In the past this place has had a couple of different restaurant/bar establishments: Creekside and Landmark. Both have undergone ownership changes in the past few years and the latter is in the process of being rebuilt. Creekside recently changed management yet again and there is good news to report. The buzz is very positive with food quality reportedly up and prices down. Sounds like it's time to go visit Creekside again. There is similarly positive word about the Landmark. I've been told that it's just a couple weeks away from re-opening. The new structure is fabulous according to multiple people I've talked to. This new incarnation will have a fabulous patio area on the creek and the inside is quite nice too. Supposedly they will start with booze and a light bar menu, perhaps eventually expanding to it from there. Folks are very upbeat and the owners have thrown tremendous Fourth of July parties on the property the past two years.
The character of Christopher Creek has changed significantly in recent years with Highway 260 being changed so that it bypasses it, instead of running right through it. This change also seemed to coincide with a period of shaky management, but the light seems to be appearing at the end of the tunnel. The Christopher Creek Lodge and Grey Hackle Lodge have come under new ownership in the past couple years, both being owned by the same owner, and the Christopher Creek Lodge now has a billboard in Star Valley. There appears to be positive momentum getting started and this area could soon become a great spot once again.
Onto other notes...
Locals are tired of hearing about a potential Arizona State University campus. While many Phoenicians have yet to hear about it, locals perceive it to be overhyped. Many smart folks whom I respect don't believe it'll ever happen. I'm a little more optimistic, but clearly it's time for Payson Mayor Kenny Evans and the local media to dial down the hype machine. We don't need a front page story about it every week. Lay low a little bit and let us know when the paperwork is signed or the deal completely dead. It's rubbing people a little wrong by now.
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AHCCCS cuts seems to be a legitimate concern to hospital people in Payson. The proposed Arizona budget takes substantial bites out of their funding and it is unlikely to be lessened. We have diligent doctors and nurses in this area whose concern is worth noting. People who will no longer be covered under AHCCCS will not simply go away, but somehow the hospital will have to pay for their care. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see staff cuts across the state which would ultimately diminish the quality of care that people will receive. I suspect many hospitals will try to do more with less. An interesting story and one with uniform concern. Stay tuned...
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Spring is here? The weather has turned beautiful this week and we're no longer freezing at night under the Rim. I am thankful to have been able to uncover my roses and am looking forward to a strong early crop of peas. I've put lots of horse manure in my garden and think it will be strong this year.
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Real estate quarterly numbers will be forthcoming in early April. My partner Carolyn Stanley and I have had a great run to start the year but overall numbers aren't substantially different from last year thus far. While valley residents don't look forward to the 100 degree heat, we do - it drives buyers up here who wish to enjoy our wonderful climate and cooler temperatures. It also makes for great hiking weather.
