I’m sure many of you have heard of Sedona Arizona with it’s red rocks and energy vortexes, where people go for spiritual reasons or to just enjoy all it has to offer. However a lesser known place just 15 miles or so south of Sedona is the Verde Valley of Arizona. The communities of Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Jerome and Clarkdale are nestled in the valley and the Verde river runs through it all. The area has attracted many wine growers, so naturally there are many places for wine tasting, especially in the town of Cottonwood. Cottonwood has seen a revival , with funky shops, wine tasting bars and hip delicious restaurants. The old mining town of Jerome was built on the mountain side and overlooks the valley. It is arguably Arizona’s most haunted town, or so they claim. There are however a few “real” ghost towns that have been abandoned for years. If you’re into that kind of thing check out Cienega, Rutherford or Aultman.
Getting out in nature is also a major attraction in the area. You can go tubing down the Verde River, or hike among the areas many trails. The Native American settlement of Tuzigoot (Apache for twisted water) was one of a group of settlements along the Verde Rver made by the Southern Sinagua people. The settlement had 500 rooms and was occupied from about 1100 – 1425 AD. Tuzigoot is now a National Monument and it was closed at the time when I went to visit, that’s why there’s only one picture from far away. The town of Camp Verde has many shops and restaurants. It is also home to a casino on Apache land. What I loved about Camp Verde is in the name, it’s green! There are so many tall Cottonwood trees and Mulberry trees lining the river and people’s driveways you feel as though you’ve been transported to another world outside of the high desert of Arizona. In some places it does look a lot like California horse country. Pecans are also grown along the Verde river. If you get a chance buy a huge bag, they don’t get much fresher!
For lunch in Camp Verde I was taken to Beto’s Corner. From the outside it looks like a run down shack, but we all know those are usually the best places to eat! I have to apologize because my phone had died so I didn’t get to take any pictures before devouring my green chili burrito. The food there was home style traditional, like what you’d expect if you went over to someone’s grandmother’s for dinner . The prices are super reasonable. My burrito was only $5.99 and because it was Tuesday the ground beef tacos were only $1. You’ll be hard pressed to find those kinds of prices in any place that is frequented by tourist.
I was looking forward to dinner in Cottonwood. They have a huge range of restaurants and a diversity of cuisine from nice sit down places to quality food trucks. Of course there’s Mexican food but I also saw, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Italian, seafood, and American to name a few. I had heard great things about the pizza place called Pizzeria Bocce. Chef Michelle grew up in a family deli on the East coast. When she decided to open an Italian restaurant featuring authentic style pizza, she went to Naples, Italy to become certified in the art of pizza by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.
Her efforts certainly paid off as it is probably the best pizza I have had outside of New York City. The crust for me is what can make or break a pizza. They import their flour from Italy so the foundation of the pizza has a great start. Cooking the pizza in a wood fired oven as it’s traditionally done adds that extra touch to make an amazing pie. I started with the grilled artichoke, which was split down the middle and covered in garlic and olive oil and grilled to perfection, simply delicious. I chose the meat pie and my friend had a vegetarian style that incorporated goat cheese and a fig chutney. The average cost was $15 a pie but sometimes you just have to treat yourself! I would recommend this place to anyone who likes a young fun atmosphere with outdoor dining. They also offer salads and panini’s along with local wine and beer and desserts.
If you’re looking for a place to visit that’s away from the busy touristy spot of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, give The Verde Valley a try. There’s plenty to keep you busy and you might even learn a few things on your trip. If nothing else you will be relaxed and well fed. I’d check out Air BNB for places to stay as there’s many available at reasonable prices. If you’ve ever been to The Verde Valley , Cottonwood or Camp Verde and would like to add a few things please do so in the comment box. If you have any questions or comments place those in the comment box as well and I’ll get back to you very soon. Until next time Boone Appétit!
Beautiful, Charlie!