My birthday is actually tomorrow, and I turn 15 years old or 84 ish in dog years. Wow, how did that happen? I was just a pup bounding my way through adventures, and now, well, I’ve slowed down a tad. I am still game for adventures, and Mom and Dad took me to one of my favorite places to celebrate: Show Low, AZ.
Show Low is North East of Phoenix in Rim Country, and it sits at 6,400 feet in elevation. The drive is only 3 ½ hours from the north end of town, and we prefer going through Payson instead of the Salt River Canyon. That route is quite scenic, but it is also very windy and curvy, slowing traffic way down.
We plug in the hotel and follow the directions. We just love The Days Inn at 480 W. Deuce of Clubs Drive because 1) They are dog friendly 2) They provide a real breakfast every morning at the Show Low Café. I get Mom’s 
bacon! If you stay with them, tell them Kuma sent you and says hello!
Anyway, we stopped at the Pinon Café in Payson for lunch. I had to stay in the car, but I knew I would get fed. Mom shared her French Dip…yum! Everyone was very friendly, and the prices were reasonable.
We arrived early afternoon and went straight to one of the best walks in town: The Bluff Trail. It follows the 77 and Show Low Creek. The address of the free parking lot is 560 S. Rock Ridge Drive. It has human restrooms and is a great place to take Fido. The path is paved and has access to the creek. This summer has been so hot that I went in to cool off my paws. Ahhhh.
The Bluff Trail is a local spot, and you will always see families out for a stroll or casting their line in, hoping to catch a fish. The trail goes about a mile, and on the other side of the creek is a dirt path through the trees if you want something more rugged.
Mom loves the Hallmark store, so we continued on the 77 until we reached Pinetop. The address is 576 E. White Mountain Boulevard. They have a little bit of everything! Dad and I stayed in the truck to see what else we could do. We learned the 39th Annual Run to the Pines Care Show was happening this very weekend in Show Low. The parade began at 4 pm along the main 
drag, and cars were on display all weekend at the Pinetop Golf Course.
This was the last weekend of the Show Low Farmer’s Market where locals sell all sorts of items like veggies, homemade candles, and gifts. During the summer, you can catch it any Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm on E. Cooley Street. We missed it but enjoyed the grassy area and meeting other folks from down in the Valley. We weren’t the only ones getting away from the heat!
Right off Cooley is Perfect Paws. They are the ones who introduced us to Hip & Joint Supplement that has really helped. Mom popped in to thank them, say hello, and she also picked me up a chew stick. Cool!
By now, we were hungry for dinner, and you can’t go to Show Low without eating at the Cattleman’s Restaurant, located at 1231 E. Deuce of Clubs. Again, I had to stay in the car, but Mom brought me a doggy bag complete with prime rib and baked potato. Oh yes, this is living! The restaurant was hoping, but service is always good. They bake their bread fresh to order each and every time.
We checked into the hotel, and they remembered me. Um, why wouldn’t they? We got a room upstairs near the pool and doggy area. The grassy spot is perfect for a quick stretch, and they have poop bags handy. Humans, please pick up after your pooch!
Mom brought my comfy bed from home. She is so thoughtful. I am a Shiba Inu, though, so I had
to be defiant and NOT sleep in it. I was good on the carpet. Ha! I was eager to get to sleep as I knew a big day was ahead. I’ll share in my next blog about the great hikes we took.
Show Low has so much to offer: pine trees, hiking, lakes, fishing, friendly people, good food, and cooler weather. It is close to Pinetop but not as crazy or packed with people. If you haven’t been, you must visit sometime.
I hope with the turn of the calendar comes more fall-like weather for us in the valley. Until next time!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
Ginger Stahl says
Happy Belated Birthday, Kuma!! Can’t believe you’re a year older (dog years) than me!! I’m sure all that rich food, plus supplements and treatments have kept you looking and feeling younger. Keep enjoying your times of hiking with your parents; they love taking you along!