Every September we reach our limits of triple digit temps in the Valley and need a quick getaway, and this year with a record-breaking number of days over one hundred degrees was no different. We booked an early October getaway as a final farewell to summer in the White Mountains.
Three hours from the Valley families can find a slower paced, small town escape against a tall, cool pine backdrop. We booked a cabin weekend to cool off and take in fresh air from the White Mountains while enjoying rim country. This trip made us feel like we were on our own family summer camp in the best way possible with family electives even: Mom antique shopped, Dad golfed and the kids were turned loose to explore the woods and work up an appetite for dinner the old fashioned way.
Where to stay
This is a cabin town—families will get a fuller woodsy experience by staying in a cabin than hotel. We booked one in Pinetop just a few miles from Show Low, the two towns are near enough that we explored both areas during our weekend.
The cabin was well designed for a family stay: a game room loft upstairs is fully outfitted with board games, puzzles, comfy chairs and even a TV with an xbox easily entertained the kiddos at night while downstairs on the back patio a hot tub waited for us to enjoy after bedtime routines were over. To add to it the experience, a fire pit was well suited for family s’mores and a grill made it easy for dad to be in charge of dinner duty. The kitchen was fully stocked with cooking tools and equipment that made it easy to put together meals (yes, they have a crockpot!), something some other cabin rentals we’ve used as a family have not had. The cabin sleeps up to 8, so big families have plenty of room.
We can’t wait to head back to this cabin over the winter to experience it with snow—and to utilize the beautiful river rock fireplace in the open-concept family room. Sunrise Ski Park is just 25 minutes away from the cabin, so we’ll be sure to be back!
Another family friendly option is Breezeway Lane. Perfect for larger groups or families with older children, the home is 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with a large back deck on ¾ acre offering plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the cooler weather (and even play in the snow in the winter months!).
What to do
The weather was lovely for outdoor exploration so we tried to stay outside as much as possible. In the mornings there was a welcome chill in the air, but that was gone within a few hours of the day. Grandpa came with us to help wrangle the kiddos, giving mom and dad an afternoon to do some his/her activities as well.
Lake exploration
Fool Hollow Lakev is a wonderful spot to enjoy the weather and beauty of this part of our state. Weather permitting (May-October), you can swim, bike, hike, or fish at this great little spot. JT Wildlife Outdoors has services available right at the boat dock as well so you can rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards along with life vests (available in all sizes) for reasonable prices. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a pop up tent/seating and you can sit right along the water front!
Antiquing
There are several antique stores on the main road connecting Show Low and Pinetop. On the afternoon grandpa took the kids for us for woodsy explorations, I used my time to pop into a few antique stores and wander around. There’s a lot of western finds since Show Low has cowboy roots. (Read about how it’s name was from a high stakes poker game here!)
Golfing
In the Valley, summer golf tee times are unreal. Because of the cooler temperatures, more of the day opens up for some relaxing time out on the course. Bison Golf Club is a challenging course featuring 18-holes of championship golf designed by a PGA tour star cut amongst the pine trees. Friendly staff, extremely well-manicured greens, and reasonable prices make this a great choice for the golfer in the family.
Woodland Wandering
One of the reasons we picked the cabin we stayed at was because its surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. If your family is looking for adventure, the forest offers hiking, walking, mountain biking and more. For us, playing in the spacious backyard and searching for pinecones, rocks and other “treasures” was enough to keep my family entertained. We also took nature walks around the neighborhood each morning.
Mom hack—our cabin had cozy deck chairs that I curled up in with a book and blanket while the kids explored.
Where to eat
Having a cabin rental, we ate dinners at the cabin nightly (it’s just easier with little ones, right!). But we wanted to explore a few local eats while in town.
Breakfast at Persnikkity’s Café
I had a friend who had given me roasted coffee beans from Persnikkity’s, so when we were here I knew we had to experience it ourselves. A sweet little café with beautiful pastries, this cute café boasts a chef from New York, so it’s no small town diner! The breakfast menu is packed with amazing bites—I had the jalapeno bagel sandwich and it was super yum—a drippy egg oozing into the bacon and pepper jack cheese with fresh roasted jalapenos, all inside an everything bagel. Of course, I got another bag of their local roasted coffee beans to take home.
Beers on the Patio of Pinetop Brewing Co.
We soaked up the sun (and a few beers!) on the patio of Pinetop Brewing Co. Our friends had been up a few months prior and recommend their pizzas. They make their pizza dough inhouse and it did not disappoint! The patio is dog friendly, which kept the kids entertained with dog watching a few pups on the patio.
Ice cream
Red Barn Creamery has amazing homemade ice cream served in an adorable little shop. Their kid scoops are the perfect size for littles and the unique and delicious flavors have something for adults, too. They also offer dairy free options which are just as yummy as their non-DF counterparts. Enjoy your treats out back on their patio!
Where do you escape the heat when you’ve just reached your limit of triple digits? Growing up my family planned an annual August cabin trip—maybe I need to get proactive like that! We’d love to hear your best cabin trip tips and tricks with kids in the comments below!
