Hit the road and head to beautiful Cottonwood this summer
Field Trip Friday is sponsored by Sanderson Ford
COTTONWOOD, AZ (AZFamily) — Are you looking to get out of the heat this summer? It’s time to hit the road and head up north to Cottonwood! On this Field Trip Friday, we’re exploring everything Cottonwood has to offer, including its wineries, tasting rooms, state parks, hotels, railroads and more!
Booming Tourism
Just under two hours from the Valley of the Sun, you can escape to a lush landscape you wouldn’t think of finding in the Grand Canyon State! Cottonwood is located in the Verde Valley, which residents refer to as the Greenbelt for its lushness, thanks to the Verde River. Verde Valley is home to not only Cottonwood but also Jerome, Sedona, Clarkdale and Camp Verde.
Cottonwood has seen a boom in tourism thanks to its wine. The town is perfect for wine enthusiasts, as it’s home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. Most of the wine is made right in the region!
From Water to Wine
Exploring the Verde Valley isn’t complete without dipping your toes in the Verde River. There’s an experience unique to the area that allows you to go from water to wine.
The tour starts at Alcantara Vineyard in Cottonwood. Guests park their cars here, hop on a shuttle and head a few miles down the river. A guide will help you choose a life jacket and give you some quick tips on navigating the river with a kayak.
The trip takes about an hour and a half to paddle and ends at a beach near the winery. The river changes in depth and speed throughout the year. For this early June trip, the water was only 3 feet deep in most areas and moving at 50 cubic feet per second. The rapids are pretty small, but that changes during periods of heavy snowmelt or after monsoon storms.
After the kayak trip, you may want to change into dry clothes before walking over to the tasting room. The tour includes a $20 credit for wine tasting. Alcantara is the largest of about 25 wineries in the area. It has 87 acres and 17 different varieties.
For more information on the Water to Wine tour, visit sedonaadventuretours.com/classic-water-to-wine-tour.
Historic Hotel
If you’re looking for a unique hotel right near top tourist destinations, The Tavern Hotel is for you. It’s a boutique hotel in Old Town Cottonwood, just 90 minutes north of Phoenix, close to Sedona and Jerome. The hotel boasts cozy cottages, luxury penthouses and stunning guestrooms.
It also has a rich history! The hotel was initially built in 1925 as a grocery store right in the heart of Cottonwood. In 2011, the building was preserved, and the hotel was completed.
Cottonwood’s Best-Kept Secret
Looking for something different than regular camping? Try TinyCamp’s charming Glamping experience! Right in the heart of Old Town, relax in this beautiful, secluded resort right in the forest complete with hot tubs, fire pits, hammocks and outdoor games.
Enjoy the eleven different tasting rooms that are just a short walk from your door. For more information or to book your stay, visit tinycamp.com/cottonwood.
Fishing at Dead Horse Ranch
A trip up north wouldn’t be complete without some fishing at a gorgeous state park. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is home to camping, fishing, hiking, cabins and trails. Stay at one of the eight log cabins right on the river and take a picturesque hike through trails leading to Coconino National Forest.
All Aboard!
The best way to see the Verde Valley is on the Verde Canyon Railroad, a 4-hour train ride that takes you through the canyon with breathtaking views of red rock buttes and wildlife. Enjoy the 20-mile journey through 110 years of history.
Guests may spot some of Arizona’s wildlife along the way! A ride aboard Verde Canyon Railroad, nestled between the Prescott and Coconino National Forests and near the Sycamore Wilderness area, provides the perfect wildlife viewing opportunity. For more information or to book your tickets now, visit verdecanyonrr.com.
Gourmet Groceries
Shop for some delicious foods and eats at The Tiny Gourmet! The shop carries imported and domestic artisan cheeses, tasty charcuterie meats, pickled goodies, crackers, dried fruits and nuts that are perfect to snack on while you stroll down Old Town.
In addition, the shop also offers a collection of rare spices and fun culinary gifts. To explore all options, visit their website at thetinygourmet.com.
Wild, Wild West Comes to Life
The Wild, Wild West is right in Cottonwood! The Blazin’ M Experience is a frontier town where guests will find a real Western saloon, axe throwing, bull riding, wagon rides, shopping and more.
The town gates open at 5 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. guests can chow down on a delicious chicken and rib dinner with prickly pear coleslaw, yeast rolls, mashed potatoes, cowboy beans and macaroni and cheese.
At 7:30 p.m., the lights dim, and the Western Stage Show begins! The performance features Tex Wesley and the Blazin’ M Ramblers Band, who cover a variety of artists, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell and Shania Twain. To buy your tickets, visit blazinm.com.
Merkin Vineyards
Sip on some tasty wines while taking in stunning views. Merkin Vineyards spreads across seven acres and features a new winery and cellar, tasting room, restaurant and shopping right in the heart of Historic Old Town Cottonwood.
Guests can dine at Merkin Vineyards new restaurant, the Trattoria. You’ll be treated to a gorgeous 270-degree view of Verde Valley while enjoying fresh salads, handmade pasta and wood-oven pizzas. For more information, visit caduceus.org and merkintrattoria.com or follow Caduceus Cellars on social media at @caduceuscellars.
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