Visit Historic Old Town Cottonwood Arizona for Arts Antiques Wine Tasting, Dining and Specialty Shopping

All across America most shopping malls have pretty much the same type of stores thus similar items, and we have come to know what to expect when we dine at fast food and other dining chains. While malls and chain restaurants have their merits, most people crave unique experiences whether it is discovering a new travel destination, purchasing a one of a kind item, a local craft beer, a local wine, or trying new foods. If you can appreciate the unique, framed in a historical setting, then you deserve a visit to Old Town Cottonwood Arizona.

Cottonwood is located about 130 miles north of Phoenix and south of Flagstaff in the Verde Valley. Today most travelers reach Cottonwood by travelling north on Interstate I-17, but another route is by the old state route 89A over Mingus Mountains from Prescott. This road has beautiful forest and scenic Verde Valley views, but it is not for the faint of heart as the road is a hair pin turns mountain road.

In 1874, a group of soldiers were posted to an adobe house near the Verde River. By 1879, several families began farming there. Because of the large cottonwood trees growing by the river, the area was called Cottonwood. The farmers sold their crops and livestock to Camp Verde and the mining operations in the area. When the mines began booming, Cottonwood became a center of trade because it was different from the nearby mining company owned towns of Clarkdale and Clemenceau. Besides the usual goods, Cottonwood became known for its bootleg booze during Prohibition. At one time, Cottonwood earned the name of "Biggest Little Town in Arizona." Things changed drastically for downtown Cottonwood, when the Arizona Department of Transportation created the Highway 89 bypass which routed traffic around the downtown area, and the downtown began its decline.

By 2000, most of the area mining was gone and the town was becoming a great place for retirement, and tourism, and the Old Town area had just begun to realize the potential of using the great old historic buildings. Restaurants, retail and wine tasting coupled with special events have made Old Town an interesting destination.

All along Main Street, in Old Town, there are a number of places to dine that offer a wide range of cuisine. A few of our favorite restaurants include:

Abbie's Kitchen- Small excellent continental restaurant

Ancient Pillars Greek Restaurant- Lunch followed by a break opens again for dinner

Bing's Burger Station- Burgers, chili, malts, fountain drinks, shakes, vintage decor

Crema Cafe- excellent gelatto, coffees, Italian flavor

Nick's Italian Steak & Crab House-Excellent food and full bar

Pizzeria Bocce Their pizza is fantastic

Red Rooster Cafe- Breakfast and Lunch

Tavern Grill- Lunch and Dinner good food and eat inside or outside

Wild Rose of Historic Old Town Tea House- Teas, Coffee and Cupcakes

WINE AND BEER TASTING

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards

Burning Tree Cellars

Desert Diamond Distillery

Pillsbury Wine

Small Batch Wines and Spirits

BARS

Cactus Kates--Been around for years, a rowdy good time

Riot- A gastropub, craft beers, outdoor & indoor seating

Second Saturday Art Walks

Thunder Valley Motorcycle Rally September 18-20

Verde River Day September 26

Fall/Halloween Carnival October 31

59th Annual Christmas Parade/ Chocolate Walk December 5th

Antiques Stores:

A Checkered Past: Kitchen, Holiday, Jewelry, Postcards, Glass, Pottery & Misc

Cat's Meow- Vintage clothing, jewelry, general antiques

Green Shed Antiques--Gas and Oil Advertising, furniture, folk art, general antiques shop By Chance or by Appointment 928-284-3120 (Open Saturday August 15th)

Larry's Antiques- 3 buildings full of all types of antiques

Papillion- Vintage clothing, kitchen, jewelry general antiques

Clothing:

Christy Fisher: Clothing made on premises, great specialty t-shirts

Red Geranium- great natural fabrics, stylish accessories

Treasure Junkies (Iron Horse Location) Vintage clothing and Jewelry

Other stores include: Olive oil tasting, clock repair, bookstore, Southwestern decor, fine jewelry, upscale items for pets, real estate, massage, a beauty salon, a dessert cafe, local art, and more. There are three boutique hotels in Old Town: Cottonwood Hotel, Iron Horse Inn and The Tavern Hotel.

Outdoors: Hiking in Sycamore Canyon, Verde River activities, Jeep Tours

Tuzigoot Ruins Museum and Park

Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale- A scenic ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville

Jerome- America's most vertical city, historical mining town, lots of art

Camp Verde- Historical Fort Verde Museum and tour

Sedona- Spectacular red rock formations, fine dining, art, and vortex tours