Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Making Memories


I was on a road trip recently with my mother. We meandered down the main street of the town and our attention caught on a rustic saloon by the name of Sorry Gulch Saloon. It looked pretty sorry. It’s always fun to find places specific to the character of each place we visit…we turned in.

Our plan was to sit in the outside patio, as it was a lovely afternoon. However, patios in Arizona’s smoke free state generally mean SMOKE…so rather than join several clients enjoying their cigarettes, we ducked inside the dimly lit interior.

We bellied up to the much carved and autographed wood bar and took a look at the sparkling wall display of most every alcoholic beverage one could imagine. It had the usual beer banners and posters, beat up chairs and hardwood floor. Scarred pool tables dominated the main room, but around the bend in the room we could see a large dance floor and stage. Behind the bar looked very clean, but we both ordered a light beer in a bottle from the bearded bartender.

First thing we met was a friendly, scruffy regular whose first words were to let us know that though the town religious folk didn’t allow a Hooters on Main Street, Wednesday night they had a great stripper show right here at Sorry Gulch.

Well… we had to smile. What possessed this stranger to think an old lady and her daughter would need to know that? Hometown pride I guess…and as we sat and listened, this place was full of it. Pretty soon someone put a dollar in the juke box and Johnny Cash started serenading us…

I actually found internet reviews on the place --

“This is the best bar I have ever been in! And, I've been in plenty. I'm older than dirt and have been going to bars, night clubs, road houses and saloons all my life. The Sorry Gulch Saloon beats them all! The atmosphere can't be beat. “

“Great Bar: Very diverse crowd.”
Pros: inexpensive drinks, friendly people, diverse crowd
Cons: the nasty strippers

“This local hang out has more to offer than strippers. A local Cheer's to those regulars and daring outsiders who come to visit. Not for the faint at heart. The robust conversation among regulars covers many topics. Harley Riders frequent the joint adding to the flavor.”

“All I can say is Thursday night, stripper night, stripper night, stripper night!!!”
Pros: stripper night
Cons: stripper night


So our reviewers are tactful and this mother-daughter duo enjoyed kicking back and enjoying some local flavor for a little while. If you’re ever taking a road trip through the military town of Sierra Vista, AZ (we went for the balloon festival) and you feel adventurous…stop in for a soda or beverage at the Sorry Gulch Saloon.

Our favorite moment? Spotting the rack of t-shirts for sale…we were oh…so… tempted….

“Good Girl Gone Gulch”

Exactly. :)
Everyone should go gulch in their lifetime.

P.S. My SECOND favorite moment? Giggling with my reputably austere mother like two girls sneaking out at midnight....

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