Anybody been to Sedona, AZ

[ANNABETH]

We're going to be going to Phoenix, AZ in November for Thanksgiving. My DH and I have decided to go few days early and stay in Sedona prior to meeting up with my sister. Has anybody been there, if so, where did you stay ? I'd like to stay somewhere that we can walk to shops and restaurants. What is there to do there ? I've never been to Arizona before so any and all help would be appreciate. Thanks

 

[AmandaRG]

Hi Annabeth! We went several years ago on our Thanksgiving trip to Phoenix to visit my sister. It is a beautiful drive. We went up I-17, but came back the scenic route through Jerome.

I wish I remembered where we stayed, but I know it was an out-of-the-way B&B. From what I remember, there are hotels around where you can walk to shopping, but it has been five years.

Good luck and enjoy planning! The weather was beautiful!

 

[lovebuzz]

We just went in June. It is a beautiful town. One thing I would suggest it stoping at the welcome center and renting a gps system that gives you a tour of the rock formations. It was not expensive and a fun thing to do. A little Disney trivia about Sedona is that Walt would vacation there and that is how the idea for big thunder mountain railroad came about. Alot of people suggest the pink jeep tour. It comes highly recommended. It is a really small town, so even if you are not in town you are only a mile or two away.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

A little Disney trivia about Sedona is that Walt would vacation there and that is how the idea for big thunder mountain railroad came about.

Sorry ~ wrong! The inspiration came from my beautiful state - Utah - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Thunder_Mountain_Railroad

The mountains themselves are themed to the red rock formations of the American Southwest. The rock work designs on Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are based on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

http://waltdisneysays.posterous.com/was-sedona-disneys-inspiration-for-big-thunde

The Southwest-themed attraction first opened at Disneyland in 1979, with the Magic Kingdom’s larger version in Florida opening in 1980. While his time in Sedona may have jump-started Disney’s plan for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the actual rock formations for the ride are based on the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah.

OP ~ I'm sure you'll have a lovely time in Sedona - I'd love to visit there someday *my dad has a timeshare there...

 

[lovebuzz]

That's it I am going back to get my money, for giving me false information.

 

[Sagginit]

i will be there the first week of oct. on my vacation for the first time. i plan on driving up from phoenix airport and want to take in the views and maybe some small hikes. i also want to visit chapel of the holy cross. wanted to go to wineries but i only have one day in the area. they also have lots of art galleries and shops but i will skip those to save time.

 

[roadtripper]

We loved the Southwest Inn in Sedona! It would be a bit of a walk to the town center, but it's very reasonable and had a great breakfast. Note--it's not accessible, if that's an issue for you. We had to carry our son up to the second floor for breakfast. We had the kids with us, but DH and I would love to go alone sometime--very romantic. www.swinn.com

 

[mdsoccermom]

Sedona is truly magical. We stayed at the Villas of Sedona in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath property (timeshare). Some things we did:

Went out with an astronomer one night through Evening Sky Tours;

Took a tour of Montezuma's Castle and had a Native American blessing through Native American Journeys;

Drove to Jerome, a funky old mining town;

Drove to Williams and took the Grand Canyon Railroad to the Grand Canyon;

Took a Pink Jeep tour to the Honanki ruins;

Hiked up Airport Mesa and watched the sunset;

And so much more. Seriously, Sedona is amazing. I also recommend eating at the Cowboy Cafe and Coffeepot restaurant.

 

[OrangeJax]

I went with my DH a few years ago. We stayed at the Raddison. It was out of town a bit, but close enough that it was just a quick drive for some shopping/sight seeing.

We only stayed for 1 night (were visiting family and had done 1 night in the Grand Canyon and 1 in Sedona) but we made sure to do a Pink Jeep Tour. I highly recommend it! They pick you up right from your hotel and bring you around (and on) the famous/beautiful red rocks!

Happy planning!!!

 

[Belle83]

We drove up for a day trip while staying near Phoenix. It was really pretty! I wish we had stopped to check out Montezuma Castle National Monument. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-do, imo.

 

[semo233]

We were just in Sedona the first few days of August. We did not stay in town, we stayed in Flagstaff, so I don't have any input there.

If you are looking for native American jewelry, I found the best selection and prices as two locations: north of Sedona, travel on 89A. There is once area in front of the Dairy Queen (on left) maybe 10 minutes north of Sedona and there is also a scenic view area closer to Flagstaff ( on right, probably 20 minutes north).

Many of the scenic areas don't have an entrance fee, but require a parking pass. Those passes are only $5 and are sold at several places. I think they were good for one week here is the official website:

http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml

We went on a self tour of the energy vortexes and needed the parking pass for each area. Here is a brief explanation and map of the energy vortexes:

http://www.lovesedona.com/01.htm

Read the directions carefully. We tried to get to the Boynton vortex and found the walk to be longer, hotter and dehydrating than we thought. Bring lots of water.

We had a "reading" at
Psychic Center of Sedona
251 State Route 179 Suite # C-5, Sedona, AZ 86336-6181 (928) 282-3207 ‎

I liked that we could walk in and choose who we wanted from a catalog of people.

We ate lunch at Ken's Creekside and were very happy! My daughter ordered a grilled cheese from the children's menu and it was HUGE!

We visited an art gallerie and I bought a painting!

Slide rock park is a great time. Check out the video:

http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/SLRO/index.html

Have a super time! We did!

 

[simonsmom]

try Best Western Arroyo Roble resort. right in town,great views,well maintained