Cottonwood
Cottonwood, with a population of about 12,000, is located on the Verde River at the intersections of Arizona SR 89A and SR 260, midway between Sedona and Camp Verde. The community sits at an elevation of 3,300 feet in the shadows of the Black Mountains which peak at 7,840 feet.
Daily temperature high’s average from the upper '50s in the winter to the upper '90s in the Summer. Nightime lows average about 30 degrees cooler than the daily high.
Cottonwood is the hub of the Verde Valley, functioning as the thriving commercial center for the region. Retail establishments, national chains, and local companies provide services and supplies. Hospital, specialized medical facilities and professional services are available.
Old Town Cottonwood with its historic main street has nearly three dozen buildings that date back to prohibition era of the 1920s and '30s.
Spend a delightful afternoon on foot in Old Town Cottonwood and discover great restaurants, galleries, wine tasting rooms and other cool boutique shops.
COTTONWOOD SHOPS, GALLERIES AND RESTAURANTS:
Jerome
On the eastern slope of Cleopatra Hill, at an elevation of 5,200 feet is the mining town of Jerome with its sloped rooftops; winding streets; and reminders of its heyday as a mining town. It’s no wonder the city is designated a historic landmark; it is certainly a must-see for any lover of frontier and/or mining history — just minutes from Cottonwood and Clarkdale, Arizona. Since Jerome sits at a mile high in elevation, the average daytime temperatures are lower than the rest of the towns in the Verde Valley. Average daily highs are in the 50’s during the winter and low 90s in the heat of the summer.
Jerome is a thriving, year-round artist colony with a population close to 500. The town includes several dozen fine galleries, restaurants, artist cooperatives and one of a kind gift shops – from raku and jewelry to kaleidoscopes.
Visiting The Mine Museum and Jerome State Historic Park are excellent ways to sample the rich history of this colorful old west mining town.
Next to Sedona, Jerome is the most visited tourism destination in the Verde Valley and is a definite “must” to put on your travel agenda.
Camp Verde
Camp Verde, located about a 30-40-minute drive from Sedona, is home to several area attractions such as Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Montezuma Well.