Dreaming of a getaway destination with yummy food, a wide variety of entertainment, unique wine, boutique hotels, hiking trails, water sports, all encompassed in a small town feel? Creekside can make your dream come true.
Nestled beneath a mountain in Northern Arizona, Creekside boasts four distinct seasons, all of them mild. Surrounded by protected forests, family owned ranches and a vineyard the town is a throwback to another time while offering the amenities found in larger communities.
Top five must see and do when visiting Creekside Arizona – Home of Benevolent Spirits and Unlimited Opportunities.
Where to stay
Check in to The Palace Hotel by 4 o’clock. That will give you just enough time to drop your stuff in your room and return to the lobby bar, Victoria’s, for a pre-dinner libation and the inn’s famous snack mix. Popular with both hotel guests and locals, the bar offers a selection of beer and wine plus seasonal drinks- must try the raspberry sangria in summer and mulled wine or peppermint hot chocolate in winter. This intimate bar reminds me of an old fashioned private club, comfortable seating, outdoor patio in good weather and a library tucked next door complete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an electric fire. Do remember the hotel is haunted and, after a drink in the bar or dinner in town you may spot Victoria’s spirit keeping an eye on her hotel from behind the desk, beside or on the stairway or looking out at the community from the window of room 15.
Dinner on the Square
From The Palace it’s a five to 10 minute walk to an eclectic selection of restaurants for dinner. There’s pizza at Willies, Asian at The Happy Dragon, White table cloth at Wellington’s, steaks an seafood at The Station, and casual Italian at Rosa’s. Or if straight up American comfort food is your wish, check out the Bistro at The Hotel St. George or the Lone Star Café.
Night Time Entertainment
At 9 o’clock the Lone Star Café closes for a half hour while the staff moves the tables out of the middle of the floor and sets up for live entertainment and dancing. Suddenly it’s a country bar. Rather watch sports than dance? Check out Cody’s Pub, multiple TV’s, snack food specials, generous selections of drinks and a room full of sports enthusiasts – does it get better than this?
Picture Perfect Day Trip
After devouring the breakfast at The Palace, It’s time to:
Shop the art galleries and specialty shops around The S quare. The area boasts everything from paintings to glass art to sculpture to one-of-a-kind clothing. And of course there’s a tourist shop with a Creekside t-shirt and mug. Don’t miss Serendipity – Home of Fabulous Finds and Winter’s Gallery both located on Beatrix Street.
Hit the trail. Arrange a trail ride at Windsong Ranch. Perfect ride? The lunch ride, especially when the local police chief is leading the way.
Celebrate Happy Hour at the winery. Arranged in advance the happy hour pairing is worth the van ride out of town. Local wines are paired with international cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits and chocolate. Yumm. Oh yeah, watch out for the old guy with twinkling eyes at the bar – he’s been dead about 70 years.
North Lake. A hidden gem nestled at the base of a mountain, North Lake Park is owned and operated by the town of Creekside. For an easy hike anytime, walk the lake’s perimeter. Like a little challenge? Take the sunrise or sunset hike up the mountain – the view is worth the trek and the hike is led by a park ranger. Into water sports? Rent a kyack or paddleboard at the concession stand. You can count on a special peace here as motors are prohibited.
Festival on the Square
Almost every weekend The Square hosts a festival – art, jazz, blues, antiques, literacy, all have a festival weekend dedicated. The Square fills with vendors selling everything and music. Some of the festivals include dancing in the evening. Dancing under the stars – Romance!
With so much to see and do 72 hours my not be enough!
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