HolidayInSedona

Fun Things to do in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , ,
Fun Things to do in Sedona

visitors find themselves here just on their way to the Grand Canyon. If a visit to the Grand Canyon part of your plan, we highly recommend that you book yourself a Sedona hotel room or vacation rental for a couple of nights. Sedona is also a fantastic home base to visit all of what northern Arizona has to offer. From Sedona jeep tours, hiking, Slide Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon to spiritual healing, massages, psychic readings and energy vortexes, Sedona will have your senses buzzing for days!

Sedona, AZ has become a mecca for all sorts of communities: spiritual healers, mountain bikers, hikers, artists, nature photographers, and even film makers. This vibrant and stunning area of Arizona’s ability to attract and accommodate so many walks of life has created and nurtured an eclectic, unique culture unlike anywhere you’ve ever experienced. Sedona is truly one of a kind, and visiting Sedona will be an experience not easily forgotten.

There are veritably hundreds of things to do in Sedona. There are enough activities to satisfy a life-long stay, so the only trouble with planning a vacation to Sedona is how to manage to do the “very best things” in a short amount of time. If you have only one day in Sedona, make the most of the day by arriving in Sedona as early as possible (allow for driving time from Phoenix or where ever your trip begins.) You can take a self-guided driving tour, a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour, do a short day hike or an ever-popular Jeep tour. Spend time meandering about Tlaquepaque, Uptown Sedona, and the various art galleries, eateries and shopping centers therein. Drive up Oak Creek Canyon and back, stopping at West Fork or Slide Rock for a lovely, verdant hike as long or as short as you like. End the day watching the sun go down from Airport Mesa. A two- to three-night stay is the ideal length of stay for the majority of Sedona visitors. Use the extra time to heal and focus inward, or get out and explore outward. Book a day of restorative spa treatments at one of Sedona’s acclaimed day or resort spas to quiet the noise of your everyday life. Or pile into the car for more driving than hiking. Head for West Sedona for additional shops and dining and a bit beyond toward Page Springs/Cornville to sample the terroir of Arizona wine country; venture down Highway 179 to poke around the Village of Oak Creek’s shops and restaurants; or even take a day trip through cute-as-a-button Cottonwood to the funky former ghost town of Jerome. Sedona is so laid back, almost nothing (except guided tours and the sunrise and set) happens on a particular timetable, so relax and go with the flow of Sedona’s palpable energy. If you can’t see it all in 2 – 3 days—and we assure you, there’s always more to do—come back year after year like many visitors, and do something different on your next visit.

Wine Tasting in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Wine Tasting in Sedona
Free-Photos / Pixabay

Page Springs Cellars is a winery first and foremost. But it’s also a destination that encourages exploration. Here, visitors can pack a day full of authentic experiences, from the obvious—tasting wine—to strolling the vineyards on a tour, opening up the heart and mind during a yoga session, creating a private event or savoring Chef Michael’s house-made jam. Experiences. Little moments. You know, the things that make the world go round.

TASTING ROOM & BISTRO
Our Tasting Room is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We welcome you to join us Sunday–Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. In our Tasting Room, not only can you sample our wines and enjoy our delicious bistro offerings, but you can also peruse a gallery of local artists and check out our weekly line-up of live music.

We get a little busy on the weekends, so if you find yourself having to wait for a spell, relax on our shaded front veranda or stroll our beautiful grounds. Also, parking can be tight when we’re busy, but our friendly parking attendants will help guide you (and your car) to a spot.

Here’s what you do:
Simply choose a flight (we offer a variety of flight styles), sit back, and let our expert tasting room staff pour and educate. Each flight costs $11 and includes five tastes, plus a souvenir tasting glass.

Want something extra special? For $25, you can order the Reserve Flight, which includes five specially selected, limited-edition wines. There’s also our Library Wine menu, an offering of some of our best wines that have been intentionally cellared for release at the optimum time.

Of course, you’re not limited to tasting flights. Almost all of our wines are available by the glass or bottle.

Winery Tour
Our flagship tour, this is a 60–90 minute guided exploration of Page Springs Cellars, where you’ll get an insider’s look into winemaking. You’ll learn the history, culture, and process of winemaking, from grape to bottle, plus you’ll get 5 tastes of our award-winning wines, including a special tasting pulled directly from barrel. Explore areas of our grounds not open to visitors, including our estate vineyards, cellar, barrel room, and crush pad. Bonus: You’ll receive a souvenir glass to take home.

Times:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
First and last Saturday of the month, no 4 p.m. tour.

Rates:
Winery Tour with 5 tastings – $34
Winery Tour without tastings – $19
Children 12 and under are free.

Notes:

Handicap accessible.
Groups larger than 8 require special arrangements.
Guests may buy out a Winery Tour for an exclusive, private reservation. This is subject to availability and costs a one-time additional fee of $100.
Reservations:
928-639 3004, Ext. 850
Tours@PageSpringsCellars.com

Travel Tip created by Lori in association with Vacation Soup

Fantastic Restaurant in Sedona

Lori Sedona , , , , , , , , , ,
Fantastic Restaurant in Sedona

The Oak Creek Brewery & Grill has been packed for lunch and dinner since it opened its doors in 2001.  It is centrally located in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.  The most popular menu item is the fish & chips with four chunks of North Atlantic cod that are battered in beer and deep fried until golden brown.  The cod comes with a mound of waffle-cut fries, coleslaw studded with golden raisins and black sesame seeds, tartar sauce and ketchup.  The second most popular item on the menu is the barbecue pork ribs.  The tender smoky ribs have just the right amount of sauce.  Don’t forget to try a flight of beer tasters.  Open daily 11:30 am to 8:30 pm for lunch and dinner.

LOCATED IN HISTORIC TLAQUEPAQUE, SEDONA, AZ
If dining amid the Red Rocks of Sedona is on your short-list of things to do, then let us show you the right way to do it! Not only have our beers won numerous awards, but our wood-fired grill fare is rated tops in Arizona and our world-class micro-brews make your lunch, dinner or special occasion one to remember. Chill on our second story patio and enjoy our fabulous brews with amazing Red Rock views. Oak Creek Brewery and Grill is the perfect gathering place for Sedona visitors, family and returning friends

 

Need A Yoga Fix in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , ,
Need A Yoga Fix in Sedona

SYF provides the keys to unlocking your greatest transformation with a focus on yoga and the expansion of consciousness. This conference is a world class opportunity for you to deepen your practice and tap into ancient wisdom with four days of yoga, meditation, hiking and energy work in the undisputed spiritual center of the West. The 7th Annual Sedona Yoga Festival is held in Sedona, AZ, nestled among the red rocks and surrounded by easily accessible trails. In Sedona you can tap in to the energy of the land for restoration while leaving behind what no longer nourishes your soul. Rich in energy “vortexes,” Sedona has long been known for its magnifying, regenerative powers—making it the ideal place to come together in large numbers and create a concentration of energy that will resonate far beyond Sedona, and long after. With over 50 sessions on the sacred land – permitted by the National Forest Service – you are sure to tap into the healing and inspiration that is available to you in the Sedona Vortex.

Throughout the venue over 200 classes, workshops, and events are offered throughout the weekend, and in-depth immersions with master teachers are available before and after the conference, The SYF Tribe of Presenters have a commitment to consciousness and unfailing authenticity that resonate in Sedona’s spiritually charged environment. Interested in taking your yoga teaching to a broader audience? SYF also offers an optional integrated 20-hour training for Yoga teachers “Traumatic Stress: Resliency and Healing with Yoga” designed to provide teachers with the skills to share yoga with First Responders, Veterans, trauma survivors, and those affected by PTSD. This 20 hour track is integrated into the SYF experience with full access to the conference outside of the intensive (held on Thursday all day, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings), allowing plenty of time for integration and reflection be it on the land or in other classes and workshops, among all festival attendees. The training, and many of the classes, offer CEUs for practitioners.

This year’s conference takes place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center | Red Rock High School, giving visitors a singular gathering place from which to explore the city and surrounding area’s diverse offerings. The boutique and unique vendor village is reason to visit by itself with a mix of vendors from around the country offering their conscious wares. There is a healing village of wellness practitioners on site, a book fair, live music and kirtan throughout the weekend, and a selection of food vendors to choose from, too. And did we mention SYF is a Zero Waste event this year? Book your Passes or classes at SedonaYogaFestival.com March 14-17, 2019

Basic Schedule Outline:

Thursday, March 14th
8am-5pm Yoga for PTSD training begins
Varying times: Pre-conference sessions
3pm Registration Opens
6pm Opening Ceremonies
7:30pm Evening Classes/Kirtans

Friday, March 15th
6am Sunrise Classes and Meditations
7:30am Plenary Session w. Keynote
8:30am-12:30pm Yoga for PTSD Training
8am-5pm Kids Yoga
8:30am-6pm Sessions with long lunch (keynote)
9am-7pm Conscious Expo Open

Saturday, March 16th
6am Sunrise Classes and Meditations
7:30am Plenary Session w. Keynote
8:30am-12:30 Yoga for PTSD Training
8am-5pm Kids Yoga
8:30am-6pm Sessions with long lunch (Book Fair)
9am-7pm Conscious Expo Open

Sunday, March 17th
6am Sunrise Classes and Meditations
7:45am Plenary Session w. Keynote
8am-12pm Yoga for PTSD Training
8am-5pm Kids Yoga
9am-6pm Sessions with long lunch (keynote)
9am-6pm Conscious Expo Open
6:30pm Closing Ceremony
7-8:30pm Closing Chant

Tickets available at www.sedonayogafestival.com/purchase-tickets

 

Stargazing in Sedona

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

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.

Sedona is arguably one of the best communities in the world for stargazing, as it is one of only 20 certified Dark Sky Communities in the world. The city has made conscientious efforts to reduce light pollution, from low-lumen lighting to properly hooded and directed light fixtures. If you go stargazing in or around Sedona, you’ll notice that there’s substantially less light pollution than other cities.

Combine this with the iconic red rocks surrounding you and Sedona is a stargazing haven – and a dream destination for astrophotographers. (Need astrophotography tips? We got ’em!)

To go stargazing in Sedona (and to get to Sedona), you’ll need a car. Make sure you give yourself enough time to arrive at your stargazing location, turn off your car, and let your eyes adjust. Depending on where you go, you may also need a Red Rocks Pass to park in certain areas.

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.

Pink Jeep Tour

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , ,
Pink Jeep Tour

The Pink Jeep Tour is a must do on your visit to red rock country. Take a tour with an experienced guide on a fabulous excursion for all ages in Sedona!  These photos taken from their most extreme tour, The Broken Arrow tour which is their most popularand the original tour that started the company.  There are 360 degrees of stunning wilderness and not to be missed adventure!

Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, Arizona
Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, Arizona
Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, Arizona

Picnics in Sedona

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , ,
Picnics in Sedona

Sometimes it’s fun for the family and romantic couples to grocery shop for picnic delicacies and head to the tranquility of some tremendous Sedona Picnic Areas where you will discover panoramic beauty that exist no where else. If that’s the kind of mood you’re in, you will love the picnic settings in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon including Jordan Historical Park, Red Rock State Park, and  Crescent Moon.

Mountain Biking in Sedona!

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , ,
Mountain Biking

There are few feelings more exhilarating than exploring Sedona by mountain bike, racing down steep declines nestled within the stunning red rocks and riding over hills amongst dense, lush forests. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran who brings their own bike or you’re looking to try out mountain biking for the first time and need a rental, there are many options for rentals and trail riding in Sedona.  Mountain bikes can be rented at Absolute Bikes and can ride to many trails.  Absolute Bikes is located 5 minutes from either home.

Sedona Hike Wilson Mountain Trail

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Sedona Hike Wilson Mountain Trail

Wilson Mountain Trail

Welcome to The Big Hike!…Wilson takes you to the highest point in Sedona and provides the most dynamic panoramic views in the area. In order to get to this point you must put in the work. Wilson climbs over 2500 feet in just 4.5 miles (9 miles round-trip). This trail takes you through two distinctly different environments. The first part of the trail take you through a rough desert environment featuring low growth junipers, manzanita, prickly pear cactus and Parry Agave then past the “first bench” into a coniferous forest featuring a variety of large pines and oak trees. Don’t miss the views of San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff as you make your way up the side of Wilson after the “first bench.” San Francisco Peaks hold considerable religious significance to numerous American Indian Tribes in the area.

Wilson Mountain Trail is a 10.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round.

Wilson Mountain is 7,122 feet tall and named after Richard Wilson. Richard Wilson was a bear hunter who was killed by a grizzly in 1885. His body was found in Wilson Canyon, which is also named after him. This is the tallest mountain around Sedona, Arizona. The trail to the summit leads to an absolute killer-view of Sedona and far beyond, of Oak Creek, and even of the San Fransisco Peaks. The hike has two parts: Part 1 goes up to the First Bench. This can be done from Midgely Bridge (most exposed, but most scenic) and from Encinoso Picknick Area., also called North Trail. Part 2 goes from 1 bench to the Sedona Lookout. If you start out late, or loose your wind, only going up to 1st bench is well worth the effort. But the Sedona Lookout is unsurpassed, as you can see! A stunning, vertical drop of several hundred feet straight down, looking right into the famed red-rock stone sculptings of Sedona. Absolutely amazing.

Although hot and at least moderately strenuous, well worth the time.

It’s #bookdirect day!

Lori Arizona, Sedona , , , , ,
It’s #bookdirect day!

Travel sites like AirBnB, HomeAway/VRBO, and TripAdvisor/Flipkey have added booking fees when you reserve a vacation property through one of their sites. These fees do NOT go to the owners, but rather to corporate giants such as Expedia. And if you could book directly with the owner, you could avoid these large fees and use them instead toward activities or meals.
However, the large sites have eliminated owner contact info, and they withhold your contact info from the owners. Not only that, the sorting algorithms are designed to push travelers to book properties that will help THEIR bottom line, not yours. On HomeAway/VRBO, they have even modified geographic locations to accomplish the same objective. This is all done to ensure that they get their greedy fees. So how do you book direct and save yourself hundreds of dollars?