Important Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before Booking

Wedding Reception Setup at Cabins on Strawberry Hill

After your engagement’s excitement and pure bliss have had time to set in, it’s time to start planning your big day!

One of the first (and most important) things you will have to decide on during the wedding planning process is the venue. This is where the setting of all your special moments will take place. From the I-dos to the first dance, you want an incredible backdrop for your photos and memories.

Here are a few important questions to ask a wedding venue before booking to ensure you choose the perfect place to spend your wedding day!

Where will each of my events be held?

You should always visit and tour each venue before committing to any location, as online photos and descriptions can sometimes be deceiving. You’ll want to walk through the spaces where the ceremony, cocktail hour, and wedding reception will be. Each event is held in a different location at some venues, but others are held in the same space, so it’s important to look around and have the event coordinator explain what your wedding day would look like.

How many people does the space accommodate?

Many venues have strict capacity rules and regulations, so if you think your guest count will be too high, look for a different venue or consider trimming your guest list. You will have to decide if having the venue or your guest count is more important.

What happens if it rains?

If your venue of choice has a beautiful outdoor space, you’ll need to ensure that you’re equally happy with the inclement weather plan they have in place. Don’t take “it never rains” as an acceptable answer when you ask what the setup will be because it is better to be safe than sorry, and your venue should always have a rain plan ready to go!

What extras and amenities do you offer?

Some wedding venues only allow you to rent the space, and you are responsible for bringing everything from tables and chairs to glassware, while others offer various services with their packages.

Cabins on Strawberry Hill offers a breathtaking backdrop across the Arizona countryside for your special day with numerous amenities included, like exclusive use of all 14 cabins for two nights, a custom online wedding page to share event details with guests, grills, umbrella heaters, shuttle services, a bar, seating and so much more! 

We take pride in keeping our property in immaculate condition and ensuring your wedding runs smoothly so you can relax and be present on your special day.

Contact us at (928)476-4252 for more information on our wedding and event services!

Incredible Places to Visit While in Arizona

Welcome to Arizona road sign along State Route, USA.

Arizona is home to amazing landscapes, lively cities, and warm weather year-round, making the state ideal for a getaway any time of year! It’s a place that’s overflowing with mystery, natural beauty, and some of the nation’s most distinctive nationally protected lands.

Here are a few incredible places to add to your bucket list when visiting the great state of Arizona!

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the United States’ most popular destinations. Some consider this massive and otherworldly canyon to be the largest in the world, and it’s certainly among the most magnificent. It’s all thanks to the steep cliff walls and immensely deep ravines, colored by layers of sandstone in brilliant hues of red rock, orange, purple, and yellow, along with famous landmarks like Horseshoe Bend.

Petrified Forest National Park

Large pieces of petrified wood, along with fossilized plants, fish, and reptiles, have been revealed in great numbers in today’s Petrified National Forest in the Painted Desert. The park access road runs by many of the highlights, and short interpretive trails allow for close-up looks at various unique sights.

The Visitors Center provides insight into the ecology and geology of the park and is a good place to start before heading out on the drive.

Sedona

Not far north of Phoenix is a beautiful town known as Sedona where remarkable rock formations and vibrant colors make for a photographer or nature-lovers dream. Phoenix locals love taking day trips up to this magnificent spot, particularly because of the dreamlike views during the drive north. Still, it’s well worth a longer stay for those who want to experience everything it has to offer.

Jeep tours, one of the most popular things to do in Sedona, provide an easy way to get out into the landscape. Also, in the surrounding area are several historical Native American dwellings, which you can visit on your own or as part of a tour.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay on your trip to Arizona, look no further than Cabins on Strawberry Hill! When you stay at our rental cabins in Strawberry, AZ, you will find that there are plenty of fun and exciting places to see and explore

Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway, your next family reunion, or your wedding celebration, we have the accommodations and amenities to make your time with us an unforgettable experience!

Contact us at (928)476-4252 to get more information on our property.

The Top Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

Free woman breathing clean air in nature forest.

Summer is in full swing, which means more time to spend in the great outdoors! While it’s easy to think of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, or even just strolling around the block as recreation or hobbies, it turns out that spending time in nature does more than provide a fun change of scenery. From improved memory and creativity to lowered stress and improved health markers, emerging research shows that quality time in the outdoor world is essential to our wellbeing.

Here are a few health benefits you can expect from spending time in nature!

Better Breathing

Air pollution can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, which you may already know. It might surprise you to learn, though, that indoor concentrations of air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor concentrations. Spending more time in natural green spaces could help lower your risk of respiratory concerns.

You’ll generally find the freshest air in places with high air circulation. For example, camping in an open field may give you more relief from pollution than resting along a river walled in by skyscrapers and factories.

Boosts Immune System

The restorative effects of nature can help reduce the body’s stress response, which seems to help improve overall health and immune response. There’s also some evidence of other immune-boosting factors at play when spending time outdoors.

While we breathe in the fresh air, especially in forests, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals given off by plants with antibacterial and antifungal qualities. As we breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells which fight infection.

Improves Mental Health

Nature is great for reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being. If getting outside for an extended period isn’t practical for you, even short exposure to natural spaces, listening to nature sounds, or viewing scenes of nature seems to positively impact reducing stress hormone levels and reaping the mental health benefits of nature.

Between working, riding in cars, and living in urban environments, humans have become increasingly disconnected from nature. Consider booking a stay at Cabins on Strawberry Hill when planning your next vacation, family reunion, or corporate event. The majestic Mogollon Rim rises above the resort, stretches over 200 miles across the rugged Arizona countryside, and makes for the perfect vacation destination. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of Arizona mountain recreation, relaxation, and lodging while reaping all the benefits mother nature has to offer!

Give us a call at (928)476-4252 to learn more about our services and accommodations.  

4 Reasons to Plan a Corporate Retreat

Company employees enjoying a corporate retreat around a campfire

The pandemic has shifted most companies to a work-from-home business, forcing many of us to interact and meet our coworkers over a screen. While video calls are still a great way to connect, coming together and spending quality time relaxing, talking about ideas, and getting to know one another are key to having a strong, unified company.

Here are four ways your company could benefit from having a corporate retreat!

1) Reduce Stress

The stress of the last few years has affected each of us differently, but one thing is clear: we can all benefit from a retreat! Rather than coordinating everyone’s schedule for an hour meeting, conversations can be had around a cup of coffee or outside around a fire. It takes away the stress and pressure surrounding work. Whether it’s the company benefitting by the team returning energized and ready to tackle any issues or employees benefitting by returning feeling heard and relaxed. All around, it’s a win-win for everyone. 

2) Show Appreciation

Everybody likes to be appreciated. A retreat shows employees that you care about their mental health and recognize their effort. As bonds are strengthened through fun activities and conversations, they will, in turn, appreciate the effort you put forth. This benefit will encourage more openness in the workplace and reduce turnover. While an employee may not feel comfortable shooting the CEO an email to thank them for everything, they will certainly feel more inclined to express their gratitude while connecting in person.

3) Build Connections

Going on a corporate retreat allows everyone to come together and reassess: what are our values, and how can we continue to uphold and represent them? The togetherness of a retreat allows for conversation without pressure; there are no awkward silences as someone stands at the head of a table with a marker on a board, waiting for people to throw out ideas or leaving early to continue with their workday. The ideas can flow naturally and allow people who rarely interact to bounce ideas off each other throughout their time. It allows employees to get to know each other beyond a screen and make deep and valuable connections.

4) Save Money

Did you know you can save money while planning a treat? Planning a getaway retreat allows for more people to come and participate. The airfare can be lower for group tickets, and picking somewhere in nature removes the need to pay for cabs and excessive travel. The pressure to pick a fancy restaurant for dinners to talk business is removed as you take hikes and have group conversations.

 At Cabins on Strawberry Hill, we host several corporate events and retreats annually! We allow you and your group to have private use of the resort grounds for your event. Picnic tables, grills, firewood, outdoor campfire pits, and normal cabin amenities will be available to you and your team. 

To begin planning your corporate event or retreat, call us today at (928)476-4252

The Importance of Having a Family Reunion

Family reunion outside in the Arizona mountains.

New job opportunities or exciting adventures pull people into different cities and states, making it common for families to spread out across the country. We have had to rely on video calls and holiday cards from our loved ones in recent years, with limited in-person interaction. Now it is more important than ever to bring relatives together who may not have seen each other for several years.

Here are a few important reasons you should consider having a family reunion soon!

Reconnect with Relatives

Sometimes life can get in the way, and you fall out of touch with relatives. A family reunion is a great place to catch up with those you love and miss. Families can play games, go on outdoor adventures, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy some much-needed time together. Some families even spend hours telling stories and filling in their loved ones on the time that they missed together.

Teach Kids Family History

Family reunions can connect the next generation to their past. From kids hearing stories about the family history and trying recipes passed down over the years, family reunions help kids form identities about who they are. Hearing funny stories about their parents getting into trouble as teenagers can provide kids with a sense of belonging and connection with their immediate family members. Letting your children learn about where and who they came from helps them build a sense of self-identity.   

Create New Memories Together

One of the best parts of a family reunion is creating new memories and celebrating old ones. Families can leave the reunion with funny stories, adventures with cousins, and fond memories with older relatives. This allows you to look forward to the next event when everyone comes together.  

If you’re ready to start planning your family reunion, Cabins on Strawberry Hill can assist you. We offer exclusive use of all 14 cabins and use of our resort property and amenities for your event. We have everything you and your family need to create lasting memories, from picnic tables and gas grills to campfire pits and several outdoor patio lounge sets. 

If you’re searching for the perfect family reunion venue in the Arizona Mountains, call (928)476-4252 to inquire about rates and availability!

Why Choose an Outdoor Wedding Venue?

A Cabins on Strawberry Hill Wedding at our Arizona Mountain Cabin Resort Venue

Finding the perfect place to slip a ring on your finger and make a lifelong commitment to the love of your life is not an easy venture. You want an intimate and beautiful location, but your friends and family also need to be comfortable and entertained as well.

Outdoor wedding venues are becoming a popular choice due to their versatility and unique sense of magic they bring on your special day.

Here are a few reasons you should choose an outdoor wedding venue this upcoming summer.

Natural Lighting

Not only will your space look beautiful in person, but your pictures and videos are bound to come out brilliant. Natural lighting and gorgeous outdoor views will add an extra touch of authenticity and love to your wedding album.

Versatility

An outdoor setting gives you the flexibility to choose any wedding theme. The beautiful natural surroundings of trees, flowers, and sky create the perfect backdrop, no matter what color schemes or decorations you choose for your wedding.

Accommodating to Large Parties

Most outdoor venues can hold more guests than the typical indoor location. Choosing to have your wedding outdoors leaves people able to spread out as far as they need, which is ideal in the new world of a pandemic, and kids can have the option of going to a separate area, where they can run and play.

Enhanced Time

Indoor wedding venues may hold several different ceremonies each day, which might restrict you to a certain number of hours for your wedding and reception. An outdoor wedding venue like Cabins on Strawberry Hill dedicates the whole day and night to your wedding. They even have sleeping accommodations on the property, so you don’t have to worry about booking hotels or rooms for your wedding guests.

If you’re convinced that an outdoor ceremony is the way to go, a summertime wedding in the Arizona mountains is a perfect choice. Cabins on Strawberry Hill offers an amazing outdoor wedding venue with exclusive use of the resort property for your event, a bar, gas/charcoal grills, use of all fourteen cabins for two nights, and many more incredible perks!

Schedule a tour of our property and see for yourself how a wedding in the mountains can add that extra enchantment your special day deserves.


Thinking about going to Flagstaff? Here’s why Strawberry Hill is a better choice!

Why travel to Strawberry? Well, it is still an undiscovered area with many benefits for tourists and vacationers. Our cabins are set in a very quiet little valley known as Strawberry Village. It is peaceful and quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of a larger town such as Flagstaff. There are less crowds of people when you are out enjoying nature on a hike, mountain biking, horseback riding, animal watching, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. Also, you can always find a peaceful area among the many lakes found on the Mogollan Rim to thrown in a fishing line and enjoy the serene environment. Since we sit on the border of two National Forests with millions of acres of explore, we have an abundance of uninhabited land around us where we have unlimited outdoor adventure possibilities to enjoy. One activity would be to explore some of our newly developed horseback riding/mountain biking trails which has been sited as some of the best in all of central Arizona. In addition, the land provides a great backdrop for animal sightings/watching and hunting. Not only is the area peaceful and quiet we are recognized for the 2nd cleanest air in the world per the Guinness book of records. Since we are a smaller community, the cost of visiting is cheaper when looking for lodging, dining out and shopping.

We have a dozen great antiques shops in the area to explore and find some forgotten treasures. We also hold numerous festivals throughout the year especially during the summer months when people are looking to escape the high temperatures in Phoenix. Payson is another area to include as it is only 20 minutes away offering more festivals, entertainment, and possibilities. It is the home of the longest running Rodeo in Arizona holding many events each year.

Lastly, our location is ideal for travelers to be centrally located amongst many Arizona tourist’s attractions such as Sedona, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Tonto Natural Bridge(only 6 miles away), Fossil Creek (we are the closest cabin resort to the creek), Prescott and the Phoenix areas to all visit for the day. Being only ninety minutes from Phoenix, we are only a short drive away for a relaxing getaway compared to a 2-2.5 hour drive to Flagstaff.


Welcome To Strawberry Hill –Arizona and Flagstaff’s Best Cabins

petsHello readers, and welcome to the Cabins on Strawberry Hill blog! Our rental cabin resort is always busy catering to families and individuals who want to relax in natural splendor. Our restive cabin accommodations are situated on the beautiful Mogollon Rim, an impressive geological feature comprised of rolling hills and steep canyons that extends through the center of Arizona. As you’ll see throughout the many posts on this blog, there’s always plenty to do in our neck of the woods.

 

Central Arizona is home to a wild array of natural fauna, rock formations and other environmental wonders. For those who are enthusiastic about exploring the outdoors, the Cabins on Strawberry Hill put you in a great location for sightseeing throughout the state. Just an hour and a half down the road from us sits Flagstaff, AZ, a fair-sized city closely accessible to many types of impressive terrain.

 

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located about 10 southeast of Flagstaff, and it features a canyon rim that Attractions near our cabin rentals in Arizonaextends up to an elevation of almost 7,000 feet. As this list of Flagstaff attractions from TripAdvisor shows, this canyon rim monument and park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this area. Lying on the Colorado Plateau, Walnut Canyon displays intriguing limestone and sandstone foundations that show thousands of years of natural history.

 

The Coconino National Forest, situated in and around Flagstaff, is a delight for woodsy types who enjoy a hike much more than scaling a rock wall. Many of the same intriguing rock formations can be seen here, along with a diversity of wildlife and fauna. Terrain in this National Forest varies from languid streams to tall pines and forest lakes.

 

For a compelling view into the ancient world of the indigenous peoples who used to thrive in this area, give the Wupatki National Monument a passing glance. It astounds visitors that such an intricate civilization could have sprung up here in the middle of some of the Southwest’s driest terrain. An ancient pueblo village complex can still be seen here, once a major trade crossroads for Gulf and Pacific Coast goods.

 

Arizona is known for its canyons, but take a drive a little further north of Flagstaff and you can find an impressive mountain range as well. The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic range, although they’re much more renowned for skiing and outdoor recreation than lava flows. The peaks also have great religious significance to various Native American tribes from the area, including the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni.

 

Once you start delving into all the activities you can pursue in central Arizona, you’ll wonder why you ever thought you could leave in the first place. Come visit the Cabins on Strawberry Hill to take a well-deserved break from the working world. We’ll be happy to show you all of the resplendent sights that our marvelous state has to offer!