Matt&Baillie
We Are Getting Married!
Directions
Directions from Sky Harbor Airport/East Valley:
Take the AZ-202-LOOP EAST towards TEMPE to HWY-87/COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE. Turn LEFT onto COUNTRY CLUB DR., which becomes Arizona Highway-87 (also known as the Beeline HWY).
It is approximately 90 miles to Cabins On Strawberry Hill from the airport. For reference purposes when you pass by the Fort McDowell Casino on the left, it will be about a 1 hour drive from there to our driveway, assuming you drive at the speed limit. You will see the Mazatzal Casino on the right as you enter Payson. Drive straight through Payson. Continue on through Pine (15 miles north of Payson) and then another 3 miles to Strawberry. Highway 87 enters the village of Strawberry while descending a hill. Hwy 87 makes a sweeping bend and then begins climbing Strawberry Hill. We are about 1000 feet further on your left. You will see our sign on the hill. Continue about another 500 feet. Our driveway is about 10 feet before the yellow “No Passing” sign on your left, just South of mile marker 271. If you pass our driveway, it is about three miles before you can safely turn around.
Directions from Scottsdale:
Proceed to the corner of Shea Boulevard and Highway 87 (Beeline Hwy). Turn left onto Hwy 87. For reference purposes when you pass by the Fort McDowell Casino on the left, it will be about a 1 hour drive from there to our driveway, assuming you drive at the speed limit.
You will see the Mazatzal Casino on the right as you enter Payson. Drive straight through Payson. Continue on through Pine (15 miles north of Payson) and then another 3 miles to Strawberry. Highway 87 enters the village of Strawberry while descending a hill. Hwy 87 makes a sweeping bend and then begins climbing Strawberry Hill. We are about 1000 feet further on your left. You will see our sign on the hill. Continue about another 500 feet. Our driveway is about 10 feet before the yellow “No Passing” sign on your left, just South of mile marker 271. If you pass our driveway, it is about three miles before you can safely turn around.
Directions from the North West Valley:
Take I-17 north to the Verde Valley (approx 67 miles from the 101 interchange). Take the Highway 260 exit. Turn right onto Highway 260. You will drive about 36 miles on highway 260 until you come to a stop sign. Zero your trip meter or memorize your odometer reading. Turn right onto Highway 260/87. Proceed south exactly 7.3 miles from the stop sign. Our driveway on the right (West) side about 100 feet past Mile Marker 271. Our resort will be the first private land on the right that you encounter. (Note as you descend the rim there are some very sharp corners, please follow the posted speed limits on these corners).
Directions from Tucson:
3 choices include going through Globe along the back side of Lake Roosevelt to the Beeline Hwy and up through Payson, Another choice (less preferable) is up I-10 to I-17 through Phx then north to Camp Verde (listed above). Our recommended route is to take I -10 north towards Phx. Exit onto the southern portion of Loop 202 and head Eastbound. Take the Loop 101 Northbound towards Tempe. Take the northern portion of the Loop 202 and head Eastbound. Exit at HWY 87/ Country Club Drive. Turn left onto Hwy 87. For reference purposes when you pass by the Fort McDowell Casino on the left, it will be about a 1 hour drive from there to our driveway, assuming you drive at the speed limit.
You will see the Mazatzal Casino on the right as you enter Payson. Drive straight through Payson. Continue on through Pine (15 miles north of Payson) and then another 3 miles to Strawberry. Highway 87 enters the village of Strawberry while descending a hill. Hwy 87 makes a sweeping bend and then begins climbing Strawberry Hill. We are about 1000 feet further on your left. You will see our sign on the hill. Continue about another 500 feet. Our driveway is about 10 feet before the yellow “No Passing” sign on your left, just South of mile marker 271. If you pass our driveway, it is about three miles before you can safely turn around.
During weekends of the summer months you may want to consider going through Mesa all the way around the Loop 202 to avoid the heavy traffic along the Loop 101. It adds a few miles to your trip but may be quicker if you are traveling during rush hour and there is heavy traffic on the Loop 101 and the Bush Highway. If you live in east Tucson, you may want to consider driving through Florence Junction and Globe.
Accommodations
The Strawberry Inn
5073 Arizona Highway 87, Strawberry, AZ 85544
The Strawberry Inn is a unique boutique hotel and private cabins. The Inn, cabins, and airstreams operate much like a vacation rental, with all reservations and check-ins via online, although they do have a local property manager for guests as needed.
Air BnB
Strawberry and Pine have Air B and B options!!
Things To Do
Food & Drink
Mama Joe's Italian Grill
5076 SR-87, Strawberry, AZ 85544
The menu consists of various Italian entrees and daily specials. Excellent pizza made for dining as well as to-go. (928)476-3910. Summer Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday Nights 4PM-9PM.”
Sportsman's Chalet
5087 SR-87, Pine, AZ 85544
This is a fun local sports bar. The food includes general bar appetizers., burgers, pizza, wings, etc. Come and enjoy the hospitality of the locals, dance, shoot pool, or throw some darts. Call to find out when live entertainment is playing for your enjoyment. Hours are 11AM to close. (928) 476-6484
THAT Brewery
3270 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544
Located in Pine on the south end of town. This restaurant/brewery is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday, 11AM-800PM. Food quality is excellent here as well. One of the best in all of Rim Country. Daily specials are offered, as well as an outstanding fish-fry on Fridays. (928) 476-3349
Outdoor & Nature
Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
Google it, Payson, AZ 85541
1.6 mile out and back. Short riverside hike (moderately challenging) with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall. We have never done this, but have heard good things!
Horton Creek Trail
3898 N Tonto Creek Rd Ste 1, Payson, AZ 85541
Check out this 9.5-mile loop trail near Payson, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 38 min to complete.
This trail follows treads along Horton Creek past waterfalls and winds through magnificent stands of pine. The parking area can be found just past upper Tonto Creek campground, look for the hiking sign pointing to the start of the trail. There is poor/no cell reception here so downloading the map beforehand can be helpful to get started and to navigate the intersecting trails in the area.
From the parking lot the trail heads gradually up along Horton Creek with many waterfalls. The last mile has some significant elevation gain as it climbs past Horton Springs into rim country. Great area to combine other trails to form a loop hike – many will tag on Highline Trail #31 and Derrick Trail #33 for a nice loop.
Blue Ridge Reservoir
Blue Ridge Reservoir, also known as CC Cragin Reservoir, is a hidden gem located in Arizona’s Rim Country. It is a peaceful place away from the crowds to kayak, paddleboard, or go fishing.
located near Clint’s Well in the heart of Arizona’s Rim Country.
It is about an hour north of Payson and 40 minutes northwest of the cute little mountain town of Strawberry. Situated at the top of the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest.
From Strawberry, take Hwy 87 north for about 24 miles until you reach FR 751.