeding candles and chicken feet to earn a prize.
14825 E. Shea Blvd.
480-292-9541, bonehausbrewing.com

B Phil’s Filling Station Grill

Plate-size pancakes and 20-ounce monster burgers fulfill owner Phil Rodakis’ promise: “You never leave hungry.” Classic cars fill the back lot 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, October-May, during Cruisin’ at Phil’s.
16852 E. Parkview Ave.
480-816-8200, philsfillingstationgrill.com

C Que Bueno

Homemade Mexican specialties are the draw at this family-owned restaurant, where the sauces, salsas and guacamole are made from scratch. Pop in for the addictive chips and salsa, paired with a frosty margarita and chile relleno.
13207 N. La Montana Dr.
480-837-2418, quebuenoaz.com

3 Things To Do

D Rotary Musical Park

Children of all ages and abilities create harmony with 14 musical instruments. Sheltered by shade, the chimes and drums vary in height and each includes a mallet for banging and clanging.
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.
fh.az.gov

E River of Time Museum

Fronted by a sculpture garden, the museum teaches about the earth’s geology and water’s role in shaping Arizona.
12901 N. La Montana Dr.
480-837-2612, rotmuseum.org

F Fountain Hills Theater

This nonprofit scrapes by with limited resources and seating but an unlimited amount of talent. Up next: Million Dollar Quartet, June 5-21. 
11445 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Photo Op

The Fountain at 50

Grab a selfie in front of this celebratory sign, which marks the golden anniversaries of the town’s incorporation (December 5, 2019) and installation of the fountain (December 15, 2020).
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.
480-837-9661, fh.az.gov