There are five C’s that comprised the core of Arizona’s early economy: copper, climate, cattle, citrus and cotton. It’s not surprising that three of the economic engines are driven by farmers and ranchers. Even as times have changed, those agricultural roots still run deep.
The common misconception about Arizona is that it is a desert state. And it most certainly is that—a vast beautiful, mesmerizing desert. In fact, this is the only state that supports the Sonoran Desert, the most biologically diverse of all deserts, teeming with animal and plant life, and defined by the majestic saguaro cactus.
It’s also the state that contains one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a colorful gash in the ground that we like to call the Grand Canyon, a brief 2-hour drive north. The world’s largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest spreads across the high mid-section of Arizona. And as unexpected as it might be, you’ll find 26 peaks towering above 10,000 feet within these borders. The point being—Arizona boasts a stunning diversity of habitats.
One of the most distinctive habitats is the red rock wonderland of Sedona. Recognized the world over for its scenic beauty, as well as for its power as an artistic and spiritual destination, the community started from humble beginnings. It was founded by farmers.
While it’s quite likely the scenery enchanted the first Sedona settlers, they came for the bounty of resources. In 1876, James Thompson became the first white settler in Oak Creek Canyon as he tended gardens once worked by the Apaches.
With year round water, a long growing season, abundant sunshine and rich volcanic soil, the land along Oak Creek must have seemed like paradise. Crops and orchards were planted. A community formed around a handful of homesteads.
Not much has changed. The area has continued to expand but those agricultural roots still run deep. In recent years, family-run farms continue to define the surrounding Verde Valley and have revolutionized the culinary scene. Local fruit, herbs and produce, trout pulled fresh from Oak Creek, and beef raised on nearby ranches have become menu mainstays. Seasonal ingredients allow chefs to innovate with fresh palate-pleasing dishes.
In recent years, boutique wineries have sprung up in the region. While that may seem like a modern twist, it was actually Heinrich Schuerman who got the first grape rolling on the wine scene. They arrived in 1884 and planted a vineyard and orchard along the creek. A few years later they were selling apples, peaches and wine to loggers in Flagstaff and the miners in Jerome.
Today, rows of grapevines grow on rocky shoulders of ground above Oak Creek and the Verde River, producing some of the best wines in the state. Wander out to the countryside to explore rustic wineries where you can lift a glass of spicy syrah or flannel-soft zinfandel on shady porches overlooking fruit-laden vines. Or visit the tasting rooms scattered through the historic downtowns of Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, Clarkdale and Camp Verde. Sample a flight while a musician plays, maybe walk to the restaurant next door for a meal paired with a wine bottled just a cork’s throw from where you sit. Bon Appetit.
Sedona still inspires a powerful connection to the land in all possible ways. Something about the breathtaking skyline—towering sandstone formations surrounded by vast swaths of wilderness beneath a crystal clear sky—resonates with visitors. It touches people like any great work of art does, invoking emotions, overwhelming the senses and fueling passion.
Those that come to town experience it in so many ways. Some will spend their time hiking the 400-miles of trails weaving among the red rocks. Some meditate at vortex sites or travel to ancient Native American pueblos. Others explore the dozens of colorful art galleries crowded together along city streets. Some come for the rejuvenation and healing treatments offered at an array of spas and by many professional practitioners. And others will come to simply breathe deep, far from everyday stresses and to embrace a fiery sunset unlike any they’ve seen before.
They are all in their own way looking to put down roots, even ethereal ones, in this special place. It’s a way to hold on to the things that are truly important in life. If you’re the least bit unsure of what those priorities are, come to Sedona. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they sort themselves out.
