There’s no denying it. Summer is coming in all her fury. Right now you’re probably kicking yourself for not sticking to the moving plans you made last summer when the heat took hold. Do not panic. We’ll get through this together. Just remember, Arizona summers are about avoiding any daylight that isn’t spent poolside and road trips to all the cooler, quirky spots our state has to offer Valley residents with a car and will to adventure.
The scenery flanking the Bee Line carries the traveler through various transmutations. As saguaros give way to trees, the weather cools and the soul enlivens. Arizona State Route 87 offers countless turn-offs, each promising their own possibilities. Whether you’re seeking springtime desert blooms or a chilly toe dip in a roadside stream, travelers will find the Bee Line obliging.
Speaking of obliging, when it comes time to stop and refuel the Bee Line Café is a must for old school Zonies. I can recall sliding into those same booths next to my kid brother while my parents made milkshake promises in exchange for good behavior. The Bee Line Café offers all the classics, be it diner food or charmingly sassy waitresses. Every American has a favorite diner dish. Chicken fried steak. Cherry pie a la mode. The patty melt always wins out with me.
I took my fella out for a birthday road trip down the 87. The Bee Line Café provided a well-earned break from our tromping. The food never fails but the highlight of the meal was the cherry shake we opted to share. Perfectly rich, perfectly thick, perfectly sweet. You might think I’m a bit carried away which, I’ll admit, a milkshake can do to me but I have proof of its unique splendor.
A little more than a week later I’m enjoying a meal at my boyfriend’s favorite Mexican restaurant. Everything was delicious. There is an uncomfortable fullness shared by all at the table. My boyfriend leans back and contentedly sighs. Then he says, “That was a really good milkshake.”
Make sure to include the Bee Line Café in your summer travel plans. I recommend the cherry shake and everything else.
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