Category: Experiences

A Brief History of the Area

The quaint town of Jerome, Arizona, now home to just under 500 residents, is packed with rich history, ghostly attractions, and tourist spots. We recommend this day trip, as it’s a quick, 30-minute drive from our Waypoint Outposts. 

Along the streets of this city, resting high on a hill overlooking the Verde Valley, you’ll find traces of its mining history, ghost town stories, and other fun historical highlights. 

During the mid-1800s, when the area became part of U.S. territory, the population grew with ranchers and prospectors settling in, drawn to the mining possibilities of the land. But it was closer to 1880 before the interest in copper mining took off and several mines were established. 

You can visit the town and find out about the ups and downs of its mining history. Jerome has lasted through a tumultuous past, and now tourists are entertained daily by the stories and tales when they roam the streets. 

4 Historical Stops

1. Tours of Jerome: Be sure to catch a tour of the town. There are endless stories to accompany the streets and sites of Jerome, and it’s well worth having a guide to chat through and give you a deeper understanding of the town’s past. Make note of which tours are family friendly, as Jerome offers spooky ghost tours in addition to historical tours of its shady past.
2. Jerome’s Sliding Jail: Just down from Jerome’s main street sits a sad-looking jail. You can venture to it and find out how it received its name. Hint: it used to stand 225 feet from where it now rests. While the town (briefly nicknamed the “wickedest town in the west) used to be more in need of this jail’s services, the structure now sits quietly as a tourist attraction for a fun photo op.  
3. Jerome State Historic Park: A museum dedicated to Jerome’s history lies within the old mansion of the Douglas family. As the founder of the Little Daisy Mine, James S. Douglas built his home initially as a hotel for his family along with important investors and officials. The historic structure still stands, and a tour inside its walls will dive deeply into the stories and adventures of Jerome’s past. 
4. Mine Museum: If you’re specifically interested in Jerome’s claim to fame, check out the Mine Museum. You’ll get a front row seat to see various mining equipment used in the 1800s, including various cages, drills, and tools that miners used on a daily basis many years ago. Household supplies, hospital remnants, and gambling souvenirs are also included in the displays. You can make a pit stop in the gift shop on your way out and take a piece of history with you to remember your adventure. 

This cute and sleepy town is worth a visit while you’re staying with us at Waypoint Outposts. Whether it’s rich mining history, old ghost stories, or simply a look into the town’s past, you’re sure to find this quaint stop worth a visit with the family. 

 

Sources:

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-jerome/

https://www.travelingmom.com/family-vacation-destinations/jerome-az-ghost-town/

https://azstateparks.com/jerome/about-the-mansion/period-history

https://www.jeromehistoricalsociety.com/museums-buildings/mine-museum/

What’s Around Town?

It’s not difficult to fill your day with the fun activities and pretty sites of the Verde Valley. We want to point out some of our favorite stops so you can pack your vacation with adventure when you book your stay at Waypoint Outposts. 

A trip around town will offer a great variety of things to enjoy! Here are our highlights!

Top 3 Things to Do in Camp Verde

1. Horseback riding: Enjoy an hour-long, guided tour with Wild Western Horseback Adventures. This trip will take you around the valley, including the most beautiful scenery in the area. It’s great for all levels of riding experience. You can take the whole family! Or if you’re in the mood for more adventure, the Ride in the Vines tour takes you through Alcantara Vineyards. The mesmerizing scenery, just 30 minutes from Sedona, includes river crossings, old ruins, and of course the beautiful vineyard. This will for sure be a unique highlight of your trip! 
2. Fort Verde State Historic Park: Discover the rich history of the Verde Valley! If you’re interested in frontier life and the military history of the area, a stop at Fort Verde State Historic Park will give you a glimpse into the 1800s. You’ll find some of the original buildings still standing and living history programs to bring the history to life! The park rangers are a wealth of knowledge and enjoy answering questions about this time in history. Be sure to check it out!
3. Predator Zip Lines: We cannot forget the amazing experiences at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. You can experience an aerial view of the park with their thrilling zip line tours! At Predator Zip Lines, a two-hour tour takes you through five lines in addition to a suspension bridge! As you fly through the park, see how many animals you can spot－lions, cougars, and tigers, to name a few. There are even options for nighttime tours! Not only will you enjoy the zip lines, but your senses will take in the sounds of the wildlife like never before in the thrill of the night! 

We haven’t even begun to dive into the wineries and breweries of the area! The truth is, this little town has so many attractions packed inside its 43 square miles. When you map out your list of things to do, it’s likely you’ll need to divide and conquer within a couple trips! 

Or, make it a regular family trip so you can experience the fun memories again and again! You know we have your accommodations ready to book at Waypoint Outposts each time! Have fun!

 

Sources:

https://www.horsebackwinecountry.com/

https://azstateparks.com/fort-verde/about-the-fort/park-history

https://predatorzipline.com/tours/the-predator/

A Guide to Local Coffee Shops

Nothing beats a stroll down Main Street with a cup o’ joe in hand, enjoying the sights and sounds of Camp Verde’s downtown buzz. 

If you have a few days booked with us at Waypoint Outposts, you can strategize your trips into Camp Verde for a rejuvenating treat at one of the local coffee shops. Just over a ten-minute drive into town, and you can pull up a chair at one of our favorite cafes. Our next blog shares more in-town adventures, but for now, let’s talk food. 

We’ll work our way down Main Street so you can get a scope of which coffee shop is your best fit.

Top 4 Coffee Shops

1. Thanks a Latte Espresso Cafe: If you have time, we recommend you plan to dine in at this stop. Thanks a Latte Espresso Cafe is one of our local favorites! They roast their delicious blends of coffee beans on site. In addition to a large menu of pastries, breakfast items, smoothies, and of course, coffee, they offer lunch items as well. With comfy seating inside and out, you can enjoy a covered patio that is also pet-friendly. No one has to be left back at camp! A stop here is well worth your time. 
2. Verde Cafe: Just down the road, you’ll find a cute little shop called Verde Cafe. Make note this coffee stop is only open 6AM-2PM on weekdays. Saturdays and Sundays, the cafe is closed. But, still make it a priority of your Camp Verde tour! You can find great prices and a variety of breakfast and lunch items to fill you up. There’s no chance of leaving hungry with the full menu of breakfast and lunch items. 
3. Udderly Divine: What pairs better with coffee than a homemade apple pie? At Udderly Divine, you can pair your coffee with some of our favorite desserts in Camp Verde! Ice cream, pies, and other pastries are just one fraction of the menu. Stop by for your coffee and stay to enjoy the aesthetic of the old western decor. You’ll find colorful murals on the walls and other western-infused themes. We give this stop two thumbs up for your sweet tooth!
4. Wingfield Bread Company: Since we’re on Main Street, we’ve got to throw in this stop for freshly baked bread! The smells alone will entice you in, but you’ll stay for the hot-out-of-the-oven, fresh croissants or focaccia bread. Pull up a chair for a unique, artisan sandwich, or enjoy a fresh salad! Wingfield Bread Company is a welcome stop for any visitor. The bright and fun colors make for an enjoyable atmosphere to enjoy a light lunch or an afternoon treat!

Perks of Camp Verde Coffee

There’s something special about driving into a cozy downtown, strolling down Main Street, and enjoying quality home-cooked food. Each of these spots made it on our top-four list, not only for the food and coffee, but for the memories you’ll make sitting around the table with your friends and family. 

We find Camp Verde to be such a great day trip to take from our Waypoint Outposts, and we hope you’ll get to experience the small town charm of all Camp Verde has to offer. 

Book with us soon so you can hit up these fun spots. How does…this weekend sound? We’ve got a tent with your name on it!

A Guide to the Best Hiking

Hiking is the main draw for many visitors to Arizona in general. With countless mountains, ranging from simple, to intermediate, to challenging, there is a place for any level of adventure seeker wanting to hit the trails. 

Climate Check: When to visit

We begin our travel guide in the quaint and cozy town of Camp Verde, Arizona. This small town is a quick 12-minute drive from our Safari Village Waypoint Outpost. It boasts mild weather year-round, making it a perfect place for hiking and enjoying the outdoors at any time. 

During the summer, you can expect average highs to be in the mid 90s. Wintertime brings averages down to the mid 60s, but spring’s blend of high 70s makes it the ideal time to enjoy this region. 

“Verde,” Spanish for green, gives the valley a fitting name due to the lush greenery. Sheltered by the surrounding mountains and watered by Arizona’s summer rain, this spot is ideal for fellow outdoor adventurers to get their fix of hikes year round. 

Top 3 Hiking Spots

1. Montezuma Castle National Monument Trail: This easy hike is a short, less-than-half-a-mile walk to a historical landmark of cliff dwellings, preserved from over 1000 years ago! Most say the $10/person fee is worth it! You’ll get to enjoy a paved path, winding its way to some river views of Beaver Creek. At the end of the trail, marvel at the ancient ruins of the Sinagua, a diverse and resourceful people group whose structures stand to this day!
2. Copper Canyon Loop Trail 504: Just under four miles, this hike is easy for all hikers. You can enjoy the views of the landscape and optional waterfall stretch, with minimal effort, making this trail a popular one! You can find this hike on the outer, southwest edge of Camp Verde. 
3. McDonald Trail: The unique feature of the McDonald trail is its abundance of caves! This 1-mile trek out and back is a moderately difficult hike. Unique landscape and views will allow for some picturesque stops along the way. Don’t forget your water!

Exploring the Verde River

We can’t forget the namesake of the Camp Verde region! The Verde River is a big selling point for this vacation destination. Varying skill levels of canoers and kayakers can each find a good fit for venturing down the river. An 18-mile stretch through town is great for beginners to find spots to practice, while those seeking a bigger thrill can make their way to the 41-mile stretch of a more rustic and scenic float south of Camp Verde.

The following access points are great for beginners wanting to try some kayaking!

• Lower TAPCO river access point to Tuzigoot 
• The Skidmore Lane river access point to Bignotti river access point in the Prescott National Forest
• Black Bridge river access point to Beasley Flat river access point in the Town of Camp Verde

If you’re looking for a pit stop to do some fishing or boating, the White Bridge Picnic Site offers options to set up for a picnic lunch and enjoy a lazy afternoon. This is a great spot for access to Beasley Flat or Clear Creek, with a paved ramp leading to the river.

After all this adventuring, you’re going to be hungry! Be sure to check out our favorite coffee shops and cafes in our next blog.

Don’t forget to tag us in all your adventure photos! We’ll be ready for you back at camp with a nice campfire when you’ve returned from a full day of outdoor fun. 

 

Sources:

https://www.campverde.az.gov/our-community/weather

https://visitcampverde.com/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/montezuma-castle-national-monument-trail

https://visitcampverde.com/verde-river/

http://www.bluetrailsguide.org/find-a-blue-trail/tips-for-paddling-the-verde-river/