Escape the Heat: A Weekend in Pinetop
Prescott was our history-and-whiskey weekend. Pinetop is our deep-breath weekend. It is where Johnny and I go when the only agenda is a good round of golf, good friends, a good meal, and a porch to sit on afterward.
We are fortunate to have a good friend, Tom, who has a beautiful home in Pinetop—and who generously invites us up most summers for a weekend of golf, good food, and enough teasing about my lackluster golf game to keep everyone entertained.
The only price of admission is a delivery of homemade muffins,banana brunch cake, and my favorite, grain-free granola.
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A view from the porch
Why Pinetop Belongs on Your List
Pinetop-Lakeside sits right in the heart of the White Mountains, surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world. It's quieter than Flagstaff, less crowded than Sedona, and it doesn't try to be either one. It's just pine trees, clear lakes, and small-town mountain charm.
It's also an easy home base. Everything on this list is within a short drive of town, so you're not spending your weekend in the car.
What to Do
A round at Pinetop Lakes — sort of. The forecast had other plans. We got a good hour on the driving range and putting greens at Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club before the sky opened up, and our actual tee time turned into a table on the second floor of the clubhouse, watching thunder and lightning roll across the course with a drink in hand. Not the round we planned, but one of the better ways to spend an afternoon.
Johnny B, making the most of the rain delay
Woodland Lake Park. A great way to start a morning when not on the course. A flat, shaded loop trail circles the lake, easy enough for a slow walk with coffee in hand. There's a fishing pond, picnic tables, and paddle boats if the grandkids came along.
Hit the trails. The White Mountain Trail System has over 180 miles of paths through the forest, so there's something for every pace — an easy morning stroll or a longer afternoon hike if you want to earn your dinner.
A stop at Hon-Dah. If you want a change of pace one evening, Hon-Dah Resort Casino offers dining and entertainment just outside town — a nice option for an easy night out without much driving.
Where to Eat
Charlie Clarks’s Pinetop, Arizona
Charlie Clark's Steakhouse. Open since 1938, this is the oldest continuously running restaurant in the White Mountains — and one of the oldest steakhouses in the whole state. Mesquite-broiled steaks, a fireplace, and enough history in the walls to make you slow down. This is your one splurge-worthy dinner of the trip.
Sweet Slade's Ice Cream. A must after any hike, or any round — a well-earned reward, or in our case, a consolation prize. Bring cash, bring the grandkids, bring your appetite.
Sweet Treat at Slade’s
Coffee before the day starts. Pinetop Coffee House and Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. both open early, which matters if you want to beat the afternoon monsoon clouds — the mountains' way of telling you it's porch time whether you're ready or not.
A Few Things I've Learned
Watch the sky. Summer afternoons bring fast-moving monsoon storms — ask us how we know. Plan tee times and hikes for the morning and have a backup plan at the clubhouse.
Go early to Charlie Clark's. It's a local favorite for a reason, and weekend tables go quickly. Happy Hour is a great way to beat the crowd.
Bring layers. Cool mornings, afternoon thunder and lightning storms, cold evenings — all in one day. Pinetop can't decide on a season, and neither should your suitcase.
This is a slower trip. Don't overpack the itinerary. Pinetop rewards the people who leave room to do nothing at all — and the people who accept that their short game may never improve. Note to self, schedule a few more lessons.
Shop This Weekend
I've gathered my go-to layers, walking shoes, and travel essentials for a Pinetop trip on my Favorites page under Shop Escape the Heat Weekend Picks.
For golf gear, Johnny's picks live over on Golf Day Favorites.
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