What to Bring During Your Fall Stay

A Packing Guide for Fall at Safari Village

As September rolls around, we enter into a new season at our Waypoint Outposts. Even though Arizona doesn’t often get the memo that it’s Autumn, we do see the temperatures descend into quite the enjoyable days and nights around Camp Verde, Arizona. 

If you were to average out typical temperatures for our fall months, you might hit low 90s for a high during September, with average lows in the high 60s. October brings highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s. Then, as November approaches, we’re looking at highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s. 

With our fire pits and heaters provided, the Fall becomes an enticing season to book your stay. It’s a beautiful blend of pleasant days and crisp, fresh nights. In the spirit of glamping, we want to provide you with our favorite gear to pack along during your Fall booking. 

Apparel

We always recommend layers. This is especially true in our Autumn season. Light jackets, pullover hoodies, and the cozier the better for curling up around our fire pits. 

Throw in a few hats if your ears are prone to get cold at night. That way, you can still enjoy all the hammocking and yard games when the sun goes down. 

Sandals and tennis shoes will allow you ease during your quick walk to the restroom as well as sturdy shoes for your hikes and adventures. 

Overall, know that your days are likely to still allow for shorts and a tee shirt. But evenings may bring a bit of a chill that will warrant a jacket. 

Food

With cooler evenings comes the need for a hot cup of coffee in your hand. We recommend bringing hot cocoa with some fun Fall flavors to spice it up-pumpkin spice, cinnamon, etc. And if you want to get fancy, don’t forget your can of whipped cream to complete the cup. 

Some of our favorite memories come with a hot cup of cocoa in hand, friends laughing and enjoying each other’s company around the fire, and a crisp chill in the air to keep you bundled up and looking at the clear sky of stars above.

Extras

Here are some items you might not think of that could be enjoyable during the Fall season:

  • Blanket
  • Tumbler/thermos
  • Rain jacket (just in case)
  • Extra spices for hot drinks like cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Pumpkin spice Oreos for fancy Fall S’mores
  • Pumpkin-flavored versions of your favorite snacks!

Did Someone Say Pizza?

A Glamping Recipe 

After rolling into camp and getting all checked in, you and the family might be in the mood for a delicious dinner to start off your glamping adventure right. A crisp crust and piping hot toppings to adorn your pie are just what the doctor ordered. 

We’ve got just the recipe to try out. 

Head over to our shared camp kitchen where you can access a propane stove to perfect this camp meal. You’ll need to bring a skillet and spatula for the perfect crust. Here is our best advised list of ingredients for this one (but you can get creative and trade out for your favorites).

What you’ll need

  • Skillet (don’t forget your oven mitt)
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board/knife
  • Pizza dough (we recommend pre-made dough…ain’t nobody got time for dough from scratch when you’re camping)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Pizza sauce
  • Toppings (Here are our favorites)
    • Pepperoni
    • Cheese
    • Bell peppers
    • Mushrooms
    • Olives

Step 1: Prep 

It’s easiest to get all the prep work done before you start. So, chop up any toppings that need to be prepped, divide your dough into personal pan sizes, and add a bit of oil to the skillet as it heats up.

Step 2: Make the Crust

After you’ve flattened your dough into a personal pan size, keep flipping it on the skillet until you’ve reached your level of desired crispness. This can take around 12 minutes or so as you cook it over medium heat. 

Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings

Spread your favorite pizza sauce on the crust while it’s still in the skillet and sprinkle your cheese and toppings on as well. If you have a lid to cover the skillet, that will allow for a faster cooking time on heating up the toppings (about 5 minutes or so). 

Step 4: Enjoy!

This recipe is fun because it gives your camping crew a personalized dinner with the customizable toppings. It’s a great idea if you’re looking to break away from the typical hot-dog-over-the-fire option. 

Be sure to tag us with your best pizza creation! 

Why Glamping?

Top 3 Reasons to Book a Glamping Trip This Year

As you draft up vacation plans and dream of where you’ll be whisked away to next, be sure to reserve a spot for a glamping adventure. With the perfect blend of nature and comfort, glamping is a rising fad that just might be here to stay, and you’ll know why when you experience it. 

1. Low-stress packing

Can you think back to any previous camping trips and remember the amount of work it took simply leading up to the day of departure? The time and energy it takes to make sure you’ve thought of every detail is a part-time job in itself! And if you forget one thing, like a sleeping pad, you’re going to reap the consequences each night. Let’s not make that mistake. 

We think glamping is a great way to relieve the stress of packing and dramatically simplify what you’re responsible for bringing. Skip the hassle and the hours of loading gear. Much of what you would normally need to bring on a camping trip is covered at our Waypoint Outposts! That means you can spend less time packing (and unpacking) and more time jumping straight into your vacation adventure, which is how it should be.   

2. A blend of comfort and adventure

Let’s be real. When your family is vacationing, there can be a broad range of likes and dislikes, so while some may love the thrill of nature, others might be panicking at the thought of a single mosquito (not to mention the lions roaring next door at our Safari Village).

Glamping is a way to compromise the best of both worlds! Everyone wins! With the Out of Africa Wildlife Park as our neighbor, those seeking the thrills and excitement of the outdoors will be eating up the adventure. For our city slickers, we have the perfect day trips to Sedona, Camp Verde, Jerome, and more to keep you busy before you snuggle into your real bed for the night. 

Additionally, flush toilets and hot showers will be music to your ears if you’re not a fan of outhouses. Adventure doesn’t have to mean you’re dirty and uncomfortable. We’ve found the perfect blend.    

3. New experience and new gear

In addition to saving you time and energy on your packing, you’re also getting to experience quality tents and gear that you might not get to otherwise! Our standards are high, so you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to our quality standards. 

The beds, bathrooms, tents, hammocks, and fire pits are just a few of the ways we want to spoil you while you’re here. 

As the Arizona summer temps begin to make their descent, we encourage you to book your stay now! We hope you’ll experience these three perks and more when you come visit us at Waypoint Outposts. See you soon!

Book your stay by visiting here

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

With lions and tigers as our next-door neighbors here at Safari Village, we have to tell you about the exciting opportunity to visit Out of Africa Wildlife Safari Park! While you can hear the animals from your tent at our outpost, you can experience them live at the park! And with your Safari Village receipt, you can take advantage of 20% off your admission ticket price!

Various shows, activities, and attractions will keep you busy throughout the park. We’ll hit our favorite highlights below, but if you peruse the Out of Africa website, you can get all the detailed information for your visit.

Shows

With a chance to get up close and personal with many species, check the schedule for daily shows! Professional trainers will guide different experiences for you and the family to enjoy unique and exciting wildlife interactions! See the Bengal and Siberian tigers playing, pose with some crazy cool reptiles, or hold a python! The parks’ trained professionals make this experience safe and available for the whole family! 

Activities 

Take a 30-min Safari ride through the park’s wildlife tour! Included with your park admission, this tour runs several times a day and will be a memorable thrill on your visit. Don’t forget to feed the giraffes with our provided treats! It’s a great way to become their BFF. 

Three days a week, you can also catch one of the park’s most popular activities, the Predator Feed! This walking tour allows you to witness the intensity of ferocious predators and their mealtime manners. You’ll want to pull out the camera for this one. 

Marketplace

When lunchtime hits, you might resonate with the ravenous lions at the predator feed and start to hunt for your own food! No worries. You can find food options to meet your preference at the Jungle Hut Eatery and Thee Place. Check the park’s website for specific hours of operation, and enjoy the wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, and snacks! Word to the wise: save room for some Hawaiian shaved ice!

The Gift Shop is a great way to take some of the memories with you after a wonderful adventure in the park. Books, stuffed animals, and other memorabilia will make the perfect gift or keepsake from your time. 

One thing is for sure-when you get back to your tent at Safari Village, there will be endless stories and laughs around the campfire as you review your exciting experience. We can’t wait for you to tag us in some pictures and tell us about the thrills of the day!

 

Photo Credit: https://outofafricapark.com/

Glamping 101 at Safari Village

So, you’ve booked your trip with us, and now you’re packing up and preparing to spend a nice relaxing vacation with family and friends! We’re here to help you when it comes to the details of your Safari Village glamping experience. Check out the most-asked questions below as well as our advice along the way!

Let’s talk food…

The lions aren’t the only ones who get hangry, we know. 

When it comes to food, you have a few options! Whether you’re wanting to plan your own meals and do the cooking or save the time and effort, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Camp Verde is a short, 12-min. drive, and Cottonwood closer to 20 min. You can plan on grocery shopping at these locations if you’d like! Or you can take advantage of their various restaurant options and forget the cooking!
  • If you choose to purchase an Out of Africa park ticket, you’ll have access to the snack bar and cafe in the park for yummy food options!
  • We also have a shared camp kitchen where you can access small refrigerators and a one-burner propane grill. Please plan on bringing your own utensils! One bonus to our individual tent sites is the use of your own ice chest. (Be sure to pick up some ice before you get here!) Please note our propane fire pits are reserved for roasting marshmallows rather than cooking.

Where to park

You’ll receive a pass to place on your dashboard for access to parking at the Out of Africa parking lot, which is a short distance to the glamping sites! 

While you have the freedom to come and go as needed, please note the gates to the park close at 5 PM, and you’ll need to contact your camp host if you need them opened.

On-site activities

Besides the joy of being surrounded by nature and the sounds of wildlife, we have even more activities to keep you busy and having fun during your stay. 

  • Comfy hammocks are accessible to our guests (BYOBook)
  • Giant Jenga
  • Cornhole 
  • Campfires
  • Wifi available for light use (not suited for streaming videos or large downloads)

We are certain you will have such a fun and unique experience, so we can’t wait to hear about your favorite part! You can find additional answers to your questions on our FAQ page!

Happy glamping! 

Traveling to Sedona, Part 3

Around Town

As you drive around Sedona, we can assure you it will be easy to find things to do. One stunning look at the mountains, and you’ll be pulling over at every chance to grab a photo or take a hike in the red rocks. 

As a touristy town, there are several businesses ready to take you on excursions and help you see the favorite spots. So, we’ve compiled just a few of the many options you’ll likely see on your day trip through this vortex town. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Sedona

Pink Adventure Tours

You’ll see bright pink jeeps around every corner in Sedona. These iconic vehicles take you on backroad adventures in Sedona where you might not be able to drive on your own. Local tour guides will be able to point out different spots and tell stories of the land’s rich history. Plus, it’s a great photo opp with the red rocks and sporty jeep in the background.

This is an outing for the entire family. Be sure to check out their website for the latest ticketing and scheduling information. The Pink Adventure Tours offer a variety of tour options ranging from 1.5 to 10 hours, based on the level of excursion you’re looking for. Explore the Grand Canyon, Page Spring Cellars, or other scenic rims in the region. 

Hiking

You can check out our last blog (link) detailing a few iconic hiking spots, but it would be crazy to not mention this as a key part of your Sedona adventure. Here is just a small list of the top-rated hikes you can discover on your trip:

  • Cathedral Rock 
  • Doe Mountain Trail
  • Fay Canyon
  • Boynton Canyon
  • Courthouse Butte Loop
  • Devil’s Bridge Trail
  • Airport Mesa Trail/Airport Loop Trail
  • Bell Rock Pathway

Be sure to purchase your Red Rock Pass, which will only be around $5 per car. This will allow you to park at a specific list of hikes needing passes. 

Helicopter Ride

It’s one thing to drive around Sedona and experience the beauty of the red rocks. It’s another thing to see it from an aerial view. You can enjoy various helicopter rides from Sedona and experience the stunning scenery from a chopper! 

  • Sedona Air Tours offers a variety of rides between 15 minutes and 35 minutes.
  • Guidance Air offers similar time frames plus a 55-minute option for an extended view of the area.

This experience will leave you speechless, and it will be a unique view to hold onto for a long time.

With so many additional options for local food, drinks, and shopping, your day will be quickly filled with all kinds of adventure when you make a pitstop in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.

Traveling to Sedona, Part 2

Top 3 Restaurants in Sedona

The stunning red rocks of Sedona catch your eye from a multitude of activities-hiking, biking, driving, and other excursions. We’ll get to a few of those in our next blog on various adventures to book while you’re visiting. But for today, we want to focus on the breathtaking views while enjoying the fine dining this area has to offer!  

You’ll find many options of restaurants to get that scenic view of the mountainsides or catch a sunset from a patio. Additionally, you can make your food stop at various locations in town, along the touristy uptown Sedona, nestled in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, or west of the main streets and into the heart of the city.

Let’s dive into our favorite spots! It’s difficult to narrow these down, but we’ll give you a taste!

1. Cowboy Club

Located along the 89A, this family owned, “High Desert Cuisine” in the Southwest is a crowd favorite! Known as “Oak Creek Tavern” back in the day, this 75-year-old establishment saw a lot of action in its early days. Established in 1946, the tavern wore many hats as the town meeting spot, pool hall, and grocery store. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s there was lots of buzz with western films and celebrities passing through. 

Now, you can enjoy the fine Southwest dining within the original wood walls of the tavern. Be sure to check your menu for award-winning angus steaks as well as unique plates of rattlesnake and cactus! When in Arizona, right?

2. Elote Cafe

If you’re looking for an authentic and elegant Mexican dinner, look no further than Elote Cafe! Here, the restaurant boasts of their “timeless recipes of southern Mexico meeting the bold farm-fresh flavors of the American Southwest.”

With dinner-only hours, you’ll need to fit this stop in between 5-9 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The award-winning restaurant has received applause from various news media. Its  owner and head chef, Jeff Smedstad, empowered his passion for cooking by traveling all throughout Mexico-Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Puebla-to incorporate authenticity into his dishes. You’ll find bold and fresh flavors and a handpicked cocktail menu to create an amazing dining experience. 

3. Dahl & DiLuca

If Italian food is more your style, head into Dahl & DiLuca for an elegant and Italian-inspired dining experience. Located north of the Sedona Airport, along the 89A, this spot is a local favorite!

You’ll enjoy a special touch on various Italian classic dishes, which has made Dahl & DiLuca an award-winning establishment for 25 years! In addition to the signature menu, you’ll find an extensive list of wines offered. This gem in Sedona has been the winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 15 consecutive years.

Is anyone else’s stomach growling? You can’t go wrong with these fine dining choices sprinkled within the buzz of the Sedona area. It’s a perfect addition to your Sedona stop after a long day of activities and sunshine. Be sure to try them out and let us know what you think! But be sure to save room for s’mores when you get back to camp at the Safari Village!

Traveling to Sedona, Part 1

Best Hiking Spots

It’s quite the task to narrow down which hikes are the best in Sedona. Everywhere you turn, stunning views, incredible vistas, and scenic trails are awaiting you. So, the great news is, when you take a day trip from our Waypoint Outposts to Sedona, the 38-minute drive will provide endless possibilities for beauty and adventure. You really can’t go wrong!

Still, we want to pinpoint a few of our favorites so you can enjoy the beloved hikes in this tourist town. 

Top 3 Hikes to take in Sedona

1. Cathedral Rock

With an iconic destination up this trail, Cathedral Rock is a thrilling hike with an amazing photo op at the end! You’ll enjoy views of Bell Rock as well as the beautiful landscape toward the west once you reach the top. A narrow ledge at the final destination provides an iconic photo spot for your “on-top-of-the-world” pose. 

Bring lots of water, and be prepared to scale a few spots of smooth rock as you make your way up this trail. It’s a one-mile round trip hike, with an elevation gain of 550 feet. The short distance and stunning scenery make this a popular hike, so be prepared for a full parking lot! You can reach both parking lots via Back’O’Beyond Road, but the trail can also be accessed from the Baldwin and Templeton trails.

2. Bell Rock

The distinct shape and size of Bell Rock makes it one of the most recognizable hiking spots in Sedona. This out-and-back, 1-mile hike is a tourist favorite. The 400-foot elevation gain marks the hike as a moderate climb. You can divide it into three sections: Lower Bell Rock Trail, Upper Bell Rock Trail, and the Ascent. Each of these progresses in difficulty. So if you’re with the family and looking for an easier climb, stick to the Lower Bell Rock Trail. Experienced hikers can venture beyond!

Be aware there is little shade on this hike, so be prepared with a hat and plenty of water! Additionally, note the $5 Sedona trail pass fee, which should get you access for the day to any Sedona trail!

3. Devil’s Bridge 

Don’t let the name scare you. This hike is well worth the stunning view and sought-after natural sandstone arch photo op. Just over four miles out-and-back, you’ll also share much of your hike with pink jeep tours, ATVs, mountain bikes, and fellow hikers. 

We can’t remind you enough to bring plenty of water, as this hike lacks shade. After venturing through a long, fairly flat, rocky roadway, the hike settles into more of a steep climb with distinct rock steps to allow footholds along the way. 

As you near the end of the hike, you’ll see a secondary lookout, perfect for the first photo! But don’t stop there! Keep climbing a bit more and you’ll find the long line of tourists awaiting their solo walk onto the Devil’s Bridge. Fellow hikers are great about helping with photos, but plan to be waiting in line for a while, especially if you’re hitting the trail at a busy time. 

You Can’t Go Wrong

These three hikes are some of the most iconic that we wouldn’t want you to miss. But the truth is, you’ll quickly find that you can’t go wrong when choosing a hike in Sedona. Simply driving around, you’ll see the showcase of red rock beauty. But a hike is definitely worth the time when you plan your stop here. 

Our camp shower is a great stop after your dusty red rock legs are ready to settle in for the night at our Waypoint Outpost. We’ll be ready for you!

Adventure to Jerome, Part 3

Top 3 Tours to Take in Jerome

Meandering the streets of Jerome, you’ll quickly discover there are stories just waiting to be told of its history and heritage. You can venture on your own and try to catch the exciting spots, or you can rely on the experts. 

Booking with Jerome Ghost Tours offers a variety of thrilling tours to entertain and explain all of this town’s mysteries! You’ll find a range of tours to suit your interests. 

Ghost Tour

Two options are noted here if you’re itching to get out at night and discover some ghostly fun! Jerome offers a variety of ghost tours for its tourists to enjoy.

  1. Jerome Ghost Walk: This one-hour tour will take you around to “haunted” spots in the town, with a reputation for discovering thrilling interactions with ghosts in the area. The trip is complete with electric and magnetic field (EMF) readers to guide the tourists in this spooky walk through history’s mysterious tenants of Jerome’s past. Tickets for this tour are around $45 each.  
  2. Pandora’s Box: A spooky two-hour tour awaits those wanting a bit more thrill. In the Pandora’s Box tour, guides will bring along spirit boxes and EMF readers to do their best and liven up the tour with connections from the past! Along the way, you’ll hear the tales of murder and mystery that haunt this tourist town. 

Jerome History Walk

This family-friendly tour is a one-hour walking experience through the town’s historical sites. From its rich copper mining history during the war, to the influencers of its day, Jerome boasted some great accomplishments in its height of glory. 

You’ll make stops along the way at old churches, hospitals, as well as hear an overview of exciting history from hotels in the area. Additionally, a pitstop at the United Verde Copper Mine provides some fun context to what grew this city in the first place! Tours from the Jerome Ghost Tours company are in the $39 range. 

Wild Wild West History Tour

As you may have gathered from any study of Jerome, the town wasn’t always best-in-class for its behavior. Many stories will testify to its rugged and rough reputation. The Wild Wild West History Tour with the Jerome Ghost Tours company will be filled with the wild tales of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Tickets for this 90-minute history tour are in the $60 range. And you’ll get to visit stops like the Sliding Jail, Husbands Alley, former brothels, and hotels will be featured along the way. You’ll also get a glimpse into the United Verde Copper Company. 

While most of these memories are not Jerome’s proudest moments, they culminate to tell the story of this crazy tourist town!

Enjoy your time in Jerome, and be sure to tell us what your favorite spots are!

Adventure to Jerome, Part 2

Best Restaurants

After you’ve adventured through Jerome, taking in the sites and history of this sleepy mining town, it will be time for an afternoon pick-me-up. Don’t worry. We’ve got a bunch of recommendations for the best spots in town to eat! 

You may find spooky rumors on your tours around town that Jerome is haunted. Stories of haunted hotels, mansions, and other previously abandoned buildings are endless, and, as with most ghost towns, Jerome capitalizes on the thrill of this with their guests. 

This brings us to our first restaurant stop. The good food will be just as thrilling as the ghost stories awaiting your arrival.  

Top 3 Restaurants in Jerome the Ghosts are Raving About

  1. Haunted Hamburger: Many years ago, when Michelle and Eric Jurisin obtained the building now home to this hamburger stop, testimonies of spooky activity sprouted up from the construction workers renovating the place. Hammers were misplaced, disappearing and reappearing. Doors slammed closed, even when windows had been sealed off. Later on, there were even claims of cans flying off the shelves as well as disturbance to the hot water. You be the judge! A trip to this fun hamburger grille is entertaining and delicious! You’ll find numerous burgers on the menu along with chicken, ribs, and other tasty options! 
  2. Asylum Restaurant: Continuing in our spooky feast journey, we move along to Asylum Restaurant. The spook-factor is apparent due to the location of this dinner stop. Located within the Jerome Grand Hotel, this restaurant was formerly a hospital. Now rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of patients past, the entertainment factor matches the award-winning meals! You’ll find an array of gourmet food alongside a lengthy wine list. 
  3. Bobby D’s: Enjoy delicious barbeque from the oldest operating dining restaurant in the state of Arizona. Established back in 1899, this kitchen was first home to a Chinese restaurant, owned by Charley Hong, an entrepreneur in the area who wore many hats! Beginning in 2011, Bobby D and his sister took over, transforming the restaurant into a BBQ house! Sweet and tangy smells waft through the streets, welcoming guests to come and enjoy the quality ingredients. Bobby D’s takes pride in their home-cooked recipes, all meats and sauces made in house. Try it out!

After you’ve experienced all the spooky stories and ghostly visits, you’ll be ready to head back to your cozy tent at Waypoint Outposts for some stories around the campfire! We love that we get to provide you with accommodations that bring people together. 

It’s a privilege to get to host you, and we can’t wait for you to book your stay so you can enjoy not only our campsite, but also the fun perks of surrounding towns like Jerome!

 

Sources:

https://thehauntedhamburger.com/our-story

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g31253-Jerome_Arizona.html

https://verdecanyonrr.com/jerome-az-restaurants/

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-escape-jerome-20180218-story.html

http://www.bobbydsbbqjerome.com/index.html