Travel Through Sedona to Cottownwood in the Heart of Arizona's Verde Valley

Only an hour separates Flagstaff from Sedona. So take your time and hit the road at 9 a.m. to fully enjoy the day. Travel south on Interstate 17 before circling back toward Sedona to experience the spectacular desert scenery on the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

Turn north on State Route 179 and you'll hit the Red Rock Scenic Byway after about 18 miles. Easily one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona, the stretch of road runs nearly eight miles with beautiful sandstone cliffs and rock formations as your backdrop.
The Red Rock Ranger District Visitors Center is a great stop to not only take a bathroom break, but collect information, discuss the area with park rangers and soak in some incredible views. Allow a little more time if you plan to explore nearby walkways. Even if you stick around for just a few minutes, the Visitors Center provides a great crash course in what the natural wonders of Sedona are all about.

There's only one Tesla Supercharger on your road trip... and it's in Sedona. Fortunately, it's a great excuse to pull over, get some rest and check out the neighboring shops and restaurants at The Collective Sedona. The supercharger station has 14 bays, operating up to 72 KW.

Dellepiane is one of the best spots in Sedona for lunch, and it just happens to be steps away from the Tesla Supercharger. The restaurant prepares Argentinian-inspired comfort food with an emphasis on quality ingredients, from smashed-style Black Angus burgers and grass-fed steaks to fresh, farm-to-table fruits and vegetables.
The empanadas come in a variety of rotating recipes. If you can't decide, order a flight of three in a single order. Dellepiane also has a full bar for cocktails, beer and wine (including a few South American options). Ask about the vermouth selection.

The one-hour wait should provide plenty of energy for the rest of your journey to Cottonwood. Time to get back on the road.

Make one more stop in Sedona with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The Roman Catholic place of worship was built into the red rocks back in the 1950s to take advantage of the colorful natural surroundings.
Parking is available in a small nearby lot with a short, but steep walk to where the chapel is perched. You'll appreciate the magnificent views of the Coconino National Forest and may even feel an added sense of serenity since the location is believed to be in a vortex. The chapel itself welcomes worshipers and encourages visitors to be respectful of those practicing their religion. A gift shop is open downstairs.

Pay a visit to the Tuzigoot National Monument, which preserves and protects an ancient Native American pueblo from the 1300s.
A trail leads to the summit, where visitors can explore the ruins and soak in the views of neighboring Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Additional trails follow a path to the Verde River and marshlands.
The Tuzigoot Museum exhibits tools, pottery and other items recovered from the site. A small entrance fee is expected when visiting the park.

Time to check in at the Pine Inn & Suites. The quaint, but comfortable motel has well-maintained rooms, a pool and a Tesla Destination Charger for guests. It's slow, but will do the job for overnight charging. Head to your room, get settled and take your time cleaning up for dinner and drinks.
Some larger suites have kitchens and dining areas, which can make a world of difference for families traveling with kids. The property also has barbecue pits and laundry facilities. Visit the hotel website or booking.com to secure a reservation.

Drive to Old Town Cottonwood with eight wine tasting rooms within just a couple blocks of Main Street, an eye-catching stretch of classic Americana architecture. Take your time sampling sips and flights from Merkin, Arizona Stronghold, Burning Tree, Provisioner, Tantrum, Carlson Creek, Winery 101 and Pillsbury; all part of the touted Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Most tasting rooms have charcuterie and other small bites to nibble on. If you prefer a fuller, more formal sit-down dinner, try the Tavern Grille (a rustic gastropub inside the old town theater) or Belfry (a brewery with a wood-fired grill).

Head back to the Pine Inn & Suites to wind down and turn in for the night. Get plenty of rest. There's a busy day ahead to see more of Arizona's Verde Valley. Don't forget to plug in your car to the hotel's Tesla Destination Charger overnight.