By Christine Richard, Sunset senior editor

Is it a desert mirage or is it real?

Decide for yourself. Go east on Cave Creek Road from Scottsdale Road (which turns into Tom Darlington), then turn on Bartlett Dam Road (about four miles). You’ll enter the Tonto National Forest. Follow the signs to Rattlesnake Cove (don't mind the name--all the best places are labeled unappetizingly to keep the crowds away), where there is public access to the beach.  The entire drive is less than an hour drive north from downtown Phoenix. 

You'll pass Arizona Territory in Carefree on the way to the lake. Hodgepodge of fun indoors and outdoors this and that: i.e., mosaic planters, wood doors from India, wire birdcages, art, life-sized statues. This storefront is deceptive; there are hundreds of items.