As the holiday season approaches, step away from the ordinary and venture into the extraordinary. Consider giving one-of-a-kind gifts and experiences – the thrill of new adventures, the joy of learning something new, the delight in tasting local flavors, and the satisfaction of supporting local artists. From exclusive art to immersive nature experiences, from hands-on pottery classes to rustic log homestays, the historic towns of Clarkdale and Williams, Arizona, offer a range of unique holiday gift ideas that promise to create lasting memories.
5 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas in Clarkdale
Clarkdale itself is a treasure trove of unique holiday gift experiences, especially the Magical Christmas Journey with Verde Canyon Railroad. Here are a few other unique experiences that would make great holiday gift ideas this season.
1. One-of-a-kind Piece of Handmade Art
The 36th Annual Made in Clarkdale Art Showcase is more than a shopping experience – it’s a journey into the heart of creativity. It offers an outstanding array of art and artists. You’ll find stunning ceramics, intricate jewelry, breathtaking paintings, and innovative mixed-media pieces. Crafted with passion and precision by the hands of gifted artisans, each item tells a story. As you explore the showcase, you’ll be sure to find that perfect, unforgettable gift that speaks volumes.
2023 Dates: Thursday, November 30th – Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
For location and times, please visit the Made in Clarkdale website.
2. Pottery Classes
Discover the joy of shaping clay with your own hands at the Reitz Ranch Center for Ceramic Arts. This center offers a range of courses designed for adults. It provides an opportunity to learn pottery wheel techniques, hand-building, sculpture, and other technical topics. From beginners to experienced potters, everyone can enjoy learning from the masters and creating their own ceramic masterpieces.
For more information, please visit the Reitz Ranch Center for Ceramic Arts website.
3. Clarkdale Wine Tasting Tour
Immerse yourself in the vibrant wine culture of historic Clarkdale with an unforgettable tour by Sip Sedona. This four-hour experience offers a unique blend of local wineries, a craft brewery, and natural beauty. You’ll be able to visit renowned establishments like Chateau Tumbleweed, Bodega Pierce, and Southwest Wine Center. You can also indulge in the craft beer delights at Smeltertown Brewery. For those seeking a holiday gift idea for the wine or beer lover, this tour offers an enriching, fun-filled adventure.
To learn more about this tasting tour, please visit the Sip Sedona website.
4. Paddle the Verde River
Delve into the heart of Arizona’s natural beauty with an exhilarating adventure from Clarkdale Kayak Company. Cruise down the river, immersing yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Clarkdale. All from the comfort and safety of top-of-the-line, hard-shell, or inflatable kayaks. You’ll spend about 2.5 – 3 hours on the river, covering 3.5 miles of scenic riverway. It is an ideal day trip for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking a unique holiday gift idea for the nature lover in your life, this kayaking adventure offers an unforgettable experience of exploration and discovery.
To view tour options, please visit the Clarkdale Kayak Company website.
5. A Cheese Lover’s Dream
For those wanting to give a unique, flavorful, and sustainable gift this holiday season, Virgin Cheese offers an array of exquisite vegan, artisanal cheeses that are sure to impress any cheese aficionado. Handcrafted from pure plant power, these traditionally cultured, organic cashew cream-based cheeses are high-quality and worthy of pairing with some fine wine. Purchase in-store or their cheese is available for direct shipping through online orders, making it an easily accessible, delicious gift for the holidays.
To learn more and purchase online, please visit the Virgin Cheese website.
5 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas in Williams
A ride on the Polar Express from the Grand Canyon Railway is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Williams is also home to a multitude of experiences that would make anyone jump for joy this holiday season!
1. VIP Experience for the Animal Lovers
Bearizona’s VIP Experience is a 90-minute tour that takes you behind the scenes to meet some of the park’s most famous residents. You’ll get to interact with these incredible creatures and learn from their friendly keepers, filling your camera roll and heart with unforgettable moments.
The VIP Experience also includes a ride on the Wild Ride bus through the drive-thru portion of the park. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of animals on a 3-mile safari. Midway through, you’ll disembark for a unique backstage viewing of wolf training sessions. It’s the perfect holiday gift for animal lovers, offering them a chance to get up close and personal with some amazing creatures in a unique setting.
For more information and to book online, please visit the Bearizona website.
2. A Grand Adventure
Gift the experience of a lifetime this holiday season with an unforgettable tour of the Grand Canyon. From soaring through the sky on an exhilarating helicopter tour that offers panoramic views of the canyon’s vibrant geology and expansive reaches to embarking on a nostalgic train ride that leisurely meanders across the landscape. For those on your list who crave adventure, consider gifting them a Jeep, UTV, or bike tour to explore the Grand Canyon’s rugged trails. And if you’re shopping for someone truly daring, skydiving over the Grand Canyon offers an adrenaline-pumping experience they’ll never forget, complete with a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder. Each unique tour offers a fresh perspective on the Grand Canyon, ensuring every visit is a distinct and memorable journey.
To learn more about these amazing tours, please read the Best Grand Canyon Tours from Williams and the South Rim on the Experience Williams website.
3. Sleep in a Log Home
The Quarter Horse Inn & Lodge, nestled at the base of the mountains in historic Williams, Arizona, offers a serene escape that makes for an exceptional gift any time of the year. This spacious, two-story log home is beautifully decorated with Southwest and Native American decor, providing a unique and immersive experience. Each room is individually adorned with antiques and artwork and equipped with modern amenities like a full bath, fireplace, and cable TV. The lodge is conveniently located near a plethora of attractions, making it the perfect hub for exploring Northern Arizona. Gifting a stay at the Quarter Horse Inn & Lodge is not just offering a place to sleep but an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Southwest.
To learn more and make reservations, please visit the Quarter Horse Inn & Lodge website.
4. For the Sweet Tooth & Spicy Foodies
This holiday season, surprise the sweet tooth and spice lovers on your list with unique gifts from Copper Canyon Trading. Located along Route 66, this treasure trove of western-themed home decor, apparel, and gifts also features a specialty foods room that is a delight for foodies. Choose from over 40 flavors of salt water taffy along with old-time favorite candies, a perfect treat for those who love a sweet indulgence. For those who prefer a kick, explore their collection of hundreds of hot sauces, guaranteed to add some heat to any meal. And don’t forget to check out their sister store, Colors of the West, for even more unique gift options. With these specialty food gifts, you’re sure to sweeten or spice up your holiday gift-giving!
For more information, please visit the Copper Canyon Trading Facebook page.
5. Yabadabaoo! Visit Bedrock City
For a holiday gift that promises adventure, fun, and a touch of nostalgia, consider a visit to Raptor Ranch, a birds of prey adventure park. In the same location, step back in time with a visit to Bedrock City, an iconic Flintstone cartoon landmark from the 1970s. Visitors can explore this quirky, vintage pop culture site, which remains open for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can stay overnight at the ranch at one of the Glamping tents. This holiday season, give the gift of truly unique experiences that are fun for all ages.
For more information on Bedrock City, visit the Raptor Ranch website.
IN SUMMARY
The best gifts aren’t always things; they’re moments, experiences, and one-of-a-kind treasures that touch hearts and enrich lives. So, this holiday season, embrace the unique, the unusual, and the unforgettable with experiences offered by two very special train towns in Arizona – Clarkdale and Williams.
