Posts Tagged ‘Arizona’

I visited Flagstaff AZ late last spring, and I’m still talking about it. There are so many fun and interesting things to do in and around Flagstaff that a return vacation is definitely in order. The Grand Canyon, one of the best US National Parks, is pretty close by, and Historic Flagstaff (what with Route 66 and all) has a lot of quirky shops and southwestern restaurants. One activity I absolutely want to highlight, though, is a trip to Walnut Canyon National Monument. It’s my favorite of the best things to see and experience around Flagstaff, Arizona.

The loop trail in that video is not strenuous at all to walk around. It’s only about a mile long. There are a bunch of cliff dwellings along the trail (maybe 20 or 30), but Walnut Canyon has even more cliff dwellings that are not accessible via the trail. Those ruins are, in fact, off limits – but plainly visible when looking across the canyon. It’s a fantastic experience to be able to stand in the cliff dwellings along the loop trail. Visitors shouldn’t touch the walls or remove anything, of course, but taking the time to appreciate the stillness of the canyon, looking out from an ancient cliff dwelling, gives a powerful sense of what the days looked like to the Sinagua Indians, so many years ago.

I completely recommend experiencing Walnut Canyon National Monument to anyone vacationing in Northern Arizona. It complements the Grand Canyon National Park so well; green where the Grand Canyon is arid, small where the Grand Canyon is enormous, and completely manageable in one morning. It makes for a memorable travel activity. There are several other historic and interesting sites within a fifteen minutes drive of Flagstaff, but Walnut Canyon is my favorite one.

Jerome, Arizona is a short drive from Sedona. The Wild West setting, 1800’s mining boom and bust, population decline and potential of Jerome turning into a ghost town would be a familiar tale – but the artists who moved here in the 1960’s revived Jerome and helped remold the town into what it is today. History amid modernity coexist easily here, with the bohemian culture of acceptance and mellow friendliness throughout. Of all the art galleries and stores here, Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes and Art Glass is a real stand-out. But don’t take my word for it; see for yourself:

The video ends abruptly because I knocked over that poor kaleidoscope! But the mood at Nellie Bly is so friendly and jovial, my misdeed was soon forgotten. I bought a couple of plastic kaleidoscopes as gifts for my kids, and shared a laugh with the store employees. And yes, it’s true that they have the largest collection of kaleidoscopes in the world. Whether your Arizona travel interests lay in history, culture, or just buying gifts and souvenirs, all will be satisfied with a day trip to Jerome.

Sedona is famously beautiful, with red cliffs and vistas that can seem otherworldly. An outdoorsy Sedona vacation is easily had, but the last time I traveled to this part of Arizona, I took a short detour west to Jerome, Arizona. For its art and historic significance alone, Jerome is absolutely worth a day trip from Sedona.

Wild West History in Jerome AZ

Jerome is a fun little town with an interesting history. Originally settled as a mining area in 1883, it saw many of the archetypes of the Wild West: Rough cowboys, hardworking miners, gamblers, armed robbers, and a succession of sheriffs holding down the fort. The most successful (financially, anyway) were the town prostitutes – it was a hard place for a lady to make money legally back then, after all.  Many of the century-old buildings sport the long second-floor porches from which these women would, let’s say, advertise their wares to passers-by.

When the copper and silver mines dried up, so did the money. It’s a common theme of Western America’s history; people moved away, and Jerome came very close to becoming a ghost town. Instead, something happened that not only saved Jerome, but gave it a unique feeling among old towns that survived the 1800’s Wild West. As the townsfolk like to say, “the hippies moved in.” Artists, poets, and other free-thinking types discovered Jerome – this was in the late 1960’s, when it was designated a Historic District – and set up studios and stores. Today, Jerome is quietly thriving: It has a terrific balance of old Western America architecture, and funky, absolutely unique artist galleries.

Authentic West for Cultural Travel

The mellow culture in Jerome is especially striking. There is no sense of close-mindedness at all. Instead, it’s not uncommon to wander in to a gallery, coffee shop or store, and find that the owner has left for a while to visit a neighbor. In fact, we left five dollars on the counter at the tiny Jerome Chamber of Commerce, after picking up a couple of maps – and never saw a soul there. I guess that’s what the old-timers mean by “hippies;” a sense of relaxed trust in neighbors and visitors that I can’t say I’ve seen anywhere else in our country.

We didn’t stay in Jerome overnight, but we saw two hotels there. The Jerome Grand Hotel looked authentic to the history of Jerome, and the Connor Hotel (circa 1898!) had several couples hanging out happily on its front steps. There are also a handful of B&Bs. The next time I take a vacation in Sedona, Arizona, I’m definitely going to take a day to re-experience Jerome. The blend of preserved American history and the generous, warm nature of its creative community, make it worth the trip.

It’s finally time to say good-bye to Tucson. I’ve lived here many years and have enjoyed every moment. There is so much to see and do in Southern Arizona and, let me tell you, there is nothing more breathtaking than a Sonoran Desert sunset (thank the dusty environment for those). But before I head north to Minnesota, I’d like to share some of my favorite Tucson attractions and what I’ll miss most.

1. Mt. Lemmon. The stunning backdrop of Tucson is more than just scenery. On the east side of Tucson you can drive up Catalina Highway to Mt. Lemmon for  a day or weekend of seasonal activities: hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, sledding and even an upcoming Oktoberfest.

2. Delicious Eats. I dread leaving the marvelous Southwest cuisine. Mexican restaurants are found on every corner, many family owned. Some of my favorites are up near where I live on the northwest side of town: La Parilla Suiza, El Charro Cafe (did someone say margaritas?) and then there are the non-Mexican inspired choices like Zinburger (wine and burgers do pair well) and Harvest (talk about fresh ingredients – and right across from my neighborhood in Oro Valley).

3. The Wild West. Southern Arizona relishes its Wild West history, and there are plenty of places to get your fill. Old Tucson Studios, Tombstone and Trail Dust Town are all fun places to take the family to relive the Old West.

4. Saguaros. When I first moved to the desert I was completely enthralled by the miles of Saguaros – and the novelty never seemed to wear off.  These regal succulents help give Tucson its special ambiance.

5. Finally, what I will miss the most: The People. We’re leaving my stepsons here to continue their high school studies, of course they still have their mom, sister,  family and gazillion friends in Tucson – so they won’t be lonely – but we will miss them. And we can’t wait to welcome them to the Twin Cities and show them our new home.

I’ve made some wonderful friends over the years, from the Tucson Moms playgroup I joined as a new mom to the wonderful teachers and parents at St. Andrews Preschool and Manzanita Elementary to my supportive Toastmasters group and, finally, my wonderful writers group. I will miss them all dearly.

Speaking of Tucson writers… it seems appropirate to introduce you to some of them and their blogs – as they all have something special to share. If you’re looking to see Tucson on a budget, visit Kate Reynolds’ blog Tucson on the Cheap (she is always digging up free and cheap stuff to do). If you’re a pet lover, Edie Jarolim (also a travel writer) has a new book coming out: Am I Boring My Dog? Donna L. Hull writes travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet and Vera Marie Badertscher is behind A Traveler’s Library (Love books? Love travel? This site is for you).

I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of my favorite Tucson attractions and the people I adore, there are plenty more I was unable to list.

While it’s difficult to say good-bye to a city I have grown to love, it’s also an exciting time. I’m always up for an adventure and there is certainly one on the horizon: new friends to make, restaurants to check out, attractions to discover and experiences to be had.

Good-bye, Tucson!

Where do I begin…Hidden Meadow Ranch is located on 150 acres in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona and is one of those locations that you say, “You just have to go to really understand how wonderful it is.” But today I will try my best to give you a glimpse of this bit of paradise.

Service. My husband and two tots were kindly invited up for the weekend by Hidden Meadow Ranch and we knew immediately that we were somewhere special when we checked in and were offered homemade lemonade. From that moment on, we found the service and kindness of every employee to be impeccable, or as my husband described, “The service was first-rate every time.”

Sweet Accommodations. Our two-story rustic cabin was absolutely charming. We stayed in the Elkhorn (each cabin has a unique name and theme). It has a wood burning fireplace, a stocked (soda, water, and juice) mini-fridge, board games for the family, a master suite downstairs and loft bedroom upstairs. Even the shower/bath has a cowboy soaking tub.

Unplugged. For a truly unplugged experience, this is it. There isn’t a “guest office” temping you with the internet every time you walk by. In fact, it wasn’t until we left that I realized there weren’t TVs in the cabins. There is a TV in the Ranch House loft and rooms do have wireless internet but I didn’t feel the need to check email or look for the remote, none of us did, as we were all completely distracted by the fact we were in a log cabin in the mountains.

No worries. When we travel with the kids there is rarely such a thing as 100% relaxation. We’re always concerned the kids might wake up our hotel neighbors or are we’re on guard because we’re playing on the beach or by the pool, but this time was different. At Hidden Meadow Ranch we opened the back door and let the kids run around gathering treasures (pinecones, wildflowers, and rocks).

Relaxing Options. Speaking of relaxing, if you want to put your feet up, but don’t want to stay in the cabin, kick back in one of the many hammocks on the property (I did!) or hit the outdoor hot tub.

Kids’ Paradise. In the center of the ranch is a huge sprawl of grass with a bucket of balls, a large made-from-logs swing set and an amazingly huge log teeter-totter – even I became a kid again.

All Inclusive. I’m a huge fan of all inclusive properties for several reasons, but mainly, it’s just a simple way to vacation. You don’t have to dig into your wallet every meal and the staff gets to know your preferences (and the kids’). (FYI, alcohol, gratuities and tax are not included. You also have the opportunity to leave more than the 15% gratuity, which we did, and even single out special employees) There are two packages at Hidden Meadow Ranch, one includes activities and the other doesn’t, which brings me to…

Outdoor Adventure. You can be as active as you want at Hidden Meadow Ranch, but if action is your scene, activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, archery, fly fishing, hiking…and even leather crafting and woodworking (the kids left with awesome birdhouses).

Fantastic Food. I’m not exaggerating when I say the food here is superb. My husband and I agreed every dish at the Ranch House was the freshest we have ever had. The filet mignon melts in your mouth, the cream of corn was obviously fresh off the cob, the blueberry pancakes and the made-to-order omelets were divine. The menu changes with the season.

Thistle and Iris. Next to the playground is a pen where the ranch donkeys, Thistle and Iris, hang out. They’re kind of like the ranch mascots, everyone loves them.

Wildlife. It’s hard to be in nature and not run into wildlife. We saw numerous bird species, including a blue jay, but the  absolute highlight of the trip was seeing the two local elk who came down to the pond at sunset.

Personal. Every evening during turn-down service, in addition to melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, the housekeepers leave a handwritten note or poem on each bed. Each morning the “Hidden Meadow Harold” is delivered, left on each cabin’s front doorknob. The Harold wishes a personalized “fond farewell” to the day’s departing guests as well as a schedule of the day’s events, activities, weather and meal times.

Other Fun Highlights. Saturday afternoon we sat outside and enjoyed a BBQ lunch. That evening, after dinner, we made  s’mores and sipped snifters out on the Ranch House deck with other guests. Sunday morning we were greeted with a hardy, and quite tasty, Cowboy Breakfast at the Fire Circle and took a carriage ride around the grounds with “Tom” the carriage horse.

Lovely Every Season. While our trip was over the summer (and the weather was absolutely perfect as well a great escape from our Tucson heat), Hidden Meadow Ranch is a year-round ranch which means you can head up this winter to play in the snow, enjoy the crisp autumn or colorful spring. Besides, I don’t think one visit to Hidden Meadow Ranch is enough. If you go, please let me know how much you love it – because believe me, you will!

Flagstaff is one of my favorite cities in the Southwest. It’s the best spot to make “home base” during a trip to northern Arizona, with Sedona 30 miles to the south and the Grand Canyon just a 50-odd miles away. American history buffs love Flagstaff for its history – Route 66 being part of the main thoroughfare – the mellow nature of Historic Flagstaff (downtown) is relaxing and fun, and there are enough National Monuments nearby to satisfy any cultural traveler. Here are my Top 10 Best Things to Do In and Around Flagstaff, AZ.

Top 10 Best Things to Do – Flagstaff, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park - The Grand Canyon is clearly the biggest draw for travelers considering a vacation in Flagstaff; there are many tour and day trip companies around, but Flagstaff is the best place to stay for the trip. If you stay right near the Grand Canyon (at the famous El Tovar Hotel for example), then your vacation will have to be “all Grand Canyon, all the time.” Stay in fun Flagstaff instead, and make a couple of day trips to the Grand Canyon. Check out the Bright Angel trail, especially if traveling with young children. My kids managed part of it quite well.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Anyone who’s been to Hawaii’s Big Island will be struck by the physical similarities to much of that tropical isle and the terrain around this part of Arizona.  The ground is largely composed of lava rock, with some hardy trees struggling, here and there, for a toehold. It’s so interesting to consider the ancient volcano here, with the Grand Canyon to the north and the Coconino National Forest nearby; northern Arizona is incredibly diverse. The Lava Flow Trail is an easy one-mile loop walk along the base, 1/4 of which is paved.

Humphreys Peak - The highest point in Arizona, Humphreys Peak is a popular tourist destination for outdoorsy folk. If you’re up for a hike, you can get to the peak along Humphreys Trail; it’s around four and a half miles, uphill (consider yourself warned). From the peak, the vista of Northern Arizona is spectacular – the Grand Canyon, Sedona, even the desert mountains way south in Phoenix are visible on clear days. There’s a lot of snow October through May.

Walnut Canyon National Monument - Walnut Canyon is my favorite of these smaller Flagstaff-area National Monuments. Walnut Canyon dates to the same time period as the Grand Canyon, but is much, much smaller. It’s manageable, and the trail takes visitors around the middle level of the canyon. Here you can see Sinagua cliff homes – and even stand in them, respectfully. These cliff dwellings were part of the small Sinagua civilization in Walnut Canyon, built some time in the 1100’s. It’s quieter here than the Grand Canyon, and absolutely worth the trip.

Wupatki National Monument - This ancient pueblo is preserved well, and tended to by archeologists interested in the Wupatki culture. The Wupatki lived here circa 1100, and later merged with the Hopi. No one knows exactly why, but it was a peaceful integration. A short hike and self-guided stroll around the pueblo easily takes under an hour.

Sedona - Frequent readers know that Sedona is one of my top 10 favorite vacation towns in North America. Flagstaff is a great point between Sedona and the Grand Canyon, and I recommend it for a southwestern vacation covering both destinations. There are some great, fun activities in Sedona for a day trip.

Jerome - This town used to be the state capital, and once was the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory…but that was a long time ago. Once the copper mine closed down (and the “ladies of the evening” moved on), Jerome seemed destined to be an Arizona ghost town. Today, remnants of the Wild West are on display and there is a thriving, lively artist community as well. Like many small towns in America’s Old West, Jerome could have emptied out. As locals like to say, the “hippies” saved Jerome from this fate. Small-town friendliness merge with the progressive attitudes of many artists, creating a welcoming, unsuspicious atmosphere and very interesting art galleries.

Historic Flagstaff - Honestly, I love exploring the town of Historic Flagstaff. Get a map; this is the part of the city where the charming shops, great  restaurants, and upscale chains are. I especially liked finding a “Life is Good” satellite store here, a couple of antique stores with genuine Old West memorabilia, the Flagstaff Brewing Company. and some fantastic southwestern barbeque at Bigfoot BBQ. Brookside Chocolate Company was great; hand-crafted chocolates that vary from delicate to decadent. There are many other places to eat in Historic Flagstaff, of course. What a fun town!

Lowell Observatory - Founded in the 1890’s, this is one of the oldest observatories in the southwest. The staff are very knowledgeable and eager to share their love of the site’s history, collection of old telescopes, and what guests are seeing through more modern telescopes. The Lowell Observatory is open year-round every day except Sunday.

Museum of Northern Arizona/Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum - These two museums are very close to each other, and manageable enough in size that a both can be done together. The Museum of Northern Arizona highlights the biology and ancient history of the Colorado Plateau, along with a fine arts gallery.  The Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum is Arizona’s oldest historical agency (circa 1864). Besides exhibitions – and it has over 3 million objects in rotation – the Arizona Historical Society offers educational outreach and research regarding Arizona’s long history up through today’s development.

These are my “best top 10″ activities in and around Flagstaff, but there are many more. I hardly mentioned Coconino National Forest, for example.  Within an approximately 50-mile radius, what are some of the things you like to do while on vacation in Flagstaff AZ? I’d love to expand this list.

Sedona is one of my favorite US vacation destinations, no doubt. Whether it’s a family trip or a romantic getaway, the glorious scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities make it one of my top recommendations for travel. So when the owner of the Innovative Analysis Group asked that I talk with him for his well-regarded aviation and travel industry’s podcast, I immediately requested that the podcast’s travel destination focus on Sedona, Arizona. Addison Schondland agreed, suggesting that the theme be summer budget travel to Sedona. After all, it’s HOT in Sedona in the summer; all the more important to get great value from a summer trip there. Smart man; these days, everyone’s looking for ways to get the most out of their vacation budget.

Talking with Addison was a lot of fun; the podcast (click here) regarding Sedona summer vacation activities came out well as a result. It may sound counterintuitive to plan a summer trip to Arizona, but my kids loved it last August, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

If you tuned in a few days ago you saw my review of the JW Marriott’s new Nickelodeon Getaway Program at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, but this resort deserves even more attention than I could give in the earlier SpongeBob and Dora filled post.

Talk about an extremely kid-friendly resort!

Nickelodeon aside, this Marriott was perfect for the kids right from the start.

1. Comfy rooms. I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I love a good beds, and Marriott has them. In addition, if you’re a family who needs a lot of space, I recommend you reserve a Luxury Suite. The main suite has two separate entrances and is equipped with a murphy bed, a dining/conference table (perfect for room service or for a family pizza gathering when you want to take a break from the pool). The suite has a wetbar, desk, TV and sitting area and one of the most spacious bathrooms I have ever seen. On each side of the suite are door leading to two traditional bedrooms (also with spacious bathrooms), one room has a king-sized bed, the other one has two doubles. Depending upon your clan size, you can reserve only one or all three rooms.

2. Kid-friendly dining. There are several dining options on the property but we stayed within the comforts of  Blue Sage restaurant because 1) With the resort fee, kids eat for free, 2) The environment was casual enough to accommodate our preschoolers, and 3) The buffet had a kid-sized area filled with mac n cheese, chicken strips and tater tots (Darling!). My kids loved being able to help themselves.

3. Fun in the sun! Sure, mom can hit the on site Revive spa and dad can play a round at the Wildfire Golf Club, but the entire family will want to spend time in one of the four pools. We opted to spend the entire day in the lazy river and playing on the waterslide. There are no rental fees for the tubes, just grab a one or two person tube and relax.

4. Water, water everywhere. When in the desert, it’s imperative you stay hydrated, and Desert Ridge happily helps guests do just that. Scattered throughout the pool areas are pitchers of ice water with plastic cups so you can help yourself as needed. In the lobby (this one was near Blue Sage) was fruit flavored water which changed daily. My kids are big water drinkers so fruit water was quite a treat.

This JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort made it so easy to have a relaxing yet memorable weekend with all of its kid friendly features. I can’t help but recommend this kid friendly Phoenix resort to other families looking for the perfect weekend.

Looking for a girlfriend getaway this summer? Well, have I got a weekend for you:  July 25-26, in Prescott, Arizona, is Damsels in De-Stress Girlfriend Getaway Conference.

Held at the luxurious Prescott Resort and Conference Center, the two days will be filled with 35 female-focused classes and presentations such poker, yoga, kick boxing, body camp, beauty tips, physics and of course various travel sessions.

I’ll actually be offering two presentations: Girlfriend Getaways and Budget Travel. (If you have a question or would like to see something specific addressed feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. )

The cost to attend the conference is $199 which includes your choice of classes, lunches, continental breakfasts, t-shirt, giveaways, a martini party and more. If you register by June 15th you will receive the VIP package which means you score a VIP Gift Bag, preferred seating at all ballroom events, fast track check-in and priority meal services. The best part about this weekend is that the proceeds benefit Trauma Intervention Programs of Arizona, Inc.

The Friday night before the conference starts, at The Palace on Whiskey Row, is the Heroes of Yavapai County Calendar Release Party and Bachelor Auction (also benefiting TIP) where women can bid on a dinner date with local police officers and firefighters. Even if you’re booked that weekend, you can support the organization by purchasing a Heroes Calander or DVD.

Just to throw in one more reason to attend, Prescott and its pretty pine setting is a lovely escape from the heat of the summer months with daytime temperatures only reaching into the 80’s and the evenings dipping into the 50’s.

Does this sound like bliss to you? Sign up today (or at least before June 15th for VIP treatment) and be sure to follow the Damsels In De-Stress Girfriend Getaway and Conference blog for up to the minutes information and news.

See you there!

Mention you’re planning a trip to Sedona, and you may get some quizzical looks. Really? People wonder. So you’re into that whole vortex-New Age-crystals philosophy? Well, no, but that’s a big part of the subculture in this part of Arizona.  Sedona means many things to many people, and while I tried to feel some sort of otherworldly sensation at the Vortex, all I got was a view. But…what a view it is. Sedona is one of my favorite places to vacation in the United States, and the prevalent New Age culture has very little to do with it. There are many things to see and do in Sedona, almost all of which involve getting outdoors and appreciating one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

What to Do Outdoors in Sedona Arizona

Jeep Tours: My family visited Sedona last summer, and since we had our kids with us, this vacation involved more placid activities; the Red Rock Jeep tour took us off the road, but it wasn’t quite an off-roading experience. This past trip was just my partner and I; the Pink Jeep tour was everything an off-roading adventure should be (heart-pounding bumps, access to off-the-beaten-path cliffs and mesas) with a guide who nonetheless knew the local flora and fauna like the back of his hand. This Broken Trail jeep tour was a real highlight of our trip. I recommend both: Red Rock Jeeps for families with young children, Pink Jeeps for teens and adults. There is also A Day in the West jeep tour, but I haven’t personally experienced that one…yet. Earth Wisdom jeep tours offers a New Age experience, going to the famous vortex as well as some sacred sites.

Hikes: Oh boy, the hikes. Hiking in the morning to see the sun rise over the red rocks of Sedona must be an exhilarating feeling, but I slept right through that. The sunset hikes are just as magnificent – I hope, since that’s what I (with my sleeping-in-is-a-vacation-priority self) did. Now, there are over 100 hiking trails in Sedona, so my list of recommendations is by no means complete.

• Quick, easy, low grade hikes in Sedona include the Vultee Arch wilderness area (elevation gain 400 ft), Deadman’s Pass (don’t let the name scare you off) is appropriate for horseback rides with its wide trail (elevation gain 300 ft), Fay Canyon running along Bear Mountain, with views of a rock arch and Indian ruins (elevaton gain 95 ft), the easy Brins Mesa Loop (there’s a hard one, too) which takes hikers through arches and affords a view of Uptown Sedona, and Dry Creek Trail, the longest of the easy hikes at just over 5 miles both ways (elevation gain 450 ft).
• For those of us who hike regularly and don’t mind some challenges, moderate trails in Sedona include the Secret Canyon, which follows a stream bed along the base of those amazing red mesas and buttes (elevaton gain 660 ft), Lost Canyon at the “Brins Mesa #119″ trailhead marker which takes hikers through small canyons and Indian ruins; follow the marked trail carefully as there are some steep drop-offs here. Other moderate hiking trails in Sedona are Long Canyon, which brings hikers up close to some of the most intricate natural rock formations around (elevation gain 580 ft), Boynton Canyon, off the property of Enchantment luxury resort, through a box canyon with multiple paths and trails to explore and a supposed vortex (elevation gain 400 ft), and Doe Mountain, which at less than 2 miles is a fairly easy part of Boynton Canyon that leads to the top of a mesa with 360-degree views (elevation gain 400 ft).
• For experienced hikers looking for even more of a challenging hike, the Cathedral Rock Trail off rte 179 has the best views of any on the list; a 360-degree perspective of all of Red Rock County, through to Verde Valley and all the way to Jerome (30 miles away). The strenuous Brin’s Mesa Trail begins in a manzanita forest but gets challenging along the way – this trail begins at the end of Jordan Road.

View of Sedona

Aerial Views: There are helicopter rides and a hot air balloon tour through the red cliffs of Sedona. I haven’t done either, but I’ll be honest with you: If a helicopter had come chopping through the air during one of my hikes, it would have seriously interrupted my groove. While I can’t speak from experience, I imagine that Red Rock Balloon Adventures offers a much more peaceful aerial tour of the county. That company also doesn’t disturb the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings.

Shopping: There are a lot of shops in Uptown Sedona, along Highway 87A. These range from the tackiest of tourist traps to some pretty awesome art galleries featuring local artists. But a shopping vacation in Sedona really isn’t complete without a stop in Tlaquepaque. The stores here are ultra-high end, yes, and the few restaurants are pricier than a fast food joint. But the enclosed area of Tlaquepaque is modeled after an authentic Mexican village, with lovely architecture and cobblestone streets (cars pack outside). Be sure to check out El Prado Gallery here; it’s probably my favorite art shop in Tlaquepaque. I also like Geoffrey Roth’s gallery and, on the less expensive end, Esteban’s.

Just Outside Sedona: I recommend taking a morning trip to a couple of historic sites of the Sinagua Indians. Tuzigoot National Monument is an ancient pueblo that travelers can really explore, although of course with respect. Montezuma Castle National Monument is an elevated cliff dwelling (and park), hence cannot be experienced in quite the same hands-on way, but my family loved it. There is also the nearby Montezuma Well, which is a visible underground well the Sinagua built for farming purposes.

These are just a few of my favorite things to do outdoors in Sedona, Arizona. There are bound to be countless others; feel free to mention your favorites in the comments below!