Northern Arizona & Beyond

Northern Arizona & Beyond - Winter / Spring

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Discover the Heart of Arizona aboard Verde Canyon Railroad Arizona has a long, romantic history with trains. Since the late 19th century, entrepreneurs, prospectors and adventure seekers have ridden the rails into the Wild West in search of fortune and thrills ��� or a bit of both. They found mountains loaded with copper, canyons that defied exploitation, timber-rich forests and a wild, captivating landscape that lured millions of travelers westward. Just 30 minutes west of Sedona, modern explorers are discovering a route which connects the romance of the past to the peaceful beauty of the present on Verde Canyon Railroad. Originally built in 1911 to service the oncebooming copper mining operation in Jerome, the Railroad now astonishes long-time Arizona residents and first-time visitors with an intimate view into one of Arizona���s most breathtaking attractions. The train departs from Clarkdale, a sleepy little town along the banks of the Verde River, and takes you into the hidden depths of Arizona���s other grand canyon. The ponderous red rock canyons, lush river banks and swaths of austere high desert are all hidden treasures nestled in the geographic heart of Arizona. Postcard-perfect scenery is only part of the magic of Verde Canyon Railroad. The train itself provides a quiet sanctuary from vacation hustle as it takes a leisurely four hours to meander from the charming Clarkdale depot to the ghost Courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad Courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad ranch at Perkinsville and back. Cell phones don���t work in the depths of the canyon and the Railroad has wisely resisted any techno-fuss or superfluous distractions on the cars, letting simple luxuries, stunning scenery and attentive, friendly service set the mood. It is a retreat into the heart of the land, and the mood on the train suits the spirit of the journey. For serious pampering, book the caboose to see the sights from your own private car (for six or fewer people). It is cozy and richly adorned in wood and leather, with a personal attendant, private viewing platforms and Champagne to sip as you live the good life. First-class cars hold 24 to 40 passengers and boast comfortable love seats or bistro seating where you will enjoy complimentary appetizers and access to a full-service bar. Coach-class has more than its share of comfort and fun, with vintage Pullmanstyle seating, enormous viewing windows and snack bars with beverage service. Everyone has access to open-air viewing cars where photographic opportunities abound. The Railroad is one of the cornerstone activities of the Jerome/Clarkdale/Cottonwood area, while still holding on to its best-kept-secret status among central Arizona attractions. Just 30 minutes from Sedona and 45 minutes from Prescott, this triad of historic towns offers an off-the-beaten path experience full of art, great food, quirky communities, stunning scenery and an opportunity to delve into little-known corners of Arizona���s past and present. Imagine a morning spent exploring art galleries and a 10,000-year-old ruin, an afternoon on the train and a chuckwagon dinner show in the evening ��� then sipping cocktails in Jerome atop Mingus Mountain with sunset views across the entire Verde Valley. It���s all here, in the Heart of Arizona.

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