I know we have disappointed many of you over the years as you have sped along the highway in order to get in before we close at 2:00 p.m. So from now on slow down, enjoy the big sky views and arrive safely so we can take care of your needs. Thanks to our wonderful staff this is now possible so we so do look forward to seeing you here as you travel across the wide and high desert of Northern Arizona.

Spring is here with all the trees in full bloom. The drive up here from the lower elevations is absolutely glorious. Resplendent with a vivid display of flowers at the lower elevations. Snow still in the forest with lots of water making its way down the mountain sides. This is a great time to visit us and see our gardens as well as the changes we have made both in the hotel and the restaurant.

Mothers Day Weekend will be wonderful up here when the flowers in the forest will be showing off their stuff. My stuff will be a memorable experience all weekend long. I am celebrating Mother's Day with a tribute to many of the Mothers that came from all over the “old world” to help settle this great land in which we live. As many of you know I pay great homage to the Native Americans food heritage. For this holiday I will honor the mothers of the following nations with these respective dishes.

England- veal and ham pie served with mushy peas

France – Coq au Vin – locally raised Red leghorn chickens simmering in a red wine sauce

Germany – Smoked pork tenderloin with red cabbage and Rosti potato pancake

Spain – Seafood Zarzuela – casserole of fresh seafood in a tomato and saffron scented broth

Italy – Mama’s fresh garden vegetarian lasagna with all that is the best from McClendon’s Farm

South of the Border – tamales and chile relleno to spice things up!

View the complete: Brunches Menu | Dinners Menu

We have had a wet winter this year so we have lots to be thankful for. The high desert landscape will change into a vibrant green for a few short weeks until it is baked by the hot summer sun leaving us yearning for the Summer Monsoons.

I will keep you posted on the opening date of the Route 66 Soda Fountain as we come closer to finishing the construction. I had hoped for an opening this month but as usual these things take a while to come together. When it is finished it is going to look great and there will be many reasons to stop by for a pie, shake, float or soda.

Thank you for your continued support, we would not be here if it were not for you!

Drive carefully – we are now open all day to serve you,


John, Patricia & all of the staff