Travel Bites

Healthy Highways
Indie filmmakers might get their kicks documenting the havoc wreaked by an all-fast-food-all-the-time nutritional make-under, but your road trip photos don’t have to look like the flip show sequel to Supersize Me.

Healthy Highways: The Travelers’ Guide to Healthy Eating gives motorist an alternative to “gas and go” grub by guiding travelers off the beaten path to healthier options. Eateries range from innovative health-conscious chains to hospital and university cafeterias, street carts to haute cuisine. Vegetarian/vegan, sustainable, natural and organic fare can all be found within the pages of Healthy Highways and up-to-date supplements are available online. Healthy Highways ($18.95) is available in book and natural food stores or directly from:
Ceres Press
P.O. Box 87
Woodstock NY 12498
For online discounts visit HealthyHighways.com

Always on the go this summer?
Check out these great tasting and nutritious raw food bars made from pure, organic, raw ingredients. They make a convenient snack that will keep you energized. Available at select health food stores, Amazon.com or directly at rawindulgence.com

Puddle Jumping
Got a boat? A canoe? A stockpile of logs and a serious Huck Finn fixation? Well hitch up your trailers and grab your poles because we’ve got your guide to over 90 –count ‘em 90 – Arizona waterways. From A through Z, Mary Young outlines the gamut of lakes and rivers in Arizona Waterways: A pocket guide to boating and fishing in Arizona. Find out the best places to satisfy your craving for fresh bigmouth buffalo fish, hit some white water or pitch a tent and set up camp. Arizona Waterways is available at most AAA Arizona offices.

Readers Recommend
Cool Treats

Paleteria Diana, Tucson
“You have got to try this place,” raves Kathleen Meyer of Tucson. “The raspados con crema (basically snow cones with fresh fruit chunks and ice cream) are the perfect antidote to a hot summer day. In my book, it’s a whole lot more fun and has a more colorful atmosphere than the upscale gelaterias popping up all over town.” 2618 S. 6th Ave., 520-903-1403.

Big Buns Bakery, Carefree
“I found the best ice cream sandwich I have ever had,” writes Robert Preston. “Big Buns Bakery takes two fresh chocolate chip cookies and puts about 10 ounces of ice cream between them. Right now, they have two ice cream flavors — chocolate chip and fudge brownie. Get there early because they close at 3 p.m. (Tuesday through Sunday). In addition to the ice cream sandwich, they have scones, cookies, brownies, cakes and, of course, big buns (cinnamon and sticky).” Spanish Village, 7204 E. Hum Rd., 480-595-0450.

MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain, Phoenix
“I like their retro, laid-back atmosphere,” says Sunshine Rodriguez of Phoenix. “Their egg creams and sundaes are the perfect cool down on a 100-degree day.” A Phoenix favorite since 1928, the traditional soda shop is adorned with antiques and treasures that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. 2303 N. 7th St., 602-262-5545, macalpinessodafountain.com.

Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream, Phoenix
“Hands down, the best place in the Valley is Mary Coyle’s,” writes Jo Audorff of Phoenix. “The homemade ice cream is absolutely to die for, and they have great ice cream pies and cakes, too.” 5521 N. 7th Ave., 602-265-6266, marycoyle.net.

Leap’s Frozen Custard & Coffee, Avondale
“Leap’s carries a vast assortment of custard concoctions and other delectables that aren’t your ordinary ‘ice cream parlor fare,’” writes Asonta Benetti of Phoenix. “It’s a unique place that serves fantastic homemade custard in a classy yet cozy atmosphere. The outstanding service, charming atmosphere and quality frozen sweets make Leap’s one of my favorite little-known stops in the Valley.” 12725 W. Indian School Rd., Bldg. B, 623-535-5370.

Carvel
“I grew up on Carvel ice cream and ice cream cakes on the East Coast. The little chocolate crunchies in the cakes are the best!” writes Stephanie Famor of Phoenix. Locations statewide, carvel.com.

Cold Stone Creamery
Founded in Tempe, this local favorite now has 1350 stores nationwide. Ice cream aficionados love to create their own concoctions, with help from the “ice cream artists” who masterfully mix fruit, candy and/or nuts into smooth, yummy ice cream. Locations statewide, coldstonecreamery.com.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Glendale
Famous in Kansas where the chain started five years ago, Freddy’s is now open in the Valley. “The plain vanilla custard is the best in town,” writes Howard Ryan. “Even after a double burger and fries, I find a way to make room for a cone.” 4929 W. Bell Rd., 602-843-2663, freddysfrozencustard.com.

See It: Havasu Falls
At one hundred feet tall, Havasu Falls is the middle sister of Havasu Canyon’s triumvirate of tumbling white water. Flanked by her sisters, Navajo Falls (75 feet) and Mooney Falls (220 feet), along a mile and a half of Havasu Creek, the falls are the carrot at the end of the trail for hikers descending into the canyon.

The waterfalls are located near the Havasupai Indian Village of Supai, whose overnight accommodations include Havasupai Lodge and nearby campgrounds.  The eight-mile trail to the village begins at Hualapai Hilltop, located 68 miles north of Route 66. Visitors can take the trail on foot or horseback or opt to be shuttled in via helicopter. Campers can also arrange to have a pack horse transport their gear.

IF YOU GO

Entry Fee: $35
Havasupai Lodge
(Reserve space in advance) 
928-448-2111

Airwest Helicopter Service
623-516-2790

Camping/Horse Reservations
928-448-2121

havasupaitribe.com