I had only ever traveled across Arizona along the North through Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon so I was excited to explore a new area of the state. As you know, I swept my sister and her sweet doggy Dukie away from her home in Los Angeles a few short weeks ago and moved her back to the family farm in Northern Missouri via moving truck. We decided to stay in Palm Springs for a night so that made our drive across Arizona a bit different. Instead of heading north like we normally would, we passed through Phoenix and the breathtaking Rim Country.
I’m not sure if you’ve ever driven through Rim Country but it’s now my most favorite destination in Arizona. It’s unlike any other area in the state I’ve visited. It’s the Heart of Arizona and on a plateau that extends over 7000 feet in elevation, covered in Ponderosa pine forests and pristine mountain lakes. Simply gorgeous…
Since I was a wee one I’ve always been a lover the mountains. I can thank my parents for that! Every summer they loaded us kids up for a family vacation. We frequented the mountainous areas of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana but never Arizona. After visiting Flagstaff last year I knew this diverse state had some gorgeous mountain areas but I didn’t realize it had the incredible Rim Country area we were about to visit.
I’ll admit, driving a moving truck into the mountains wasn’t something I was really looking forward to. But I persevered. We even passed by a large herd of elk alongside the road as we drove through the mountains.
Yep, that’s our moving truck in the pic above…
Destination: Strawberry, AZ and the Strawberry Inn – 100 scenic miles north of Phoenix.
As we drove up into the mountains we passed through a few small towns like Pine, AZ before we arrived to our destination: Strawberry, the sweetest little mountain town. Very cute, pioneer towns. The Strawberry Inn, a unique boutique hotel, sits right on the edge of town as you come in from the south. You can’t miss that cute strawberry sign.
The Strawberry Inn truly is a luxury getaway. Not only can you stay in the charming hotel but they also offer private cabins. It’s perfect for roadtrippers, adventure seekers, and nature-lovers… I’d say I’m all three of those! And they are dog friendly! Dukie absolutely loved his stay at the inn.
Checking in was an absolute breeze. All reservations and check-ins are online and through email. I simply checked in through email before our arrival. Then I was given a code to unlock our key to our room that’s located in a locked box next to your assigned room. So easy!
The Strawberry Inn is the perfect getaway for couples, friends, and family. There is even coffee, tea, and drinks for purchase at the Windmill right next to the Inn.
Such a cute business! When I got my sister and I’s tea I spoke to the man running it and he said tourist season was just ending for the season. And now the hunting season begins so this is also the perfect retreat for those hunting excursions.
At the inn you’ll find plenty to do outdoors. The community patio has yard games, porch swings, and a deck with picnic tables. They even have a little free library full of books.
Once inside your room you’ll find charming decor, luxury linens, sitting area and a breakfast bar area with a mini fridge and coffee maker.
I’m so picky when it’s comes to beds and bedding. The bedding at the inn was absolute perfection! So comfy! You’ll also find a wall-mounted flat screen television and high-speed internet.
Upon checkout you simply re-lock your key back in the lock box by your room’s door. So simple! The property is conveniently located near hiking trails, natural water springs and local shopping & restaurants. We took a short drive back down to Pine, AZ and ate at The Randall House.
The Randall House offers home-baked goodies and specially prepared meals with garden fresh fruits and vegetables. I chose a salmon salad and my sister went with the Albacore tuna salad.
Both we so delicious! Oh, and Dukie had some hard boiled eggs.
Next time you’re in Arizona you absolutely must check out Rim Country and book some nights at The Strawberry Inn! I promise you will not regret it!
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