HolidayInSedona

Cucina Rustica is a must visit restaurant of Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Cucina Rustica is a must visit restaurant of Sedona

As if being in Sedona wasn’t magical enough- when you pass through the outdoor gates of Cucina Rustica you enter a restaurant unlike most others. The restaurant wraps its arms around you and settles you into dining experience that many foodies seek out but rarely find. Couples and large parties enjoy unobstructed service and ambiance. The tone of the restaurant is rich warm colors of the Mediterranean woven into the four dining rooms, uniquely separate but locked hand in hand to each other. Owner and Chef Lisa Dahl designed the restaurant with old world doors, lighting, windows for peek-a-boo openings, iron work, 4 fireplaces, 2 fountains and 2 magnificent patios. The large L-shaped bar area is vibrant, subtly lite and serving Wine Spectator list wines and fine cocktails while the sounds of the chef’s on the line ebb and flow in the background.
When you dine at Cucina Rustica the world is a million miles away.

The Best Pizza in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , ,
The Best Pizza in Sedona

 

Since mid-July, Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie establishment in The Collective has offered Villagers and visitors alike high-quality thin-crust pizza.

Rotten Johnny’s is a nice complement to the fine dining J Wine Bistro, not only because of the different menus and styles of service but also the hours and days of operation. Choices are what we like.

The hours for Rotten Johnny’s are: 7 days a week 11am to 9pm (J Wine Bistro is open Tuesday-Sunday 4-9 p.m.)

We suggest to first order the Antipasto Salad –good and almost a meal in itself.

Rotten Johnny’s has other interesting ingredients available as an extra for cost or part of the general menu offerings: Genoa salami, hot soppressata, capocollo, pancetta, fennel sausage, caponata, Calbrian chiles, ricotta, arugula, wood-roasted mushrooms, black truffle and Mediterranean olives.

There are seven 13-inch Red Pizzas and seven 13-inch White pizzas to choose from. Half & half is possible for no extra charge.

There is cheese-less pizza, more than one vegetarian pizza and several loaded pizzas.

The Pancetta Pizza includes caramelized onions. It was served timely and more than satisfied our appetites.

Deciding on beer for our beverage, some choices are Deschutes Black Porter, Mother’s Road Tower Station IPA, and local Huff Brewing Company Orange Blossom. Many other beverages, soft and alcoholic, are available.

John is known for keeping an excellent wine menu and that is available by the glass or bottle.

Good use is made of the wood-fire as shrimp, olives and vegetable of the day are offered, along with burrata and chili peppers stuffed with tuna.

Desserts, locally made, are also available. Pizzas take only a few minutes to bake in the hot oven, so wait time isn’t an issue. Call in orders take 15-20 minutes.

Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie can now be ordered online and delivered to you anywhere in Sedona! Check out the menu at Rottenjohnnys.com or call 928-641-6586.

 

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , ,
Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is home to more than 400 animals, including lions, giraffes and rhinoceroses. The mission of Out of Africa Wildlife Park is to create the ultimate animal adventure for all ages, one steeped in fun, immersed in learning, and inspired by a living and colorful world of astonishing wildlife.

Tiger Splash®
You’ve never seen anything like this before! Witness one or more Bengal and Siberian tigers interact in a predator-and-play relationship, romping and splashing in a large pool as they play with their caretakers and various colorful toys.

Creature Feature
Experience an interactive animal encounter that will introduce you to some of our beloved and popular animal stars ranging from furry, to feathered, to scaly.

Predator Feed
Follow our animal caretakers on the Predator Feed as they throw 800 pounds of raw food to eagerly waiting carnivores. Plenty of opportunities to take amazing pictures while bears chow down, hyenas laugh, and lions roar.

Giant Snake Show
Get behind the myths, and discover the reality of the Giant Snake. Take advantage of this interactive experience and opportunity to look closely. If you choose to, you can even touch and hold some of the world’s largest species. Safe for all ages.

Wonders of Wildlife Show
You’ll be fascinated by the antics of our residents, whether it’s grizzly bears at play flopping in the pool, spotted hyenas playing tug-of-war with caretakers, or a walkabout where you’re shown a rare side of exotic animals.

African Bush Safari
No passport needed! You may be in Arizona, but you’ll feel like you’re in Africa when hitching a ride on your own African Bush Safari Tour, included with general admission. This 30-minute tour narrated by expert guides is a photographer’s dream.

Wildlife Preserve
Engage the splendor of the wildlife preserve, composed of the free-roaming Serengeti, the entertainment arena and courts, and spacious habitats located throughout the park. Enjoy by foot or park vehicles.

Gift Shop
Turn your shopping experience into an adventure with gifts ranging from the usual to the exotic. Choose a wild stuffed animals to inspire a child’s imaginary African safari, or a book to gain insight into the instincts of the wild. Relive your day’s adventure!

Slide Rock State Park in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , ,
Slide Rock State Park

For those of you visiting Sedona during the hot summer months, a few hours at Slide Rock State Park is a must. Housed on land that formerly grew apple trees, the park earned its name from the stretch of its slippery creek bed near the original homestead that now acts as a natural waterslide. Visitors can cruise down the creek on a tube or on their own, or simply enjoy the sun along the rock bed. Beyond the natural waterslide, the park is home to numerous natural swimming pools. The farm’s old homestead is also open to exploration. Visitors often spend the entire day at the park soaking up the sun and swimming in the water. If you are feeling brave, you can even go cliff jumping.

Slide Rock State Park is located about 23 minutes north of the home along Highway 89A. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. from January through October and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to January. Entry fee is $20 per vehicle, which includes access for up to four adults, and $3 per extra person. (In the fall and winter months, it’s just $10 for entry.) Holiday weekends cost a bit more. For more information, check out the Slide Rock State Park website Arizona State Parks

Travel Tip created by Lori in association with Vacation Soup

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Hot Air Balloon

Looking for an alternative to planes and helicopters? Try taking a balloon ride to experience high vistas of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Hot air ballooning allows each visitor to Sedona to experience the magic and energy of the vortexes in their own way.  Professional pilots, ground crew and support personnel make hot air ballooning an event to remember.  Imagine floating over Sedona as the sun peeks out over the crimson towers that line the eastern horizon. As the sun breaks from behind the rocks, your morning hot air balloon ride gives a bright perspective on what the day might bring. End your ride with a champagne toast amidst the famous Sedona red rocks.  A balloon flight is typically three-to-four hours from the time you arrive until you’re ready to go home. Flight time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on weather conditions.

A popular balloon tour company Red Rock Balloon Adventures.  For ore information visit their website at Red Rock Balloon Adventures.

Travel Tip created by Lori in association with Vacation Soup

Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks in Sedona

Bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. No reservations necessary. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area (IBA) because of the many species that live or visit here. Please meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the Visitor Center. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water, binoculars, and a bird book if you have one.

Admission: $7 per adult (14+) and $4 per youth (7-13)
Time: From: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Golfing in Sedona

Lori Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Golfing

 

If hitting the fareways is a must during your vacation in Sedona… you are in luck!  Sedona Golf Resort – No other Sedona AZ golf course provides a better combination of jaw-dropping splendor and exceptional challenge than the acclaimed Sedona Golf Resort. Located in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par – 71 course is widely considered among the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences. Winding around the famed red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique adventure. No wonder this championship Sedona golf course receives a continuous four-star rating from Golf Digest.  For more information on booking a tee time, please visit Sedona Golf Resort.

Oak Creek Country Club – The premier of Sedona AZ golf courses, the Oakcreek Country Club is an 18 hole championship golf course nestled in the majestic Sedona red rocks. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., this Sedona, Arizona golf course is truly a masterpiece featuring Sedona red rock views beyond compare.  This Sedona, AZ golf course is a traditional layout similar to those that you may find in the midwestern United States. In the usual Trent Jones manner, the fairways are classic tree lined doglegs with fairway bunkers strategically placed in the landing areas, and the greens are all slightly elevated and surrounded with large swirling greenside bunkers. For more information on booking a tee time, please visit Oak Creek Country Club.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, A Must See in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , ,
Chapel of the Holy Cross, A Must See in Sedona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural and spiritual treasure of Sedona. Built on a magnificent red rock perch and offering vistas of Sedona’s most breathtaking landscape, this house of worship has drawn countless people from all over the world since the 1950s. Today it is one of the most popular destinations for visitors of the Sedona area. Those who expect to find the Chapel as just another charming site are often surprised to find themselves embued by the powerful spirituality emanating from this plain yet beautiful building that seems to have stepped forth right out of Sedona’s dramatic red rocks.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and parking is available just a short walk down the cliff side from the church. The Chapel is located 4 minutes from the home and can be seen from the back patio. For more information, visit the official website The Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Stargazing in Sedona Arizona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Stargazing in Sedona Arizona

Stargazing!  Unless visitors look to the night skies, however, they might miss one of the city’s biggest attractions—the unobstructed views of the heavens. The night skies over Sedona are so exceptional for stargazing, in fact, that the city was awarded the prestigious Dark Sky Community designation by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2014.

The reward for visitors for Sedona’s intentional steps to avoid light pollution is the ability to view stars, planets and constellations not visible from most other locations. There are several locations for star gazing such as Baldwin Trail, Marg’s Draw, and Turkey Creek.

Travel Tip created by Lori in association with Vacation Soup