48 OCTOBER 2019 By Robin Sewell It’s the time of year when there is a little bit of a lull, kids are settled in school, holidays are still a couple of months away and you may be craving either a fun day trip, an overnight stay or a quick weekend getaway. If you are looking for a one-tank trip from Phoenix but still want to feel like you are somewhere totally different, head up north to Cottonwood. There is no shortage of things to do, whether you are looking for a more outdoorsy type of adventure or you just want to peruse the boutiques, do a little wine tasting and experience some fresh, European-inspired dining. Given that Cottonwood and Verde Valley is really a river and creek area, start by getting your feet wet. One of my more memorable excursions on the Arizona highways is called Water to Wine. You begin your day on a scenic stretch of the Verde Valley River. After some instruction, you strap on your life jacket, grab some paddles and jump into your kayak. You then paddle your way down the river through some chutes and into some mini rapids. You won’t be heading into any crazy white-water currents but there’s enough of a rush to make the ride plenty of fun. What’s also great about this adventure is that it’s not over when you reach the end of the ride. In some ways, it’s just beginning. Part two of your Water to Wine adventure takes place at Alcantara Vineyards and Winery in Cottonwood. You jump out of your kayak on the Verde River under the shade of the cottonwood trees and take the path up through the vineyards to a Tuscan farmhouse. Here you can taste some award-winning wines and even have a sommelier guide you through the tasting. After that, they will whisk you back to where you started and no, after a glass of vino, you won’t be going back on a kayak. If you want to make a night of it, you can head into downtown Cottonwood for a walking tour of old town, a game of Bocce ball, dinner and a night’s stay at one of the town’s quaint hotels. One of our favorites is the Tavern Hotel, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of old town Cottonwood. Just a few years ago, you might not have thought the words chic and Cottonwood could be in the same sentence, but this area has definitely become more “uptown.” The Tavern Hotel takes your getaway to a whole new level. After check in, you are treated to a complimentary cocktail. The rooms are simple but elegant with bright and fresh colors that don’t overpower. You can book a guest room, a suite or even the penthouse for a truly over-the-top and one-of-a-kind stay in this community. When it’s time to rise and shine, head across the street to Crema Craft Kitchen where the hotel treats its guests to a continental breakfast. You can walk off your meal by checking out the unique shops – antique and contemporary – and if you didn’t get enough wine on your tour, there are a number of tasting rooms to delight even the most discerning palate. Only two hours from the big city, yet with the feeling of being miles and miles from home, Cottonwood is the perfect escape… just off an Arizona highway. — Robin Sewell is the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning Arizona Highways Television . Cottonwood: the perfect getaway ROBIN’S ADVENTURES NEWS BRIEFS RKDA IS OPEN The long-awaited RKDA Kitchen is now open at 40th St. and Indian School. From their Facebook page: “RKDA Kitchen is a chef-inspired cuisine with bursts of flavor, creativity and a little bit of rock n’ roll. Our focus is to sit down, unwind, listen to great music and eat great food.” Situated in the former Evens Stevens sandwich shop, the menu varies from burgers, to poke bowls to shrimp tacos. For more: visit the RKDA Kitchen Facebook page. THE MERCHANTILE OF SCOTTSDALE Located on Brown Ave. in Old Town, this marketplace allows designers, makers, artists and local businesses to come together under one roof to offer products and services to residents and visitors. The Merchantile will also have a DIY area and weekly workshops, plus a private room for people to use for meetings and/or events. For more: themerchantileofscottsdale.com. Local Dentist Helps Uninsured Adults SPONSORED CONTENT Dr. Sophon Heng D.D.S. caters to those people who don’t have dental insurance. Dr. Heng provides comprehensive dental care exclusively to uninsured adults in a modern, yet modest office in Phoenix. Dr. Heng grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2001 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and he relocated to Phoenix after graduation. “After watching the dental profession change,” said Dr. Heng, “I felt it had to be done a different way: ‘A Non-insured Way.’ We use the latest technology and treatment, yet we keep our facility modest and control our business overhead, which allows us to offer lower fees to serve the people in the community.” For example, Dr Heng’s office charges $599 for a lifelike crown made with latest materials and technology. His crowns are guaranteed for life against breakage or defects. There is never a charge for a so-called crown build up. Other dental offices could customarily run from $800 to $1200 or more for a similar crown in this area. Also, other general procedures in Dr. Heng’s office run 30-60% less than those typically charged. For example, $599 for a root canal, $499 for immediate denture (each), cleaning starts at $30. Patients often remark they find Dr. Heng’s office a breath of fresh air in an age where profit and greed driven corporations and “banksters” are invading every aspect of our lives, including our health care. “We have had a great response from all of our patients and we have met so many wonderful and appreciative people.” said office manager Channa. “We treat all of our patients like we would our own family.” “We explain to our patients that we don’t cut corners on care, treatment or materials,” said Karen, dental assistant. “We pride ourselves in treating people not just their teeth. We love dentistry and feel great about providing excellent care. We are driven by our desire to help others.” Many of Dr. Heng’s patients are young adults and seniors who have no dental insurance or have only a limited policy that gives them a few benefits and then charges more for their other needs. There is never a charge for an exam and x-ray, consultation and second opinions. Dr Heng offers no gimmicks, just modern quality dentistry at an affordable cost. Sophon Heng D.D.S. 602-703-1195 2600 N. 44th St., Ste. 106 | Phoenix, AZ 85008

For More Photos and Information on This and Other Fine Properties, Visit WaltDanley.com or call 480.991.2050 Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate 3826 North 59th Place PhoeNix, arizoNa 4Br | 3.5Ba | 3,015 SQ Ft $1,900,000 | MlS# 5973471 Catherine Jacobson | 602.790.1992 catheriNe@WaltDaNley.coM From the builders of an HGTV Dream Home, this like-new luxury modern home has all of the tech and custom details desired today, and is located on a charming, quiet Arcadia street. Rough sawn oak flooring, Sierra Pacific windows, Gregio counter tops, Whitfill Nursery landscaping by owner, Newport brass fixtures, and gorgeous high-end chandeliers add brilliance and warmth. Open great room concept, high ceilings, fabulous office with barn door and generous bedrooms complete the floor plan. Inviting Master bedroom, Master thermosol steam shower with rainX. Pleasant covered patio with skylights and custom privacy fabric curtains. Citrus and pear trees, white bush roses and lavender all welcome you to this splendid residence!