Aravaipa Farms A Country Inn

Imagine waking up to this scene everyday! Our week-end started as we left Phoenix and headed east on highway 60. We drove a little over 2 hours before arriving at the town of Winkleman. We turned south on AZ-77 and about 10 minutes before the turn off to Aravaipa Canyon road it began to rain. The smell of the desert when it rains, is deep and earthy, the smell originating mostly from the creosote bush. There is no smell quite like it. The plant leaves can unfurl with just the tiniest amount of rain drops. This was the first sign of the greatness to come. After turning off the main highway, we drove 7 miles on the paved road to a dirt road and drove another 3 miles. We arrived at a hand painted sign with the words Aravaipa Farms, A Country Inn.

We took this turn and headed down to cross a small running creek which added to the charm of this sweet little place.

Here we follow the road that is flanked by fruit trees on both sides to the main house. There were apricot, grapefruit, Meyer lemon, pear and pecan trees.

We were surrounded by mountains on all sides and the beauty of the land in between.

Our cottage was beautiful, it was rustic, quaint, and had lots of character. There was a fireplace on the inside and outside on the patio. We could of spent everyday all day long on the patio it was so picturesque.

The dishes are beautiful and hand painted. In the mornings there is homemade banana bread and yogurt with fresh fruit and granola.

Everywhere you turn there is another thoughtful detail to make your stay more comfortable. There was a telescope to enjoy the stars. Games and magazines scattered around the room for entertainment. A refrigerator that was stocked with juice and bottled water. Potted plants flanked every cottage around the patios and stairs, some with native plants and others with bright red geraniums. We spent our days hiking and reading and enjoying the wonderful guest that were also staying in the other cottages.

As it happens, my husband used to work for Carole Steele, the owner and operator of this bed and breakfast in the late seventies and early eighty's. So at night we were fortunate enough to be able cook with her. She was very gracious and gave me a few tips in the kitchen. She roasted organic chickens stuffed with preserved lemons, garlic, salt and pepper. I felt very fortunate to meet her, she is quite an inspiration.

I would come back here again in a heartbeat, the place is magical. This might sound a little crazy, but I felt something there, it was peaceful and calming, maybe it was the land. I don't know......but I felt at home.