Exploring Jerome and Cottonwood with Clarkdale as your Hub
- clarkdalearizona
- May 21
- 4 min read
A Two-Day Adventure in Arizona’s Verde Valley
Planning the perfect Verde Valley getaway? Use Clarkdale as your home base to explore neighboring Cottonwood and Jerome while enjoying the charm and comfort of a small town with big personality. This two-day itinerary blends arts, wine, history, and high-desert adventure—with cozy lodging in Clarkdale and a night under the stars in the Mingus Mountains.
Day 1: Discover Clarkdale & Cottonwood
Violette's Bakery Café is the perfect start to your adventure. PHOTOS: Violette's Bakery Café
Morning in Clarkdale: Start your trip with a slow, buttery morning at Violette’s Bakery Café, where the scent of fresh croissants lingers in the air and every bite feels like a kiss on the cheek. After breakfast, choose your first cultural stop:
Arizona Copper Art Museum – Explore exquisite exhibits that showcase the region’s copper history and artistic craftsmanship.
Clarkdale Historical Society & Museum – Dive into Clarkdale’s story, from smelter town beginnings to its role in Arizona’s development.
Midday in Cottonwood:
Head just minutes down the road to Old Town Cottonwood, a walkable district full of tasting rooms, shops, and delicious dining.
PHOTOS: Visit Cottonwood Arizona
Wine tasting at spots like Merkin Vineyards, Rubrix Wines, or Tantrum Wines.
Lunch at Pizzeria Bocce or Crema Craft Kitchen, where flavors are fresh and the patios are inviting.
Shop the Old Town Copper Co.—the Copper Art Museum’s retail gallery in Cottonwood—for stunning handcrafted copper pieces, home goods, and unique gifts
Afternoon Return to Clarkdale:
Take a kayak tour on the Verde River with Clarkdale Kayak Company or hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a scenic ride through red rock canyons.
Visit Tuzigoot National Monument, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Verde Valley.
Clarkdale boasts a wonderful variety of overnight options satisfying any traveler's taste.
Evening Wind-Down:
Return to your hotel in Clarkdale for a relaxing night. You can choose from:
Taawaki Inn – Indigenous-owned, modern, and connected to Hopi art and heritage
Park Hotel – Stylish boutique lodging in the heart of town
Clarkdale Lodge – Homey, long-time favorite for slow travelers
Penumbra – An eclectic and artistic retreat tucked away in a peaceful setting
When you book directly with local hotels, you’re helping them keep more of your dollars—no big booking site fees, just hometown hospitality.
Enjoy dinner in Clarkdale or Cottonwood as they are just minutes apart.
Enjoy dinner at Hermosillo Hot Dogs, which serves up a delicious variety of Mexican food in downtown Clarkdale and cold craft brews across the street at Smelter Town Brewery. Or hop on over to nearby Cottonwood’s Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House for an indulgent dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Jerome & Mingus Mountain Adventure
Perched on a mountain, steeped in history—Jerome’s got that high-altitude charm.
Morning in Jerome:
After breakfast, head up the winding mountain road to the historic mining town of Jerome. Perched on the mountainside, Jerome offers stunning views, quirky shops, and a glimpse into Arizona’s rowdy past.
Shop till you float—Jerome’s got crystals, curios, and all the mountain magic you didn’t know you needed.
Visit Jerome State Historic Park which features the impressive Douglas Mansion
Shop for local art, crystals, and oddities at Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, Raku Gallery, or the Haunted Hamburger Souvenir Store
Snap photos of abandoned buildings and hillside homes
Bite into Jerome—where the flavors are bold and the views are unbeatable.
Lunch with a View:
Grab a bite at The Asylum Restaurant or The Clinkscale, both offering great food and mountain views.
Afternoon Outdoor Escape:
After exploring Jerome, continue upward into the Mingus Mountain Recreation Area for your next adventure. Set up camp for a night under the stars.
Download the Mingus Mountain Brochure here:
Hike the Potato Patch Trail or North Mingus Loop for great views
Camp overnight surrounded by pines and the cool mountain breeze—it's a quiet, rejuvenating end to your two-day escape.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Clarkdale is the perfect launchpad for your Verde Valley adventure—centrally located, full of character, and surrounded by nature, history, and small-town charm. Whether you’re sipping wine, hopping between art galleries, or sleeping under the stars, this itinerary makes it easy to do it all.
Start your journey in Clarkdale.
Book your stay and map out your epic Verde Valley escape.
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