Unless you are prone to taking long detours down bumpy gravel roads just to see what's out there, you're unlikely to stumble into Young. You have to want to go there.

Young — population about 600; elevation, more than 5,100 feet — is on State Route 288 between Payson and Roosevelt Lake. It's where elk hunters go for shelter on cold autumn nights, where hikers escape the summer heat of Phoenix, where anglers unwind after trying their luck on nearby streams, where dudes go to ride horses.

And coming up, the community welcomes visitors to Pleasant Valley Days.

Eat

Antlers Cafe and Bar is a comfy little place with lots of deer mounts, barbed wire, lanterns and other Western decor. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and dinners. The Messy Pork sandwich is pulled pork with a 20-spice barbecue sauce, and Trish's Greasy Patty Melt is an 8-ounce burger with grilled onions, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye. Each costs less than $10. Desserts are made from scratch. The flourless chocolate cake begins with 36 eggs and four pounds of chocolate. Antlers is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and is not open for breakfast.

Details: On SR 288 in Young. 928-462-3265, or find the restaurant on Facebook.

Play

If you think the Hatfields and McCoys had a feud, look up the Pleasant Valley War. It was a most unpleasant time in Arizona’s history. But things are quite pleasant in Young these days, and particularly during Pleasant Valley Days, when the community celebrates its heritage with wine tastings, a parade, team-roping competition, craft and quilt shows, food and a beer garden.

Details: Friday-Sunday, July 17-19. Pleasant Valley Community Center, State Route 288 and Midway Avenue, Young. Free. mypleasantvalleycc.com.

Stay

If you're going to Young to get away from it all, Cherry Creek Cabins is the place. The cabin has a kitchen, living room and bedroom. You'll want to spend time on the front porch, listening to the rain, watching the hummingbirds. A grill and picnic tables make outdoor dining easy. The cabin also has satellite television, a fireplace, ceiling fans, Internet access and a hammock where you can contemplate life's mysteries. Such as: Why is it called Cherry Creek Cabins if there is just one cabin?

Details: 480-420-4515, cherrycreekcabins.com.

Young

Young is on State Route 288 northwest of Globe. Take U.S. 60 east to Globe, then SR 188 north toward Roosevelt Lake. After about 15 miles, miles, turn north (right) on SR 288 and drive 47 miles to Young.

Much of the driving is on graded, unpaved mountain roads. In good weather, conditions are suitable for most cars. The road can be treacherous or impassible after rain, so check weather conditions before you go. You may prefer a high-clearance vehicle in any weather.

This article was originally published in The Arizona Republic.