Sedona – The Travel Treasure Trove
Posted in Romantic Locations, Scenery, Shopping, Travel | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Art, Desert, Southwest, Travel, US Domestic Travel, Vortexes
Nature outdid itself in Sedona
So Sedona has red rocks. You may ask, “What’s the big deal?” The big deal is an impressive natural wonder that extends across a region, bringing an awe-inspiring display that makes visitors feel “at one with nature.” Plus, you’ll find great hiking, terrific restaurants and amazing shopping!
Seeing the shimmering red rocks of Sedona for the first time is akin to entering a new universe. You may think you know the territory, but there is so much to explore and learn that a few days, or even a week, hardly do it justice.
Travelers arrive in Sedona with different expectations and agendas, but there is something for everyone. The local culture of Sedona is a nurturing one, with residents committed to sustainability and recycling bins prevalent as in very few cities. Visitors are enthusiastically welcomed, as they are responsible for Sedona’s success.
Breathtaking views
The Attractions of Sedona
The famous vortexes of Sedona claim a following for those searching for mind-expanding, spiritual answers or just scenic vistas. With an overpowering array of handcrafted items, many from Native American craftspeople, the shops and galleries could easily claim a visitor for days. Italian eateries are prominent with many quirky, high-quality, non-chain restaurants. The hotels range from modest cabins and motels to high-end resorts with amenities like sumptuous spas and massage therapists. Hiking trails offer challenges for every ability level with scenery changing as rapidly as the weather. During late February and early March, Sedona celebrates their International Film Festival and can attract big names from the film industry to host their debut showings.
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Seers
Many tourists are content to visit Sedona, breathe in the clean air, view the breath-taking red cliffs and indulge in food and physical pleasures. Others are drawn to the spiritual and mind-expanding aspects of the vortexes, called by some magnetic or electromagnetic. In any case, it is an inspiration to visit the locations where vortexes provide a connection to the earth, nature and higher purposes. Purportedly nine in number, the vortexes are located at a number of the buttes which range in color from pale beiges to mustard to vivid, earthy reds. Named for their resemblance to manmade objects or figures, some of the soaring peaks are called Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Merry Go Round, Snoopy, Madonna and Child, and Cathedral Rock. West Fork, a vortex site, is purportedly “the most biodiverse spot in Arizona.”
Tour groups are available to explain the significance of the various sites. One organization, the Institute of Ecotourism (Located in the first LEED Certified building in Arizona), sponsors seminars and provides information. (www.ioet.org, phone – 928-282-2720) M.I.T.-trained Pete A. Sanders, Jr., a licensed guide (928-282-9425), offers compelling, guided meditation sessions at two of the vortex sites as well as a seminar, “Scientific Vortex Information,” every Monday afternoon. On a Monday in February, this popular seminar had over 30 people attending, with some spilling out of the small seminar room adjacent to the Institute of Ecotourism.
Note: Those planning to hike up the buttes should be aware that trails are not handicapped accessible. However, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, nestled in steep red cliffs, has a steep ramp that can be negotiated by wheelchairs. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are visible from this vantage point.
In addition to vortexes, spiritual seers are prominent, offering readings and insights. Shaw-Ne (928-203-9222) is a “medical intuitive,” who accurately noted a visitor’s health issues by just looking at her, and later provided lists of vitamins and supplements needed.
Shopping in Sedona
Driving into Sedona, shops, stores and galleries are everywhere, usually selling the typical hats, postcards and tee shirts. Sedona is a magnet for authentic craftwork, which can range from handcrafted silver jewelry to artifacts of Native American garb. Finding the true items versus the knock-offs can be daunting, but some gems are hidden in plain sight.
On the way into Sedona on Highway 179, the oldest gift shop in Sedona, Son Silver West (www.sonsilverwest.com), has a dizzying array of traditional, western and modern arts and crafts. Old Indian artifacts, collections of arrowheads, prickly pear jelly, rugs, antique firearms and other treasures go on room after room. Just when you think you’ve reached the last room, another gallery offers additional arrays of items priced from two dollars to thousands.
Works of art, many mobile, but all captivating, can be found at Exposures International (www.exposuresfineart.com) on Highway 179. Some highlights included giant, iridescent, pinwheel-like sculptures from Mark White as well as larger-than-life baseball figures by Bobbie Carlyle so real you think they’ll come to life.
Gorgeous glass
In downtown Sedona, upscale merchants can be found in the charming shopping village, Tlaquepaque (Tah-lah-kee-pah-kee). The diversity of craftwork ranges from gorgeous one-of-a-kind glass at Kuivato Gallery (www.kuivato.com) to Southwest-themed photography by Harvey Caplin (Southwest Images, 928-204-9512). Numerous shops feature jewelry, leatherwork, wood, woven wearables and other irresistible gift items. Environmental Realists (928-282- 4945) offers an inviting selection of crafts, including screwback earrings, usually difficult to find. Porcelain earrings were particularly attractive, but wood, leather and fanciful sculptures vied for attention.
Outside of Tlaquepaque, Native American craftspeople or their agents set up tables along Highway 89A and at Oak Creek Canyon Lookout. Their wares are predominantly silver necklaces, rings and earrings, and pottery, on which they expect to bargain for price.
Garland’s Indian Jewelry (www.garlandsjewelry.com), also in Oak Creek Canyon on Hwy 89A, has an impressive collection of jewelry, hats, belts and other Indian crafts, authentically made by Indian craftspeople, one of whom was discussing their newest works with the shopkeeper during a recent visit.
Eating choices easy on the budget
After a day of shopping, a Sedona visitor finds numerous enticing meal choices. There are chain restaurants and the usual pricy, theme hotel restaurants, as well as popular locations like Cowboy Club http://www.cowboyclub.com/ and Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano http://www.dahlanddiluca.com/. However, a few stand-outs won’t break the bank and can provide some delightful alternatives.
While Italian restaurants seem to outnumber the other varieties, one stand-out was A Pizza Heaven (928.282.0519), nestled back off 89A in West Sedona. Their pizzas exuded aromas of fresh herbs, cheeses and meats; stuffed breads had chewy crusts with abundant cheese; and eggplant rollatini melted and melded flavors which were fabulous. Everyone left with a box, since the portions were generous and the prices were reasonable. The restaurant is well-named and well-loved by locals. In good weather, live music is offered some evenings on their patio.
For lunch if out exploring, the oldest country store, Indian Gardens Store and Deli (928- 282-7702, uptown Sedona on Hwy. 89A, next to Garlands), makes great and reasonably-priced sandwiches, soups, stews and chili. After choosing one of their many inventive combinations, patrons take their sandwich baskets to the garden patio, which is lovely in warm weather. The shop also offers gift items.
A great treat for lunch or dinner is the Javelina Cantina http://www.javelinacantina.com/ (928-203-9514), with its Sonoran-style Mexican offerings, in the Hillside Shops on Hwy 179. The entrees and accompaniments, from fish tacos to guacamole were all fresh and flavorful. An open-air patio provides views of the red rocks and the entire experience is inviting. While shopping at a nearby gallery, their aromas wafted down the hillside, making us think about returning soon for another meal.
On the way into or leaving Sedona, a great change of pace is Tara Thai (928-284-9167) tucked in a small shopping plaza in the Village of Oak Creek on Hwy 179. A small, welcoming staff provided flavorful Thai cuisine made with abundant fresh ingredients. Although locals say service can be slow, we found service to be efficient and friendly.
Overnight in Sedona
With many visitors passing through on daytrips, lodging is not always a concern. However, Sedona has plentiful guest facilities ranging from high end resorts like the award-winning, The Enchantment, www.enchantmentresort.com, to mid-range hotels such as the Best Western Inn of Sedona http://www.innofsedona.com/ to low-end motels like La Vista Motel.
The Enchantment, nestled among the red rocks in Boynton Canyon, shows rates ranging from $350 per night for a casita bedroom to as much as a two-bedroom casita suite with private pool for as much as $1625. Amenities are plentiful.
Best Western has two locations in Sedona. The Best Western Inn of Sedona (928-282-3072) has a spectacular vista of the rocks, with extensive patios and tiered rooms so that everyone gets a great view. An extensive free breakfast is available. Off season packages are advertised for $129 per night, but through a third party, $92 per night was available.
La Vista Motel (928-282-7301), in uptown Sedona, is the plain cousin, but has comfortable “cozy” rooms at prices less than $100.
Accommodations range from camping sites to resorts with spas and restaurants where you can spend your entire stay and never leave.
Nature – why you’re there
Hiking in Sedona is a dream. Numerous trails, like the Oak Creek trails, wind through the forests with creeks to cross and waterfalls to savor. Shady paths make the experience one where you want to keep going for hours. In early February, icicles were still present in some locations and the creek waters made crossing a challenge. Later in the year, the water levels can be down considerably. Hiking day passes are required and can be purchased with credit cards at trailheads.
Sedona offers diverse entertainments for any traveler. Putting your feet up and just enjoying the red rock vistas is one very tempting option. Or, as one traveler said, surveying the red rocks, “I could live here!”
Resources
Sedona Chamber of Commerce
www.sedonachamber.com or phone 928-204-1123
Sedona International Film Festival
www.sedonafilmfestival.com or phone 928-282-1177
Tags: Art, Desert, Southwest, Travel, US Domestic Travel, Vortexes