CAREFREE – Before the weather warms and the crowds convene, treat yourself to a trip to Bartlett Lake Marina. Brothers Bryan and Eric Church own and operate Bartlett Lake Marina, and they are preparing for their busy season that typically starts in April. “We’re open for Bike Week,” Bryan reminded any motorcyclists who haven’t had the opportunity to take the scenic trek out to the manmade lake. “We have bikers who ride out, hang out, get food and beer and spend a couple hours with us.”
Outside of the change of scenery for Harley enthusiasts, folks head to Bartlett for the Bartlett Lake Grill – Last Stop (because it is) – for wings, burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes and the full bar. The food is casual and filling, perfect prior to taking the plunge on a pontoon rental!
An ideal way to go for partaking of pontoon or ski boats is to join Bartlett’s Boat Club. “It’s an affordable way to go,” Bryan explained. “Members have no maintenance, no cleaning, they don’t need to rent a slip or haul a boat, don’t need insurance. We have about $800,000 worth of equipment. Costs ($795 sign-up & $289/month) have stayed the same, but we may raise them in spring, so now is the best time to become a member. It’s only a year commitment for unlimited use. Right now we have roughly 125 members and we can handle about 160.”
For all your boating and fun-in-the-sun needs, stop by the general store. “We have all the goodies you need and we are always adding more.”
Bartlett Lake Marina is a recreation gem only 35 minutes from Carefree/Cave Creek. There’s no fee get on to the property to break bread at the restaurant or to hike, swim, camp, fish, people/bird watch or simply enjoy a respite from a hectic schedule. As winter gives way to spring, boat rentals will be in greater demand, so make a plan soon to visit Bartlett Lake Marina located in the Tonto National Forest, 20808 E Bartlett Dam Rd. For information, phone 602-316-3378 or (boat club) 480-221-0503 or visit www.bartlettlake.com.
