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SEDONA DOES IT ALL, AND VERY WELL
By Nancy S. Tardy*
Sedona, the New Age town, attracts seekers of all type. Some come for the scenery; some for the shopping and dining opportunities; some to hit the golf courses; some for a romantic getaway; some for cooler mountain weather; and some for physical, spiritual or emotional enhancement. This small Arizona town has something for everyone; and my friend, Sandie, and I spent a weekend exploring its offerings.
Finding a place to stay may be difficult, especially during weekends in the peak season, which runs from March to November; so plan ahead. If golf is your bag, you may want to consider a room at the Hilton Sedona Resort, which boasts a championship golf course; or stay up the road at Radisson Poco Diablo Resort, a peaceful site with a 9-hole, par 3 course, heated outdoor pool and spa. Those planning to explore the nearby parks and hiking trails may want to look into the many moderately priced options uptown and along Highway 89, including motels belonging to national chains such as Best Western, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Super 8, etc. and cabins along Oak Creek. (Consult the Sedona Chamber of Commerce site www.visitsedona.com for lodging options and additional tourism information.)
Many small inns provide a warm welcome; one of the best is the Inn on Oak Creek. Located in an area of upscale art galleries and restaurants only a mile from uptown Sedona, it feels like a comfortable new home; albeit a home with 11 themed bedrooms. The comfortable and stylish public areas make you want to linger over a last cup of coffee after the trademark gourmet breakfast or during the evening offering of complimentary hors d’oeuvres. (BYOB if you want alcohol…) Don’t forget to ask for bread crusts if you are going to relax in their private, creek-side park; the waterfowl think that visitors come merely to feed them.
(Photo courtesy of Inn on Oak Creek.)
If you go to Sedona with plans to rest and relax, expect to change your mind after you learn about the many options that await you. Many explore nearby Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park. Photographers gravitate to Oak Creek Canyon. Golfers can test their skills on area public courses. Native American history buffs will want to drive to nearby Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument to learn more about the Sinagua Indians, who lived in this area about 600 years ago.
Montezuma Castle-photo by S. Quarterman
The arts and culture scene offers opportunities throughout the year-ranging from crafts fairs to high-end art gallery exhibits; from celebrity concerts and music festivals at the Sedona Cultural Park to classical music series at local churches. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, constructed to resemble a Spanish colonial village by the same name outside Guadalajara, is a hub of art and craft activity, restaurants and unique shops. And, don’t forget the commercial tours that are available-try a jeep tour to take you places that your feet or car can’t carry you. Or, for a pure Sedona experience, visit a vortex; many of these natural energy, or power, spots have been identified in the surrounding mountains.
(Scenic vista near Sedona-photo by S. Quarterman)
With so much to see and do, dining options are understandably numerous. From coffee and burger places uptown, such as the Blue Moon Café, to the elegant, gourmet dining experience at Rene’s at Tlaquepaque; you can’t go wrong. If you want a meal with a view, try the Sunday brunch or early dinner at the Enchantment Resort’s Yavapai Restaurant north of town in Boynton Canyon. For good seafood, check out Shugrue’s Hillside Grill across from the Inn on the Creek. Ask around, people are always helpful in recommending their favorites.
(Photo compliments of Rene’s at Tlaquepaque)
Sedona is a town made up of residents who came for a weekend and, instead, stayed a lifetime. Check it out, and I think you’ll see why.
Inn on Oak Creek
556 Hwy 179
1-800-499-7896
www.sedona-inn.com
Rates from $180-$275
Hilton Sedona Resort
90 Ridge Trail Dr.
1-877-2REDROCK
www.HiltonSedona.com
Rates from $149-$259
Radisson Poco Diablo Resort
1752 S. Hwy 179
1-800-333-3333
www.radisson.com/sedonaaz
Rates from $129-$219
Sedona Cultural Park
Located in West Sedona on Hwy 89A
1-800-780-ARTS
www.sedonaculturalpark.org
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Hwy 179 at the Bridge
www.tlaq.com
Blue Moon Café
6101 Hwy 179
Rene’s at Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Hwy 179 at the Bridge
928-282-9225
Yavapai Restaurant at Enchantment Resort
Located in Boynton Canyon
(Reservations Required 928-282-2900)
Shugrue’s Hillside Grill
671 Hwy 179
928-282-5300
*Nancy is a healthcare professional who has a passion for traveling to nearby destinations as well as distant, more exotic locales.
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
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