Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Verde Valley Justice Rd. (off Ariz. 260), Camp Verde.
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928/567-2840
or 567-2842. www.outofafricapark.
com. Admission $36 adults, $28 seniors, $20 children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under. Wed-Sun
9:30am-5pm. Also open some holidays and during spring break. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Verde River, this
small, stone-walled pueblo was built by the Sinagua people and was inhabited between 1125
and 1400. The Sinagua, whose name is Spanish for “without water,” were traditionally dry-
land farmers who relied entirely on rainfall to water their crops. When the Hohokam, who
had been living in the Verde Valley since a.d. 600, moved on to more fertile land around
1100, the Sinagua moved into this valley. Their buildings progressed from individual homes,
called pit houses, to the type of communal pueblo seen here at Tuzigoot.
An interpretive trail leads through the Tuzigoot ruins, explaining different aspects of
Sinaguan life, and inside the visitor center is a small museum displaying many of the
artifacts unearthed here. Desert plants, many of which were used by the Sinagua, are
identified along the trail.
Just outside Clarkdale, off Ariz. 89A.
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928/634-5564.
www.nps.gov/tuzi. Admission $5 adults ($8 with
Montezuma Castle National Monument admission), free for children 16 and under. Memorial Day week-
end to Labor Day weekend daily 8am-6pm; rest of year daily 8am-5pm. Closed Christmas.
503
WHERE TO STAY
Hacienda de la Mariposa
Finds
This modern Santa Fe-style inn is set on the
banks of Beaver Creek and is just up the road from Montezuma Castle National Monu-
ment. Guest rooms contain rustic Mexican furnishings, gas beehive-style fireplaces, small
private patios, and lots of character. Bathrooms feature skylights and whirlpool tubs.
With a patio overlooking the creek, the Mariposa Creekside room is my favorite. The
little Casita de Milagros, a sort of cottage/massage room that serves as a gathering spot
for guests, has a huge amethyst geode set into the ceiling. In a walled garden out back,
you'll find a swimming pool only steps from the creek.
3875 Stagecoach Rd. (P.O. Box 310), Camp Verde, AZ 86322.
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888/520-9095
or 928/567-1490. www.
lamariposa-az.com. 5 units. $195-$235 double. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Jacuzzi; outdoor pool.
In room:
A/C,
TV/DVD/VCR, hair dryer, Internet.
15
WHERE TO DINE
Blazin' M Ranch Chuckwagon Suppers
Kids
AMERICAN Located adjacent to
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, the Blazin' M Ranch is classic Arizona-style family
entertainment—steaks and beans accompanied by cowboy music and comedy. This place
is geared primarily toward the young 'uns, with pony rides, farm animals, and a little cow
town for the kids to explore. If you're young at heart, you might enjoy the Blazin' M, but
it's definitely more fun if you bring the whole family. One of the highlights is the gallery
of animated woodcarvings, which features humorous Western scenes.
Off 10th St., Cottonwood.
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800/937-8643
or 928/634-0334. www.blazinm.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Dinner $35 adults, $33 seniors, $25 children ages 3-12. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat gates open at
5pm, dinner at 6:30pm, show at 7:30pm. Closed Jan.
Old Town Café
Finds
CAFE The almond croissants at this European-style cafe in
downtown Cottonwood are among the best I've ever had. If that isn't recommendation
enough for you, there are also good salads and sandwiches, such as a grilled panini of
smoked turkey, spinach, and tomatoes.
1025 “A” N. Main St., Cottonwood.
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928/634-5980.
Reservations not accepted. Salads and sandwiches
$6-$9. MC, V. Tues-Sat 8am-3pm.
