NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA Cottonwood BY KERIDWEN CORNELIUS A WEEKEND IN Burning Tree Cellars, Cottonwood LEFT TO RIGHT: AOT; SEDONA ADVENTURE TOURS Thanks to a group of pioneering winemakers, once-sleepy Cottonwood has matured into a gastronomic hotspot. With its small-town hospitality, riverside scenery and tasting rooms lining charming Old Town, this central Arizona idyll is a feast for the senses. Friday Evening: When rock-star-turned-vintner Maynard James Keenan opened a series of tasting rooms in this previously unsung area, he attracted viticulture enthusi-asts from around the nation. Sample flights of the Tool vocalist’s bold wines at his signature restaurant, Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria . Belly up to the glittering mahogany bar and pair a spicy Tarzan Tempranillo with house-made mac and cheese—pink in hue from prickly pear cactus fruit. Saturday: Fortify yourself for a day of adventure at Crema Craft Kitchen + Bar , famous for breakfast burritos and stick-to-your-ribs Southwestern dishes. Next, explore the Verde River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River and the lifeblood of the local vineyards. Kayak under a canopy of cottonwoods on Verde Adventure Tours’ 2.5-hour Water to Wine excursion. The leisurely paddle culminates with a tasting at Alcantara Vineyards’ Tuscan-esque, Verde River, Cottonwood riverside villa. Then decant back to Historic Old Town Cottonwood to pop into pastel-painted shops and tasting rooms. On Main Street, Pillsbury Wine Company is renowned for its award-winning whites, while Burning Tree Cellars pours small-batch boutique wines. Browse exquisite, locally made woodwork and jewelry at Cartwheels Gallery . And don’t miss Larry’s Antiques , a bastion of zany miscellany, from clawfoot tubs to vintage gas pumps. Sunday Morning: At Dead Horse Ranch State Park , satisfy your craving for nature by strolling trails that tangle around a trio of lagoons. Despite its name, the lush park is home to a lively cornucopia of creatures, including great blue herons, bald eagles and beavers. Finally, lounge on the patio at Pizzeria Bocce , savoring wood-fired pizza from Naples-trained Chef Michelle Jurisin. Then cap off your Cottonwood getaway with a game of bocce ball. The most place on Earth. @VisitSedona @SedonaAZ @visitsedona 800.288.7336 VisitSedona.com info@sedonachamber.com 69
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