Cave Creek is one of those quirky hot spots that is hard to pigeonhole: motorcycle and horseback riders share Main Street with one-of-a-kind shops and saloons.
7 a.m.: Grab a cup of coffee at Roastery of Cave Cave
Roasting in the Valley since 1997, the Roastery of Cave Cave – ROC2 – is one of the Valley’s best-kept secrets. Call them a bunch of coffee geeks, but the experts at ROC2 use a balance of art and science to methodically roast and cup their coffees and separate themselves from other roasters.
8 a.m.: Take a ride at Spur Cross Stables
Spur Cross Stables is a guided horseback-riding ranch located on the site of na 1870s gold mine. Rides will take you into the scenic Sonoran Desert and the foothills of the Tonto National Forest.
8 a.m.: If horses aren’t your thing, play a round of golf
Cave Creek offers a choice of several world-class golf courses, situated among some of the most beautiful desert landscapes you will ever see. Public courses include the beautiful Rancho Manana Golf Club, boasting some of the state’s most breathtaking views, along with Dove Valley Ranch and Legend Trails Golf Club. Private courses feature the popular Tatum Ranch Golf Club and other well-known spectacular places such as Desert Forest Golf Club and The Boulders.
8 a.m.: If horses and golf aren’t your thing, hit the spa
Restore mind and body at the incredible 33,000-square-foot Spa at The Boulders, offering stimulating revitalization through the art of massage, the science of facials and other refreshing therapies infused with ingredients from the Boulders’ desert environment. Whether you’re detoxifying in the steam rooms and saunas, meditating in the signature labyrinth, or reclining alongside the heated swimming pool, you’ll find this luxurious spa offers everything you need for soul-stirring renewal.
11 a.m: Take a walk through Frontier Town
If you are looking for something different to do — this is definitely it. This is not an all day tourist attraction but something quirky to do if you have got a couple of hours to explore this old western town that’s home to gift shops and boutiques. This old cowboy town is also a great place to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
1 p.m.: Lunch at The Horny Toad
Cave Creek’s oldest and most famous restaurant, The Horny Toad serves the most loved and sought-after fried chicken in the state. It is always fresh, is lovingly created with a very special breading and an array of secret spices, then cooked to perfection in a Henny Penny pressure fryer. But everything is great at the Toad.
2 p.m.: Spend the afternoon shopping at Cimarron River Company and Lazy Lizard
Cave Creek offers shoppers the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items in one-of-a-kind stores. Cimarron River Company offers authentic Native Indian jewelry using solid sterling silver, turquoise, coral, mother of pearl and more. The Lazy Lizard features Southwest collectibles, furniture and unique one-of-a-kind items.
6 p.m.: Dinner at Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine
Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine is more than a restaurant; it is a true western dining experience. It is also a means for honoring the legacy of the American West. Cartwright’s fuses top quality beef, game, and seafood with locally grown produce and foraged ingredients from its own surrounding deserts and forests, and present them in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in Arizona history.
9 p.m.: Have a nightcap at the Buffalo Chip Saloon
There is something for everyone at The Chip. If you like to dance you can come spin your partner to the toe-tapping sounds of Pick o’ the Litter and even check out a little live bull riding.
Bedtime: Spend the night at Full Circle Ranch Bed & Breakfast Inn
This is truly an oasis in the desert. Its unsurpassed, raw beauty will take your breath away with its one of a kind flora and fauna. Relax and enjoy a delicious breakfast on the poolside patio, while taking in the spectacular desert views. Experience Arizona as it was meant to be experienced.
