Top Recommendations Clarkdale, Arizona
Clarkdale, Arizona is a hidden gem for anyone to visit while they are visiting Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood, or anywhere else in the Verde Valley. The town itself has numerous outdoor activities from hiking, biking, off-roading a secluded trail with Vortex ATV Rental, kayaking, and scenic drives to name a few.
Furthermore, Clarkdale has a small and quiet downtown with a few places to shop and dine. This town is a great spot for history enthusiasts as there is a rich history of copper mining and indigenous tribes. If you are looking for a quiet and small-town feel with plenty of outdoor opportunities, check out Clarkdale.
Furthermore, Clarkdale has a small and quiet downtown with a few places to shop and dine. This town is a great spot for history enthusiasts as there is a rich history of copper mining and indigenous tribes. If you are looking for a quiet and small-town feel with plenty of outdoor opportunities, check out Clarkdale.Top Things To Do Outdoors
- Soak up the Verde River – Whether you decide to hang out along the river at Tapco or Tuzigoot, or go floating, this is a great opportunity to enjoy Arizona’s longest free-flowing river. If you want to look into floating the Verde, check out OAC Tours in Cottonwood, a family-friendly business that offers all sorts of fun river activities to participate in.
- Take a train ride – Do something different and take a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. This is a great opportunity to experience Arizona’s landscape, wildlife, history, and beauty uniquely on a vibrant train excursion.
- Visit a National Monument – Located right outside downtown Clarkdale, Tuzigoot National Monument gives you a chance to see and learn about the Sinqua’s pueblo ruins from thousands of years ago while enjoying the vast landscape of the Verde Valley.
- Hike or bike a new trail – With Clarkdale located at the base of Mingus Mountain and near the Verde River, there are endless opportunities to hike, bike, camp, or explore the diverse desert landscape without having the congestion of the Sedona. All Trails has some ideas for you to get out on the trails. Enjoy seasonal events – Events anywhere from music in the park, car shows, block parties, wine festivals, to even Clarktoberfest, there’s always something going on. Spend time with the locals and enjoy the community coming together for these vibrant events. Take a look here for upcoming events in Clarkdale
Top Things To Do Indoors
- Explore a unique museum – Arizona Copper Art Museum is a must-see while visiting Clarkdale. You can experience the rich history of copper mining in this region while enjoying an exquisite copper collection from the previous centuries.
- Learn the history behind Clarkdale – Visit Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum to learn about Senator William Andrew Clark, one of the most famous and richest men during the late 1800s. Known to be one of America’s “Copper Kings”, William was considered a pivotal pioneer of the Verde Valley.
- Wine Tastings – With just under 30 wineries, tasting rooms, and/or vineyards in the Verde Valley, try some of Clarkdale’s specialties. There are four wineries in Clarkdale which all have something unique to offer. Glance here to learn more about the wineries in Clarkdale.
- Visit downtown – Though there aren’t many spots to shop, Copper Cactus Coffee and Gifts is a charming store in old town Clarkdale. This place offers everything from books, local artists’ creations, gifts, and coffee and tea. https://www.facebook.com/CopperCactus928
- Stay and enjoy a peaceful night or longer – Whether you stay for just a night or longer, take in the tranquility that can be found here and enjoy what this quiet and friendly small town can offer. Park Hotel is one of the best-recommended spots to stay.
Top Food & Drink
- Violetta’s Bakery Cafe – Open for breakfast and lunch, this is a well-kept secret that has delicious homemade baked goods and food, and delicious coffee & teas. Located right on the main street in old town Clarkdale, it’s hard to miss the caboose as Violetta’s Cafe storefront.
- Smelter Town Brewery – Looking for something refreshing? Smelter Town Brewery is family-owned and operated, and offers a wide variety of hand-crafted beers which have won awards. Having a small food menu consistently, Smelter has food trucks periodically that offer a more extensive menu.
- Virgin Cheese – Looking for a unique cheese shop? Look no further than Virgin Cheese. This plant-based cheese company will surprise you with their creative approach and endless options.
- Chateau Tumbleweed & Southwest Wine Center – Some of the better wines in the Verde Valley, both of these Clarkdale-based wineries offer tastings of Chateau Tumbleweed or Southwest Wine Center award-winning wines with gorgeous views of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
- Hermosilla Hot Dogs – Located in downtown Clarkdale, this is a great place to dine in or take out at your convenience. New to Clarkdale, they offer a variety of food with their specialty of the Sonoran Dog, a newer specialty hard to pass up. Clarkdale.
Top Lodging Options
- Park Hotel – Locally owned and operated, this boutique hotel is located right in downtown Clarkdale. Known to be a convenient getaway, relax in comfortable and stylish hotel rooms that feature amazing views of Mingus Mountain and the town park at the Park Hotel.
- Clarkdale Lodge – Stay in this historic hotel right on the outskirts of downtown Clarkdale. With a variety of room options, the Clarkdale Lodge is a perfect setting to get a peaceful night’s sleep in a historic landmark.
- Rain Spirit RV Park – Are looking for a place to park your RV? Rain Spirit RV Park is the place for you whether it be a night or weeks. Being a smaller RV park, you get more privacy with fantastic views of the landscape around the RV park.
- The Taawaki Inn – “The House of the Sun” is a new exquisite hotel with endless views of the Tuzigoot National Monument and the rest of the Verde Valley. Take a look at the up and coming Taawaki Inn in Clarkdale, Arizona.
- AirBnB & Vrbo – If you are looking for the most privacy, this is a great opportunity to rent a room or house for your entire visit. Whether it be short-term or long-term, check out some of the options for your stay in the Verde Valley on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Other things to know about Clarkdale
- Founded in 1912, Clarkdale is renowned as the first master-planned community in the State of Arizona.
- Originally a “company town”, Clarkdale was founded by the United Verde Copper Company to provide housing and services for the employees of their copper smelter.
- Before the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Clarkdale was inhabited by early Indigenous peoples including the Southern Sinagua people.
- Clarkdale is home to 4600 residents and is a primary retirement community mainly dedicated to the arts and community basis.
- Clarksdale has its cactus oasis at Arizona Botanical Gardens. It focuses on plants that are sustainable to the area.
