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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona
Slide Nr 1We often want weekend getaways to be convenient, the type of place you can get off a train or a turnpike and just be at. Sedona is not that place. But the small, hard-to-access (it’s actually not that hard, we’ll get there) Arizona town known for its incredibly beautiful red rock landscape, spiritual vibes and plethora of excellent food makes for a great quick trip. The days are long, the terrain is gorgeous, and stress evaporates in Sedona. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Red Rock Country.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 2The Attitude – Known for its laid-back, carefree vibe, Sedona is the small town (population about 30,000) where Phoenix and Las Vegas residents come to relax. Home to hikers, hippies and retirees, Sedona has an eclectic mix of residents, some lifetimers and others who relocated to red rock country for the ambience and year-round good weather (and scenery!). The tourist-heavy town has a transient stream of visitors from all over the globe, many eager to chat at cafés, on hiking paths and in the many communal spaces that make up Sedona’s charm. [Photo Courtesy of Visit Sedona]
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 3The Look – Sedona has two dominating styles: outdoorsy and bohemian, sometimes mixed. Hiking clothes are appropriate in nearly every establishment, and are convenient to wear throughout the day in case you drive by a trail and decide to explore on a whim. At night, jeans and a t-shirt suffice (hats are fine, too), though if you want to get more dressed up to dine, that’s totally fine. Essentially, the scenery is so beautiful here, no one cares what you’re wearing. It’s all about the backdrop. [Photo Courtesy of Derek von Briesen/Tlaquepaque]
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 5The Route – The easiest way to get to Sedona is by car from Phoenix. Fly into PHX and enjoy a two-hour scenic drive full of saguaro cactuses and, if you time it right, a colourful Arizona sunset. On the way in or out you can stop in Jerome, a still-functioning ghost town with Grand Canyon views, Gold Rush-era ruins and a haunted hamburger restaurant. Or check out Montezuma Castle National Monument, a native cliff dwelling dating back over 800 years, and the nearby Montezuma Well, an ancient architectural and irrigational feat that’s still intact today.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 6The View – Sedona is packed with incredible views that will leave you speechless at every turn. While the best view in town is highly contentious, those in shape should consider climbing Cathedral Rock, a moderately challenging hike that results in 360-degree views of the red rock landscape. Those who prefer a less physical challenge can head to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill to relax with a margarita and empanadas on the patio outside the restaurant, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding red rocks.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 7The Lunch – Visiting Sedona without stopping for lunch at Tamaliza at least once (okay twice) would be a huge mistake. The cafeteria-style Mexican restaurant is beloved for their fresh homemade tamales, stuffed with fillings like chicken mole or cheese and peppers, and topped in a “supreme” meal with beans, spinach, guac and more. Platos caseros (homemade dishes) come heaped with daily specials, a choice of sides (like rice and beans) and a duo of handmade tortillas to scoop everything up in.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 8The Dinner – Whether you’ve spent the day scaling the red rocks or completely relaxed and indulged in a spa and reiki, treat yourself to an upscale dinner at Dahl & Di Luca. Sit outside in the courtyard with a glass of Super Tuscan red wine and munch on seasonal Italian appetisers created with Arizona-grown produce, like organic tomato caprese enhanced with grilled portobello mushrooms. For dinner, homemade pastas – like linguine with seafood in a garlicky lemon sauce – are the star, perhaps supplemented with a meatier entree like grilled salmon brushed with limoncello sauce.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 9The Shop – With over 50 shops inside the Spanish-style walls, Tlaquepaque Market is Sedona’s go-to shopping destination. Browse Native American art, decor and jewellery, purchase gifts like toys and locally made collectibles, or stop for a snack or drink at one of several locally owned cafés and restaurants. The property itself, dating back to the early 1970s, is worth walking around, to admire the architecture, fountains and outdoor artwork. Check out the events calendar before your visit to see if you can join an evening of dancing in the plaza or a special holiday party. [Photos Courtesy of Derek von Briesen/Tlaquepaque]
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 10The Kids – Traditional water parks have nothing on Slide Rock State Park, in which naturally formed water slides offer hours of fun for little ones (and adults, too). Bring water shoes, swim clothes and towels to make the most of the creek. A change of dry clothes and hiking shoes would also be appropriate to take advantage of the many short hiking trails within the 17 hectares that make up this Arizona State Park. Bring cash for entry fees, which vary by season.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 11The Hangout – A short drive from town, Indian Gardens Cafe & Market is a go-to for breakfast or lunch, picnic supplies or just lounging in the sunny backyard. Breakfast at the counter-service café includes Southwestern favourites like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, served swimming in enchilada sauce, while lunch features green-chili-studded mac and cheese and hearty sandwiches, like a melt with bacon, brie and fig spread. Browse the shop’s local products, books about Sedona and other supplies you may covet for your time spent outside in Arizona.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 12The Market – Held every week (Fridays in the summer, Sundays in the winter) in downtown Sedona, Sedona Community Farmers Market allows locals, chefs and visitors to peruse stands for produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, dairy, take-home artisanal products and wellness supplies, like locally made CBD oil and raw honey. In any given season, samples of locally grown treats like juicy tomatoes or pickled prickly pear are worth a visit to the outdoor market, but if you have a place to cook or just want to take home some Sedona specialties, this locally driven market should be on your itinerary. [Photo Courtesy of Derek von Briesen/Tlaquepaque]
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 13The Walk – A local favourite, West Fork Trail on Oak Creek is slightly outside the more popular hiking area, but strikingly scenic. Park on the road leading up to the entrance, or have $10 ready to pay for parking, unpack your picnic and plenty of water, and stroll through wildflower fields to enter the 10km canyon walk. It’s a reasonably easy hike (though sneakers or hiking shoes should certainly be worn), and those who don’t want to pursue the whole trail can get a taste of the inside-canyon views just a short way in. Flat surfaces by the creek allow for easy picnicking, and those perhaps less comfortable with the great outdoors may be consoled by a constant stream of people (and dogs!) passing back and forth. [Photo Courtesy of Derek von Briesen/Tlaquepaque]
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 14The Secret – You don’t have to be Buddhist to visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, a privately owned, publicly accessible spiritual hub. The main attraction is the 11-metre-tall stupa, which visitors fill with peace prayers, and it sits on 5.5 hectares of manicured landscape in the shadow of Thunder Mountain. After circling the stupa, take one of the many paths for a serene nature walk, which should be relatively quiet and reasonably free of tourists.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 15The Party – Sedona is far from a party town – if you’re looking for a rager, consider renting a house and hosting your own big night – but if you’re looking for casual drinks and maybe some company (or at least sports to watch on TV) head to The Hudson, a trendy bar and restaurant with fun cocktails and a nice beer list. If you get hungry, burgers, salads and a signature chicken pot pie large enough for two are all served at the bar.
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Weekend Getaway Guide: Sedona, Arizona.
Slide Nr 16The Digs – Travellers looking to treat themselves can indulge in a cabin-like suite at Enchantment Resort, nestled between the red rocks of Boynton Canyon and full of lush green space, including a golf course and upscale spa. A daily calendar of events and excursions can serve as your trip itinerary, with options ranging from Navajo beading workshops to mountain biking trips. More casual travellers may want to look at the Amara Resort, a Kimpton property boasting an infinity pool, fire pits on an expansive lawn and a nightly free happy hour to mingle with other guests and enjoy the outdoor space. [Photos: Enchantment Resort]
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