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Yuma, AZ - Starting a Road Trip

When one lives in the south western most corner of the United States, there's only two directions to travel: north and east.

So, east it was for Sash and I.

Yuma had once been known as a place for convicts during the days Arizona was still a territory. And to this day, the old prison seems to remain as the city's best tourism draw. But if anything keeps people confined in Yuma, it's the midday heat.

With temperatures reaching the low 100's, an air conditioned room seems to be the desired refuge.

Considering Yuma was our first stop along the Road Pickle Tour, staying here was more symbolic than anything else. We just needed to get out of California, and get this trip started. And we've been to Yuma numerous times, it's not like we hadn't seen the place. But we did get to try out some new stuff...

Best Western Plus InnSuites, probably the most well-appointed hotel at the lowest price. We paid $60.00 a night for 3 nights. Free hot breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, the works), and free happy hour every night (free beer & wine). Free Wi-Fi, quiet, great shower, plenty of hot water, and very clean. Located next to several chain restaurants.

The Pint House, cool little bar in downtown Yuma, and seemingly the only place focusing on craft beer brands. I didn't get the chance to sample a burger, as they sounded pretty awesome on the menu.

Garden Cafe, a great choice for lunch. It's all outdoor seating under a canopy of shade trees and interspersed with flowering perennials. Lots of song birds provide the entertainment. The spiced iced tea is awesome, particularly on hot days, it's chai tea and lightly sweetened.

Mr. G's, a taco/burger shack on 4th St, it doesn't sound like much, but the big deal is the 12 rolled tacos for $6.99. These aren't skimpy, they come a decent amount of meat. Sash and I split an order of 'em and that filled us up.

Jimmie D's Bar, a dive bar in downtown Yuma. Cash only. Very dark lighting keeps the uglies tolerable. Really cool looking bar-counter and stools made of logs. When most businesses in downtown are closed during the hotter months, Jimmie D's is still open.

Where do we go from here? Keep heading east. Next stop, Ajo, AZ.