Sedona draws you in the moment you arrive like a deep exhale you didn’t know you needed. The red rock cliffs rise up like ancient sentinels. There’s a rhythm to this place. A pulse. And whether you believe in the concept of vortexes or not, most people agree Sedona has an energy you can feel in your bones. I’m not talking about flashy tourist shops or big attractions. I’m talking about something quieter, something rooted, the kind of experience that settles your soul and stays with you.

When I need a little escape from the hustle of Phoenix, my go to destination is to head north to the Verde Valley. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two often-overlooked towns nestled in the Verde Valley. Not as well-known as Sedona or Jerome, but these charming towns are fun places to visit.