NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA PERFECT PICNICS BY TERESA BITLER GRAB Fargo’s Steakhouse is a popular Payson steakhouse that serves gourmet sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads to-go for lunch. Choose from traditional options like the hot pastrami or creative ones like the coconut-crusted salmon sandwich. GO At Tonto Natural Bridge State Park , you’ll find shaded picnic tables a short walk from the world’s largest travertine bridge and near the trailheads leading down to its base. Be prepared for a steep descent and minor bouldering. Arizona boasts some of the most scenic landscapes in the Southwest. Make the most of your time here by grabbing a lunch to go and having a picnic at these state parks and national forests. Routinely voted the best in Sedona, the massive sandwiches at Sedona Memories Bakery Café are made with your choice of fresh homemade bread and piled with premium meats and veggies. Order over the phone, and your takeout comes with a free cookie. As one of the most photographed landscapes in Sedona, Crescent Moon Picnic Site offers views of Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek. Go early in the morning or on a weekday to secure a spot. DAN SHEWMAKER Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson Fresca Café is a New York-style deli and eatery that imports its meats and cheeses from Italy and pairs them with local ingredients for paninis, salads and pizza. Get yours to go with a scoop of homemade gelato or sorbetto. Savor your lunch at Lynx Lake North Shore Picnic Site , perched on the shores of Lynx Lake, a 55-acre, man-made lake. After you eat, fish for trout, hike the 2.3-mile loop trail or watch for wildlife from a fixed viewing scope. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is responsibility. As a leader in sustainability practices, we place a strong emphasis on preserving our unspoiled landscape. By asking you to take the Sedona Cares Pledge , we’re expressing our deep desire to maintain our serene way of life and to protect our natural surroundings – ensuring a memorable experience for you today, and always. Make your promise to respect the environment we all share. Take the Pledge at SedonaCares.com 71
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2021-22: Page 71
