Discover Pine Strawberry, Arizona: Your Ultimate Mountain Escape Guide

Planning a memorable weekend getaway to Pine Strawberry, Arizona? Explore the best things to do, top restaurants, and charming shops in this idyllic mountain retreat, featuring the renowned Strawberry Inn.

For those living in the scorching Arizona desert, the thought of a mountain escape becomes a delightful dream as temperatures begin their annual ascent. Each year, the allure of cooler temperatures and the embrace of towering pines draw us northward, away from the intense heat. Just under two hours from Phoenix, the twin towns of Pine and Strawberry offer an accessible and refreshing sanctuary, promising relaxation and a welcome respite from the desert sun.

Nestled together so seamlessly they are often referred to as Pine-Strawberry, these charming communities hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I cherished memories of girls’ camp in Pine, and returning now brings a wonderful sense of nostalgia. My husband and I first experienced the magic of Pine-Strawberry in April 2017, and we were drawn back for another enchanting stay in March 2021. Each visit reaffirms our love for the slower pace of small-town life, the profound beauty of nature, and the genuine opportunity to unwind and reconnect.

Your Cozy Retreat: The Strawberry Inn Experience

During our travels, we discovered the wonderfully remodeled Strawberry Inn, nestled in the heart of Strawberry, Arizona. It sounded like the quintessential romantic weekend getaway, and it exceeded every expectation. We eagerly packed our bags, anticipating a relaxing escape to the serene landscapes of Strawberry and Pine.

Its prime location, only 100 miles from Phoenix, makes for an effortless road trip, reaching our destination in less than two hours. Our initial visit in 2017 saw us fall in love with the main Strawberry Inn building, captivated by its charm and comfort. On our most recent trip, we had the pleasure of staying in their newly introduced Strawberry Inn Little Cottages. These accommodations are the epitome of cozy, featuring a welcoming family room, a well-appointed galley kitchen, a set of bunk beds perfect for children, and a queen-sized bedroom. This setup proved ideal for us, offering ample space to relax and even store the delightful treats and unique finds we collected during our explorations in Pine-Strawberry.

Stepping into these cottages, you are immediately greeted by the warmth of tongue and groove white shiplap walls, a design detail that instantly made me feel at home. The decor throughout is infused with an undeniable charm and inviting warmth. The kitchens are thoughtfully equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, cooktop, microwave, and coffee maker, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay. During one evening, I indulged in a simple yet delightful treat: microwave chocolate chip cookies in a mug! I had prepared my MJ’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough beforehand (you can find the recipe HERE), tightly wrapped it, and kept it chilled. As any baker knows, cookie dough only improves with time! A scoop into a mug, 90 seconds at 50% power in the microwave, and paired with some vanilla ice cream, it was pure cookie heaven.

The queen-sized bed, adorned with crisp white linens and set against the same beautiful white shiplap walls, offered a perfectly cozy haven for us. For families, the cottages thoughtfully include bunk beds, ensuring children have their own comfortable sleeping space.

The family room, with its comfortable black leather couch, faces a television and a practical kitchen nook. You can easily open the door and numerous windows to invite the refreshing mountain air inside, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for reading a book or enjoying some quiet time. Knowing this trip was dedicated to relaxation and good food, I made sure to pack my comfiest slippers and stretchy pants – a mission successfully accomplished!

Beyond the interior, each cottage boasts a delightful porch swing – an irresistible spot for unwinding with a warm blanket, a captivating book, and a mug of hot chocolate. It’s these thoughtful touches that truly elevate the Strawberry Inn experience.

A Vision Realized: The Story Behind The Strawberry Inn

On a previous visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Amber and Carson Eilers, the visionary owners of The Strawberry Inn. It was fascinating to hear their inspiring story of how they acquired, meticulously remodeled, and lovingly transformed the inn. Their dedication and hard work have created a place that is exceptionally cozy, warm, and inviting. They truly embody the spirit of modern-day Chip and Joanna Gaines, breathing new life into this charming Arizona destination.

I am consistently amazed by the transformative power of a single vision. It takes immense dedication and hard work to turn a dream into reality, and Amber and Carson have done just that. They have not only revitalized The Strawberry Inn but continue to enhance Strawberry, Arizona, making it an increasingly enchanting destination. The evolution since our 2017 visit is remarkable. From operating just the main inn, they have expanded to offer a variety of accommodations, including small homes with kitchens and living spaces, one-bedroom cottages, bunk houses, and even a larger three-bedroom home ideal for bigger groups or family reunions. Dean and I often comment on how perfect their setup would be for a family gathering, allowing everyone their private cottage while still enjoying shared moments in the welcoming outdoor spaces.

Adding to the Inn’s charm, the picturesque windmill has been ingeniously transformed into a delightful coffee and drink shop. While we aren’t coffee drinkers, we heard rave reviews about their brews and personally indulged in their delicious hot chocolate and heavenly Italian sodas. Made with fruit puree, club soda, and cream, these sodas were so exquisite that we returned for a second round the very next day!

Beyond the main accommodations, I recently had the opportunity to experience their newly remodeled vintage Airstreams during another incredible trip to Strawberry, Arizona in September 2021. When seeking lodging, my priorities are always cleanliness, comfort, and a truly good hot shower. The Airstreams delivered on all fronts! I was amazed by how cozy and comfortable the bed was, adorned with the softest bedding. The shower was equally impressive, offering excellent pressure and ample hot water, all within a spotlessly clean environment. I absolutely loved my stay and am already anticipating my next visit!

Things to Do in Pine Strawberry: Adventure & Relaxation

Before settling into the comforts of The Strawberry Inn cottages, we embarked on a refreshing detour to Tonto Natural Bridge, located just outside Payson. This natural wonder offers several scenic hikes leading to breathtaking vistas, including lush waterfalls and magnificent rock formations. Sitting amidst this natural splendor, we found profound relaxation, simply absorbing the beauty around us. The Pine-Strawberry area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless adventures awaiting discovery. We particularly enjoy bringing our Razor side-by-side to explore the extensive network of nearby trails, adding an extra layer of excitement to our mountain getaways.

Charming Shops & Local Finds in Pine

After checking into our cottage, we took a short drive to Pine to explore the quaint shops along Main Street, also known as AZ-87. We parked and leisurely strolled, discovering a delightful array of handcrafted honey, unique antique shops, delectable homemade fudge, charming bakeries, and inviting ice cream parlors. A visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at an ice cream shop to savor some famous Hawaiian ice cream.

We particularly enjoyed browsing the home decor and antique stores, such as the two locations of Timeless Treasures, Rusty Pine Cone, Coach House Antiques, and Fancy Finds. These shops are treasure troves, where we uncovered unique items like gleaming copper dishes, a beautiful handmade antique blue and white pitcher, and charming hand towels.

For those seeking aromatic delights, the Pine Creek Lavender Store opens its doors on weekends, offering an exquisite selection of house-made lavender items, all harvested from their local farm. The scents are truly incredible. We also stumbled upon The Herb Stop, a fascinating establishment guided by a master herbalist who has been providing high-quality herbs since 1992. Their small store boasts over 2500 products, including herbal teas, tinctures, vitamins, and various herbs – a truly unique find that we thoroughly enjoyed.

A mere five-minute drive up the road into Strawberry led us to the Fossil Creek Creamery. Here, visitors could enjoy a petting farm and purchase flavored goat cheese and homemade chocolate fudge. (Note: While the creamery’s direct operation status may vary, their delicious fudge can often be found at the local Farmer’s Market.)

After a day of exploring, returning to the Strawberry Inn felt like coming home. The main inn itself is a two-story gem with only eight rooms, offering an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Its distinctive windmill and clock tower exude old-world charm, and the welcoming red Adirondack chairs lining the porch perfectly complement the inviting red doors. Inside, the shiplap-covered walls immediately provided a sense of comfort and familiarity. The rooms are immaculately clean, featuring warm wood floors, comfortable sitting areas, and exceptionally soft bedding, promising the deepest slumber after a day of adventure.

For some friendly competition and outdoor fun, the inn’s grounds offer games like cornhole and ladder ball on the grass. We had a blast seeing who could claim victory in a game of cornhole, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our relaxing weekend.

After all our shopping adventures and a hearty meal, the luxurious comfort of the Strawberry Inn’s beds was a welcome sight. We indulged in the best afternoon nap, a testament to how delightfully exhausting hiking, ice cream, and shopping can be!

Culinary Delights: Where to Eat in Pine-Strawberry, Arizona

The culinary scene in Pine, Arizona, is truly exceptional, boasting an impressive array of delicious dining options. In fact, two of our all-time favorite restaurants are located right here in Pine – a bold claim that I stand by wholeheartedly. I would readily drive two hours just for the exquisite experience offered by the Old County Inn or the Pinewood Tavern.

Dinner: Unforgettable Flavors

After a wonderfully relaxing afternoon nap, we found ourselves with quite the appetite, our minds set on one highly anticipated restaurant. We had meticulously researched and heard glowing reviews about the Old County Inn, which had opened its doors just a year prior. Browsing their menu online, my mouth watered at the prospect of ordering practically everything! It’s rare to find a place where every single dish sounds utterly tempting, but this was it.

As we pulled up and began our walk towards the Old County Inn, the inviting sounds of live music drifted through the air, adding to the charming ambiance. There was a wait for a table, but we happily spent the time exploring the surroundings, soaking it all in. Time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savor every moment of the pre-dinner atmosphere. While waiting for an outdoor table, I ventured inside to chat with the staff, determined to get recommendations before ordering. I was fortunate enough to meet Michael, the talented chef and owner, who was skillfully crafting pizza masterpieces in the wood-burning stove. What truly impressed us was his commitment to quality: almost everything on the menu is handcrafted and made from scratch, including the bacon and sausage, a dedication I deeply admire.

When it was finally our turn to order, we went a little overboard – as if ordering for four people! But as the food began to arrive, it consistently exceeded our already high expectations. The cheese dip, served with freshly made breadsticks, was absolutely out of this world. The chicken tenders were perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender inside, elevated further by their homemade buttermilk dressing and pickles. The meat pie was simply heavenly; we savored every single bite. We lingered for hours, enjoying conversations with fellow diners, a rare delight in an age dominated by screens. It felt like everyone had consciously stepped away from their phones, engaging in genuine connection.

We cherished the opportunity to chat with owner Michael Dahling and his wife, Jessie, learning about their inspiring journey in opening this incredible restaurant in Pine, Arizona. They too are visionaries making remarkable things happen in this small town. I genuinely still dream of that food; Dean and I are eagerly anticipating our next meal there. Everything was truly outstanding!

On a more recent trip, we had the pleasure of discovering the Pinewood Tavern, a delightful addition since our last visit. From the moment we saw the menu, every item called to us. This was exactly our kind of food – everything looked and sounded utterly amazing. Unable to choose, we settled on three main entrees for just the two of us! The burger was stellar, a perfect 10/10 – juicy, with the ideal amount of spice and an incredibly creamy sauce. The pastrami reuben sandwich was so good, I could have happily concluded my meal right there. We also hear that the Pine Prime Dip is beyond delicious. Essentially, with Michael Dahling at the helm, you simply cannot go wrong.

Another fantastic new find was Pine Provisions, a deli that truly impressed us. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, and it was phenomenal; next time, the meatball sub is definitely on my list. Their to-go salads also looked incredibly fresh and appealing.

There’s a special charm to small towns where everyone knows each other. Every person we encountered was genuinely kind and friendly, taking the time to sit and chat. After our fun-filled and tranquil evening in town, we were more than ready for a restful night’s sleep, eager to discover more delicious restaurants the following day!

Breakfast & Treats: Sweet Starts and Delicious Bites

The next morning, we headed to Randall House on Main Street in Pine. This charming establishment, once an old house, has been beautifully transformed into a welcoming restaurant. We chose to sit outside, savoring the cool morning air as we enjoyed our delightful Hatch Chili Sausage Omelette and Strawberry Cream-filled Crepes. On a subsequent visit, we tried the veggie egg scramble, which was packed with an abundance of fresh vegetables. We absolutely adore the authentic small-town charm that permeates this place.

The homemade Key Lime Cream Soda was a particular highlight for my husband, perfectly complementing the meal. The overall setting, surrounded by natural beauty, was simply exquisite.

During our explorations, we uncovered a few more must-visit spots. We absolutely loved Pine Creek Fudge and Espresso. Their cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, generously topped with a hefty amount of homemade cream cheese frosting – they are so good, we ended up buying six! The fudge was creamy and bursting with flavor. We also learned that they bake their large cookies from scratch every single morning, a true testament to their dedication to quality.

We also stopped at the Pie Bar in Strawberry. They offer a selection of mini pies, including mixed berry and apple, but are particularly renowned for their savory empanadas. We ordered both a green chili pork and a chicken pot pie empanada. While the green chili pork was flavorful, it leaned a little towards the dry side; the clear winner, hands down, was the chicken pot pie. My husband raved about it!

On a Friday morning, we visited the lively Farmer’s Market, housed in the charming yellow building next to the grocery store. It was a vibrant hub, brimming with artisan breads, homemade jams and salsas, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the friendliest local vendors. We quickly filled our basket, only to realize at checkout that they exclusively accepted cash or check. After accumulating a $25 tab, the owner, with incredible kindness, simply said, “Just mail me a check.” We were utterly amazed by his generosity! We quickly located an ATM in town to retrieve cash and settle our bill, but his trust and kindness left a lasting impression. This experience truly highlighted the immense satisfaction in supporting local businesses and the wonderful community spirit of Pine-Strawberry.

Further down the road, we encountered a delightful mother-daughter duo selling fresh farm eggs, homemade bread, and artisan soaps and lotions made right in their home. These are the unique, local treasures that make visiting Pine-Strawberry so special.

Plan Your Unforgettable Getaway to Pine Strawberry

If you’re yearning for a refreshing escape to cooler temperatures and a slower pace of life, Pine-Strawberry, Arizona, is undoubtedly the destination for you. Our weekend getaways here have been nothing short of magical, and we eagerly anticipate our next return. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away, replaced by genuine relaxation and invigorating mountain air.

For more detailed information about this exquisite destination and to book your stay, you can visit The Strawberry Inn’s website by clicking HERE. We wholeheartedly recommend this charming retreat for anyone seeking comfort, beauty, and a memorable experience in the Arizona mountains.

Now, it’s back to “reality” for us, but with our next trip already in the planning stages. Happy Travels, my friends, and may your Pine-Strawberry adventure be as enchanting as ours!