Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria. Photo by Greg Bernstein.
Cottonwood
Cottonwood beckons with a happening food and drink scene. It’s also just 30 minutes from Sedona and is an easy place reach. We’ll never tire of strolling down Main Street to check out all the tasting rooms and restaurants. The offerings are always changing. A few of our absolute favorite restaurants include Crema and Bocce. Crema serves a dynamite brunch with many Southwestern twists. We personally love the Breakfast Tacos packed with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potato, chives, cheddar, pico de gallo and spicy Sriracha aioli.
Pizzeria Bocce. Photo courtesy of The Haunted Group.
We’ve also been enjoying Pizzeria Bocce’s hand-stretched wood fired pies for years. Cozy up to the marble bar and watch those signature pizzas get fired up right behind you. One choice option includes the Cire’s that’s topped with tomato sauce, Italian sausage that’s made in house, pepperoni, ricotta, mushrooms, hand-stretched mozzarella and fresh herbaceous basil. By the time you’re reading this, Queen B Sushi should be open.
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria. Photo by Greg Bernstein.
We always enjoy wine tasting in the area too. Rubrix Wines and Arizona Stronghold both have tasting rooms downtown. The most striking of the bunch is the Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria. Take a long walk up some steep stairs, drive up the hill, or take the funicular to the top of this ultra-modern restaurant. The sweeping views of downtown Cottonwood and the surrounding area are simply stunning. Head here just to take them in. If you’d like to stay a while, try some of Merkin’s excellent Italian fare and plenty of wine. All the pasta, pizza and bread here are made fresh daily from flour by Arizona’s own Hayden Mills. We’re fans of the signature Merkin Mac & Cheese. This pink prickly pear pasta also features pancetta, mascarpone, pecorino and is dusted with prickly pear powder. The menu includes all of Merkin’s wines, which are made from grapes grown on the winery’s own estate vineyards located in the Verde Valley and in Willcox. The Chupacabra Rosa is one of our favorite rosés to drink in the hot summer months. The house made gelato here is of some note. Chef Kelley E. Foy handcrafts everything. Expect flavors like vanilla and sweet cream.
Alcantara Vineyards.
Although not in downtown, Alcantara Vineyards is well worth a visit. Drive down a steep road to visit this winery. The setting is stunning. Take in views of the vines and surrounding mountains from the expansive property. Alcantara focuses on regenerative viticultural practices and natural wines. Wine offerings include merlot, riesling, malbec and cabernet sauvignon. We’ve kayaked along the Verde River here, and it was a true water adventure.
The Tavern Hotel.
Where To Stay
Located right on Main Street, The Tavern Hotel is a contemporary, pet-friendly lodging option with 42 guestrooms. Location aside, we also love the tiny details here. Rooms feature wood floors along with elegant, white tiled bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers outfitted with glass doors stocked with Salt and Stone products, granite countertops and vessel sinks. Rooms also include black and white vintage photos of Cottonwood’s past. Constructed in 1925, the foundation of the hotel was once a grocery store.
D.A. Ranch.
Page Springs
Page Springs is an ideal spot to take in the area’s wine. Four Northern Arizona wineries have tasting rooms all along Page Springs Road, which makes it easy to check out each place. D.A. Ranch has a bucolic setting that comes complete with a tire swing, animals and a pond near the tasting room. D.A. Ranch is known for its red wines, but we’re big fans of the Willow White, a Seyval Blanc wine. Taste award-winning wines at Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery’s small tasting room. Outside, enjoy scenic views of the surroundings and vines. Page Springs Cellars Tasting Room & Bistro overlooks Oak Creek and is a gorgeous place where you can spend a few hours drinking this spot’s wine and seeing the river flow. The bistro menu even includes suggested wine pairings. Page Springs advises pairing its Fig & Prosciutto pie with one of Page Springs’ non-aromatic white wines like the 2022 Dos Padres Grenache Blanc.
The Blue Cow Guest Farm.
Where To Stay
At roughly 15 minutes from D.A. Ranch, The Blue Cow Guest Farm in Cornville is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to stay close to Northern Arizona’s premier wine street. The hotel is housed in a red farm-like building. Guests can stay in one of just four rooms. Rooms feature plush beds, rustic chic décor like distressed wood dressers, barn doors in front of the bathroom and outdoor patios featuring sweeping views of the area’s red rocks. The patios are a true highlight. Guests can sit outside and watch as hummingbirds buzz around and take in stunning scenery. You might just spot some of the hotel’s farm guests. Blue Cow is home to chickens and two goats, Pepper and Cinnamon. Please note that pets are not allowed. The Blue Cow Guest Farm is also an adults only property.
Williams, Arizona.
Williams
Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon since it’s about 30 minutes from the entrance of the Grand Canyon, Williams is where many people stay when they’re headed to Northern Arizona’s top attraction. But Williams is a destination worth visiting in its own right. We’ve spent many an afternoon strolling around the adorable downtown. Dig into wood-fired pizza and other hearty Italian fare at Station 66. Pizza options include The Bistro, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, salami, banana peppers and onions that’s drizzled with honey. For a more upscale option, consider the Red Raven Restaurant. This spot bills itself as “a casual fine dining restaurant.” Guests can sink their forks into pasta, steaks and even filet mignon.
Bearizona.
Williams is also home to Bearizona. Located on a sprawling 160 acres just off of Interstate 40, Bearizona features a variety of wild animals that visitors can admire. Visitors can walk or drive thru this wildlife park. Expect to see grizzly bears, jaguars, bobcats, beavers, snakes, deer, elk and goats. Searching for more animals? This city is also home to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Families can take their kids here, where they get up and close to deer at the petting zoo. Visitors also can see elk, porcupines, a camel, goats and wallabies. Visitors can even feed deer straight from their hands here.
Where To Stay
Located on Route 66, the Sheridan House Inn is an adults only bed and breakfast. The hotel features eight unique rooms. The Cedar Room features a massive King bed, a walk in shower and bay windows showcasing the surrounding Ponderosa pine forest. One special perk? Four nights a week, guests can enjoy a chef-curated meal at the hotel’s outdoor patio and inside the dining room. Situated on 160 private acres, Backland is a luxury glamping resort with just 10 suites for guests. If you’re searching for a place where you can enjoy the outdoors without having to rough it, this is for you. Suites feature full showers, air conditioning, heating, plush beds, a sitting area, an outdoor patio and expansive windows that let the light and nature in. A continental breakfast and nightly s’mores are included with the room rate.
Williams, Arizona.
Festival Fun
Route 66 JDM Classic
From Oct. 2 to 3, Winslow will host the Route 66 JDM Classic that exclusively features Japanese cars. Festival goers can expect to see Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi and other Japanese made cars that are from the year 2000 or older. Expect to see these vehicles lined up along historic Route 66. Visit route66jdm.com for more information.
Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a perennial destination that is just breathtaking. Visiting the South Rim is a must-have Northern Arizona experience. Drive past the entrance, park and then take a short walk to see the expansive canyon. Walk along the paved Rim Trail and take in as much as you can.
Grand Canyon National Park.
It’s so gorgeous and massive. If you have the time, you can take a shuttle to various locations along the rim. If you don’t have a time, a short hike along the Rim Trail is well worth the time.
Grand Canyon National Park.
We visited Mather Point to check out the sunset one night, and it was a near-perfect experience. Everyone gathers there (some with drinks in hand) and watches as the sunlight lights up the canyon. Watch as the canyon’s walls seemingly change color as the sun dips below the horizon.
The Squire at Grand Canyon.
Where To Stay
We’ve stayed at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort, where we enjoyed plenty of modern amenities. Our room was spacious and featured a King bed, a sitting area and a bathroom outfitted with a rainfall shower head. We loved stepping outside on the balcony that faced the hotel’s outdoor pool.
The Squire at Grand Canyon.
We watched a rain storm and then a colorful rainbow light up the sky on the day we arrived. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, a massive gym, an arcade and outdoor games like a life-size chess set, ping pong tables and a splash pad. We also enjoyed a stellar meal at the Desert Lounge + Grill. We sunk our forks into some Mediterranean Sea Bass and enjoyed a glass of wine inside the dimly lit posh dining room.
Aspen Nature Loop Trail. Photo by Donavan Seschillie.
Flagstaff
Due to the high number of festivals and changing leaves, Flagstaff is practically fall headquarters. Head to the online Leaf O Meter to see how Flagstaff’s yellow aspens are coming along.
Flagstaff Gondola Ride. Photo courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl.
When it’s high, head to town to see Flagstaff’s fall colors in all their glory. We’ll never tire of taking the Flagstaff Gondola Ride to the top of Mount Humphreys.
Aerial View of Aspen Trees in Flagstaff.
The trees were lit up all around us, and at the summit, someone was playing a pan flute. Downtown Flagstaff is also chock full of shops and restaurants that we’ve enjoyed through the years. Proper Meats + Provisions features excellent sandwiches, like the Pastrami sandwich.
Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park. Photo by Donavan Seschillie.
Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park serves up stunning scenery of the San Francisco Peaks. The park’s flat trails are also easy to take a breezy trail as you soak up the gorgeous surroundings. Best of all? Admission is free.
Aspen Nature Loop Trail. Photo by Ted Grussing.
Where To Stay
The Americana Motor Hotel is where retro meets modern design. Pull up to this hotel that’s roughly 10 minutes from downtown, and you’ll see an astronaut statue outside. Inside, rooms feature 70s-inspired décor. Think wood paneled walls, free standing orange nightstands and headboards in orange, blue, white and yellow. One of our favorite design perks? A disco ball in the corner. Outdoors, guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, fire pits and lawn games like cornhole. The hotel’s recently launched Far Our Window is where guests can order plenty of classic American fare. This includes a Cheddar Cheeseburger, Bacon & Egg Sando, salads and a variety of hot dogs.
San Francisco Peaks. Photo by Ted Grussing.
Festival Fun
Oktoberfest
On Oct. 3, head to Wheeler Park to celebrate fall during Oktoberfest. Enjoy bratwurst, pretzels and plenty of beer, naturally. Guests can also enjoy a brat eating contest and live music. Visit flagstaffoktoberfest.com for more information.
Celebraciones de la Gente
Held at the Museum of Northern Arizona from Oct. 24 to 25, Celebraciones de la Gente honors those who have passed. Anticipate lively cultural dances and music. Explore the brightly adorned ofrendas. Guests also can try traditional Latin foods. Mariachi Agave and Ballet Folklorico de Colores will perform. Children can enjoy face painting and can make sugar skulls.
