Long overlooked by Valley dwellers in favor of larger, more brewery-dense destinations in Arizona’s high country, Payson stands out as an ideal day trip. After all, the drive is relatively short (90 minutes), reliably uncongested and quite stunning, with the rocking and rolling landscapes along the Beeline Highway as your scenery. And who needs a brewery if you’re driving back the same day?
3 THINGS TO DO
Rim Country Museum & Zane Grey Cabin
The Mogollon Rim wilderness was the setting for many of author Zane Grey’s Western novels. Visit the reconstructed cabin where he wrote, or explore exhibits about other local legends at the adjacent museum.
700 S. Green Valley Pkwy. 928-474-3483, rimcountrymuseum.org
Water Wheel Falls
Experience the natural beauty that inspired Grey’s work firsthand. This easy-to-moderate, 1.6-mile trail east of Payson in the Tonto National Forest is a great place to start, filled with pine trees, a cascading creek and, true to its name, an abandoned water wheel.
Off Houston Mesa Road, fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto
Serendipity: A Unique Boutique
This boutique distinguishes itself from the area’s vintage shops with a cozy atmosphere crafted by its owners, a local retired couple who are also skilled artisans. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and gemstones to crafts and local snacks.
612 N. Beeline Hwy. 928-951-1396, facebook.com/serendipityonmain503
3 PLACES TO EAT
Pinon Café
This little family restaurant claims to be the oldest in Payson. It’s definitely the place where the locals linger, thanks to its quaint old-school vibe, generously portioned breakfast entrées and cinnamon rolls as big as your head.
1001 S. Beeline Hwy. 928-474-2890, pinoncafe.com
Common Grounds Payson
The views from the patio of this inviting neighborhood coffee shop are as stunning as its popular specialty drink, the Local Bee Latte. Its ingredients include locally grown lavender, homegrown honey and coffee roasted right in Payson.
219 S. Colcord Rd. 928-970-2540, @commongroundspayson
Rim Country BBQ and Wood-Fired Pizza
At this charming downtown Payson restaurant, smoked meats take center stage. But the hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas have the right amount of crunch to keep you
going for another bite.
202 W. Main St. 928-472-2227, rimcountrybbq.com
OVERNIGHT OPTION: Kohl’s Ranch Lodge
If you stay at this rustic family resort near Tonto Creek, you probably won’t want to leave. In addition to its lodge-style rooms and cabins, there is a basketball court, a volleyball court, an arcade and a mini-golf course.
202 S. Kohl’s Ranch Lodge Rd., 928-478-0353, diamondresortsandhotels.com/resorts/kohls-ranch-lodge
PHOTO OP: THE BEELINE HIGHWAY
A selfie won’t do the jaw-dropping views of Rim Country justice, but it’s better than nothing, right?
