NEIGHBORHOODS: PINE AND STRAWBERRY Bike Race in September is relatively new , it is growing in popularity and has become an attractive stop on the state’s cycling circuit. Held in September, the race includes 15-, 30- and 45-mile events on high country trails. A beer garden, food wagons, auctions, spaghetti dinner, kids race, bands and camping add to the overall ambiance. Newcomers are also drawn to the two towns because of their location near the Blue Ridge Reservoir northeast of Strawberry off State Route 87. It’s a popular spot for trout fishing, boating, camping and stargazing. Also in the two mountain towns, the Historic Walking Tour, Pine-Strawberry Museum and the presence of the many original log and rock cabins, provide residents, both new and old, with a connection to the pioneers who settled the area in the mid-1800s. Some of the old buildings have been transformed into antique stores, cafés and gift shops that are popular draws among visitors and part- and full-time residents. Among the pioneer homes that have been renovated is the popular Randall House that sits in the middle of Pine. Years ago it was transformed into a restaurant that serves up unique breakfasts, quiches, juicy burgers and creative salads. Pine and Strawberry are a retiree’s dream and a vacationer’s haven, partly due to the mild year-round climate in which the winter lows hover around 23 degrees and the summer highs reach 92 degrees. The temperatures are cool enough in the
Linda Armstrong, REALTOR® Young Realty & Investment Cell: (928) 970-2182 Fax: (928) 476-3904 Office: (928) 476-3433 Email: Linda.Armstrong@erayoung.net www.AZRimCountryHomes.com Each ERA Office is Independently Owned and Operated
FAST FACTS PINE AND STRAWBERRY
The Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race is the newest annual event in Pine. The race has become popular in the state’s cycling circuit and proceeds fund fuel reduction efforts in the communities of Pine and Strawberry.
summer to spend the entire day outside. While snow occasionally drapes the towns in the winter, it is usually short-lived. The two towns, located just above 5,500 feet in elevation, are located underneath the Mogollon Rim in the largest stand of towering pon- Pine volunteers have worked hard the past several years to expand the area’s selecderosa pine trees tion of bike, hiking and riding trails. Volunteers remain cheerful and essential in the community, with its small-town feel. in the world. Today, Pine the two towns. and Strawberry have a year-round populaThe community is served by a K-8 tion of about 4,000 people, but it can more school; the Senior Citizens Affairs Foundathan double in the spring and summer when tion which offers programs and operates a heat-weary, desert dwellers eager to escape thrift store; the Isabelle Hunt Memorial Lithe Valley’s searing temperatures flock to brary; and numerous community groups.
Auntie Gail’s Collectables
Coach House
Antiques
& Boutique
Glassware • Dolls • Toys • Jewelry Consignment & Rental Spaces Available Open Monday to Saturday 10 to 4
Hardscrabble Road to 3691 Hall Lane Cell: 928.978.0469 Shop: 928.476.3009
Population: 2,000 Area: 32 sq. miles Elevation: 5,448 feet Established: 1884 Households: 882 Housing units: 2,242 Married: 62% Household size: 2.2 Family size: 2.6 Under 18: 3% Over 65: 23% Median age: 53 Household: $40,000 Family: $46,000 Per capita: $25,000
Charlotte Cantu
3824 N. Highway 87, Pine, Az P.O. Box 1712, Pine, AZ 85544
www.coachhouseantiques87@yahoo.com 928.476.3641
38 | Move to RIM COUNTRY | 2014
Wesley Schleef ~ Owner
928.951.3464 Metal Art o Sculptures o Furniture o Home Decor
3972 N. Hwy 87 • P.O. Box 2091, Pine, AZ 85544-2091