Ask The Expert: Travel
Amazing ‘Central’ Arizona by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
S
mack dab in the center of Arizona, you’ll find some of my favorite areas in this amazing state! We’ve been visiting here since we lived in Phoenix back in the 80s, and it still calls our name. It’s really easy to get to…just fly to Phoenix and drive north! Clarkdale is a fun destination in the Verde Valley with old western mining roots. There, you will find the Arizona Copper Art Museum and the famous Verde Canyon Railroad, which offers a four-hour picturesque ride in a classic locomotive. Nearby is the National Monument, Tuzigoot. This is one of the fascinating ancient ruins of the Sinagua People, dating back 1,000 years! Jerome is an old mining town that sits high on a hillside with stunning panoramic
views of the Verde Valley. It’s known as “The Largest Ghost Town in America.” This area boomed into a Billion Dollar Copper Camp seemingly overnight! Once called the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome now features museums, shops, galleries, and great restaurants like the Haunted Hamburger! Sedona is known as “Red Rock Country” and is one of Arizona’s most popular destinations. It’s set against dramatic, red rocks and cliffs and is an outdoor lover’s paradise — especially for hikers! Accommodations range from inexpensive to luxurious spa resorts and spiritual retreats. We love the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Catholic chapel that is built high
into the red buttes. Another favorite is Tlaquepaque – an iconic Sedona Arts and Crafts Village. The architecture is beautiful as well as the numerous towering sycamore trees! Oak Creek Canyon is a gorgeous river gorge only four miles upstream from Sedona. Driving through the canyon is an adventure with lots of switchbacks and breathtaking views. This has to be one of the most dramatic drives in the entire U.S. amidst the stately red rock formations, lush green canyon vegetation, and Oak Creek’s pristine waters! And these are just a few of the reasons why Arizona is so amazing!
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58 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | APRIL 2021
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