With its pure environment, historical past, and rising arts and tradition scene, you’ll absolutely discover loads of issues to see and do on this distinctive and vibrant city.
We’ve had our eye on the Cottonwood space for a number of years, and it’s been thrilling to see how a lot the city has grown and altered throughout that point.
New companies and sights have popped up on the town, from boutique retailers and artwork galleries to award-winning eating places and craft breweries.
Cottonwood At A Look
Located smack dab in the course of Arizona, Cottonwood is a captivating city that bridges the hole between the desert and the mountains.
With its wealthy historical past and distinctive location, this city affords guests an opportunity to expertise the perfect of each worlds, from the rugged great thing about the encircling panorama to the quaint appeal of its historic downtown district.
The neighborhood of Cottonwood is situated, between the cities of Prescott and Sedona. Initially serving as a U.S. Military outpost, the city was established in 1879 and took its title from the massive cottonwood timber that develop alongside the close by Verde River.
As we speak, Cottonwood has a inhabitants of over 12,000 and is usually generally known as a gateway to the close by pink rocks area. Nevertheless, the city has loads of its personal laid-back attract that pulls many repeat guests.
Climate In Cottonwood
Positioned at an elevation of round 3,300 ft above sea stage, Cottonwood has a excessive desert local weather that provides delicate temperatures year-round.
Winters are sometimes within the 60s throughout the day, whereas spring and fall can see temperatures reaching the 70s and 80s.
The annual low temperature is round 28 levels, and the city receives a mean of 13 inches of precipitation per 12 months.
General, Cottonwood affords guests a cushty and alluring environment, making it an excellent vacation spot for these on the lookout for a soothing desert getaway.
What’s Cottonwood Identified For?
One of many prime sights in Cottonwood is its thriving wine scene. The city is situated within the coronary heart of the Verde Valley Wine Path, which incorporates a number of award-winning wineries and tasting rooms.
You possibly can spend a day visiting native vineyards, sampling scrumptious wines, and having fun with beautiful views of the encircling mountains and vineyards.
Along with wine tasting, Cottonwood affords loads of alternatives for out of doors journey.
You possibly can go mountaineering or biking in close by Sedona or discover the pink rocks and canyons of the Verde Valley. You may also wish to try the Verde River, which affords kayaking and fishing journeys.
For historical past buffs, Cottonwood has a wealthy previous and lots of fascinating historic websites to discover.
You possibly can go to the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, which chronicles the city’s historical past, or take a tour of the Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument, a 1,000-year-old pueblo smash.
Lastly, Cottonwood can also be house to a vibrant arts and tradition scene. You possibly can catch a reside efficiency on the Outdated City Middle for the Arts or go to the eclectic galleries and boutiques within the historic Outdated City district.
1. Take A Stroll Within the Historic Outdated City Of Cottonwood
Exploring the charming and historic Outdated City is a must-do when visiting Cottonwood. Although the city’s principal road is small, it packs a punch in terms of delivering a singular and pleasurable expertise.
The world has quite a lot of distinctive retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places, all housed in historic buildings that date again to the city’s earliest days.
Guests can take a stroll down Predominant Road and discover the numerous retailers and boutiques that line the road, providing all the things from classic clothes and antiques to handmade crafts and regionally produced items.
A few our favourite retailers in Cottonwood are the Rock Store with life-size wing rocks and Silver Son West Gallery.
2. Wine Tasting In Cottonwood
As talked about, Cottonwood is famend for its vibrant wine scene, boasting a group of 10 wineries and tasting rooms scattered in and across the space.
This focus of wineries creates a haven for wine fanatics in search of to discover and indulge within the area’s wealthy vinicultural choices.
Every vineyard in Cottonwood showcases its personal distinctive appeal and distinct winemaking philosophy. From boutique family-owned vineyards to bigger institutions, there’s a numerous vary of wineries to swimsuit each style and desire.
Should you’re concerned about wine tasting, you possibly can both spend a complete afternoon visiting a number of tasting rooms (through which case, you might wish to think about the (Verde Valley Wine Passport) or you possibly can go to one or two tasting rooms to check out a couple of completely different flights or glasses of wine.
Wine Tasting on the Pillsbury Wine Firm
No journey to Cottonwood could be full with out a go to to the award-winning Pillsbury Wine Firm. Based by Sam Pillsbury, the winery affords a pleasant choice of wines made with regionally grown grapes.
Good To Know: Pillsbury Wine affords a Pleased Hour Every day beginning at 6 pm.
Burning Tree Cellars
With a comfortable, intimate setting and a unbelievable choice of pink and white wines, Burning Tree Cellars is a good vineyard. We notably loved their Syrah and the beautiful patio space.
Merkin Vineyards
Merkin Vineyards in Cottonwood, owned by Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of Instrument, affords a definite wine tasting expertise together with scrumptious farm-to-table meals pairings.
Should you’re on the lookout for a mixture of fantastic delicacies and excellent wines, that is the place to go to.
One noteworthy facet of Merkin Vineyards is their pasta, all of their pastas and breads are constituted of scratch, incorporating high-quality elements that create unforgettable flavors.
Amongst their wine choice, the Chupacabra pink mix is extremely advisable. This mix harmonizes completely different grape varietals, leading to a daring and flavorful wine.
Cellar 433
Cellar 433 holds a particular place in our hearts as one in every of our favourite wine stops in Cottonwood.
What actually set it aside was the nice and cozy and complicated environment, completely blended with an extremely well-informed and approachable sommelier .
The sommelier offered us with spot-on suggestions throughout our tasting. They tailor-made the expertise to our preferences and palates, making certain we had an pleasurable time.
Their understanding of the winemaking course of, completely different grape varietals, and wine pairing with dishes was evident. They have been capable of clarify these elements clearly and improve our appreciation for the wines we tried.
Should you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable wine tour remember to try this TOP RATED wine tour of the Verde Valley.
3. Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument
Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument is a historic website situated simply exterior of Cottonwood, Arizona. The monument covers 42 acres and consists of the ruins of an historical pueblo that was inhabited by the Sinagua folks over 1,000 years in the past.
Guests to Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument can discover the ruins of the Pueblo, which embody a number of constructions which were partially restored. The primary constructing, generally known as the Tuzigoot Pueblo, is a three-story construction that when housed as much as 100 folks.
Along with the pueblo ruins, Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument additionally features a museum that provides guests a deeper understanding of the Sinagua folks and their lifestyle.
Entrance Charges (consists of entry to each Montezuma Citadel and Tuzigoot Nationwide Monuments):
- Adults (16 and over): $10/7 days
- Kids (below 16): FREE
4. A Refreshing Dip In The Verde River
After exploring the ruins of Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument, remember to head to the Verde River. This waterway affords quite a lot of leisure alternatives, from swimming and stress-free to kayaking and paddleboarding.
It’s the proper spot to flee the warmth and take a refreshing dip within the river’s cool waters.
Among the finest locations to entry the Verde River is minutes from Tuzigoot Nationwide Monument; you possibly can click on right here to find out about extra Verde River Entry Factors.
5. Birding Alongside The Verde River
To be trustworthy, birding isn’t actually my factor. Nevertheless, whereas I used to be out for a run alongside the river space, I couldn’t assist however discover a number of folks with binoculars gazing into the timber. It dawned on me that birding is kind of in style on this space.
After a bit extra analysis I discovered the Verde River and its surrounding watershed is a main vacation spot for birdwatching, boasting many birding sizzling spots.
The Verde River is a vital contributor to biodiversity within the Southwest, providing crucial habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.
The river is house to over 200 chicken species, 90 mammal species, and 75 species of native amphibians and reptiles, making it an important a part of the area’s ecosystem. For all you birders right here’s extra information.
6. Get pleasure from The Meals Of Cottonwood
Cottonwood has a thriving culinary scene that can shock you. You’ll discover among the city’s finest eating places situated proper alongside the primary drag.
My private favourite? Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria (talked about above within the “wine tasting” part). This family-owned vineyard affords an intimate, farm-to-table expertise specializing in native, natural elements.
Crema Craft Kitchen & Courtyard
The favored Crema Craft Kitchen and Courtyard is our favourite place to seize breakfast. The inviting atmosphere is enjoyable and vibrant, and their menu is broad, providing all kinds of yummy breakfast and lunch gadgets.
Bing’s Burger Station- A Nostalgic Lunch Expertise
For lunch with a facet of nostalgia, Bing’s Burger Station is a good spot. This retro-themed diner, housed in a restored Fifties gasoline station, serves up burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes.
We loved their basic cheeseburger and the enjoyable, classic environment.
Outdated City Crimson Rooster Cafe- A Cozy Cottonwood Traditional
Ge Positive to seize lunch at Outdated City Crimson Rooster Cafe this cute restaurant with a pleasant out of doors patio serves a fantastic choice of menu gadgets from breakfast, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Should you’re on the lookout for a cocktail, they even have some nice choices there too.
Pizzeria Bocce-Wooden-Fired Pizzas and Extra
Pizzeria Bocce serves up mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas in a singular, enjoyable, and alluring meals truck type of vibe.
I can’t get sufficient of their Proscuito and Arugula pizza, which has a wonderfully crispy crust and recent elements.
On the lookout for desert? head to Strada at Bocce the place you’ll discover twelve flavors of creamy, house-made gelato which can be scrumptious.
And Sure! after all the namesake bocce ball court docket is situated on the patio alongside the stream for those who’re on the lookout for a enjoyable recreation of bocce.
Tavern Grille- A Pleasant Eating Expertise
Positioned within the coronary heart of Outdated City Cottonwood, Tavern Grille is a unbelievable spot for a scrumptious dinner or cocktails. They provide a various menu, from juicy steaks and pasta to recent salads.
We had the Fillet Cobb salad throughout our go to, which was unbelievable. The inviting environment and comfortable hour specials make Tavern Grille a note-worthy place to go to.
Good To Know: The Tavern Grille Gives Pleased Hour Every day from 3-5 every day on the bar
Adriana’s Mexican Meals- Genuine Flavors and Hearty Dishes
For a style of genuine Mexican delicacies, head over to Adriana’s Mexican Meals. This family-owned restaurant serves up beneficiant parts of conventional dishes bursting with taste.
I fell in love with their home made tamales and refreshing prickly pear margarita. The nice and cozy, welcoming environment at Adriana’s makes it a must-try eating spot in Cottonwood.
7. Discover Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park
Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park is a leisure space that spans over 423 acres and affords guests a variety of outside actions, together with tenting, mountaineering, fishing, and birdwatching.
The park is a well-liked vacation spot for households, nature lovers, and out of doors fanatics.
One of many principal sights of Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park is its intensive path system, which affords over 20 miles of mountaineering and biking trails.
The paths wind by quite a lot of terrain, from open meadows and cottonwood groves to rolling hills and rocky outcrops. A number of the hottest trails within the park embody the Lime Kiln Path, the Decrease Raptor Path, and the Verde River Greenway Path.
Along with mountaineering and biking, Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park can also be a fantastic place to go fishing.
The park options two giant lagoons stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can fish from the shore or canoe to discover the lagoons.
8. Mountain Bike Or Hike At Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park
Cottonwood and the encircling Verde Valley supply nice mountain biking and mountaineering trails in Arizona. With miles of scenic trails winding by the mountains, forests, and canyons of the realm, there’s no scarcity of outside journey available right here.
One in style vacation spot for each biking and mountaineering is the close by Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park, which affords quite a lot of trails that wind by the gorgeous Verde River Valley. Guests can select from quick and straightforward to longer adventures.
Good To Know: Should you’re up for an enormous journey, the paths in Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park will even hyperlink you as much as the favored Sedona mountaineering and biking trails. Try the Path Forks app for extra particulars on easy methods to join the 2.
9. Blazin’ M Ranch: A Step Again in Time
Blazin’ M Ranch is a singular attraction situated simply exterior of Cottonwood, Arizona. This family-owned and operated ranch affords guests the possibility to step again in time and expertise the Outdated West in a enjoyable means.
One of many highlights of Blazin’ M Ranch is its “small Western city,” which transports guests again to the previous days.
Maybe probably the most well-known attraction at Blazin’ M Ranch is the chuckwagon dinner present, which affords guests an opportunity to expertise a standard cowboy meal cooked over an open hearth.
The present consists of reside music, comedy, and different leisure, in addition to a hearty meal that features BBQ beef brisket, hen, beans, and different Western-style dishes.
10. Uncover the Previous on the Clemenceau Heritage Museum
The Clemenceau Heritage Museum is a vacation spot for anybody within the historical past and tradition of Cottonwood and the encircling Verde Valley.
The museum is housed in a historic constructing that was as soon as a schoolhouse and affords guests an opportunity to discover the realm’s wealthy heritage by quite a lot of reveals and shows.
One of many highlights of the Clemenceau Heritage Museum is its assortment of artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.
Guests can see vintage instruments, clothes, and home goods that have been utilized by the realm’s early settlers, in addition to shows on native industries equivalent to mining and agriculture.
Admission to museum is FREE, although donations are gratefully accepted
11. Stroll The Jail Path
The Jail Path is a well-liked path that runs alongside the Verde River. The sandy, sure legit sand path is roughly 1.5 miles lengthy and affords a good way to take pleasure in a little bit of nature proper from city.
Alongside the meandering path, guests can spot numerous birds and revel in a sandy stroll by shaded timber. Should you stroll the entire path, you’ll find yourself at Lifeless Horse Ranch State Park’s entrance in addition to a disc golf space.
The path will get its title from the historic jailhouse that sits close to the trailhead. The jailhouse was constructed within the early twentieth century and was used as a holding cell for native lawbreakers.
12. Get A Beer at THAT Brewery
All wined out? THAT Brewery is a well-liked craft brewery that originated in Pine, Arizona, and has expanded to incorporate a location in Cottonwood. The Cottonwood location affords a singular and alluring environment, and its DOG pleasant.
The brewery makes a speciality of crafting high-quality beers utilizing regionally sourced elements. They provide quite a lot of year-round and seasonal beers, together with IPAs, stouts, and lagers, so there’s one thing for each beer fanatic.
Good To Know: THAT Brewery doesn’t have its personal kitchen, however you’re welcome to carry your personal meals.
13. Attend the Cottonwood Farmer’s Market
Should you’re visiting Cottonwood on a Wednesday, remember to try the Cottonwood Farmer’s Market. Expertise the native flavors, recent produce, and artisanal crafts, within the vibrant neighborhood environment.
Each Wednesday from 4pm- 8pm at Outdated City Sq. (Predominant Road subsequent to Bocce and Strata on the curve in Outdated City Cottonwood)
14. Go to the Verde Valley Wine Path
Cottonwood is a part of the Verde Valley, which is thought for its vineyards and wineries. Take a tour alongside the Verde Valley Wine Path and bask in wine-tasting experiences at a number of distinctive and picturesque wineries within the space.
Click on right here for a downloadable map of all of the Verde Valley wineries to your comfort.
Learn Subsequent: The Greatest Verde Valley Wineries and Past
15. Day Journey to Jerome: Cottonwood’s Quirky Neighbor
Only a quick drive from Cottonwood is the fascinating city of Jerome, perched on the facet of Cleopatra Hill. We’ve visited this former mining city a number of instances, and I can’t get sufficient of its quirky appeal and beautiful views.
Ensure that to discover the Jerome State Historic Park and the Gold King Mine Museum when you’re there.
Take a Ghost City Tour in Jerome
Take a tour of the ghost city of Jerome, discover the haunted buildings, study concerning the city’s intriguing previous, and expertise the haunting vibes of this former mining city.
16. Historic Verde Canyon Railroad: Clarkdale
One of the distinctive and thrilling methods to discover the Verde Valley is by taking a trip on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad. This scenic practice trip affords guests an opportunity to expertise the pure great thing about the realm, together with canyons, forests, and the waters of the Verde River.
The Verde Canyon Railroad departs from the city of Clarkdale, only a quick drive from Cottonwood.
The practice travels alongside a historic route that was first established in 1912 to move copper ore from the mines in Jerome to the smelter in Clarkdale.
As we speak, the practice affords a leisurely and scenic journey by the center of the Verde Valley.
17. Get Impressed on the Arizona Copper Artwork Museum
Artwork and historical past fanatics received’t wish to miss the Arizona Copper Artwork Museum. Housed in a restored Twenties college constructing, this distinctive museum showcases an enormous assortment of copper artwork and artifacts from all over the world.
Be taught concerning the significance of copper in human historical past and marvel on the intricate craftsmanship on show.
Try the museum’s web site for extra particulars.
Exploring Different Cities Surrounding Cottonwood
If you go to Cottonwood, you’ll uncover that there are a few locations that I listed above which can be truly situated in close by Jerome and Clarkdale.
One of many main benefits of the Verde Valley is its shut proximity to a few of our favourite cities, permitting for handy site-seeing of all these areas throughout your go to to Cottonwood.
Jerome
Only a quick drive away, the charming city of Jerome is thought for its wealthy historical past as a former mining city turned artist neighborhood. Take a stroll alongside its streets, stuffed with distinctive retailers, artwork galleries, and cafes.
Don’t miss the chance to go to the Jerome State Historic Park, which affords an enchanting glimpse into the city’s previous.
🤩After studying about the perfect issues to do in Cottonwood remember to learn the perfect issues to do in Jerome
Clarkdale
One other close by gem is Clarkdale, a city located alongside the banks of the Verde River. Clarkdale is famend for its pure surroundings, with mountaineering trails that wind by the encircling mountains and supply views of the valley.
Whether or not you select to enterprise to Jerome or Clarkdale, you’ll discover that each locations supply a singular appeal and nice experiences.
Sedona
Visiting Sedona from Cottonwood is a must-do for nature lovers and journey seekers. Only a quick drive away, you’ll end up surrounded by the breathtaking great thing about Sedona’s iconic pink rock formations and beautiful landscapes.
When To Go to Cottonwood
One in style time to go to is throughout the spring months when the climate is delicate, and the wildflowers are in bloom. It is a nice time to take pleasure in out of doors actions like mountaineering and biking, and to discover the native vineyards and wineries.
Summer season will be fairly sizzling in Cottonwood, however it’s additionally a preferred time for guests who wish to benefit from the space’s many water actions, like kayaking and paddleboarding on the Verde River.
The autumn months are one other in style time to go to, particularly for wine lovers who wish to expertise the annual grape harvest. Many native wineries and vineyards supply particular occasions and tastings throughout this time, so it’s a good time to discover the native wine scene.
Winter in Cottonwood is comparatively delicate, with cool temperatures and occasional snowfall within the surrounding mountains. It’s a good time to benefit from the space’s cozy eating places and low retailers, and to discover the close by nationwide parks and forests.
General, there’s actually no unhealthy time to go to Cottonwood. Whether or not you’re concerned about out of doors actions, wine tasting, or just stress-free and having fun with the city’s laid-back vibe, you’re positive to seek out one thing to like on this charming Arizona city.
