Hello all!

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Sedona last week! It was equal parts relaxing and packed with fun adventures, and I highly recommend visiting for your next vacation! It’s perfect for anyone who wants a break from work stress and city living to just be surrounded by nature.

For this post, I’ll give you my rundown of local cuisine (which means alllll the prickly pear cactus treats – it’s a like a cross between a watermelon and a raspberry), cute shops,  day trips to nearby sites, and places to stay.

Where to Stay:

• Enchantment Resort was where my mom and I stayed during this vacation. It’s located in Boynton Canyon right next to the Vortex, which gives you a sense of serenity and balance during your stay. There’s a wonderful spa on the premisis and tons of walking trails to explore. I must say, I really enjoyed the pools with beautiful canyon views and fantastic restaurants (more on that below). It’s definitely a splurge but so worth it!
• L’Auberge de Sedona – has fantastic reviews and the resort looks absolutely stunning!
• Junipine Resort – located in the woods, this resort is more private and secluded, which is perfect for a romantic getaway! The adjoining restaurant, The Table at Junipine, also looks delicious.
• Arroyo Pinion Hotel – this affordable boutique hotel is doused in southwestern charm!
• Sky Ranch Lodge – if you’re looking for a cozy hotel with stunning canyon views, this is your place! It’s also a more affordable option.
• The Tavern Hotel – although located outside of Sedona in Old Town Cottonwood, this affordable, cute hotel is a short drive from all the major attractions in Sedona. When we walked around, we fell in love with the ambiance and western decor! It’s also a more affordable place to stay!

Where to Eat:

At Enchantment Resort, we ate at a lot of the on-site restaurants because there were honestly just *that* good. At any of these restaurants, you can get their famous Prickly Pear Margaritas, which is a must-try in my book!

• Che Ah Chi – upscale local/southwestern cuisine to die for!
• Tii Gavo – delicious southwestern/Mexican staples with an upscale twist
• Mii Amo – clean eating, local cuisine was a nice break from southwestern food but still felt true to the area

The surrounding area also had lots of delicious restaurant options:

• Mariposa – Latin Inspired Grill – this restaurant has fantastic South American cuisine with tons of options for everybody! We absolutely loved our meal there! A bonus is the beautiful decor featuring local artists – I was actually blown away by the entryway.
• El Rincon at Tlaquepaque – the perfect spot to stop for some delicious Navajo-inspired Mexican food in between hiking vortexes and shopping at Tlaquepaque. Definitely go for their guacamole and sweet corn tamales.
• Crema Craft and Kitchen – located in Old Town Cottonwood, this hole in the wall restaurant is worth the short drive for a delicious Sunday brunch! It also has the cutest decor!
• Black Cow Cafe – you have to try this prickly pear ice cream
• Renee at Tlaquepaque – if you’re looking for a break from the Southwestern food, check out this award winning restaurant for delicious french cuisine!
• The Cowboy Club (and Silver Saddle room) – although we didn’t get to try these conjoined restaurants (one is for families and the other is adults-only), we only heard great things about the food offered there!

Where to Go and What to Do:

There are so many fun things to do both in Sedona and nearby. There are plenty of destination spots that are half day trips.  Here’s what I fit in during my trip:

• Montezuma Castle – a National Park Service protected national monument, this incredible castle was carved out of the cliffside by Sinagua Native Americans hundreds of years ago in a valley oasis. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Sedona, so you can walk the grounds and get to see more of the Arizona countryside!
• Tlaquepaque – this historic arts village is a hub for local artists and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. You can pick up gifts for your family and shop the stores for yourself!
• Grand Canyon National Park (Day Trip) – you’re only a little over 2 hours away from this natural wonder of the world and it is SO worth it to visit at least once in your life! I recommend taking the Pink Jeep Desert Views Tour to get to all the best spots and get history on the canyon.
• Sedona’s Vortexes: Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock are all vortex sites filled with spiritual energy! We hiked all the way up Boynton Canyon (the shortest hike to get to a vortex center) and witnessed breathtaking views of the sunset against the red rock canyons. We also walked the base of Cathedral Rock vortex (but it was too hot and long for us to climb up) and passed by the beautiful Bell Rock votrex. Whenever I return, I’d like to do all three! You can pick the vortex to suit your level of hiking/walking level and revel in the energies.
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – even if you’re not religious, you’ll marvel at the beauty and serenity of this open chapel located midway up a steep cliff.
• Old Town Cottonwood – the cutest town to stroll through if you need some Southwestern charm! It’s filled with cute restaurants, creative murals, and cute local shops.
• Historic Haunted Jerome – we did a drive through of this town but didn’t walk around, as it was packed with tourists the day we tried to visit. When I come back I’ll be sure to book a ghost tour in advance for a fun way to explore this haunted town!

I hope this guide gives you inspiration if you’ve already planned a trip to Sedona or are thinking about options for your next vacation. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this majestic place!

XOXO

Parisa