Kuma's Last Day in Show Low, AZ - Lorraine Bossé-Smith

Seems like a Coon’s Age since I was in Show Low, but the great thing about adventures is you can continue to relive them through memories and dreams. I’ve been clinging to visions of cooler weather, and we may just get a break this week. Here’s hoping!

Show Low is such an easy drive (3 to 3 ½ hours) that we didn’t rush our last morning. Mom and Dad enjoyed their breakfast at the Show Low Café, and then we headed over to the Show Low City Park. It is on your way out of town, so you can’t miss it, but the address is 751 S. Clark Road. It is quite big with baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, basketball lighted courts, racquet ball, dog park, walking trail (1.1 mile around the entire park), sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, disc golf course, outdoor exercise stations, kid playgrounds, and human restrooms. Wow…and it is all free.

For a smaller town, this park rocks! The paved path starts at the lot by Clark Road and immediately heads into pine trees. You’ll hear some road noise, but you would swear you are in the mountains. With lots of shade and a flat paved path, I was a happy boy! We didn’t go completely around the park but rather turned back after a half mile or so. The park was peaceful, but we are confident it gets busy during the evenings and weekends with sporting events.

On the way out of town on your left is the Windy Hills Lavendar Farm, located at 3384 Stone Bridge Trail in Heber, AZ. Mom noticed it on our way in and wanted to pop in. They are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Everything is purple! Mom found her peeps. Windy Hills is a certified naturally grown, 120-acre site, founded in 1988. They plant around 1,500 lavender plants every year. Mom didn’t know it, but several varieties exist, and they grow Grosso, Provence, and Royal Velvet. Besides lavender, they grow other herbs and use them all for their products: infused teas, chocolates, soaps, body sprays, etc.

Mom got some gifts and a purple t-shirt for herself. If you have never been, make a point to stop in. Everyone was very friendly! It isn’t a large store, but it is packed with all-things-purple, Mom’s favorite color, if you didn’t know.

We came upon Payson right around lunchtime and thought we would try another new place: Tiny’s Family Restaurant at 600 E. State Highway 260. Don’t let their name fool you as it is a large restaurant. I waited in the car, but Mom and Dad said the décor was nice, and the food excellent. It’s a family-style Italian place, and even though they were busy, service was still good. They played traditional crooner music, so I know that swayed Mom. She’s a sucker for Dean Martin!

Back on the road, and we noticed a fire in the White Mountains. Oh no. We are always sad to see fire and smoke in our wonderful state. Just a reminder to everyone: please be extremely careful with campfires, cigarettes, and truck chains, all of which can start a fire in a nano second. We didn’t get near enough rain, so everything is dry and crispy. I hope we have another wet winter and spring!

Before I knew it, we were home. I love adventures, but I am always happy to be home. Mowgli greeted us with lots of meows. I went out in the backyard to ensure everything was secure. It’s a dog’s duty to protect its turf. All was well.

To wrap up my birthday trip to Show Low, it was fabulous! Even if you aren’t a hiker, the town has shops and restaurants. Scenery abounds, and the town is warm and inviting. We encourage you to visit someday and tell them Kuma sent you. Awoof!

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!