Terry Vesci at Pine Creek Lavender Farm, Pine TERRY VESCI OF PINE CREEK LAVENDER FARM Nestled in the mountains of north-central Arizona sits Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm in Pine. It’s here that owner Terry Vesci, a lawyer turned farmer, and her husband Rick, hand-harvest 5,000 lavender plants on a homestead settled by pioneers in the late 1800s. The aromatic Grosso variety shows up in Terry’s artisanal products, such as soaps and lotions, and she uses Royal Velvet and Provence varieties in her culinary goodies like tea, cocoa, lavender salt and lavender-lemon pepper. Step inside the hand-hewn log shed that doubles as the farm’s gift shop to browse the shelves stocked with all-natural products made from the bounty of Terry’s and Rick’s lavender fields. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers. SHOP SMALL WENDELL CROW OF CROW’S DAIRY High school sweethearts Wendell and Rhonda Crow were cattle dairy farmers in Tolleson, Arizona. But about 10 years ago, they “converted” to goats and never looked back. Their 5-acre Grade A farmstead in Buckeye is home to 300 Anglo-Nubian goats whose milk produces enough artisan cheese to service 110 restaurants and a handful of retail outlets, including dozens of farmers’ markets, around Arizona. Find Crow’s Dairy products at area farmers’ markets such as Uptown Farmers Market in Central Phoenix, Momma’s Organic Market in Peoria and Tempe Farmers Market, as well as on the menus of Arizona eateries such as FnB in Scottsdale and Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley. El Be Goods, Tucson FRANCES From locally made cocktail mixers to Arizona-inspired t-shirts to cheeky greeting cards, this shop in Phoenix features the wares of independent artists, crafters and businesses. PHOENIX GENERAL Whether you’re looking for design-forward home goods, eco-friendly skincare products or hand-harvested botanicals to trans-form your shower into a spa-like experience, this hot shop has got the goods. FARM TOUR Learn how extra virgin olive oil is made on the Olive Oil 101 Educational Tour at Queen Creek Olive Mill. This 45-minute guided experience includes cooking ideas and tasting tips, as well as a visit to the on-site gourmet marketplace. Wendell Crow at Crow’s Dairy, Buckeye Eric Watson at Watson’s Hat Shop, Cave Creek READ EXTENDED INTERVIEWS AND WATCH THE VIDEOS AT VISITARIZONA.COM/MEET-THE-MAKER. ERIC WATSON OF WATSON’S HAT SHOP In Arizona, we know about cowboy culture, and no piece completes the look more than the iconic cowboy hat. Many in search of that perfect accessory find their way to Watson’s Hat Shop in Cave Creek, where master hatter Eric Watson crafts wearable works of art. As a 30 VISITARIZONA.COM young craftsman, Watson rev-eled in the details and the history of the craft, so much so that he purchased antique machinery (some dating from the 1800s) on which to make and restore hats. A 1900s-era crown iron machine purrs and clicks as it molds beaver felt onto a hat block. The 1926 blocking table hisses as steam shapes hat brims. Shelves of centuries-old wood hat blocks stretch from floor to ceiling. And amid the symphony of sounds, Watson, his wife Emily and apprentice Alex Cabrera stitch thread, stretch felt, size heads and sew ribbons. Even if you’re not in the market for a custom, handmade hat, you’re sure to find Watson’s detailed 64-step process fascinating. FLAGSTAFF GENERAL STORE You never know what you’ll find at this funky shop, which sells local art, handmade jewelry, vintage décor and refurbished furniture. From antique skis to soy candles to chalk paint, it’s all fair game. CLEAR CREEK TRADING COMPANY Authentic American Indian crafted artifacts are the draw at this Sedona shop, featuring the works from more than 30 tribes. Peruse everything from baskets to beadwork and leathers to feathers. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AOT; SUSANNAH LYNN; HAMILTON DISTILLERS; @CROWSDAIRY; AOT EL BE GOODS Sustainable, ethically made clothing—plus on-trend jewelry, stylish sunglasses, desert-inspired bath products, handwoven sandals and cheeky greeting cards—can be found at this boutique in Tucson.
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2021-22: Page 30
