Show Low

Against a tall, cool pine backdrop, Show Low really comes alive during family-friendly events.

What’s with the name? Legend has it that in the early days two men who decided there wasn’t enough room in town for them both, played a high-stakes marathon poker game. After a long night with no clear winner, one decided to let the cards decide his fate with the phrase, “If you show low, you win.” It stuck. The main street through town is dubbed Deuce of Clubs in honor of that low card.

Show Low is a safe bet for today’s traveler. Start your visit at the Show Low Historical Museum, which has amassed a collection of quirky stuff from locals, including quilts, military memorabilia, blacksmithing tools and barbershop equipment. Wildlife spotting is all but assured at nearby Fool Hollow Lake, one of three lakes in town. It’s home to herons, bobcat, beaver, mountain lions and raptors. There’s also gorgeous hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing, in addition to the 50-mile Maverick Motorized Trail.

Summertime brings two popular festivals. No telling who’ll show up during June’s annual Show Low Days, with a Derby Down the Deuce, huge arts and craft festival, wiener dog race, itty bitty Olympics and rides for kids of all ages, including live entertainment throughout the day and great bands in the evening. Patriotism reigns during July 4th weekend, with one of the state’s biggest parades, an art show, and farmers market by day, and fireworks by night.