Cave Creek...Harold's and Frontier Town

Cave Creek Regional Park

May 10, 2023

Cave Creek, AZ 

Sunrise May 10

Wednesday we had planned a lazy morning at home with the pups...what a way to start the day !  Beautiful morning glow, a cool breeze, and the sound of silence sure have a way of putting an extra skip in my step and a big smile on my face.  A leisurely stroll with Joe, Dover, Sally and Jack always fills my heart with joy but first thing in the morning with the sun rising and fresh air just makes those walks even more special.  A new day...one more day...how wonderful life is !

By far, my favorite time of day...

We sat on the patio most of the morning and even had a rare second cup of coffee.  We all enjoyed breakfast outside watching the birds.  

Waiting patiently...

We weren't the only hungry critters outside...

We laughed out loud at a roadrunner and gamble's quail who were having a small altercation in the road.  The gamble really wanted to cross the street, but the roadrunner would not let it.  Every time the gamble got about 3/4s of the way, the roadrunner would chase him back to his (the gambles) side of the street..  After three tries or so, the gamble gave up and  decided foraging for breakfast on his side of the road would be best.   

The saguaro just outside the patio space is quite the perching spot for lots of birds.  I'm not sure what this bird is, but it is so pretty in flight. 

We watched as the curve-bill thrasher kept a close watch on a nest.  It was in a cholla behind some tall grass and bushes. 

With our breakfast bagels fading away, we decided to go to Cave Creek for lunch.  

Harold's came highly recommended.  

The sign says..."Harold's serves up the best durned cooking in these here parts (or any other parts, for that matter). "  The corral was built in 1935. Harold and  his wife purchased the corral in the 1950s.  

Since then, it is said to have spawned a million crazy stories with his flamboyant friends, movie stars, (real) cowboys, and other colorful characters.  I believe that to be true...there is not two inches of unused space on the wall.  I have never seen so many photos !  What a piece of history...

But my favorite...besides the patty melt, fries and cold brewski...are the boots.  A kazillion boots hanging on several rows of fence posts that run from one end to the other of the huge dining room and saloon bar.  I'm guessing thats where the best stories come from !

Next up was Frontier Town.  I know, it sounds cheesy.  

The Wild West town of Cave Creek was settled in the 1870s by miners and ranchers, but was not incorporated until 1986. One of the buildings in this  50 year old tourist attraction was actually built in the 1890s with the others built later in the 1930s and used by workers building Bartlett Dam.  We were pleasantly surprised that the small shops offered unique and locally crafted items.  My favorite was Candles and Gifts. 

Owners, also artists and candlemakers, are a couple with a passion for American made products and are proud that the products they sell are not just Made in America, but crafted locally.  My only purchase for the day was a candle...Sonoran Dust scent...and a beautiful terra cotta ceramic vessel with cliff dwellings to burn the candle in.  The husband of this team is the candlemaker and crafts his candles right there in the shop.

Western things...

A beautiful and shady courtyard...

Other shops at Frontier Town included hot sauce and salsa, women's clothing, a sweet little boutique with blankets, jewelry, soaps, and baby things.  And last, the 

General Store offered...

and...

We also strolled through Rare Earth Gallery.  They offer quite the collection of beautiful and unique items for purchase...a little out of our price range.  The outdoor water features caught my eye...

as did the iguana carvings...

and the colorful lights...not for sale...on the ceiling.

Back at the park, we enjoyed another nice sunset...

the rest of our lunch, some computer time and were off to bed.  Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS !