The Phoenix Desert

If you're feeling adventurous and are travelling along the Apache Trail from Apache Junction to Globe, be sure to stop at the Tortilla Flat Superstition Saloon.

I must admit, the town of Tortilla Flat doesn't look like much, but the restaurant is great, especially if you like a big, juicy hamburger. These half-pound burgers will challenge most any appetite. Add some fries and a Sarsparilla (sort of like root beer) to wash it down with, and you've got a great meal.

The restaurant has some unique features. For one, you can pull up to the bar and sit on a saddle. However, the best part about the saloon is all the $1 bills (and other currencies) tacked all over the walls. Yes, there are a variety of bills from the world over (and some uncashed checks) all over the place. It's fun to try to see how many different countries you can find represented on the walls. You can even sign one yourself or add a business card, and the owners will tack it up for you.

And even if you don't need to use the restrooms, it is worth a trip to see them. You'll find some pretty interesting cowboys and cowgirls painted on those stalls.

As I mentioned earlier, the town isn't much to look at because there isn't much to look at. There's the saloon and a small, country store and that's about it. But it is definitely worth the stop for a visit.

This is the kind of restaurant that you remember being so much better as a kid. Don't get me wrong, the food is great and the restaurant is nice enough, but when I went back recently, it wasn't nearly as interesting as I remembered it.

The restaurant has a prime location with a great view. It sits on top of South Mountain (more like a really big hill than a mountain, though). Despite the location, though, I found it difficult to find. Don't expect the local gas stations to be of much help if you get lost and are willing to stop. We stopped three times before we found anyone who could help us. I'd either call ahead or visit the website, to get directions. Once you know where it's located, it should be easy to find. In fact, it's really close to Arizona Mills -- just go under I-10 on Baseline Road -- for those of you who wish to combine dinner and shopping.

After you've found the restaurant, you'll discover it has a great view overlooking the Phoenix area. The theme of the restaurant is based upon the story that some cattle rustlers would steal cattle from the local ranchers and sell them to restaurants. They lived in a small cabin hidden in the foothills of South Mountain. After a while, they got a little wiser and rather than selling the cattle, decided to convert their hideout into a restaurant.

When you enter Rustler's Rooste, you'll kind of wind your way up a cave-like path. At the top of the path, you'll enter a large waiting area. There are plenty of seats and the large windows provide a nice view. You can get a drink at the bar or just take a closer look at the animal heads mounted on the walls. When you're finally called for to be seated for dinner, you get the opportunity to go down to the main level. You have two options. For the mundane, take the stairs. For the more adventurous, try the giant slide. (Now you can see why this place made such an impression on me when I was younger.)

The menu includes steaks, BBQ ribs, chicken and fish. For those who want to stretch their tastebuds, start out with an appetizer of rattlesnake. The food is really good and I would recommend the restaurant if you have a chance to visit.

Live bands do play some evenings, so call the restaurant if you want to find out more about the entertainment schedule.

The Big Apple is a terrific family restaurant. The decor features lots of interesting old photographs and antiques. Of course, by far, the two most interesting are the claw-foot tub and the cigar-store Indian.

The menu features a variety of appetizers. The main course options include baby back ribs, mesquite and fried chicken, steaks and even seafood. For those who would rather have a sandwich, there are also burgers, BBQ sandwiches and a variety of other sandwiches. They even have a pretty nice children's menu.

However, you must save room for dessert. After all, this is the Big Apple. You can get a personal deep dish pie with your choice of filling: apple, peach, or cherry. It will come out nice and hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Although I've just listed the one location, there are several Bill Johnson's Big Apple restaurants located around the Phoenix area.

If you're looking for a place to relax and do some shopping, Arizona Mills is a great place to visit. This indoor version of an outlet mall features 175 shops, restaurants and various forms of entertainment.

The mall is very pleasant to stroll. There are wood floors throughout the mall as well as several large monitors providing information about events that are happening. Overall, it is much more attractive than most malls I have visited.

Some of the anchors and major shops include Burlington Coat Factory, JCPenney Outlet Store, Marshalls, Mikasa Home Store, Last Call from Niemen Marcus and Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.

If you're looking more for entertainment, try GameWorks or take in a movie. There is a theatre boasting 24 screens as well as the ever-impressive IMAX Theatre.

For a meal or a snack, the food court offers a variety of items, including pizza, hot dogs, subs and ice cream. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are a few restaurants to choose from. Johnny Rockets is a great hamburger joint, but I really enjoy the Rainforest Cafe. The Rainforest Cafe offers a great place to eat with lots of animals and fish to admire, but it can be a bit expensive and the wait can be quite long. You may want to visit the restaurant at slower times during the day. (TIP: Join the Rainforest Cafe Safari Club. For a low one-time membership fee, you get a discount on your meal and gift certificates once or twice a year. I have saved the price of my membership several times over and I rarely get to visit a Rainforest Cafe.)

For more information, you can visit the Arizona Mills website, www.arizonamills.com. You may be able to find a printable coupon to pick up a free coupon book at one of the information booths located around the mall.