daycation: payson
leaving phoenix in the dust
An hour beyond the stucco subdivisions of the nation’s fifth largest city lies the gateway to Arizona’s Ponderosa Pine Forest.
Take Beeline Highway, carved into the hills, as it winds and twists past dry creekbeds and dying saguaros, the altitude increasing as the temperature drops. Pass Whiskey Springs, Rye, Sunflower: pinpricks on a map.
When the flashing NO TARGET SHOOTING, CAMPFIRES OR CHARCOAL! roadside signs are replaced by WATCH FOR ELK, you’ve arrived. Find cowboys and rodeos and quartz crystals here. Take a wrong turn on a desolate hiking trail; let birdsong and the swaying ponderosa branches guide you back.
In next week’s Cook & Tell, the foodletter where I blend southwestern style with my New England roots, I’ll be featuring an extended travelogue on this trip, including a new twist on cold brew and my cookbook haul from Payson’s vintage shops. If you like recipes and stories about food and travel, sign up—it’s FREE!
A favorite place. Hubby grew up playing in Christopher Creek andi love the little museums, pubs (great food) and cute air b n bs we find to stay in.
Hmmmm… Ponderosa pines, elk, birdsong, vintage cookbooks and cold brew—I obviously need to visit Payson! Looking forward to the next installment, Amie!