Learn more about our region by reading the stories from people who live, work and play in our area.
10 Ideas for Family Trips in Sedona Verde Valley
Sedona Verde Valley Arizona is the perfect place to have a family adventure and to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of pristine national forest, the region is an oasis with big vistas and colorful red rock formations. Add to this a mild, four-season climate; a small-towns, village atmosphere; numerous outdoor recreational […]
104 Fun and Fascinating Facts About Arizona
This list was compiled and researched by the Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Centennial Commission staff with the assistance of Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s Official State Historian. The article was originally published on the website of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the […]
18th Annual Spring Heritage Pecan and Wine Festival
Camp Verde Promotions hosts the 18th Annual Spring Heritage Pecan and Wine Festival on March 17 – 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The festival is comprised of four partnering organizations that celebrate Camp Verde’s spring harvest and heritage with the following signature events: […]
2018 New Years Events in Sedona Verde Valley
Ring in the New Year in Sedona Verde Valley. Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Sedona for this New Years. Blazin’ M Ranch: New Year Magic with Eric Gilliam! Make the fall and winter seasons truly magical as illusionist Eric Gilliam debuts on stage at the Blazin’ M […]
4 Rainy Day Activities To Do With the Kids in Sedona Verde Valley
With close to 300 days of sunshine per year, you are very likely to spend your trip to Sedona Verde Valley soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the outdoors. But we do get some rain sometimes and that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun as a family! Here are four perfect activities for rainy days […]
45 of Local First Graders to Receive Free Bikes from Can’d Aid Foundation at Sedona Mountain Bike Festival
Can’d Aid is all about spreading people powered do-goodery through Towns, Tunes, Treads + Trails and Love Yur Mama efforts nationwide. A publicly funded national nonprofit organization based in Colorado, Can’d Aid is a game changer in the way people build community. Through their Treads + Trails program alone, they have enlisted thousands of volunteers […]
A Toast to Tourism – Celebrating Collaboration in the Verde Valley
The following article originally appeared in Local First Arizona on Nov. 18, 2016 and is republished here with permission from the author. “Incredible by beauty, nature and space, Millions of travelers visit our place. Robust in culture, history, adventure for all, May visitors be many, but their footprint be small Stay, play….. take home […]
African Wildlife at Out of Africa
For Visitors of all Ages On a hot day in July, Boom Boom, a rescued Southern White rhinoceros, takes a nap under a large mesquite tree; Echo, a gray wolf, anxiously awaits a fresh chicken treat from a caregiver’s hand, black bear Payson stands up and begs for her supper, and Chipa, a spotted hyena, [...]
All Aboard the Wilderness Train
If you are a fan of train travel, as I am, you know that seeing a landscape by rail is a relaxed, unhurried and deeply satisfying experience. It’s a time to let someone else take the wheel as you settle in to watch the countryside roll by, one frame at a time, with plenty of [...]
Art is everywhere this Spring in Sedona Verde Valley!
Sedona Verde Valley truly has something to offer to everyone. Even though Spring is a perfect time to get outside, there is also a lot to do and see for all the art-lovers out there. We highlighted 3 great events that are happening soon in Sedona Verde Valley, be sure to mark your calendar! […]
As Sedona Trail Keeper Sponsors Increase, so does Trail Funding
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau donated $100,000 to the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund on February 28, 2019! During the annual Sedona Trail Keepers donation event, $35,000 was donated from 35 local business sponsors with an equal match of funds from visitor bed tax contributions from the Chamber’s tourism budget, totaling $70,000. […]
Best activities to experience Sedona Verde Valley’s wildlife and nature this Spring
In Sedona Verde Valley, Spring is the most enjoyable season for outdoor activities with cool and pleasant temperatures. It is also a great time to observe and experience the wide variety of wildlife and nature that the area has to offer. It’s truly a magical scenery when the desert terrain bursts into a canvas of […]
Bring Fido along to Sedona Verde Valley
Sedona Verde Valley is a great place to take your whole family on vacation and that includes your dog! No need to leave your four-legged best friend home when you come visit us. There are many hotels and restaurants that will accommodate your furry friend. You won’t miss out on any of the fun the […]
Camping with the Kids: Tips for First-Time Campers
Spring is just around the corner and camping is the perfect way to welcome the new season in Sedona Verde Valley. Spending the night under a tent with the kids is a great way to spend some quality time as a family, and make memories for a lifetime while enjoying the outdoors. Sedona Verde Valley, […]
CBD Sedona is now a Certified Sustainable Business
CBD Sedona is now a Certified Sustainable Business at the Conservationist/Bronze level by the Sustainability Alliance. CBD Sedona owners Aalia Kazan and Edward Gordon, L.Ac., didn’t start out selling CBD. Their West Sedona clinic began as an Acupuncture and Sound Therapy office. “When patients kept asking for CBD we decided to investigate the science behind […]
Celebrate Earth Day in Sedona Verde Valley
The Yavapai-Apache Nation and the Town of Camp Verde present the FIRST EVER co-hosted Earth Day event. On Saturday, April 21 join us at Veterans Memorial Park below Cliff Castle Casino for a full day of fun events.
Celebrate Easter in Sedona Verde Valley
With Easter in a little over two weeks, it’s time to start making plans! Sedona Verde Valley is a great place to celebrate for those who want to enjoy a great meal with the family, spend some time outside together or go on an egg hunt with the kids, Embark on a fun Easter adventure […]
Celebrate Wintertime in Sedona Verde Valley
Wintertime is a great time to visit Sedona Verde Valley! While we may get the occasional snow in the mountains, temperatures here hover around a balmy 60 degrees through the winter, so you can spend the coldest months outside with us! Looking for a reason to visit Sedona Verde Valley in the wintertime? Here’s some […]
Celebrating Our Veterans in Sedona Verde Valley
It’s already here…. Fort Verde State Historic Park, the Town of Camp Verde and the American Legion Riders are hosting the 7th annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event this Saturday at Fort Verde. The American Legion Riders Honor Ride begins in Sedona with kickstands going up at 11:10 am and ends up in Camp […]
Certified Sustainable Wineries in the Verde Valley
By Darcy Hitchcock, co-founder of the Sustainability Alliance It surprises many people that Arizona has over 100 wineries, and a number of them are in the Verde Valley. Since there are so many, why not favor and visit the ones that are certified as Sustainable Businesses? Here are two that have earned the Innovator/Silver level […]
Cool Off with These Great Summer Cocktails in Sedona Verde Valley
Beat the heat one sip at a time with these refreshing drinks crafted just for you by local bartenders. At Grapes, be sure to grab a glass of Sparkling Sangria. One of their most popular summer drinks, this refreshing beverage is made with Italian sparkling wine—prosecco—giving it a unique flavor to the traditional Spanish Sangria. […]
Earth Day Celebrations Achieved Zero Waste in Sedona Verde Valley
By Darcy Hitchcock This year, the Sustainability Alliance declared Earth Day Month. At least thirty-five different groups held Earth Day events in the Verde Valley during April involving well over 6000 people. (Roughly half of the events reported their participation to us estimated at 5924). Events ranged from the Yavapai/Apache/Camp Verde Earth Day Celebration to […]
Earth Day in the Verde Valley
What’s Your Earth Month offering? Last year the Verde Valley Earth Day Extravaganza went all weekend surrounding Earth Day. We listed over 40 events with probably 1000 people participating. This year, the Sustainability Alliance is declaring Earth Day Month, all April! One day or one weekend just doesn’t do Mother Nature justice! What are you […]
Empowered in Paradise
Discover Your Purpose, Potential & Passion for Life Dolvett Quince, Celebrity Fitness Coach known for his tenacious, yet motivating workouts, launches a new wellness experience called Empowered in Paradise. Empowered in Paradise is a one-of-a-kind wellness adventure that enables the participant to look at life through a new lens; giving support and guidance through 1-day, […]
Enjoy and Conserve the Verde River
Of course, everything revolves around the life-giving Verde River. The story of human habitation, the agricultural bounty and astonishing diversity of flora and fauna begin and end with that watery ribbon twisting through arid uplands. There is a joyful defiance to a perennial flowing stream in Arizona, a sneer at looming desert and an embrace […]
Enjoy the Verde River this Spring
Now that Spring has definitely set in with temperatures in the high 70s, it is a great time to enjoy one of Sedona Verde Valley’s jewels, the Verde River. The Verde River is one of Arizona’s only two Wild and Scenic Rivers, yet it remains relatively undiscovered as a recreational resource. It’s an excellent place […]
Experience Sedona Verde Valley’s Vortexes and Spiritual Hotspots
Sedona is well-known for its spiritual enhancement of the mind, body, and soul. Its natural geomagnetic points are said to promote healing, balance and spirituality for people who seek guidance. These geomagnetic points are called “vortexes,” and people from all over the world visit each year in hopes of finding a deeper meaning to their […]
Exploring the Sinagua Driving Circle
On a sweltering day in April, when the sun was burning in the sky with not a single cloud for cover, Peter Pilles, archaeologist for the Coconino National Forest, led a personalized van tour of the “Sinagua Circle.” Sinagua Circle is an informal name given to a circular area bordered by three Verde Valley waterways—Verde [...]
February Events in Sedona Verde Valley
February 2: 1st Friday in the Galleries Sedona’s finest art galleries invite you to enjoy a lively evening of openings, special guests and artist’s receptions during 1st Friday in the Galleries on February 2 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. All guests are welcome to attend free of charge. For more information on the SGA and a […]
First Annual Local Holiday Shopping Bazaar
The city of Sedona and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce are hosting Merry Midpoint for the celebration of the halfway completion of the road improvement project in Uptown Sedona. The Shops at Pinon Pointe are bringing the holiday cheer with a shopping experience not to be missed. On Tuesday, December 3 between 3:00 – 8:00 […]
First Sedona Star Party Offers Telescopes, Laser Tours for Dazzling Views of Stars, Planets
Sedona’s famous dark skies put on a spectacular August display. Now, local astronomers are ready to guide Sedonans across nature’s celestial majesty at the first Sedona Star Party August 4. A partnership of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, the City of Sedona Parks & Recreation, Keep Sedona Beautiful and the Astronomers of […]
Five organizations certified as a Sustainable Business
The list of Certified Sustainable Businesses continues to grow. The latest additions include Page Springs Cellars and G-Force Gaia Services at the Silver/Innovator level. Three earned Bronze: Cottonwood Business Assistance Center, Tlaquepaque and Spirit Winds Store in The Collective along with their farm in Rim Rock. G-Force Gaia Services (Silver): Gary Foresman has a new […]
Four unique ways to discover Sedona Verde Valley wines and wineries
Whether you’re visiting Sedona Verde Valley as a couple or with some friends, we highly recommend that you add a visit to the local wineries to your itinerary. You’ll discover a destination rich in history, beauty, and learn about the production of exquisite Arizona wines. Thanks to growing publicity from locals, tourists, and wine aficionados […]
Free Admission to Arizona State Parks During Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend
Celebrate Arizona’s Gold Medal Win for Best Managed State Park System in the Nation Governor Doug Ducey today announced that all Arizona State Parks & Trails will offer free admission during Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, in celebration of the Arizona State Parks & Trails’ recognition as the best-managed state park system in the […]
Gift Ideas from Sedona Verde Valley
Gift Ideas from Sedona Verde Valley While Sedona is known for its spectacular views, adventure, and cuisine, visitors should take some time to admire the area’s unique shopping opportunities. Sedona is full of artists and artisans, boutiques, and specialty shops. Every season brings new festivals and open-studio events for art enthusiasts. There are fine art […]
Going Out in Cottonwood, Arizona
Cottonwood is home to several well-known chains and many one-of-a-kind local restaurants. Travelers can choose from all-you-can-eat buffets, delis, coffee shops, sandwich and salad specialties, drive-ins and other eateries where it is easy to drop in for a quick bite while sight-seeing. Diners can choose from family-friendly restaurants where kids are welcome and sometimes eat […]
Highway of Wonders: The Story of State Road 89A
Trying to choose the most scenic drive in Arizona is an impossible task. The state bristles with road-friendly panoramas. You can barely drive to the corner without encountering scenery that bites your heart in half. Yet if someone were to declare State Route 89A as the most scenic drive in Arizona, such a claim would [...]
Holiday Events in Sedona Verde Valley
Kick those winter blues with some of these great community events around the Sedona Verde Valley! Get in the season with holiday lights, events, and so much more! Sedona Verde Valley is the best place to spend the holiday season. December 9: Christmas Bazaar and Parade of Lights in Camp Verde! Browse handmade crafts […]
How can you make wine in the desert? Sedona Verde Valley’s viticulture secret
It’s all about microclimate. This natural phenomenon occurs when certain geographic formations result in the climate of a small region, often a valley, being significantly warmer or cooler than the surrounding area. Microclimates can also have variances in rainfall, when compared to the surrounding area, making choosing the right microclimate region essential for growing great […]
How to Beat the Heat in Sedona Verde Valley
Summer is often the season when people living in the Valley of the Sun escape to a cooler valley–Sedona Verde Valley. Situated at an altitude of 4,500 feet, Sedona Verde Valley is located above the harsh desert heat which keeps temperatures cooler. Sedona Verde Valley is the perfect place to spend summer outside of cities […]
Introducing Sedona Verde Valley’s New Tourism Website
We are excited to announce that Sedona Verde Valley’s new website has launched! Our recently redesigned website is the best place to find inspiring and practical travel-planning information for your next trip to Sedona Verde Valley. Visit SedonaVerdeValley.org for information on where to go, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in Sedona Verde Valley. We […]
Kids can “Explore, Learn, Protect” Sedona Verde Valley as Junior Rangers
We are lucky to count six different state and national protected areas, all easily accessible, in Sedona Verde Valley. From breathtaking natural sites to ancient cliff dwellings, Sedona Verde Valley has much to offer for everyone who comes to visit. And while it’s easy for adults to admire the beauty of the scenery or the history, kids are sometimes […]
Menus to please the kids (and the parents!) in Sedona Verde Valley
Finding a kid-friendly restaurant when you’re traveling can be a pain, but Sedona Verde Valley has tons of options for going out with your little ones! We reached out to restaurants across the region to ask what kids- and parents- love about their place. If you’re coming to Sedona Verde Valley with kids, here’s some places […]
Newly Certified Sustainable Businesses in Sedona Verde Valley
SNAP Fitness in West Sedona and SPEX (Sedona Philosophy Experience) just got certified as sustainable businesses at the Bronze/Conservationist level and McLean Meditation earned Silver/Innovator. Thirty-five organizations are now certified as a Sustainable Business in a wide range of industries including community services, health and wellness, home and garden, and retail. They span the Verde Valley, including […]
Oaxaca Restaurant, a Certified Sustainable Restaurant in Uptown Sedona
In an industry known for turnover, Oaxaca Restaurant in Uptown Sedona has such great employment practices that team members stick around; some employees have been there 35 years, and you can even find father-son pairs on staff.<br><br> Owners Carla and Mark Butler and their management team have created a family atmosphere with flexible hours so […]
Only in Sedona Verde Valley
Sedona Verde Valley is a unique place known for its startling beauty, invigorating adventure, distinctive culture and unforgettable experiences. Because we believe this area is so special, we wanted to highlight the special things that you can only enjoy in Sedona Verde Valley. Iconic Southwestern Landscapes A wonderland of more than 100 stunning trails, people […]
Our Favorite Swimming Holes in Sedona Verde Valley
Looking for a place to cool down after basking in the bright summer sun? Sedona Verde Valley is full of refreshing swimming holes throughout the region. While Slide Rock is the most popular and well-known swimming hole in the region and is definitely worth a visit, we wanted to share SVV’s stunning hidden gems with you. […]
Outdoor Wonderland
Imagine floating through the air in a hot air balloon, drifting at the whim of the early-morning breezes. There’s not a sound to be heard, only the vast expanse of the desert beneath. At four to five miles per hour, it’s slow enough to get a good look at the landscape with its javelina, jackrabbits, [...]
Pursuing Passion on the Verde Valley Wine Trail
Ever wonder what passion tastes like? It’s easy enough to find out. Just travel the Verde Valley Wine Trail and discover a world of vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms, shops and restaurants that are all part of the hearty wine culture taking root in the area. It begins with the boutique wineries huddled on rocky shoulders […]
RunSedona Announces Winner of Aid Station Contest
Annual event gives back to non-profit organizations. Every year, to add the excitement and comradery of the RunSedona event, a $200 award is offered to the best aid station. Since the RunSedona event offers three races including 5K, 10, and the half marathon, aid stations are strategically positioned every two miles to support participants hydration, […]
Where To Go
