There’s A Salsa Trail In Arizona And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of
By Monica Spencer|Published October 01, 2016
×
Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
If you have ever traveled along a wine trail, you know the sheer joy of tasting the subtle differences in the flavors. Arizona has three wine trails and a few dozen wineries that make some fabulous drinks. But if we were to take the wine trail concept and give it a more Southwestern flair, what would we end up with? Probably a salsa trail, which is exactly what you’ll find hiding in Graham County.
The Arizona Salsa Trail is a collection of 13 Mexican restaurants in Safford and its surrounding towns that offer a mouthwatering selection of salsas. The trail follows the Old West Highway (US 70) through the towns of Pima, Thatcher, Safford, Solomon, then heads north into Morenci and York or south into Willcox.
Participating in the trail is easy: simply enter any of the family-owned restaurants, pick up a "salsa passport," and notify the host you are participating in the Salsa Trail. You’ll get a complimentary selection of the restaurant’s chips and salsa, followed by dining on the restaurant’s signature dish.
Each restaurant has a unique salsa recipe with different flavor profiles, acidity, and heat levels. In some restaurants, you’ll find two or even three different blends to taste and, as usual with Mexican restaurants, the amount you get is practically endless. In others, a story or other element makes the food stand out.
Dining at each restaurant earns you a stamp for your trail passport, followed by a collection of prizes for each stamp tier. These include a keychain, a collector’s book, and a t-shirt.
You can find a map of the Salsa Trail and some fabulous recipes by visiting the trail’s website.
Does all this salsa talk have you in the mood to eat some tasty Mexican food now? Check out our recent article about delicious enchiladas you’ll only find here in Arizona.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.