Exploring Strawberry & Pine (West Valley Pickups)

Escape the Valley heat and discover one of Arizona’s most charming mountain communities with a relaxing summer day in Strawberry and Pine. Nestled along the Mogollon Rim at over 5,000 feet elevation, these neighboring towns offer cool mountain air, rich Arizona history, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the desert below.

We’ll begin our day with a visit to PIEbar in Strawberry, a quirky and beloved local stop known for its delicious handmade empanadas. Both sweet and savory varieties are offered, with seasonal flavors rotating throughout the year—making every visit a little different. PIEbar also serves mini pies, coffee, cocktails, kombucha, and specialty drinks in a fun and welcoming mountain setting that perfectly captures the laid-back personality of Rim Country.

Next, we’ll step back in time with a visit to the historic Strawberry Schoolhouse, the oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona. Built in 1885, this carefully preserved one-room schoolhouse offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier education and early pioneer life. A docent inside the schoolhouse will share stories about the children, teachers, and families who helped shape this rugged mountain region.

From there, we’ll continue to the Strawberry Museum. While modest in size, the museum is filled with interesting local artifacts, photographs, tools, and exhibits that help tell the story of the area’s ranching, pioneer, and Native American heritage. It’s an honest and engaging look at everyday life in Arizona’s Rim Country through the decades.

After our morning of exploring, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at the Old County Inn in Pine. This longtime local favorite has become a bit of a Rim Country hotspot—known for its stellar woodfired pizza, classic appetizers done right, and crafty cocktails, all made from scratch. With its rustic mountain atmosphere and relaxed setting beneath the pines, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the cooler temperatures before our scenic drive home.

Escape the heat, learn something new, and experience the charm of Arizona’s Rim Country with us on this laid-back and enjoyable mountain getaway!

Depart: NW 7:00 AM
R: 6:00 PM