Getaway

Visiting THE VERDE VALLEY

As Phoenicians, we love to travel north towards Flagstaff, especially during the heat of summer. But one of our favorite areas to visit on weekend and day trips is nestled between Phoenix and Flagstaff, in the rolling hills of the Verde Valley, just south of Sedona. The small, rural towns of Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Page Springs and Rimrock sit along the banks of the Verde River as charming little slices of Arizona history and western culture, just an hour or two from the Valley of the Sun. Here are a few of the spots we recommend you visit the next time you’re looking for a quick and unique getaway.

CAMP VERDE

Camp Verde is the first stop on our list. The town prides itself on being “the center of it all,” due to its very central location in the state of Arizona. Camp Verde is full of historic sites, ranging from Fort Verde State Park, a well-preserved example of the Arizona Territory in the wild west era of the late 1800s, to the nearby Montezuma’s Castle National Monument, an 800 year old legacy of the Sinagua people who lived in ancient Arizona. More modern attractions to the Camp Verde area include Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Cliff Castle Casino, and the Verde Valley Archeology Center. The climate is perfect and there are plenty

By Jill Frier

of outdoor activities in the area including beautiful places to camp, boat, fish, hike and explore along the shores of the Verde River.

COTTONWOOD

Cottonwood, known as the Heart of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, is a friendly haven for artists, foodies, wine and antique lovers. Once a small farming community, historic Old Town Cottonwood is now known for its Main Street, featuring cafes, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, antique stores, art galleries, hotels, shops and boutiques. The town is also home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a beautiful location for camping, hiking, boating and fishing near the Verde River Valley lagoons located in the area.

CLARKDALE

Clarkdale, Arizona, just a few minutes down the road from Cottonwood on the way to Jerome, was designed and built by Senator William Andrews Clark as a copper-smelting company town for the mine employees in Jerome. Although it has a population of less than 5000 people, Clarkdale is big a tourist attraction with daily train rides on the Verde Canyon Railroad bringing hundred of tourists to the area. It is also home to Tuzigoot National Monument, a fascinating look at ancient Sinagua pueblo ruins on a hilltop overlooking the Verde River. Visitors to Clarkdale can also experience the Arizona Copper Art Museum, enjoy some of Verde Valley wine country’s finest at the Southwest Wine Center, or float down the Verde River with experienced local river outfitters through unspoiled riparian areas adjacent to the Audubon Important Birding Area in Tavasci Marsh.

CORNVILLE AND PAGE SPRINGS

The tiny towns of Cornville and Page Springs are a bit further off the beaten path, on the road to Sedona between Cottonwood and Rimrock. Both communities sit alongside Oak Creek, a tributary of the Verde River flowing through Sedona, and both are part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, in the heart of Arizona wine country. A trip north on the winding Page Springs Road out of Cornville will take you along a trail full of local wineries and beautiful scenery on the way to Sedona. Cornville was once the home of long-time Arizona Senator John McCain. Page Springs hosts the largest state run fish hatchery, the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, which is operated by Arizona Game and Fish and stocks more than 50 percent of the state’s trout population.

RIMROCK

Rimrock is a small town north of Camp Verde along I-17, incorporating the Beaver Creek Communities of Lake Montezuma, Rimrock and McGuireville. Just down the Verde River from Sedona, Rimrock is the town nearest to the Montezuma’s Well National Monument, the site of Sinagua ruins just downstream from the larger and more popular Montezuma’s Castle National Monument. The location of this monument is beautiful, lush and green, with a pueblo community built into a cliff overlooking a small, deep pond. Rimrock is also the gateway to the Beaver Creek Wilderness area, a perfect place to camp, hike and fish, just downriver from Sedona, and the fascinating V Bar V Ranch Heritage site, the largest and best-preserved petroglyph site in the Verde Valley. Most of the more than 1000 petroglyphs were created by the Sinagua people from about 900 AD until about 1350 AD.

The Verde Canyon Railroad’s motto – “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” – is one of my very favorites. It applies to all of the trips that take you to visit the tiny towns and desert hideaways throughout our great state. The places listed here are just a few of our favorite spots to visit in the Verde Valley area of Arizona, but there are many more worth seeing. Take your time and enjoy the slow pace of the many small towns and communities that line the Verde River on the way to Sedona and Flagstaff from Phoenix. And be sure to check out www.LadybugsBlog.com for more fun things to do everywhere in Arizona!

PETS 5 TIPS FOR HIKING WITH YOUR PET

By Liz Illg, Puff &Fluff

As the weather warms up, it’s time to put on your walking shoes, get outdoors, and enjoy nature. If you have a pup, you will most likely want to take him or her along to enjoy some exercise as well! While it’s great to spend quality time with your pet outdoors, it’s equally important to learn some handy tips beforehand. Hiking with your pet can be a fun, exhilarating experience - but it can also be dangerous if you don’t follow proper protocol.

BRING PLENTY OF WATER:

Most of a dog’s body is comprised of water so it’s critical to bring enough water for you and your pup during a hike. One or two bottles may not be enough, and your dog may require even more water depending on his or her size. Come prepared, because you don’t want to worry mid-hike about running out of water. In addition to water, make sure you have snacks and treats for your pet as well. Essentially, whatever you think YOU would need for a hike, your pet will most likely need as well.

ENSURE YOUR PET IS IN GOOD HEALTH:

This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind. Both young and old dogs cannot handle intense trails - don’t push them to exhaustion. If you notice your pet is lying down, panting excessively, or foaming at the mouth, it’s time to stop the hike and cool down. You can certainly train your dog to build up their prowess, but don’t expect them to keep up with the level of activity that you can. If you have any questions about your pet’s health, be sure to ask your vet.

KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN:

Of course, we love spending time outdoors with our four-legged friends, but if we want to keep enjoying time outside, we have to treat our planet with love and care. This means picking up after your pet during your walks and hikes. You may think leaving some dog droppings in the middle of the woods won’t do much harm, but dog excrement actually contains harmful levels of bacteria, which can disrupt local wildlife, native habitats, and

groundwater supplies. Pick up after Fido!

TAKE PLENTY OF BREAKS:

Again, this goes along with the notion of making sure your pup is in good health and to bring along plenty of water staying hydrated. Don’t overwork your dog - even if you think ‘they can handle it’, hiking can put quite a strain on our furry friends. While exercise is great for their health, don’t overdo it. You don’t have to race to the peak - enjoy the journey and quality time with your dog at their own pace.

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR PUP POST-HIKE:

While you should be checking for signs of exhaustion during the hike, keeping an eye on your pet post-hike is also a good idea. Make sure they’re drinking, eating, and acting like their pawesome self. Also, a bath is a great idea post-hike. Make sure to check for ticks, scratches, or cuts - especially around their paws. It’s a good idea to put together a little first-aid kit to bring along on your hikes - just in case.

Lastly, if the ground is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup.

PRESCOTT, AZ www.friendlypines.com (928) 445-2128 info@friendlypines.com

JOIN USthis summer!

Spaces are filling! Enroll Now!

Boys and girls, ages 6-13 One & Two-Week Sessions Over 30 activities to choose from!

“An Arizona Tradition...

turning childhood moments into life’s rich memories.”

Your 5 Star Neighborhood Deli & Grill

Breakfast & Lunch • Online Ordering • Delivery

Monday Thru Friday 7AM-3PM

T: (623) 243-6499 F: (623) 242-9456

Bring this ad to receive your complimentary side of Coleslaw, Potato or Macaroni Salad and a 20 oz. Fountain Drink with any Sandwich purchase.

LOOK FOR THE UMBRELLAS ON THE PATIO 22601 N. 19th Ave., STE 121 Phoenix, AZ 85027 NE Corner of 19th Ave. and W. Williams Dr.

Order Online: citysquaredeligrill.com $4.00 Delivery Fee