Clarkdale- Charming Historic Hometown
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5/11/2010
Clarkdale Arizona is the nation's very first "company town", c. 1912, and still wears its historic charm well. Vintage boulevards, varied architecture, mild 4 season high desert climate, lovely parks, river access, and educated neighbors all add up to an ideal home town.
This "bedroom community" is home to many who work in nearby Cottonwood, Sedona, and Jerome, as well as many employed by Bent River Machinery, Verde Canyon Railroad, Salt River Materials Group (cement plant)-- fairly large employers for such a small town.
Not much going on up on Main Street... so it's a place for folks who like to make their own fun: hiking in the fantastic climate and geology, fishing, making music and art. A good number of artists and musicians inhabit this picturesque town. Main Street does feature 2 restaurants, 2 bars (one with regular live music), and a small market, as well as an art deco gas/service station.
The town puts on a series of free summer concerts in the Upper Park May-October--- always well attended. There is also a popular 4th of July event each year-- children's parade, ice cream social, etc.
Clarkdale is a charming All-American old fashioned town well worth exploring.
Ellen Jo | Clarkdale, AZ