Farewell to Apache Junction

After a month in Apache Junction, we’re back on the road again.  Our time in AJ was filled with friends, good food and plenty of fun.  We started out by attending Lost Dutchman Days, the annual Bratwurst & Beer Party on Wednesday the 23^rd and the Rodeo on Saturday the 26^th.  A great time was had by all!

Lost Dutchman Days, Apache Junction, AZ

On the following Sunday we traveled to Casa Grande to meet-up with friends from Colorado and enjoyed an excellent dinner at Eva’s Fine Mexican Food.  On Wednesday we enjoyed a late lunch at the Culinary Dropout in the Gilbert Heritage District followed by lunch on Thursday at the Handlebar Grill in Apache Junction.

Our next weekend in AJ started on Friday afternoon with good friends from Scottsdale visiting the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit.  Afterwards we were treated to an amazing dinner at AZ88 – thanks for buying B&S, we had a great time!  On Saturday we met with friends to tour several of the RV parks and resorts around the AJ area followed by a late lunch at Los Gringos Locos, a favorite Mexican restaurant.

We moved from Sunrise RV Resort to Lost Dutchman State Park on Sunday the 6^th.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Lost Dutchman State Park. site #95

That week, after a meeting with a good friend & colleague in Gilbert, we checked out Uncle Bear’s Brewery and Taproom for some excellent brews and tasty food truck selections.  We especially enjoyed the Original Uncle Bear’s Craft Burger – yum!  Friday brought a highlight of the trip, dinner at Quiessence. Located on the Farm at South Mountain, this dinner with friends was phenomenal, we’d highly recommend the experience!  SEE SAMPLE MENU On Saturday we had a great time and excellent dinner at the home of close friends in Cave Creek.  Then on Sunday we relaxed with friends at their home in Apache Junction.

The next week, with a good friend who arrived from Colorado, we enjoyed St. Patty’s celebrations at Postino and watched a beautiful sunset from the rooftop of Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, both in the Gilbert Heritage District.  On Friday we enjoyed lunch at Tarididdles in Apache Junction before a relaxing evening at the State Park.  On Saturday, we attended a Colorado Rockies game at Salt River Fields, home of the Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kartchner Caverns, Benson, AZ

Kartchner Caverns, Benson, AZ

On Sunday we packed up and traveled south through Tucson to Kartchner Cavern State Park, and enjoyed an informative cavern tour upon our arrival.  After a quick overnight we’re back on the road, headed to one of our favorite KOA’s at Las Cruces, NM.  From there we’ll be at By the River RV Park in Kerrville.  More from Kerrville…

Fun in Gilbert Heritage District

Joyride Taco House, Gilbert, AZ

While visiting last year,  friends introduced us to the very hip Gilbert Heritage district, with dinner at Joyride Taco House.

This year we enjoyed two new restaurants in Gilbert, Barrio Queen and Whiskey Row.  “The Queen” touts authentic Mexico City dishes and one of the largest selections of Tequilas in Arizona.  At our table we enjoyed  carne asada, sonoran style and chili verde, especial de la casa.  Both were served in sizzling cast iron skillets with sides of rice and black beans. We can certainly vouch for excellent food – and they make a pretty fine margarita too.  We’ll be back.

Barrio Queen, Gilbert, AZ

Barrio Queen, Gilbert, AZ

After attending the Rockies/D-backs game, we decided to check out Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, just across the street from Barrio Queen.  As the afternoon turned into evening, the live band cranked up the volume, the large garage doors opened the play area to people strolling along Gilbert Rd and the place got a bit more rowdy.  The bar height tables that occupy the dance floor are wheeled out and the line dancing begins.  We enjoyed a few cocktails and appetizers including Grilled Whiskey Wings – not impressed, Southern Fries – to die for, and one order of each sliders: Meatball, American, Blue Cheese & Bacon and Tennessee Hot – most very good.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Gilbert, AZ

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Gilbert, AZ