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 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!

Adventure to Jerome, Part 1

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/

Exploring Camp Verde, Part 3

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/

Exploring Camp Verde, Part 2

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!

Exploring Camp Verde, Part 1

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/