Travel

We thank you in advance for making the journey to Strawberry to celebrate our marriage, and we hope you can turn this trip into an unforgettable adventure, a fun-filled getaway, or a wonderful family vacation. Explore the details and tips below to make the most of your journey to our special weekend.

Directions

Flying

For our out-of-state guests, we recommend flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Driving

From Phoenix, take the Beeline Highway (Route 87) heading north towards Payson. The drive will take approximately an hour and a half, and you'll reach the charming town of Strawberry, Arizona. If you're looking for a quick treat along the way, there's a Dairy Queen located in Payson that's worth a visit.

Alternatively, you can take the I-17 north to Camp Verde and then head east on AZ-260 to reach Strawberry. This scenic route will take about 2 hours, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque Arizona landscape as you make your way to our special celebration.

Parking

Parking on-site is very limited. We ask our guests to carpool to and from the venue to the best of their ability.

Lodging

You have a few fantastic options for accommodations. If you're looking to stay on-site, there are 14 charming cabins on a first-come first-serve basis that can accommodate up to six people each (one queen bed, one full futon, and either one queen bed or two twin beds). We ask that you establish a complete group of 5 or 6 before reserving one of the cabins. Once your group is established, reach out to the bride and groom to receive a booking code to book through our portal. Cabins are priced between $250 and $300 per night, with a minimum stay of two nights.

If you prefer staying in the picturesque town of Strawberry itself, you have some great choices. The Strawberry Inn, with multiple locations, offers a range of accommodations. You can enjoy the unique experience of staying in an airstream, relax in traditional hotel rooms, or opt for cozy tiny homes at different locations within Strawberry. For more options, consider the Strawberry Chalet N Stay or the Lodge at 5600. Additionally, there are plenty of beautiful Airbnb listings to choose from, offering a personalized and comfortable stay.

For those seeking a wider range of amenities and convenience, Payson, which is just about 20 minutes away from Strawberry, boasts larger hotels. We have secured a hotel block at The Comfort Inn Hotel in Payson. Please ask for the Malley/Lara block.

If you're looking for a more flexible option, you can choose to stay in Phoenix and make a scenic two-hour drive up to Strawberry for the ceremony and reception on Saturday. It's a great choice if you prefer a day trip and would like to explore the beautiful desert on the way to our celebration. Your comfort and convenience are our priority, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect place to stay for our celebration.

Shuttle

If staying anywhere in Pine or Strawberry, our venue provides a free shuttle on the day of the wedding to transport you to and from the event. If you are staying in Payson, you will need to transport yourself to the venue.

Things To Do

Food & Drink

PIEBar

5096 AZ-87, Strawberry, AZ 85544

A great hand-made empanada spot!

The Early Bird Cafe

3618 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544

A good, greasy-spoon, diner-style breakfast with ginormous pancakes.

THAT Brewery and Pub

3270 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544

An upbeat, family-friendly brewpub with a great patio.

Pinewood Tavern

6112 W Hardscrabble Mesa Rd., Pine, AZ 85544

Great burgers and fries!

Pine Creek Fudge and Espresso

3617 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544

A super cute shop with great coffee, ice cream, and baked goods.

Outdoor & Nature

Hiking

Explore the beautiful Tonto National Forest, which surrounds Strawberry, with its numerous hiking trails. Some popular options include the Fossil Creek Trail, the Pine Canyon Trail, and the Bearfoot Trail.

Mountain Biking

The area features great mountain biking trails, such as the Highline Trail and the Pine Trail Loop, which offer scenic views and challenging terrain for riders of various skill levels.

Fishing

Try your hand at fishing in nearby lakes and rivers, such as the Verde River and Bear Canyon Lake. You may catch a variety of fish, including trout. Arizona state fishing license is required. Please visit the Fish and Game office in Payson for a day-license.

National and State Park Day Trips

If you're traveling from further away or just want to check out the surrounding area while in Strawberry, you can explore the following national and state parks:

National Parks:

Tonto National Monument (Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to the Lower Cliff Dwellings): This park preserves well-preserved Native American cliff dwellings that offer a glimpse into the history of the Salado people.

Petrified Forest National Park (Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes): Known for its colorful and fossilized logs, this park offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient landscapes.

Grand Canyon National Park (Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to the South Rim): While slightly beyond a 2-hour drive, the iconic Grand Canyon is well worth the visit. Marvel at the breathtaking views and explore the canyon's rim and trails.

Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail (Approximately 45 minutes): A short riverside hike with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall.

State Parks:

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Approximately 20 minutes): This beautiful park features the world's largest natural travertine bridge. You can hike, picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes): Located in Cottonwood, this park offers recreational activities like fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding along the Verde River.

Homolovi State Park (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes): Explore ancient Hopi pueblos and archaeological sites at this park, which is rich in Native American history.

Red Rock State Park (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes): This park in Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching.

Fort Verde State Historic Park (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes): Step back in time and learn about Arizona's history at this well-preserved fort that once protected settlers.

These national and state parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making them great destinations for day trips or extended outdoor adventures while staying in Strawberry. Please check the park's official websites or contact them for the most up-to-date information, including hours of operation and any entrance fees.