Situated in the High Desert of southern California is Pioneertown. Many visit the area for Joshua Tree National Park. Pioneertown is close to Joshua Tree and well-worth making a detour. Originally created as the set for movies and television shows in 1946, the old western facade has been kept up. Mane Street comprises a strip of shops surrounded by desert, a few camping sites, and houses for the few who call the town home.
Souvenirs, pottery, art, horse saddles and more are sold along the strip. For a bite to eat, The Red Dog Saloon and Pappy and Harriet’s are the two choices. Established in 1982, Pappy and Harriet’s is by far the most popular. Arguably the best barbecue in the area along with live music draw crowds that can make the wait time for a table easily an hour+ on weekends. It is worth the wait but you can often be seated sooner at the bar. Edgar and I shared ribs with coleslaw and mac-n-cheese. All delicious and highly recommended. So good in fact that I forgot to take any pictures…
There is definitely an artistic vibe to the place. If you walk beyond the last shops, past the church on your right and the Red Dog Saloon on your left, you will come across what may or may not be an art installation. Rows of typewriters sit baking in the sun on old multicolored desks.
Last and certainly not least, we discovered the cutest 10-day old goats. I repeat 10-DAY OLD GOATS. If you didn’t have strong feelings about goats before, just wait until you hold one that small. They melt into your arms and it is pure magic. When they aren’t being soft and cuddly they are frolicking around. We watched the goats jump off platforms over and over again without getting bored. I can’t guarantee there will be baby goats when you visit Pioneertown but the thought that they might be there should be enough to make you visit.