As your Travel Agent it is my responsibility to find places that you might want to visit. With the rapid changes of travel due to the Coronavirus, it is even more important to find ways to experience travel a little closer to home. In doing my research for you, I found an article by Suny Errot from wheninyourstate.com talking about 8 Charming towns in Arizona that you will want to visit. You can read the full article here, however we have listed the towns below and added some of our own commentary.
International Travel is fluid at this time and will likely continue to change for the next 12-18 months. We might as well take advantage and travel locally and use your time for a shorter trip within your state.
I can help you plan any trip around one or all of these cute little towns or any other towns of your choosing. I can also help confirm that places or things you want to see are open and accepting visitors.
Pine / Strawberry
The side by side towns of Pine and Strawberry are just north of Payson and are a great destination if you love the outdoors.
Things to do
- Visit Tonto Natural Bridge, which is a natural travertine arch thought to be the largest in the world.
- Tour the Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm.
- Visit one of the many trails and go for a hike or casual stroll.
Jerome
Jerome is an old mining town built into a hillside high above the Verde Valley. Not only is it known for it's historical Victorian era architecture, several buildings in town are rumored to be haunted! We have been to Jerome many times, but note it can be a bit crowded on weekends and parking can be challenging so we find it best to visit on a weekday.
Things to do
- Take the the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town Tour.
- Visit one of several museums.
- Visit the many shops and art galleries.
- Go wine tasting! Jerome is home to several tasting rooms that feature Arizona wines.
Bisbee
Bisbee is an old copper mining town south of Wilcox.
Things to do
- Take the Queen Mine Tour.
- Visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum.
- Go wine tasting! Bisbee is home to a few tasting rooms, although not as many as other areas in Arizona.
Clarkdale
Clarkdale is in the heart of the Verde Valley, and is just down the hill from Jerome.
Things to do
- Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad. Once a month they even do an onboard wine event.
- Visit the Arizona Copper Art Museum.
- Go wine tasting! Clarkdale is home to the Bodega Pierce and Chateau Tumbleweed tasting rooms, two of our favorites!
Cottonwood
If you are a frequent reader or follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you will now we absolutely love Cottonwood. Cottonwood is home to several amazing Arizona winery tasting rooms. In fact Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome are all within a few miles of each other. While you could visit all three in a single day, you would be able to experience all that each has to offer. Although it is not as well known as Jerome, Cottonwood is haunted as well...
Things to do
- Go wine tasting! Old Town Cottonwood features six, soon to be seven tasting rooms alone.
- Visit the shops and art galleries in Old Town.
- Visit Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders. They have an impressive number of flavored olive oils, and have flavored vinegars as well.
- Visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park for some outdoor fun.
Greer
Although we have never been, Greer sits at the end of the 5-mile long highway 373. Only one way in or out. It is supposed to be a pretty drive so we'll have to try this one day.
Things to do
- Visit the Butterfly Lodge Museum.
- Go fishing in the nearby Greer lake, Tunnel Reservoir or River Reservoir.
- Enjoy horseback riding at Snowy Mountain Stables.
- Go hiking on one of the nearby trails.
Sedona
Sedona is a mecca for those into the metaphysical. The red rocks and alpine pine forests make it one of the most beautiful places in America. Sedona is also known for its many 5-star resorts. Be aware that temperatures in the summer can be hotter than you would expect (we know from experience), and it gets really busy on weekends.
Things to do
- Go hiking. There a plethora of trails around the area. If one seems to busy and you can't find a place to park, there are plenty of others.
- Experience one of the vortexes. There are four vortexes in Sedona, which are geomagnetic points that are said to cause a "swirling" energy pattern.
- Take a jeep tour. We have used Safari Jeep Tours in the past and were extremely happy with our experience.
- Visit one of the many shops and restaurants. There are far too many to list.
- Go wine tasting! Winery 1912 is right in the main strip, and the tasting room has floor to ceiling windows with excellent views of Snoopy Rock.
Tubac
Tubac is situated on I-19 south of Tuscon just passed Green Valley. Described on the city website as the place "Where Art & History Meet".
Things to do
- Visit Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.
- Tour the K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, which is #2 on the Things to Do list on Trip Adviser.
- Visit one of the other many art galleries and museums.
- Go wine tasting! Tubac is home to one of the Flying Leap Vineyards tasting rooms.
Please feel free to check out Suny Errot's full article here as it contains a lot more details on these charming towns.
Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.
— Taunya
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