Eat and Retreat at South Mountain

Dec 21, 2006

If you live in a warm climate like we do here in Arizona, you will undoubtedly have houseguests this winter. They come in droves to escape whatever blustery hell they've managed to shovel themselves out of. I've spotted them already trying to play it cool on the highways and merge into traffic like they belong here. Ha! No cheery-faced, hat-tipping Midwesterner has a chance against us gun-toting Wild West drivers (I kid, we're actually quite nice). But I digress. If you're looking to keep your guests off the streets, take 'em on down to The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix. Located on a 10-acre farm with shady pecan trees that date back to the 1920s, the Farm has something for everyone -- from outdoor picnic-style noshing on daily baked goods and fresh-off-the-farm salads and sandwiches to upscale dining. And the best part, tucked in the far corner of the property, past the organic gardens and farmer's market is The Retreat. The homey therapy center offers facials, massage and healing therapies and is run by two sweet, salt-of-the-earth ladies (and a cat and guinea hen).

Photo: The outdoor dining patio of Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar at the Farm.