Rim Country Visitor's Guide

THE HEART OF ARIZONA
ARTS/CULTURE
tel (known as the Hilton of Payson until it tory with a large gift shop. There are also
One of the most exciting developments
burned to the ground in 1918). The muse- many specialty and hand-crafted items
in Arizona Rim Country in recent years has
um displays exhibits describing the human made by local artisans available in quaint
been the emergence of a vibrant arts and cul-
stories of prehistoric and historic times of shops throughout the area.
tural scene.
Arizona Rim Country. In the museum you
Arizona Rim Country’s burgeoning
can also experience some of the memora- AIRPORT
art community is reflected in the galleries
bilia of Zane Grey, and reminisce about Residents of Arizona Rim Country
throughout the area, and by an increasing
forgotten times. For shoppers, there’s a have 24-hour access to the Payson Airport
number of world-famous artists who have
well-stocked gift shop full of books, col- (Payson Aviation), an uncontrolled airport.
chosen to live and work in this inspiration-
lectibles and remembrances. Call the mu- Payson Aviation supports approximately
al setting.
seum at 928-474-8392. 30,000 operations each year of propeller
In addition, the Payson Art League,
In Pine, about 16 miles north of Pay- and jet engine airplanes, helicopter and
with over 100 members, offers workshops
son, stands the Pine Museum. Housed in motorized glider activities on its lighted
by accomplished artists, trips to places of
what was once a Mormon Church, the 5,500 foot runway. Continuous services
artistic interest, and open-house visits to
museum offers a look back at the settlers provided at the airport or adjacent indus-
studios of member artists. Juried exhibits
that homesteaded and pushed cattle where trial air park include fuel sales, aircraft
are held twice a year.
virgin forest once stood. There are many maintenance, hangers, tie-downs, ﬂight
The Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts
displays and items of the latter part of the instruction, scenic ﬂights, charter service,
Guild sponsors a series of two-day Moun-
19th century, and artifacts of the earliest restaurant, and an aircraft ﬂy-in camp-
tain Arts & Crafts Festivals. Check with the
settlers – the American Indians. Be sure to ground. The airport hosts a Spring Aero
Chamber’s Visitor Center and calendar of
look for the beautiful display of the Ton- Fair, various ﬂy-ins, Civil Air Patrol Squad-
events for dates. The Guild also maintains
to Apache Indian dolls and cradleboards. ron, EAA Chapter, local pilots’ association
an arts & crafts room during the spring,
Please call 928-476-3547 for hours. and an adjacent residential air park.
summer, and fall months where visitors
Finally, the Payson Public Library is
RIM COUNTRY REGIONAL
can view and purchase the work of its out-
located in a 15,000 square foot state-of-
standing member artists.
the-art facility at Rumsey Park. The li-
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Other events that lend credence to our
brary has a special room just for children,
The Rim Country Regional Chamber of
growing reputation as an arts and cultural
a coffee bar and internet connections.
Commerce is organized for the purpose of ad-
enclave include our annual ﬁddler’s and
Check out their new magazine area and
vancing the working partnership of business;
western heritage festivals, the Tonto Commu-
resale book store also.
to enhance the ability of its members to con-
nity Concert Association series, Payson’s Con-
duct their individual businesses successfully;
cert Under the Stars series and other cultural
SHOPPING
and to improve the economic well-being of
events held at the community college.
Recreation means different things to
all citizens of the Rim Country and the sur-
The Rim Country Museum, surrounded
different folks, and if you prefer yours with
rounding area.
by three lakes and rolling hills of Green Val-
a roof overhead, Arizona Rim Country of-
The Rim Country Regional Chamber
ley Park, is a true museum complex of his-
fers many options. Shopping is a perennial
of Commerce has grown to serve the com-
torical interest. The facility includes the ﬁrst
favorite, and the merchants in Arizona Rim
munities of Star Valley, Rye, and Christopher
U.S. Forest Ranger Station and Residence
Country offer a diverse and unique shop-
Creek, as well as Payson, Pine, Strawberry,
in Payson, the 1905 Sam Haught cabin, a
ping experience. Choices include a large
and Young. The Chamber’s ofﬁce, located at
bronze memorial to our brave ﬁreﬁghters and
selection of antique shops, art galleries,
the corner of Hwy. 87 and Main Street in
a replica of the historic two-story Herron Ho-
craft shops, quilt shop, and a candle fac-
Payson, incorporates a large Visitor Center
WORLD CLASS ARTISTS: Arizona Rim Country is blessed with a long list of
internationally recognized artists. Because of its beautiful environment and
peaceful allure, many western artists have made the area their home over the years.
It is currently home for many two-dimensional ﬁne artists who work in all mediums:
sculpture, woodworking, jewelry and pottery. In addition, the area supports other
“arts.” Nationally known performing artists present several professional concerts
annually. The Payson Choral Society presents semi-annual concerts and is comprised
of 50 semi-professional voices. The Rim Civic Orchestra also gives six performances
annually, many in the open air of Payson parks. Individual groups in the area
include many arts and craft guilds. The Tonto Community Concert Series provides
Broadway-quality acts for a nominal fee.
www.rimcountrychamber.com
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