Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in Greer, an off-the-beaten path paradise in the White Mountains made for father-son bonding and adrenalin-fueled adventure.

A mere four-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix near the New Mexican border sits Greer, a four-seasons paradise with pristine lakes, pine forests and plenty of wildlife. You can’t help but feel like a kid again in this rustic setting – especially if you bring the kids along.

 Smack dab in the middle of Main Street you’ll find Molly Butler Lodge, the oldest continually operated lodge in Arizona. Founded in 1910 by Molly (aka: the “grandmother of Greer”), her hospitality lives on today, albeit with a few modern perks. The award-winning chop house not only serves up primo prime rib (for dad) and finger lickin’ chicken fingers and onion rings (for the tykes), the game room boasts a Nintendo Wii on a monster 64-inch screen, not to mention arcade games, shuffleboard, billiards and darts – just enough to keep the kids entertained until the grub arrives (and beyond). 

For future escapes with the Missus, the Roosevelt Cellar, a fine dining den and wine cellar, is set to open in Fall 2009. The Longhouse, Molly’s original lodging, is also being restored and renovated to include four luxury suites inspired by legendary guests  .



Cabin Fever


Speaking of accommodation, just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Far from it. Molly’s Cabin Keepers has a cornucopia of cabins up for grabs, from 1-bedroom forest escapes that start at $95 a night to log mansions that sleep 18. Take Carr’s Cabin. The crème de la crème of cabins, from the cathedral ceilings and gourmet kitchen to the outdoor Jacuzzi and three fireplaces, you can host the extended family (it sleeps 12) or keep it adults only. Then there’s the Sleigh Cabin, a 4,800-square-foot MTV Cribs-style abode that sleeps 18. As well as the usual suspects (fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, satellite), it comes with all the indoor boys toys you’d ever want or need. We’re talking pool, air hockey, foosball, pinball and arcade games – the whole kit and caboodle.

Child’s Play

Greer is an outdoor lover’s playground that offers plenty for the kids – and the kids at heart. Hike, mountain bike, golf, ATV, bird watch, stargaze, horseback ride, hunt, fish or flyfish – Greer boasts miles of pine-lined hiking and biking trails and the nearby lakes and streams are teeming with trophy trout ready to be caught. No wonder it’s known as the trout-fishing capital of Arizona. And those are only the summer stunts. After the first snowfall, Greer turns into a winter wonderland of  and, only 12 minute away from Sunrise, skiing and snowboarding. Molly Butler’s “adventure desk” experts will make all the arrangements for you, from setting up fly fishing, trail rides, mountain biking, hiking and historical tours to name a few – which means more time for you and the kids!




Take Note:

Molly Butler Lodge

www.mollybutlerlodge.com

For Dining Reservations: 928.735.7226

For Cabin & Lodging Reservations: 928.735.7617