There’s always something stirring in Camp Verde, and just recently the talk is all about Bullpen Grill and Watering Hole, which has locals pretty excited. With an opening date of mid-February, owner Justin Chambers, who is also a realtor and broker, is running the show, bursting with enthusiasm and a contagious energy that seems endless. “My wife and I moved to Camp Verde from Kingman in 2018. Our goal was to retire here when we got older, but then we decided to move in another direction. We … [Read more...] about Camp Verde Welcomes New Gastropub with Western Flair
Tourism
Screenwriters Get Noticed at Sedona International Film Festival
Actor and writer Robert Larriviere wanted his screenplay to become a film, but he didn’t know how to make that happen until he submitted it to the 2024 Screenplay Competition at the Sedona International Film Festival and won the contest. Today, his screenplay, “This is Jan,” is now a short film. It was viewed in February as part of the 2025 Sedona International Film Festival. “This is actually my first screenplay and winning at Sedona was a huge moment,” he said. “At the time, ‘This is … [Read more...] about Screenwriters Get Noticed at Sedona International Film Festival
All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Future passengers on Grand Canyon Railway will arrive at the South Rim with little fanfare or noise, as a battery-powered electric locomotive is added to the fleet. The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement. “This … [Read more...] about All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Designing a Garden for Low Water-Use Plants
Watters Garden Center offers a large line of low use water and low maintenance plants and trees. Oregon Grape is one of the most popular in this category, but if growers are looking for something taller for more privacy, the Red Cluster Berry Cotoneaster will fill the need. Junipers are low water-use and low maintenance and will grow tall enough to block out the neighbors’ RVs. Arizona Cypress is a solid and thick evergreen. Ken Lain, who owns Watters along with his wife, Lisa, says that all … [Read more...] about Designing a Garden for Low Water-Use Plants
Stable Solution
Shocking images of people frantically leading their horses to safety through flying ash, blinding smoke and encroaching flames during the recent horrific wildfires in Southern California have sent an alert to those who care about the rescue of large animals during disasters in Yavapai County and elsewhere. Evacuating larger farm animals such as horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, rabbits, llamas and alpacas can be particularly daunting during emergencies. One … [Read more...] about Stable Solution
GO AZ Motorcycles Revving Up for Major Prescott Valley Expansion
When GO AZ motorcycles in Prescott Valley purchased the dealership from Star Island Motorsports three years ago, Bob Parsons, who owns seven locations in Arizona, set the business on a path of expansion and service to the growing motorcycle and off-road following in Central and Northern Arizona. Located on the Highway 69 frontage, GO AZ is currently undergoing an expansion that will triple the size of the dealership. A new service department and a showroom more than twice the size of its … [Read more...] about GO AZ Motorcycles Revving Up for Major Prescott Valley Expansion
Tribal Royalty Encourage Connection, Unity, Participation
Miss Yavapai Apache Keikliana Lowry of Camp Verde was among several members of Native American royalty attending the 30th annual Indian Nations and Tribal Legislative Day, Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the state capitol. “This is great and amazing,” she said. “I love to see how all the different tribes are trying to retain their culture and how there are so many cultural events here,” said Lowry, 20, a beader who plans to major in business at Mesa Community College. Tribal royalty is selected based … [Read more...] about Tribal Royalty Encourage Connection, Unity, Participation
Campers Cozy Up to Arizona Nordic Village
For a unique getaway in nature without needing a lot of camping gear or experience, Airbnb guests are highly recommending Arizona Nordic Village for those seeking an outdoor adventure. “This place was the perfect backpacking trip for my family, since it was our six-year-old’s first trip,” wrote one camper. “It’s easy when you don’t have to pack a tent.” Located on Highway 180, 16 miles north of Flagstaff, seven furnished off-grid cabins and yurts are available within a short walk of the … [Read more...] about Campers Cozy Up to Arizona Nordic Village
Arizona Snowbowl Celebrates New Aspen Chairlift, Expands Beginner Terrain
With the snip of the scissors, Mountain Operations Director Dale Haglin officially opened the new fixed-grip quad Aspen Chairlift, Saturday, Dec. 21, just in time for the holiday rush. The modern lift serves four new beginner-friendly trails within the Forest Service-permitted ski area, provides shorter ride times and more than doubles the previous uphill capacity. “This investment demonstrates our ongoing dedication to making skiing accessible and enjoyable for newcomers and families,” said … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Celebrates New Aspen Chairlift, Expands Beginner Terrain
Amber Godina Creates a Taste of France Inside a Purple Caboose in Clarkdale
From writing articles about food for Noise Magazine and working for Trattoria Lastrada in Bonita, California, Violette’s Bakery Café owner Amber Godina has been well trained on how to butter up her customers. This Clarkdale pastry chef is pleasing the palates of residents all around the Verde Valley as well as visitors from as far away as Europe by selling her French delights out of a train caboose-turned-cafe. Stirring up an eclectic menu of pastries, quiche, paninis, cookies, sandwiches and … [Read more...] about Amber Godina Creates a Taste of France Inside a Purple Caboose in Clarkdale
