Summer Sips After Sunset: Clarkdale’s Evening Flavor Trail
- clarkdalearizona
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
When the Arizona sun dips low over the Verde Valley, Clarkdale comes alive in a softer light. Warm breezes carry the scent of mesquite and monsoon rain (if you're lucky) and the sky shifts through a painter’s palette of oranges and purples, and it’s the perfect time to savor a taste of summer.
This season, let your evenings linger with Clarkdale’s best fresh flavors, artisan sips, and lively night spots — all against the backdrop of a summer sunset.
Start Fresh: Local Bounty & Artisanal Bites
Set up your evening for success with farm-fresh produce from The Farm at Bent River. Their seasonal offerings — think heirloom tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and juicy melons — bring the Verde Valley’s fertile beauty straight to your table.
Make sure to check their Facebook page for their hours. The farm store has been open Friday from 9am-12pm and Saturday from 8am-12pm.
For a plant-based indulgence, step into Virgin Cheese, where artisan vegan cheeses are crafted with the same care and complexity you’d expect from the finest dairy. Pair them with fresh bread or fruit from the farm for an easy sunset picnic. To schedule a visit to the store during August simply text 928-800-2408 to sample and score some goodies. They will be happy to hop over as they only live 2 miles from their shop!
And for a sweet or savory treat with European flair, Violette’s Bakery Café delivers pastries, quiches, and coffee creations worthy of lingering over — the perfect fuel for a leisurely summer stroll. Grab some treats earlier in the day here and save for later as Violette's is typically open from 8:30am-2pm on Wednesday through Saturday.
Sip the Sunset: Local Wineries & Brewery
As the heat gives way to golden hour, explore Clarkdale’s rich wine culture:
Bodega Pierce, each glass is a love letter to Arizona’s high-desert terroir. Their bold, award-winning varietals — from rich reds to crisp whites — are crafted with precision and a passion for showcasing the character of Verde Valley grapes. The tasting room offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for slow sipping as the day winds down.
The Clarkdale Tasting Room is open Thursday through Sunday from Noon to 6pm. Schedule your tasting here.
A short stroll away, Chateau Tumbleweed takes a playful yet meticulous approach to winemaking. Known for its creative labels and intriguing blends, this winery offers something for both casual tasters and devoted oenophiles. Their airy, light-filled space invites conversation, and the view from the patio pairs beautifully with a chilled glass at golden hour.
Open daily from 12pm-7pm. Reservations are encouraged on weekends and required for parties of six or more. Call them to make your reservation at 928-634-0443 or email info@chateautumbleweed.com.
For something truly unique, head to Southwest Wine Center, where the next generation of winemakers is making their mark. Operated by viticulture and enology students, the center produces innovative wines from estate-grown grapes, blending tradition with fresh ideas. Tastings here come with the added delight of knowing you’re supporting education and experimentation in the art of winemaking.
The tasting room is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 12pm-6pm. Wine tasting flights are available by reservation only and must be made online here.
Walk-ins are welcome on the patio for glass and bottle purchases.
If beer is more your style, Smelter Town Brewery brings a refreshing dose of craft brewing to Clarkdale. With small-batch recipes inspired by the town’s mining heritage, each pint tells a local story — from hoppy IPAs to malty, full-bodied ales. Pull up a seat on the patio, listen to the hum of the summer night, and toast to the day’s adventures.
Make It a Night: Music & More
When darkness settles and the stars begin their quiet shimmer, keep the evening going at the 10-12 Lounge. With live music, dancing, and the relaxed camaraderie of locals and travelers alike, it’s the ideal place to toast to summer.
The 10-12 Lounge features live music from 2-6pm every Saturday and Sunday and from 5-8pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Check out their Facebook page for the live music lineup.
Your Summer Evening in Clarkdale
Whether you’re pairing a glass of red with vegan cheese, enjoying a crisp local beer after a sunset walk, or dancing the night away downtown, Clarkdale’s summer evenings are made for slowing down and savoring the moment.
Pro Tip: Pack your farm-fresh finds for a riverside picnic, then follow the glow of town lights to your next stop on the flavor trail.
Share your #ClarkdaleAfterDark moments on Instagram and tag your favorite local spot — you might just inspire someone else’s perfect summer night.
So... what are you waiting for? Book your Clarkdale summer getaway now!
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