Cottonwood

Cottonwood is sometimes overlooked by tourists shuttling between the better-known destinations of Sedona and Jerome. But the once sleepy town has become a destination in its own right with restaurants, wine-tasting, coffee houses, antique shops, two breweries and frequent festivals.

Lonely Planet named Cottonwood one of its Top 10 Places to Visit as far back as 2013 and it's become more vibrant since then.

The town’s namesake cottonwood trees provide a leafy canopy along the Verde River that flows across the northern and eastern flanks of Cottonwood. 

Follow Main Street through the newer commercial strip to Old Town, a walkable, historic business district. It's been rejuvenated in the past two decades by Arizona vintners and others investing in small businesses. Old Town Center for the Arts adds a lineup of music to the mix with a comfortable 130-seat theater nearby. 

Cottonwood at a elevation of 3,400 feet has a milder climate than the Sonoran desert. Plus, there's abundant shade  from sycamores and its namesake trees. Take the Jail Trail at the north end of Main Street to walk along the Verde River. Named for the town's historic gray bar hotel, the Jail Trail is ideal for bird-watching, easy hiking or skipping rocks on the river.

Campers can head across the Verde River to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which has a fishing pond and river access. There are 100 campsites, most of which accommodate RVs up to 40 feet and truck-trailer campers as long as 65 feet.

There are two dozen non-electric sites for tent camping and a heated bathroom with showers.  The state park takes  online reservations. 

Happy trails at Dead Horse Ranch

Dead Horse Ranch also has an extensive trail system for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The trails ascend a mesa and offer impressive views across the Verde Valley.

The 15-mile Lime Kiln Trail for mountain bikers and equestrians  connects Dead Horse Ranch to Red Rock State Park in Sedona. 

Campers at Dead Horse might enjoy  the nearby Blazin' M Ranch with its barbecue dinner and a  Western music show.

Hungry hikers and others can  get a good lunch at  the Verde Lea Market Deli & Grill, 516 N. Main St., It has tasty Mexican food -- tacos, tortas and burritos -- and  Italian subs.

Visit nearby Tuzigoot National Monument:
http://www.ontheroadarizona.com/tuzigoot-nm.html

Belfry Brewery, 791 N. Main St., is in a remodeled Baptist church with an historic bell in its new belfry and a shaded patio.

​Red Rooster Cafe, 901 N. Main St., and Pepe's Cafe, 324 S. Main St., are good bets for a tasty breakfast. ​

​Tavern Grille is the former Rialto Theatre, which opened in 1926 and screened  movies through the 1980s. The Tavern is a reliable eatery with a casual menu,  craft beers, wine and a sidewalk patio. It's adjacent to its sister Tavern Hotel with 41 rooms. 

Hilltop winery overlooks Old Town

Check out Old Town's wine tasting rooms, shops and restaurants  along North Main Street. It's a pleasant and walkable three-block historic district that's an ideal destination  for a day trip or weekend getaway.

It's hard to miss but visitors would be wise to trek up to the hill to Merkin Vineyards and Hilltop Trattoria overlooking Old Town. Better yet, take the tram up the hillside.

This is the signature enterprise of Verde Valley winemaker Maynard James Keenan, best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the rock bands Tool and Puscifer. It's quite an impressive operation with wine grapes growing on the hillside. 

Beer lovers have a choice of two local breweries.  The Public Taproom, 300 E. Cherry St.,  is in a warehouse that's hard to find, but the beer is good.

Belfry Brewery opened in fall 2020 in a former Baptist church at the top of Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood. It's got a shaded patio and an elegant "sanctuary." During the renovation, the brewery added a belfry and historic bell to the building. 

​​Founded: 1879
Elevation: 3,320
Population: 12,762

Hikers on the mesa above Dead Horse Ranch State Park with views across the Verde Valley. (Photo by Gary O'Brien)

Maynard James Keenan's winery and restaurant overlook Old Town.

A Cottonwood mural decorates one wall of the Verde Lea Market, a popular local deli with tortas, tacos and sandwiches.

One of Cottonwood's best assets is the river that runs through it -- the Verde. It's the lifeline of the town and its beautiful riparian corridor.

Alamo Motel and Shep's Liquor from the 1950s are gone but the Shep's sign now marks a busy corner in Old Town Cottonwood.

The Blazin' M Cowboys play Western and cowboy songs with a side of corny comedy. The big finale is "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky."

In it's big, red barn, Blazin' M serves up tasty barbecue, beans and ribs, and you get as much food as you want. There's also vegetarian options.