Between Tucson And Albuquerque Sits An Affordable Arizona Town With Scenic Mountain Views And Delicious Cuisine

Visitors are attracted to Arizona for its array of impressive natural wonders and the state's unique ways to experience them. From taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon to quirky attractions like the Caverns Grotto, a unique underground canyon dining spot, there are endless destinations to explore. Located in the scenic Gila River Valley, Thatcher is a town that's defined by iconic landscapes typical of Arizona, including Mount Graham, which serves as a dramatic backdrop to the city. While it's likely you've never heard of this town, its location between two notable spots, Tucson and Albuquerque, makes it a little less isolated than you might assume.

Thatcher is a town that offers up excellent culinary experiences, appealing to foodies and those who simply love a good meal after a day of adventures. Additionally, the variety of unique outdoor adventures means that Thatcher is the kind of town where anyone can find something to do. If you like staying active, play a round of golf or explore its many nearby natural wonders. 

Besides the array of things to see and do around scenic Thatcher, residents here enjoy a lower cost of living. In fact, it scores 84.7 while the national average is 100, making it 15.3% less expensive than other areas of the country. Visitors can enjoy this affordability when eating out or shopping around town, which means your money will stretch a little further. The closest airport is the Safford Regional Airport; however, the Tucson International Airport is a major hub and just a two-hour drive away. From mountain adventures and water recreation to scenic vistas and a small-town community feel, there are so many reasons to visit this overlooked town in the Grand Canyon State. 

If you're looking for a trip that's all about food, Thatcher's endless restaurant hot spots will keep you busy. Dive into eateries like La Casita Cafe, an authentic Mexican restaurant chain that has been family-owned since 1947. Serving up delicious dishes like hearty enchiladas and tacos, one Tripadvisor reviewer described it by saying, "This place is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the area!" 

But it doesn't stop there; visitors will find all kinds of culinary experiences in Thatcher, ranging from mouthwatering Hawaiian fare like Kalua pork and fried spam at Kainoa's Hawaiian Grill to succulent burgers at the renowned Eagles Roost. For those on a health kick, Lively & Co. is another great spot in town with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls. Nearby Safford, Arizona, has even more eateries for those spending a longer amount of time in the area. If you crave a taste of times past, pay a visit to the nostalgic Jerry's Restaurant for diner classics like tuna melts and chocolate shakes. 

Apart from Mount Graham dominating the landscape, Thatcher is surrounded by other notable natural attractions and recreational areas, all worthy of checking out. Visitors will find six different parks to explore in the city, including a splash pad and skate park.

Whether you want to enjoy a tee time with a view at Mt. Graham Golf Course or to explore the peaks of the Pineleño Mountains, you're in the right place to experience it all. One of the gems of the region is Roper Lake State Park, Arizona's lakeside stat park at the base of a mountain, just 9.5 miles from Thatcher. This is the ultimate destination for paddling, birdwatching, and soaking up the sensational vistas that are synonymous with Arizona. If time allows, it's advised to spend a few nights camping here to enjoy the incredible stargazing. Speaking of stargazing, Mount Graham International Observatory, the highest point in the Pineleño Mountains, is a fantastic place to see the dark skies in depth and is just 1.5 hours from Thatcher by car.