City/Town Snapshot: Town of Clarkdale

Clarkdale: Where Charm and Sophistication Meet in Rural Arizona

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Clarkdale originally provided housing and services for the employees of the United Verde Copper Company. Founded in 1912 as a "company town," the charm of Clarkdale's history remains alive through stories, artifacts, buildings and the land. A stroll through the historic district necessitates a stop at the iconic Clarkdale Gazebo, which has been a center of community events and family gatherings since it was erected in 1915.

Clarkdale's Main Street comes alive with special events throughout the year. Summer block parties, concerts in the park, car shows, wine festivals and the wildly popular annual Clarktoberfest bring residents and visitors together for family-friendly local events that showcase the allure of living, working and playing in Clarkdale.

A thriving Downtown Business Alliance includes engaging local restaurants, museums and businesses. The world-class Arizona Copper Art Museum, one of three museums in Clarkdale, emphasizes 16th-21st century American and European works-of-art, and includes fascinating exhibits featuring forgotten stories, legends and myths about copper. Four Eight Wine Works, a local winemakers' cooperative, offering tastes of the Sedona-Verde Valley in the restored Bank of Arizona building (site of Clarkdale's infamous 1928 bank robbery) lies in the heart of downtown Clarkdale!

And speaking of wine, Clarkdale is also home two commercial wineries/tasting rooms. Chateau Tumbleweed's owners strive to take their wines seriously … but not themselves, mixing their penchant for absurdity into the production of their wines. The Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College is the only college in the southwest USA offering degree programs in Viticulture and Enology, and is a centerpiece for the region's wine industry. With stunning views of the Verde Valley and Red Rocks of Sedona, 13 acres of vineyards, a 3,000 case-per-year teaching winery, and a tasting room that features student crafted wines, the Southwest Wine Center is a must stop on your Clarkdale wine tour!

For a sense of the power that carved the Verde Valley, enjoy a ride on Verde Canyon Railroad, Arizona's longest running nature show. View towering cliffs, Native American ruins and historical sites while enjoying glimpses of bald eagles, herons and other wildlife calling the Verde River home.

For an up close and personal connection with the river, four commercial outfitters offer kayak trips on the Verde River @ Clarkdale. With just the right mix of placid pools that funnel into rushing rapids at thrilling intervals, everyone from novice to experienced boaters and folks from all age groups come back time and again to enjoy the Verde River. Also along the river, nature lovers marvel at the rare stands of Freemont Cottonwood and Gooding Willow trees that provide habitat for a birders paradise. Stop by the 42-acre Tuzigoot National Monument to explore the ancient Sinagua pueblo and interpretive museum. At neighboring Tavasci Marsh, located within the National Park, there is a spring-fed freshwater wetland that has been designated by the National Audubon Society as part of the 2,267-acre Tuzigoot Important Birding Area.

Ranked this year as Arizona's 2nd Safest Community, Clarkdale is one of the hidden treasures in the State. It doesn't take visitors long to feel what our residents know … Clarkdale is a special place! Come visit us, and see where charm and sophistication meet in rural Arizona!

clarkdale.az.gov
facebook.com/ClarkdaleAZ
 

League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ  85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org

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