A Guide to Visiting Show Low Arizona

When the summer heat is sizzling in Phoenix, Arizona, the residents take off to the hills of Show Low. It is said to be thirty degrees cooler in Show Low than in the city of Phoenix. This retreat is located just 185 miles from Phoenix, and has about 12,000 residents year round. In the summer months, the number of residents doubles.

Why do people visit Show Low? The reason is simple. It is a beautiful oasis, located in the White Mountains on the Mongollon Rim. There are palatial homes located throughout the mountainous terrain. The views are spectacular and the quiet atmosphere draws visitors to spend peaceful hours with Mother Nature. Apache guides can be hired to lead hunters to trophy size elk, that roam in the mountainous terrain.

We had rented a home in the mountains. It was solar and generator powered. At night, in the wilderness, the wild turkey and boars came to visit. Birds of all species were seen as we sat on the porch. Since we had no electricity and no neighbors, we enjoyed the stillness of the day and night.

Such homes are available and can be rented in the town for weekly retreats or longer. The Show Low Chamber of Commerce can supply visitors with this information. They can be reached at www.showlowchamberofcommerce.com.

If you want to spend the evenings in the town area, there are over 100 hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, lodges and cabins in the area. All are family friendly and nightly rates range from $72 to $116 per night.

Show Low received its name from a card game played in 1876. The two players were playing cards with the prize being 100,000 acres, which became Show Low. The two players declared "show low and you win." Appropriately, the main street of the town is called the Deuce of Clubs, which was the winning card.

Show Low Lake County Park boasts of trout, walleye, bass, bluegill and crappie fishing opportunities. It is just one area of fishing available.

Even from the town area, the panorama of beautiful scenery is evident. The town is surrounded by the White Mountains. The area is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Snow capped mountains, limestone formations, and giant pine trees are part of the mystique of the area.There are over 50 lakes and 800 miles of rivers and streams located in the immediate area of Show Low.

In the vicinity of the town is Sunrise, which is a popular ski resort. Hunting, fishing, rafting and boating are popular outdoor activities in Show Low. Bluegrass music, car shows, and other entertainment are offered periodically in the area. Local residents formed a barbershop chorus, which entertains frequently.

There is ample shopping opportunities in the town. Most of the shopping is located along West Mountain Boulevard and State Routes 260 and 73. This highway links several other small towns, Pinetop and Lakeside.
The shopping trail continues throughout Show Low and these other towns. There are many native shopping opportunities, along with standard fare. There are excellent restaurants in the area, ranging from fast food to buffets. The variety of cuisine is guaranteed to appeal to all, with something for everyone.

The town is home to Summit Health Care and Northland Pioneer College. Many retirees have settled in Show Low because of the fine medical facilities offered there. Young people come to continue their education at the local college.

Show Low is definitely a place to visit for a respite from the summer heat of Arizona. It is, also, the place to come to see Mother Nature at her finest.

References: Show Low Chamber of Commerce www.showlowchamberofcommerce.com
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