Pecan Lake Entertainment is an amusement center located in Queen Creek Arizona. They offer tons of activities from golfing to karaoke, and endless food and snack options. So, if you want to relax and enjoy some amazing BBQ or challenge your kids to fight off zombies in a Virtual Reality Experience, there is excitement and fun for everyone! Pecan Lake’s hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri 11AM-10PM Sat 10AM-10PM Sun 10AM-9PM Rope Course & SkyTime Creamery Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm Sat 11am-10pm Sun 12pm-9pm Things to do: Ropes Course, Go Karts, Putting Course, Axe Throwing, 4D VR Experience, Escape Rooms, Karaoke Booth, Arcade, Surf Experience, Botanical Gardens, and Food.

Enjoy year-round comfort in our hitting bays with cooling fans in the summer and heated bays in the winter, all with HDTVs in every bay and throughout our sports bar and restaurant. Using our complimentary clubs or your own, take aim at the giant outfield targets, and our high-tech balls will score themselves.

Bull riding at the Buffalo Chip every Wednesday and Friday evening! Gates open at 6pm. Our Saloon features a fun atmosphere that's perfect for celebrating with friends or enjoying a family dinner. It's a bit of a drive from Gilbert, Arizona, but it's worth the drive! The Buffalo Chip only serves BBQ "Texas Style." Live music and DJ Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8pm. Free line dance lessons on Tuesdays and Sundays at 7pm. Couples dance lessons on Tuesdays at 7pm.

Bowling, Games, and Billards

Located just 3 minutes away from our wedding venue, this reconstructed 1890s town includes gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum & more. Merchants Open From: 10am-5pm Coffee Shop Open: 9am-4:30pm Saloon Open Daily: 11am-9pm 7 Days a Week Train & Mine Tour: 10am-5pm 7 Days a Week

Located just 15 minutes from our wedding venue, this golf resort and hotel offers two 18-hole championship golf courses. Matched with the same great golf course conditioning is Sidewinder, rated 4 Stars by Golf Digest. Sidewinder leads golfers through desert arroyos and native desert washes. The course offers a challenging desert layout for golfers of all abilities.

Located 28 minutes from our wedding venue and 15 minutes from the bride's parents' house. Much of Encanterra’s success has been carried upon the broad shoulders of its stellar Tom Lehman-designed golf course. The course boasts an all-too-rare core style layout, set with panoramic views of the Superstition and San Tan mountains. The core layout feels away from distractions and, proudly, easily accommodates those looking to walk instead of ride. In this way, a heightened golf experience becomes the sole focus. Though its multiple tees and generous fairways make it accessible to members of all skill levels, Encanterra’s golf course is more than capable of challenging the game’s best players. To score well requires careful evaluation of risk, club selection, and using the nuances of each hole to your advantage. Because of its exceptional conditioning and classically nuanced design, Encanterra has hosted some of the Valley’s premier golf events, including The Gateway Tour’s Tour Championship, The Thunderbirds Classic for the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, and US Open Sectional Qualifying.

Located in Scottdale, this golf club is an hour away from our wedding venue. This is the course the groom would frequent during his trips to Arizona. If you’re looking for a top-notch golf experience, look no further than Legend Trail Golf Club. This stunning course offers wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and elevated tees that challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. You’ll be amazed by the scenic views of Black Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, and Lone Mountain as you play on one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country, according to Golf Magazine. This course also boasts 4.5 stars out of five in the Best Places to Play category, and is one of the Top 100 Woman-Friendly Fairways, as rated by Golf For Women magazine. MoneyInc. also ranks Legend Trail Golf Club as the #6 best course in Scottsdale, AZ. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a spectacular round of golf at Legend Trail Golf Club.

During your visit, we recommend you experience the Phoenician Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. This premier 18-hole championship course, redesigned in 2018, offers a par 71 layout with five sets of tees, accommodating golfers of all skill levels. Beyond traditional play, the club provides unique activities such as glow-in-the-dark challenges and launch monitor long drive competitions, ensuring a memorable experience for all. After your round, unwind at the Phoenician Tavern, known for its craft beverages and delectable American cuisine. We hope you enjoy this exceptional golfing destination during your stay.

This hike located about 20 minutes from our wedding venue, is a 2.8-mile out-and-back trail features ancient petroglyphs and seasonal waterfalls. It's rated as easy, making it suitable for families and hikers of varying experience levels. Directions: East on U.S. 60, 5 miles from Apache Junction, North on Kings Ranch Road, 1.6 miles east on Baseline Ave, .3 miles north on Mohican Road, .3 miles west on Valley View Drive, north on Whitetail Road, .3 miles east on Cloudview Ave., .4 miles to dead end and

Ready to conquer the crown jewel of Phoenix? The Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain is your ultimate urban adventure! This iconic hike serves up stunning views, heart-pumping switchbacks, and a true taste of the desert. It’s not just a hike; it’s a must-do experience for visitors looking to soak up the Arizona sun while earning bragging rights. Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy vistas or the thrill of a rocky scramble, this trail delivers. Lace up, hydrate, and let’s summit the city! It's a 2.6 mile out and back hike. Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's best hiking and rock climbing destinations and offers great views of the metropolitan area. The summit can be reached via two hiking trails: Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon delivers the most interesting and unique climb of the two and should be your first choice. Both trails are strenuous and subject to extreme heat. Please bring plenty of water. Download the app: AllTrails for more hiking details and updates on current conditions.

Experience the magic of the Wave Cave Trail. Just a quick 30-minute drive from our wedding venue, the Wave Cave Trail is a fun adventure for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts alike. This moderate 3-mile round-trip hike winds through the stunning Superstition Mountains and ends at the iconic Wave Cave. Inside the cave, you'll find a unique rock formation that looks like a frozen wave – perfect for jaw-dropping photos that make it look like you're riding a wave in the desert! Whether you're seeking a bit of adventure or just want unforgettable views, the Wave Cave Trail is a fantastic way to explore Arizona's beauty while you're here. Photo of the bride and her two sisters (bridesmaids) hiking the Wave Cave.

Think Arizona is all about cacti and deserts? Surprise! Saguaro Lake is a shimmering oasis nestled in the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert—and it's calling your name! Just a short drive from our wedding venue, this picturesque spot offers stunning views, tranquil waters, and the *perfect* easy adventure: the Butcher Jones Trail. This leisurely hike winds along the shoreline, treating you to sparkling lake vistas, towering cliffs, and yes—those iconic saguaro cacti. Whether you're looking for a photo op or just some fresh air, it's a must-see slice of Arizona you won't want to miss. Pack your sense of adventure and a water bottle—you’re in for a treat! *Tonto Daily or Tonto Discovery Pass is required.* The day pass is $8 per vehicle and can be purchased at most gas stations or grocery stores. Visit the website listed for exact locations to purchase. Directions: This site is 31 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 27 miles north on State Highway 87 to Bush Highway/Forest Road 204 and turn right. Follow Bush Highway 2 miles to FR 166 and turn left. Follow FR 166 for 2 miles to the site. The entire route is a paved road.

Make a splash during your Arizona trip and float the iconic Salt River! Picture this: cool waters, stunning desert scenery, and maybe a few wild horses cruising by to say hi. It’s a lazy river adventure like no other—grab a tube, some sunscreen, and a cooler, and let the current do the rest. Whether you're looking to beat the heat or just want an excuse to relax (or party) under the Arizona sun, the Salt River is the ultimate way to soak up the fun. Don’t miss out—it’s the perfect pre- or post-wedding adventure! * The photo above is from a kayaking and paddle board trip down the Salt River. Check out "Lower Salt River Rentals and Sales" if you're interested in renting: https://www.lowersaltrentals.com/

NEED A PLACE TO EAT DURING YOUR VISIT? Look no further than Gilbert's Heritage District! This lively downtown area boasts over 30 restaurants, live theater, a farmers' market, art walks, and a giant water tower. Here are some of my favorite spots: >Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: A breakfast haven known for its creative twists on morning classics and renowned Bloody Marys. >Liberty Market- A casual dining gem offering a diverse menu, perfect for brunch enthusiasts (they're lunch & dinner options are great, too!) >Culinary Dropout: A modern hotspot with a diverse American menu, outdoor seating, and playful games like ping pong. >Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row: A lively bar and grill offering great food, dancing, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. >Postino WineCafe: A chic wine bar known for its extensive wine list and delectable bruschetta boards. >Joe's Real BBQ – it's a finger-licking, smoky slice of heaven with all the classic BBQ fixings served up in a charming, homey setting. Bring your appetite! >Creamistry: An ice cream shop specializing in made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream with customizable flavors and toppings. >Joyride Tacos: If you're craving something fresh, fun, and absolutely delicious, you've got to swing by Joyride Tacos. This spot is bursting with flavor. Don’t forget the churros – thank us later! Beyond the eateries, the Heritage District offers a splash pad, the Hale Centre Theatre, free parking, and a family-friendly environment with a vibrant nightlife. Depending on the season, you might also enjoy the Gilbert Farmers Market and various events at the Water Tower Plaza. So, whether you're in the mood for a leisurely brunch, a lively dinner, or a sweet treat, the Heritage District has it all. Dive into the heart of Gilbert and savor the experiences that make this area truly special. Pssst… one more thing, want to step back in time? Tucked beneath the shops in Downtown Gilbert lies The White Rabbit, a hidden 1920s-style speakeasy. With its vintage vibes, secret entrance, and prohibition-inspired cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to sip and savor in style. Don’t forget—the password is your ticket in.

If you’re flying into Mesa Gateway Airport, you’re just five minutes away from a true West Coast treasure: In-N-Out Burger! This brand-new location has all the classics—burgers, fries, and milkshakes - that are the stuff of legend. Plus, there’s a cool mural outside that’s perfect for snapping a quick photo (because who wouldn’t want a burger selfie?). Pro tip: try your burger or fries ‘Animal Style’—it’s a secret menu classic that’ll make you feel like a local! Oh, and the best part? They’re open until 1am, so whether you’re craving a late-night bite or need to refuel after the dance floor, they’ve got you covered! We have In-N-Out locations all over Arizona, so take your pick!

If you're staying near San Tan Village and the bride's parents' place, you must drop anchor at UnderTow, Gilbert’s hidden gem, for a fun night out. This award-winning tiki bar serves up more than just drinks – it’s a voyage into the exotic! Step into the cargo hold of an old-world ship, where every detail immerses you in a high-seas adventure. Sip on masterfully crafted cocktails inspired by the flavors and traditions of faraway cultures, and let the ambiance sweep you away to a tropical paradise. It’s the perfect spot to toast to the big day, catch up with friends, and share a little pre-wedding magic.

We're excited to introduce you to Revel Surf, Arizona's only surf park, located just 10 minutes from both the Holiday Inn – East Gilbert and the bride's parents' home. This 4.5-acre water park in Mesa offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat and a unique opportunity to experience surfing in the heart of Arizona. Attractions at Revel Surf: • Surfing: Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, Revel Surf's state-of-the-art wave pools cater to all skill levels. The 2.2-acre surfing lagoon produces various wave types, providing an authentic ocean-like experience. • Cliff Diving: For the thrill-seekers, there are cliff-diving platforms ranging from 6 to 26 feet, offering an exhilarating plunge into deep pools. • Skate Park: Enjoy the on-site skate park, perfect for riders of all ages and abilities to practice their skills. • Beach Experience: Relax on white sand beaches imported from Florida, take a dip in the tide pool, or unwind in luxury cabanas. • Dining: Savor tasty eats and refreshing drinks at the Revel Bar & Grill, offering relaxed beach and poolside dining with a full bar. We hope you'll take advantage of this exciting venue to cool off, have fun, and make the most of your time here. Whether you're looking to catch a wave, dive from cliffs, or simply relax by the beach, Revel Surf has something for everyone.

Only 20 minutes past our wedding venue, Canyon Lake is the perfect getaway for adventure and stunning views! Nestled among dramatic red-rock canyon walls, it offers something for everyone: fishing, boating, and waterskiing, with gear rentals available at Canyon Lake Marina. Paddle through secret coves, or hop aboard the historic Dolly Steamboat for a dinner cruise that's been delighting visitors for nearly a century. Prefer land-based fun? Pack a picnic or hike scenic shoreline trails like Boulder Canyon, or stop by Lost Dutchman State Park for epic Arizona hikes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, from bighorn sheep to soaring hawks.

For our fellow mountain bikers—welcome to the desert playground! Arizona's Valley of the Sun offers incredible trails with stunning scenery, from classic desert singletrack to flowy, fast descents. Whether you're looking for a challenging ride with epic views or a fun, beginner-friendly cruise, there's something for everyone. Check out the map above for some of the best trails near our venue, The Paseo, in Apache Junction. I'll also be looking into hotels near some of these trails and will update that info soon. So, bring your bike (or rent one locally) and get ready for some amazing desert riding!