Seniors Voyage To Cave Creek and Carefree

Hugh Downs had it right when he chose to live in Arizona and this area. Just 30 miles but worlds away from downtown Phoenix, Carefree and Cave Creek seem to have something for every senior, from rustic ranches to luxurious spas, funky shops to fine art galleries, picture-perfect desert terrain to mountain lake oases, and rollickin’ saloons to critically-acclaimed four-star restaurants. With more than 300 days per year of glorious sunshine, Cave Creek and Carefree are  perfect for seniors to enjoy every type of activity, year round. Senior nature and history buffs will want to explore the  miles of nature preserve trails on horseback, bicycles, foot or by jeep. The area abounds with scenic drives and history .

What To Look For

Watch for turkey vultures, giant horned owls and mule deer, and be awed by forests of giant saguaros. Don’t miss the Hohokam’s prehistoric rock drawings and their dwelling remains, or the remnants of old stagecoach stops and gold mines. Seniors, while you are in the area, how about taking a balloon ride out over the Sonoran Desert? Phoenix Hot Air Balloon rides have been a favorite of senior tourists and native Arizonans for many years.

True Arizona

Experience the True Arizona in Cave Creek – eclectic shopping, art galleries and the unrivaled beauty of the Sonoran Desert. More than 20 restaurants for senior visitors to choose from; everything from fine dining to cowboy cookouts, horseback riding, rodeos, country and western dancing, museums, parks and nature preserves, hiking and biking and old mining tours. There is plenty of Arizona history to be found at the local museum and it is full of artifacts of the prehistory of the area.   And you will love those big boulders and the beautiful Sonoran Desert and those gracious homes somehow attached to the side of the mountain!

Cave Creek Visitor’s Guide

Located high above Phoenix in the foothills of Black Mountain, Skull Mesa and Elephant Butte, Cave Creek has accomplished the nearly impossible task of maintaining its old west character and charm, becoming one of the most recognized Western towns in the U.S. I do love city guides that invite  seniors to flip through page by page and this one is in color and easy to read. Trip Advisor kicks in with photos, a map and their listing of Things to See and Do.

Gracious Living in Carefree

“ Carefree Arizona is a place for gracious living in a desert forest of rare beauty.” The town of Carefree has settled in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert amid lush terrain and ancient boulders. This one-stop link will provide maps and directions, events, area information and much more for senior visitors. Trip Advisor has more to add.

Carefree has evolved over the years into an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and galleries. At the town center is the historic Carefree Sundial, and thus the quote “Carefree, where the sun marks time.” Take a tour and check out this calendar for posted events. So partner…mosey up on to Carefree and Cave Creek.  You will find it to be one of your most memorable visits. jeb