Cave Creek / Carefree

 

 

Sit down for a moment and listen to the words “Cave Creek” and “Carefree,” and let them bring what naturally comes to mind. Far above Phoenix in the Black Mountain foothills are two unique and almost hidden little companion towns: Cave Creek and Carefree. If you haven’t already guessed, they march to the beat of a different drum. Cave Creek can make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time into the Wild West with its ranches, cowboys, western shops, and saloons. Carefree reminds you that’s exactly what you’ll be in these two towns: Carefree in the Sonoran Desert at its best. Carefree features glorious sunsets and beautiful views for miles and miles.
 
What are you in the mood for? A frontier town with real saloons, cowboy cookouts, and rodeos? How about some excellent jewelry shops, quaint boutiques, healing spas, and art galleries? Yes, you can have it all, plus, of course, championship golf courses nestled in stunning landscapes. Just for good measure, let’s also add in some horseback riding, hiking and biking, hayrides and picnics, and luxury resorts. And voilà! You’ve got Cave Creek and Carefree. The housing includes luxury estates, ultra-modern single-family homes, pretty townhouses, and exclusive condominiums.

 

Is it possible to be footloose and fancy-free in today’s world? Only if you live in Cave Creek or Carefree. Life moves at a slower pace here. Go out to dinner or do some shopping, and you just might park your car next to the horse someone else rode in on. Where else will you find rodeos, cowboys, and saloons sandwiched next to museums, art galleries, trendy boutiques, and upscale stores with one-of-a-kind home décor? This really is the Wild West in modern-day America. Residents always have the larger cities of Arizona at their fingertips for further adventures, but with two towns having so much unique character and American heritage, they are always amused right at home.

 

Put on your fanciest boots and head to Harold’s Cave Creek Corral for some dancing (including lessons), drinking, live music, and the best American food in the Wild West. For excellent Italian cuisine, fine dining, and a date night to remember, make a beeline for Giordano’s Trattoria Romana. Be sure to try their lobster fra Diavolo.

Indulge in a little fantasy at the Boulders Resort & Spa, and experience what Golf Digest has called the best golf resort in the southwest. Or walk the labyrinth at their healing spa, relax by the pool, and have a great meal at one of their several restaurants.

 

It has been forty-five years and counting for the Cave Creek Rodeo Days, where they celebrate western heritage with rodeos, dances, a parade, and a golf tournament. Don’t miss this annual event! Locals also love the Arizona Balloon Classic, a hot air balloon festival and race with parades, music, street-food extravaganzas, hot air balloon rides, and more. Mark your calendar for this once-a-year, not-to-be-missed event.

Go on an adventure at the Cave Creek Museum, and experience their many exhibits, restored archeological finds, old cabins, rock paintings, gardens, and more.