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The Annabel Inn B&B

When I came to Cottonwood four years ago, I had no intention of opening a B&B, or any business for that matter. I saw an opportunity and took it, becoming the first official Bed & Breakfast in the City. The fact that I could open was nothing short of a miracle. I am eternally grateful to the dozens of community merchants and residents who made my launch possible.

The Annabel Inn is also fortunate to be part of such an exciting time in Cottonwood. We have seen continuous growth as a result of community initiatives and the influx of new enterprises. Being a Chamber Member and an Old Town Merchant has helped me grow The Inn to occupancy rates surpassing national averages.

Thank you, Verde Valley residents, for voting us the #1 B&B in the Readers' Choice Awards of 2009. We are especially grateful for your referrals and repeat visitors. In appreciation, we are extending a 25% discount to your visiting family and friends through August 31st 2011.

Wine, wine, wine...we hear about it all the time. What an unexpected, and appropriate, pleasure to realize our European-style cottage B&B is ensconced in the heart of a...

Tags: chamber of commerce, cottonwood

Tags: bible, desire, dreams, goliath, lord, skydiving, vcrr, wheelchair

Here is a fun little Annabel Inn story from the Director of the EntireCare Rehabilitation Center at Verde Valley Medical Center, Paul Prefontaine:

"My wife and I were on a trip to Venice, Italy this past Summer. We were standing on a bridge in Venice, looking at our sad, little map, when we noticed another couple on the bridge who had a fancy, big, well-detailed map. We approached them to see if we could share their map, and found that they spoke English. We also detected they had an accent. When asked where they were from, they told us they were Canadian. We told them we were from the USA. They said, 'Oh we were just there on a trip!'

'You were? we replied, 'What part of the country?'

'Arizona, they stated.'

'Arizona!? We are from Arizona. How did you like it?'

'We loved it. We stayed in this little town, you probably haven't heard of it.'

'What's the name?'

'Cottonwood.'

'What? You are kidding! We live in Cottonwood! Where did you stay?'

'We stayed in the greatest little Bed & Breakfast, right in the Historic district - The Annabel Inn.'

We both just stepped back and started laughing. We...

Tags: bed breakfast, cottonwood, prefontaine, venice, vvmc

A 1950s Doo-Whoppin' Sock Hop Cruiz-In that is looking to be kill with a trivia trail through the merchants, sock hop, hula hoop and costume contests, and an ice cream social with 50s music spinning all evening long. Watch all those beautiful 50s cruisers you'd wish to be playing back seat bingo in as you sashay through town. Come meander with your slicked-back hair and folded up leather J, in a poodle skirt, rolled up jeans or maybe just a polka dot scarf. We hope to see all you cats here June 27th from 3 through the evening at Bing's Burger Station in Old Town Cottonwood on Historic 89A. Then spin on over to the Civic Center at 6pm and...

Tags: 1950s, cottonwood, cruise in, historic route, ice cream social. cars, sock hop

Galleries in May, Now Showing:
The Manheim

In a show titled "Color and Light," The Manheim Gallery will feature the work of Bobbie Stearn, painter, and Harvey Stearn, photographer. On Second Saturday there will be a wine reception with the artists and friends, featuring Oak Creek Winery wines.

Wind Dancer

Wind Dancer Fine Art Gallery is proud to be sponsoring our local El Valle artists group Mother’s Day Miniature Show to run from May 3^rd through May 17th. The show will include paintings in all mediums, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glass and fiber. A reception will be held on May 8^th on Second Saturday from 12 to 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served and demonstrations held on the patio. Wind Dancer is located at 903 N. Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood next to the F-Stop Restaurant.

F-Stop
Aside from their ongoing black &...

Tags: art walk, historic 89a, mothers day, old town cottonwood

I have owned a Bed & Breakfast in Old Town Cottonwood for the past two and a half years, and have watched a lovely transformation occur here over this time. The Verde Valley Wine Trail has been the topping gem to this transformation. Since its beginning, there has been a buzz around the Verde Valley, and more of my guests seem to have heard something about this new industry sprouting. Some have come just to taste the wine, some have even heard the rumors that it is being called the new Napa Valley! Now, I have even had guests who are returning to visit more wineries that they didn't get a chance to see on their last trip, or to revisit the winery to which they have become a paying member.

There is not a guest who I don't bring it up with anymore. With such a concise Trail to follow, complete with maps and articles being written right and left, it is a valuable area commodity to share. The majority of my guests have ventured out to try at least one, if not two or three tasting rooms. They always come back with...

Tags: chamber director, cottonwood, governor award, lana tolleson, tourism

Old Town Cottonwood and the Old Town Association are bringing Historic 89A’s 1920’s Heyday back to life in current day. Welcome the new, quarterly Bootleggin’ Cruiz-in of Historic 89A! We’re sure you’ll have a grand ol’ time during our Cruiz-In featuring classic cars, shopping, dining, and dancing - all in a 1920’s atmosphere.

Starting at 4 pm, take a stroll along Main Street as we recreate the good ol’ days with a classic car cruise.  These fine vehicles will be lining the streets so that folks can cruise the cars, as well as the shops, from 4-8pm. Live music and dancing are from 7 to 9pm. Merchants stay open late, making our old Arizona-town a bit more magical under the shop lights.

Dance lessons are a suggested donation of only $15, little money for lots of fun while you learn the Fox Trot, Charleston and Swing… like it’s 1927? Then practice until you are a pro: the band and open air dancing from 7-9pm and car cruise from 4-8pm are free.

Don’t be shy, come in your flappers and...

Tags: bootleggers, car cruise, cottonwood, old town

The Annabel Inn

Sometimes fate sends a blessing

Like an unexpected spell.

One such blessing in my life

Was meeting Annabel.

From the moment she first greets you,

So welcoming and warm,

Your heart tells you that staying here

Will be shelter from the storm.

Calm, compassionate, considerate,

Your comfort is her aim.

The ambiance of her little Inn

Puts large hotels to shame.

Elegant and effervescent,

Scintillating and serene.

She makes her charming cottage

Fit for King and Queen.

Delicious breakfasts, lovely rooms,

Relaxing time to chat.

Cozy corners, comfy beds,

Who'd ask for more than that?

If you're looking for a haven

To rest your body and your mind,

The Annabel Inn in Cottonwood

Is a most rewarding find.

Tags: arizona, bed and breakfast, blessing, cottonwood, poem

Join us on May 9^th as the Art District in Old Town features art in all mediums, from antiques and galleries to artisan breads and fine food fusions.

From 1-8pm, come stroll the sidewalks and enjoy our beautiful climate, incredible food choices, large array of shopping options and the Old West atmosphere of Historic 89A. Meander through the wonderful spectrum of galleries and shops, enjoy the music, sip wine and feel the sunshine.

Every second Saturday this year, there will be events to stir your artistic soul, and a new show at each gallery, every month, whose work you can newly appreciate.

We hope to see you here Saturday May 9^th, 2009 from 1-8pm.

** Rescheduled Event**

Crema will be hosting Hope, the 1^st Annual Create for a Cause Art Auction, to benefit youth programming in the Verde Valley in collaboration with the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission and Alcantara Winery. Auction is at Crema from 4-8pm during the Art Walk.

Add on for merchants:

Also, it’s time to start planning for our 2^nd Quarterly Cruiz-In of 2009 on Saturday, June 27th....

Tags: art, family, fundraiser, historic, outing, walk

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Plan the day and enjoy Cottonwood’s annual Christmas Parade starting in the late morning through to the early afternoon as it meanders on Main Street through Cottonwood’s business and historical district. Then take your loved one for a stroll through the Old Town of Cottonwood on Saturday, December 6^th from 4pm to 8pm and enjoy collecting handmade chocolates from participating Old Town Cottonwood merchants.

To enhance the evening further, one can enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and music by the Cottonwood Band at the Civic Center, which is also the headquarters for Chocolate Walk that evening. The Verde Valley Voices will be making the rounds to cheer everyone with Christmas Carols along the luminary lit streets.

Participating merchants, providing the chocolates for this event, can be found with the map provided at the Cottonwood Civic Center, along with a decorated bag for your goodies. There are raffle prize drawings to include activities, dining, and merchandise items donated by local businesses.

You don’t have to purchase a ticket to just come and enjoy the shops and restaurants, but you do need one in order to collect chocolate on...

Tags: chocolate, christmas, cottonwood