2021-08-20 02:31:12
One of the most beautiful cities in the world is located in North Central Arizona. But that’s just part of the region’s appeal. Beyond the red-rock resplendency of Sedona you’ll find historic sites in Prescott and Fort Apache, family-friendly activities like the Verde Canyon Railroad, and some of the state’s best restaurants and wineries. IN THIS REGION Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Fort Apache, Globe, Jerome, Prescott, Sedona Area Highlights MUSEUM OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, PRESCOTT Formerly the Smoki Museum, this interactive spot prides itself on its educational exhibits and ongoing programs on the Southwest’s indigenous cultures. Explore American Indian artifacts, attend an enlightening class or lecture, learn how to make prehistoric pottery, and buy authentic Navajo rugs and artwork at two annual auctions. DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD Escape to the verdant Verde River Valley at this scenic park where you can picnic beneath a shaded canopy of cottonwood and willow trees, go fishing at three lagoons, sleep beneath the stars at one of the high desert campsites; or bike, hike or horseback ride along the shared-use Dead Horse Trail System. SALT RIVER CANYON SCENIC DRIVE Follow the winding curves along U.S. Highway 60 through the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area and pull over at the overlooks along the way for dramatic views of brilliant red cliffs, canyon walls and the rushing Salt River below, known for its premier Class IV whitewater rafting. PICKLE BARREL TRADING POST, GLOBE In the midst of a rugged mining town, discover a century-old post-and-beam-built shop filled with Southwest-inspired treasures: Minnetonka moccasins, Pendleton blankets, glittering minerals and rocks, Apache beadwork, cowboy hats, one-of-a-kind antiques, rustic yard art and an array of fun gifts for kids. RED ROCK STATE PARK, SEDONA Brilliant red plateaus, green meadows dappled with colorful wildflowers and the cool waters of Oak Creek meandering through stands of trees are just a few of the highlights at this 286- acre state park. Bring the whole family along the 5-mile trail network for panoramic views of this area’s natural beauty. HISTORIC WHISKEY ROW, PRESCOTT Forty saloons once lined Whiskey Row, attracting the likes of Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday and countless other settlers, prospectors, cowboys and gamblers during the Gold Rush days. Today, you can still order a drink here and browse the numerous art galleries and souvenir shops. WATSON LAKE AND THE GRANITE DELLS, PRESCOTT Dramatic rock formations—known as the Granite Dells, an assemblage of large granite boulders with a strikingly rippled appearance— surround Watson Lake, making it one of the most ruggedly beautiful spots in the region. Explore the waters by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard—or bike, hike, fish and climb. TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS & SHOPPING VILLAGE, SEDONA With its cobblestone walkways, twinkling lights, water fountain and dramatic archways draped in vines, this retail and entertainment area is a picturesque retreat. Stroll more than 50 specialty shops and art galleries, which showcase an array of media, from sculptures and pottery to silks and weavings. FORT APACHE HISTORIC PARK/NOHWIKE’ BÁGOWA (HOUSE OF OUR FOOTPRINTS) MUSEUM, FORT APACHE One of the best examples of an existing Apache Wars-era military post, Fort Apache Historic Park displays more than 20 structures in its historic district. You can also tour the Nohwike’ Bágowa, dedicated to Apache heritage and arts, and visit the nearby Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark. A Day Trip to Jerome BY NORA BURBA TRULSSON Jerome has been a copper mining boomtown, ghost town, hippie enclave and artist colony. Today, the hillside town above the Verde Valley retains its historic roots and boho vibe, perfect for a delightful detour. Morning: Past is present at 1 Gold King Mine and Ghost Town, a spot where gold—not copper—was struck in 1890. Old buildings, antique artifacts and vintage vehicles dot the grounds. Gold panning and a petting zoo keep kids in awe. Lunch: Located in an 1899 building, 2 The Clinkscale is Jerome’s newest restaurant (and hotel), offering everything from cauliflower steak burgers to scallops with cilantro lime couscous—plus craft cocktails, naturally. Experience the terroir of the Verde Valley wine region by strolling up the street to the tasting room of 3 Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards, Arizona wineries founded by alternative rock icon Maynard James Keenan. Afternoon: Walk off lunch and wine with retail browsing. Located in a 1917 building, 4 Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery showcases work by dozens of local artists, and nearby 5 Pura Vida Gallery focuses on handicrafts such as home decor and glassware. Meanwhile, 6 Nellie Bly is said to be the largest kaleidoscope shop on the planet, filled with handcrafted eye candy plus marbles and dichroic jewelry. Dinner: Toast your Jerome journey with a glass of Arizona wine from the view-grabbing patios of 7 Asylum Restaurant, perched atop the hill, where signature dishes include roasted butternut squash soup and grilled achiote pork tenderloin. 3 Places to Time Travel From a frontier governor’s mansion and a 19th-century military base to a heritage railroad, North Central Arizona offers a trove of historic attractions. BY NORA BURBA TRULSSON 1 Those with a penchant for the past will enjoy a few of North Central Arizona’s historic highlights. In Prescott, Sharlot Hall Museum is a shady, 4-acre site dotted with 11 buildings, including the two-story, territorial-era governor’s mansion, circa 1864; and the 1877 Bashford House, a fanciful Victorian. The main exhibit building tells the tale of Arizona’s pre-history, Prescott’s timeline and the story of museum founder Hall, a poet and historian. 2 Fort Verde State Historic Park in nearby Camp Verde was built as an Army outpost during the Central Arizona Indian Wars, active from 1871 until 1891. Buffalo Soldiers also served at the fort, starting in 1885. Wander the square to see four remaining examples of 19th-century military architecture, including living quarters and the administration building. 3 Finally, do some literal time traveling with a trek on the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad, which has 1950s-era FP7 locomotives pulling restored vintage passenger cars from the Clarkdale depot through high desert, past dramatic cliffs and along a river on tracks originally built for hauling copper from nearby mines. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and cliff dwellings. PERFECT PICNICS BY TERESA BITLER Arizona boasts some of the most scenic landscapes in the Southwest. Make the most of your time here by grabbing a lunch to go and having a picnic at these state parks and national forests. GRAB Fargo’s Steakhouse is a popular Payson steakhouse that serves gourmet sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads to-go for lunch. Choose from traditional options like the hot pastrami or creative ones like the coconut-crusted salmon sandwich. Routinely voted the best in Sedona, the massive sandwiches at Sedona Memories Bakery Café are made with your choice of fresh homemade bread and piled with premium meats and veggies. Order over the phone, and your takeout comes with a free cookie. Fresca Café is a New York-style deli and eatery that imports its meats and cheeses from Italy and pairs them with local ingredients for paninis, salads and pizza. Get yours to go with a scoop of homemade gelato or sorbetto. GO At Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, you’ll find shaded picnic tables a short walk from the world’s largest travertine bridge and near the trailheads leading down to its base. Be prepared for a steep descent and minor bouldering. As one of the most photographed landscapes in Sedona, Crescent Moon Picnic Site offers views of Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek. Go early in the morning or on a weekday to secure a spot. Savor your lunch at Lynx Lake North Shore Picnic Site, perched on the shores of Lynx Lake, a 55- acre, man-made lake. After you eat, fish for trout, hike the 2.3-mile loop trail or watch for wildlife from a fixed viewing scope.
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