Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, AZ- Every year Lonely Planet’s US-based editors team up with Lonely Planet’s expert authors to compile a list of US destinations that are prime for the next year. Lonely Planet’s Top US Destinations 2013 digs deeper and shines a light on 10 places in the US that travelers should add to their wish lists for the coming year.

Their 2013 picks are literally all over the map: once-in-a-lifetime northern lights, new top-tier museums, moose trails, Polynesian paradise, barrels of bourbon and a newly discovered wine destination in the high desert or Arizona.

Coming in at #9 on the Top 10 US Travel Destinations for 2013 is the Verde Valley, consisting of the small, charming and very beautiful towns of Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Jerome, Page Springs and Cornville; and the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Robert Reid, the US travel editor, announced the selection made by their editorial team saying, “The region is beautiful, with green canyons, rimmed by red rocks, and towns like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Sedona that have long drawn visitors for good food, art and mining lore. But the Verde Valley is all about the wine.” Wineries of the Verde Wine Trail include Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, and Javelina Leap Vineyards, accompanied by 6 neighboring Tasting Rooms.

Family friendly activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, Jeep Tours, and mountain bike riding can be experienced year round in the Verde Valley’s temperate four seasons. Whether tying the knot, honeymooning, enjoying a family reunion or that special anniversary, the Verde Valley is the perfect escape from the mundane. Taste palate pleasing wine varietals while surrounded by serene terrain and calm flowing waters.

The Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Jerome and Sedona Chambers of Commerce have been partnering for the last 10+ years as the Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council (SVVTC). The goal of the Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council and its contributors is to create enhanced awareness with the respective target audiences through a package of tourism promotion projects that result in overnight visitation, in turn generating economic impact. In fact, last year alone, we generated 90,000 unique visitors to SedonaVerdeValley.org. The spirit of cooperation within our region has resulted in a highly effective program of work that continues to this day. Lana Tolleson President/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce says “the Verde Valley has so much natural beauty. By working together within our region, we are able to offer an ideal vacation experience.”

“On behalf of the Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council, it is great honor to be placed on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Destination list for 2013. We are so proud to be recognized for our wine country, diverse scenic terrain and a travel experience worthy of any bucket list in 2013.“

-Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO Sedona Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of the SVVTC.