Our Stay at the Strawberry Inn

I’m finally getting around to re-capping our trip to the Strawberry Inn! Let me back up a bit, I’ve wanted to stay at the inn for a few years now. We even had a trip booked that we had to cancel due to my Grandma being sick. Last month we finally made a trip work out to go for a stay. Orion and I haven’t been on a kid free weekend in a few years. So we decided to kick off our new year with a trip together to the Inn. It takes a village you guys, my sister-in-love flew in from Dallas to watch our kiddos and we headed out on our way.

The Strawberry Inn is located just two and a half hours North of Phoenix. You can drive there in no time, and it’s the perfect little getaway too. The inn is self hosted meaning you check in all online, and they send you a code for a lock box for the key to your room. There is a property manager that’s on call for any needs. We stayed for 2 nights and 3 days. It was the perfect little getaway, and I don’t really suggest longer than that, unless you plan on staying during the Summer months when some of the festivals are going on around Strawberry/ Pine, AZ.

Read on, for where we ate, what we did and fun pictures!

First up, the INN! It’s gorgeous and so beautifully done. The owners of the inn actually live in the Phoenix area and own this property. It’s been completely re-done top to bottom and it’s so charming and cute! Totally Chip & Joanna vibes all the way.

I loved that there are lawn games available for you to enjoy. Porch rockers, and a porch swing too! I mean how cute is this?!

We arrived on a Friday afternoon, checked in and got settled. Then we headed for a hike really close to the Inn on Strawberry Trail. We watched the sun set before heading back to get ready for dinner.

Friday night we ate dinner at The Old County Inn. We actually loved this place so much we ate dinner here two nights in a row! The first night we had pizza, which is what they are known for. And the second time we tried different appetizers on the menu. Both nights were delish, and the service there was awesome. They also have an area of outdoor seating with heaters for when it’s cold, and a lawn game area with corn hole too!

We had breakfast one morning at the Randall House, which is a cute little restaurant in an old house. It reminds me of my Grandmother’s house. I had the most delish hot cocoa, complete with a giant marshmallow! I had the egg breakfast sandwhich and hash browns. Orion had eggs and pancakes.

After that it was time to explore the farmer’s market there and some local antique shops. Where we picked up some local honey and gifts for our kids and sister.

We did a little more hiking the second day too. Before going back to the inn to read, relax and take a nap. Do you know how much I enjoyed an un interrupted nap?! Seriously, the best.

We had the best weekend away, I highly suggest going if you haven’t yet. It’s the cutest little getaway spot! To book a room visit the inn here.

The Vic Bar + Kitchen Restaurant

Looking for a West Valley restaurant with a view? Look no further! The Vic Bar + Kitchen Restaurant is a great spot with an awesome view. We've been here a few times and it's our new fave place to go on date nights and take visitors. 

There's such a pretty view up here, I suggest eating before sunset and eating outside if you can stand the Arizona heat. 

The Chop Salad is my fave! I get this every time we come. And I try different entrees each time. I love the flatbreads as well. Sometimes we split the salad and flatbreads if we don't want a big entree. 

Interested in visiting The Vic Bar + Kitchen?

Location: 5325 N. Verrado Way
Buckeye, AZ 85396
Website

What are some of your fave local restaurant spots? We love adding new places to our "restaurant bucket list." 

Anniversary Getaway at The Saguaro

We recently stayed here to celebrate our anniversary. The Saguaro is a cute little boutique hotel located in Old Town Scottsdale. We've been wanting to stay here for a while now, so with our anniversary last month it was the perfect time to book a stay. 

For local Arizona residents they have a special 'staycation' rate that we took advantage of. We loved the location, close enough and within walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants. 

The property itself is gorgeous. Two swimming pools, spa, gym and restaurant all on property. We love all the vibrant colors of this hotel and the southwest vibe. 

They have beach cruiser bikes on property that guests can check out for the day. We checked them out on Saturday and rode around to the shops and to get lunch. It was such a fun afternoon. 

where we ate:

The Saguaro Restaurant - we only ate breakfast here one meal. 

RA Sushi - we had dinner here Friday night. We loved the sushi and the atmosphere was fun.

The Salty Senorita- we ate dinner here one evening and went during Happy Hour (3-7pm.) I highly suggest the machaca beef, and the tacos off the happy hour menu. The salsa is also very good. We both ate dinner for under $20! 

Shakes & Cones- Organic Ice Cream. We loved all their options and split something since their portions were so big. 

Breakfast Club- We had breakfast here one morning. Great food, huge portions and yummy iced coffee. 

We had such a fun stay! It had been a long time since we had the chance to getaway with out kiddos. Much needed and the best way to celebrate 9 years of marriage! 

Food Truck Friday West Date Night

Date night is our favorite! We've been trying to get out of our usual date night routines and try new restaurants and new places when we can. We love supporting local too! Last weekend for date night we took advantage of the Park West Food Trucks and headed there for dinner. 

If you're local to Phoenix, specifically the West Valley then you are in luck! The food festival goes to different locations in the West Valley. We found a local taco truck and fresh organic lemonades for dinner. 

It was such a great night! This location was near a splash pad. Plenty of fun if you brought your kiddos. We wished we had our blankets in the car. But sitting on the lawn and watching the sunset was blissful. 

Check out our little food truck date night video and see what we ate and where we shopped after! Find out more about where the food trucks are next every Friday night here. 

Our Favorite Local Ice Cream Spot

We love finding local Phoenix spots to enjoy as a family. Eating and playing at local spots and exploring our city is just one of the things we love to do as a family and on date nights! Our favorite local ice cream spot is Churn. 

Located off Central Ave & Colter in Phoenix. It's whimsical decor, yummy flavors and lots of candy will have you coming back for more. It's also connected to a local restaurant called Windsor. You can have dinner AND dessert! 

We also love it because they always have at least 1 if not two sorbet options for our dairy free eaters. I love their coffee flavored ice cream, duh! 

This cassette tape wall will have your kids going huh? And you trying to find all your favorite artists! 

Live in Phoenix and haven't been here? You must go this Summer for sure. And while you're there don't forget to take your picture on this fun wall! 

Here's the details;

5223. N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012

M – F 11am – 11pm
Sat 9am - 11pm
Sun 9am - 10pm

churnaz.com