As the year winds down, everyday life can still feel full and fast-paced. Taking a moment to slow down and enjoy the outdoors can make a big difference. Here are a few relaxing nature parks near Gilbert, Arizona where you can unplug, unwind, and reset.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Being over 110 acres of explorable wetlands, Riparian Preserve brings the community peace of mind while delivering a cherished memory for the entire family. Some activities include hiking, floating, fishing, dinosaur exploration all while enjoying the sanctioned wildlife including fish, birds, and turtles. A great place to unwind, relax, and cooling off from the hot Arizona sun.
Freestone District Park
Whether it be hiking, skating, tennis, or softball, Freestone truly let’s your mind be free. This Park is a family powerhouse, providing activities for the entire family. Set up with picnic tables, a reclaimed water lake, various trails suitable for on foot or on the bike, it’s no wonder why Freestone is known in Gilbert as a place to be yourself and to get away from what life throws at you.
It’s important to take initiative to improve one's health. Exercise and maintaining a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods are just some of the first steps one can take. Today we’ll be focusing on the latter, primarily on vegetarian and vegan restaurants around Gilbert, AZ. Next time you’re looking to include something healthy in your diet, give these a try and see if you find something you like!
Green Lotus Vegan
Green Lotus is a vegan restaurant in Gilbert, AZ serving delicious Vietnamese and Thai dishes. If you’re looking to enjoy classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, or Fried Rice this is the place for you. They also have mouth-watering soups including Vegetarian Pho Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Lemongrass Soup, and Sweet and Sour Soup! Drop by next time you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine without compromising on quality. Check the rest of their menu online to see everything they have to offer.
Seed Shack
Come with an empty stomach and leave with a full one at Seed Shack. Located 18 minutes north of Acero Cooley Station in Lakeview Village, Seed Shack focuses on reinventing traditional favorites into plant-based substitutions. Their menu items include innovative Pineapple Peanut Tofu, Soy Chicken Sandwich, and Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos. If you’re looking for a vegan-inspired burger, Seed Shack offers Black Bean, Beyond, and Impossible patties. Interested in seeing what else they can cook up for you? Give them a visit online to learn more!
Veggie Village
Get your veggies in at Veggie Village. Just a 19-minute drive west on Chandler Blvd you’ll find healthy Asian-inspired options to balance your diet including Vegetarian Curry, Sweet and Sour Soy Chicken, a wide variety of salads, and soups. In case you’re having trouble finding it, look for a 99 Ranch Market and you’ll see it inside. A little hidden away, just like all treasures are! Visit their website to learn more before stopping by.
Here are our picks for those looking for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Gilbert, Arizona. Whether you're looking for traditional vegan-inspired dishes or Asian cuisine with organic ingredients, Acero Cooley Station is surrounded by everything you need. Not looking to dine out? These restaurants offer takeout and delivery for you to enjoy nourishing food from the comfort of your home. Let us know below if we missed one of your favorite spots!
Looking for a great barbecue restaurant in Gilbert, AZ to grab lunch this weekend? Well, look no further! Here at Acero Cooley Station we love exploring everything that Gilbert has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a Texas-style barbecue or an upscale restaurant, you’re sure to find something delicious close to home. Here are our favorite spots to enjoy savory meats this upcoming weekend.
Little Miss BBQ
Everyone in Gilbert will tell you to try Little Miss BBQ and for good reasons. They were listed in the top 10 best barbecue restaurants in the United States by Gayout . On any given day you’ll be able to try mouthwatering sliced brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs showered in-house-made barbecue sauce. Make sure to block out some time for your visit however as Little Miss barbecue is known to have long waits year-round. Visit them and let us know what you think. You can learn more about their barbecue style on their website .
Bobby-Q
If you’re looking for a great sit-down experience with excellent service make sure to check out Bobby-Q. Their menu is packed with variations of woodfired steaks, classic bbq sandwiches, woodfired barbecue platters, and refreshing drinks to pair with your meal. In case you’re looking to enjoy your meal at home, Bobby-Q offers barbecue by the pound or slab. Stay up to date with their happy hour menu online as they have specials on drinks and dishes as well, including brisket tacos and bbq sliders.
Joe’s Real BBQ
Another Gilbert staple is Joe’s Real BBQ. Joe’s is a family-operated business serving the Gilbert area since 1998. Joe’s is primarily known for their Arizona hours-long pecan-wood smoked meats. Add some of their delicious “I Dare You” or original barbecue sauce and you’ll fall in love. Make sure that while you’re there you try one of their famous jumbo-baked potatoes if they haven't run out yet! To see all the delicious options in their menu take a trip to their location in Downtown Gilbert or visit their website .
If you’re looking for the best barbecue restaurants in Gilbert Arizona, we suggest you give these barbecue joints a try. Whether you're looking for a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, a pulled pork sandwich, or savory pork ribs, your apartment at Acero Cooley Station is surrounded by world-class options. Let us know if we missed one of your favorite spots and keep exploring Gilbert!
There is no doubt that technology is now a permanent part of our life. We can turn to our phone and with a few clicks we can order food, purchase items online, contact friends, or quickly get an answer to a question that just popped in our head. This is true about our computers as well. Now that most of us are working remotely, there is a large possibility that we spend the majority of our day connected to a device. Research shows that on average people dedicate 10 hours a day to screen time. Because of this it is important to disconnect every now and then, recenter yourself, and appreciate the outside world. Fortunately, Gilbert is surrounded by tons of relaxing nature-filled getaways for you to reset and disconnect from your devices. Here are some of our favorite nearby parks for you to go hike, have a picnic, or simply read a book.
Sports at Neighborhood Parks
Let’s start off with a few neighborhood parks that you can visit to kick back and relax. Just a short 20 minute bike ride or 10 minute drive, you’ll find Discovery Park. This park features two small lakes, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, and ramadas with picnic tables to name a few things. Similarly, Freestone Park offers beautiful lake views as well as recreational areas including 4 basketball courts and 4 tennis courts. These parks are great if you are looking for something quick and close to home. Grab a book, your tennis equipment, or a basketball and enjoy some time out in the sun at one of these awesome parks in Gilbert, AZ
Regional Park Hikes
For those of you looking to completely disconnect from technology and urban life, Gilbert is surrounded by plenty of large nature preserves. Make your way West for about 30 minutes and you’ll stumble across South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in all of the United States. Here you’ll get to experience wonderful dessert views as you hike through long dry trails. Another 30 minutes South from Acero Cooley Station you’ll find San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Here you’ll also be able to trek through mesmerizing desert landscapes that will make sure you forget about your phone. Disconnect and reduce your screen time by going on hikes with friends and enjoying the beautiful Arizonian nature preserves.
A Day at the Lake
Although Arizona is largely known for its arid landscapes, there are few locations near Acero Cooley Station where you can enjoy pleasant lake views. Although an hour away from home, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a perfect location to go and disconnect from urban life. Spanning a whopping 11.5 square miles, Lake Pleasant is a perfect getaway with tons of outdoor activities that are sure to make you reduce your screen time. Spend your day fishing, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and end your day by reserving a camping spot to get a full outdoor experience. Don’t want to drive an hour out to Lake Pleasant? Just 30 minutes away from home, Papago Park has a stunning oasis straight out of a movie. Trust us, this is one stunning view you don’t want to miss!
It’s important for us to disconnect from our electronic devices a few times a month to destress and maintain proper mental health. One way to accomplish this is through outdoor activities. This is the perfect time to get out and explore as the days are getting longer and warmer. Invite your friends and go discover all the beautiful pockets of nature that Gilbert has to offer.
There's no question about it, at Acero Cooley Station we love our pets! We’d love to be able to take them everywhere we go, especially when it involves relaxing. We’re not the only ones that want to hang with our pups all the time. These local Gilbert, AZ bars and breweries understand our pain which is why they invite you to bring your four-legged friend to come and enjoy a nice cold beer. Here are 3 of our favorite dog friendly bars in Gilbert, AZ that you have to check out!
Uncle Bear’s Brewery and Taproom
Possibly the most well-known dog friendly bar in Gilbert, AZ is Uncle Bear’s Brewery . Uncle Bear’s welcomes all walks of life. They love dogs so much that they’ve named and themed their bar after their dog, Bear. Their menu is full of tasty craft burgers, tex-mex favorites, and other small bites to munch on while you sip on your beer. Their current selection of in-house brewed beer includes a Mandarin Wheat, Peanut Butter Porter, Tropical IPA, and more. Come in and have a refreshing beer and meal while hanging out with your friends (two-legged or four-legged).
OHSO Brewery
Located 19 minutes away from Acero Cooley Station in downtown Gilbert, OHSO brewery welcomes you to bring your furry friends. Well known around Gilbert for their OHSO brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, every brunch entree includes a 10oz beer or mimosa. You’ll also be able to find tons of vegan and gluten free options here. Bring your furry pal for happy hour specials on wines, specialty cocktails and beer pitchers! This is only the tip of the iceberg on what you can find at OHSO Brewery . Visit their site and see other gems you can find.
Hair of the Dog Gilbert
Hair of the Dog is another fantastic option to grab a drink with your four-legged friends. In fact, the Duren family’s main inspiration when setting out to create their bar was to create a place where people could go and enjoy a drink along with their dogs. Bring your pup along and sip on tasty local craft beers, your choice of red or white wine, or simply a cup of hot coffee. You can find them just a 12 minute drive West from your apartment at Acero Cooley Station. Visit their website to look out for happy hours specials and food truck events outside the location.
Now that your dogs are looking a little more presentable it’s time to take them out and have a drink with you. In case you're looking for more options make sure to check out Flying Basset Brewery and Arizona Wilderness Brewery for an outdoor patio experience. Gilbert, Arizona has a great pet friendly atmosphere and you should take advantage of all the great options. We hope you were able to find something of your taste. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot and remember to enjoy responsibly!
The Arizona sun is starting to beam a little warmer and your furry friends may feel it. It’s time for a little grooming and maintenance. Below you’ll find local pet grooming salons that the town can’t stop talking about. Check them out to see which one you like best. Your pets will thank you later!
Oodles Grooming
Just a 10 minute drive south down South Higley Rd, you’ll find Oodles Grooming. Oodles takes pride of its cage free pet grooming experience. Their philosophy is that a cage free experience will give your pets a sense of calmness and trust during their day at the pet spa. Because of this, Oodles schedules one pet at a time ensuring proper attention and care to your furry pal. Make sure to visit their website to get a better picture of all the services and to schedule an appointment.
Soft Coats Mobile Grooming
In case you don’t want to leave home, Soft Coats Mobile Grooming has you covered. Soft Coats pet mobile spa will come right to your doorstep and beautify your pet. They offer haircut and bathing services for competitive mobile grooming prices in Gilbert, AZ. Drop by their site to check out all the services they have to offer and to reserve your spot today!
Aardbark Grooming
With over 30 years of experience, you can trust the groomer’s at Aardbark Grooming to take care of your pets. You can bring your German Shepherd or your Pomeranian, Aardbark pet groomers specialize in all breeds of dogs and cats. Visit their website to get a glimpse of their grooming experience and to read some reviews.
Paws 2 Claw
Paws 2 Claw is a new local family-owned and operated pet grooming establishment. However, with over 30 years of combined experience, Paws 2 Claws groomers promise the highest quality experience for your pets. They offer full cat and dog grooming services for affordable prices. They also offer a la carte services such as nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning to get your pet feeling fresh. Learn more about Paws 2 Claws and schedule your visit today!
Animal lovers, it’s time to get your furry friend looking fresh and letting their skin breathe a little. We hope you were able to find some pet grooming salons in Gilbert, AZ that suited your needs. Let us know if we missed one of your favorite groomers. We’d love to hear about it!
