TLAQUEPAQUE @ SEDONA, AZ on "TRAVEL TUESDAY"

Before heading from Red Rock State Park back into Sedona proper, you've probably worked up an appetite - we stayed in that area of the town this trip, and stumbled upon a FABULOUS, family owned and operated restaurant that I know we will go back to - just down the road from the rocks...

PAGO'S PIZZERIA AND ITALIAN CUISINE

6446 Highway 179 #221, Sedona, AZ 86351 - 928.284.1939

I wish I had taken a photo of the entire meal that evening...they started us with a salad that was included in my meal (that was under $10.00, I might add!) of a 4-cheese Calzone...a calzone that filled the entire dinner plate and could have fed two of us, at least.  OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS!  Can't rave enough about this little place - personable wait staff, and the owner was delightful.  If you're in the area, and are looking for an alternative to the plentiful Mexican fare found throughout the area, THIS IS YOUR PLACE!

 

EL RINCON RESTAURANTE MEXICANO

Tlaquepaque Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336 - 928.282.4648

Equally fabulous, in the traditional SW flavors, our old standby of El Rincon (inside of Tlaquepaque Village) fit the bill the following evening.  ALWAYS great food - spend the day shopping (window or "for real"), then relax on the patio in the shade of the beautiful large sycamore trees (umbrellas overhead - your food is safe), or inside in the comfort of the air conditioning, if it's too hot (by evening, it's always cooled down to just about the right temperature).  Grab a margarita and some green chile - it's one of our favorites...could be yours, too.

TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS AND CRAFT VILLAGE

336 State Route 179, Sedona AZ

Shops Open Daily 10a.m. - 5p.m.

Restaurant Hours Vary

As I said, the restaurant sits inside TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS AND CRAFT VILLAGE - billed as "The Art and Soul of Sedona".  This is Sedona's premiere shopping/gallery experience...over 40 specialty shops and exclusive art galleries - there's something for everyone here.  My picture taking took place in the late afternoon, and I waited out tourists for just the right shots (they're there - just behind walls and trees...I can out wait anyone for a clear shot)...it's a hoppin' place during the day.

Beauty in every nook and cranny...

Life-sized bronze sculptures from resident artists; ivies climbing walls; dinner plate sized magnolias (to go with the dinner plate sized calzone); and these benches.  I realized, on this final destination stop, that these same benches had been in every park in every town gazebo on our travels - they may have been painted different colors, but they were identical in each town.

Yucca in bloom...

You WILL fall in love with this enchanting area...

Make sure that you walk into at least one of the galleries located within the village, just to look, if nothing else.  Most have an "artist in residence" working on current pieces, and are more than happy to explain creative processes.

The bottom piece was a work in progress by artist MICHAEL TRCIC for the final casting, which now resides with my folks.  A margarita might just be in order once you're done shopping, so you can sit and beat yourself up, and ask yourself if you really "needed it", once you're done.  Yes, you deserve it.

And, feel better about yourself because at least you didn't buy this larger one, though it would look spectacular in your yard!

Crazy matador gracing the outside of the men's room; hiding your head like you didn't buy a beautiful bronze (and you're really happy for it, actually); beautiful arched doorway leading to the parking area; and a sleepy bronze bear - relaxed and satisfied after a day of taking it all in.

The artwork is plentiful at each and every turn throughout the village, and the entire town of Sedona, for that matter.  Just about anything from trading posts to Chico's (there's one in every port, you know) can be found - something for everyone, for sure.  If it's not there - you didn't need it, but you did need the bronze!

A parting shot from one of my favorite, happy places.  Next week we hit Vegas, for a quick look around - Chinese New Year/Year of the Snake at The Bellagio is up next.  Hawaii to follow.  Happy Travelin' Tuesday...be safe out on those roads, wherever they may lead.

2012 SW Travel Destinations - JEROME AND PRESCOTT, AZ

America's "Most Vertical City" and "Largest Ghost Town", all rolled into one!  Located 5,200 feet atop Cleopatra Hill (on a 30 degree vertical incline, I might add), between Sedona (20 miles to the SW) and Prescott, is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Founded in 1876, Jerome became a notorious "wild west" town, and in 1903, was proclaimed to be "the wickedest town in the West", by The New York Sun.

Jerome sits above what was the largest copper mine in Arizona, and produced an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month.  Growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community, four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history.  Once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory with a population of 15,000 in the 1920's, Jerome today has a population of about 450.

The Great Depression slowed the mining operation, while World War II again brought a demand for copper.  Demand slowed drastically after the war and, being dependant on the copper market, the mine closed in 1953. The remaining 50 hardy souls in town promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town, and it was designated a National Historic District in 1967. The Jerome of today is known as a tourist and art destination, with more than 30 galleries and working studios. There are numerous bed and breakfasts, and two hotels.  Many of the buildings used by present-day businesses are those built after the fires of 1894 and 1899. Jerome also has a large mining museum, presenting the town history, labor-management disputes, geological structure models, mineral samples, and equipment used in both underground and open-pit mining.  For more information on lodging, dining, shops, etc, please visit AZJerome.com.

The breathtakingly scenic highway 89A, winds up and over Mingus Mountain, through the Prescott National Forest, before dropping you down into Prescott, just 30 miles away. 

"Everybody's Hometown", quaint and beautiful little Prescott boasts a whopping 809 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, most of them in the Victorian style.

Renowned for its downtown historical area of drinking establishments that line the street on what has become known as Whiskey Row - until 1956, a notorious red-light district. In 1900, a great fire destroyed almost all of the buildings on Whiskey Row, including the 1891 Hotel Burke, advertised as "the only absolutely fireproof building in Prescott".  As legend has it, the patrons of the various bars simply took their drinks across the street to the Courthouse square and watched the block burn. At the time of the fire, the entire bar and back-bar of the Palace Hotel was removed to the square by the patrons as the fire approached (the size of the back-bar is massive, and appears not easily moved – funny what adrenaline, fueled by alcohol, can achieve), re-installing it after the gutted brick structure was rebuilt.

Antique and gift shops are plentiful throughout the historic downtown area, as well as four golf courses for those husbands who want to meet up later.  Neither town to be missed, if you've got the time to explore - full of "small town", turn of the century charm, and loaded with history, both...in fact, make time to visit - you'll be glad you did!

Time's a wastin'!  There's guaranteed to be something in these towns for everyone (who couldn't love a place that bills itself as "Everybody's Hometown" - why, you can almost hear Opie whistling the theme song to The Andy Griffith Show), so rustle up your sweetie and hit the road - buy her an ice cream in Jerome, and a "red-eye" on Whiskey Row ~ step back in time and relax awhile...you may not want to leave.  Next stop, the new Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge.

2012 SW Travel Destinations - SEDONA, ARIZONA

Sedona, Arizona is truly a unique, special place.  Featuring the wonder of what Native Americans consider the spiritual vortex of the Southwest, and absolutely sublime red rock formations, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon (previous post) challenge many national parks in their beauty.

Enjoying mild weather throughout the year, sunshine and clean air abound at Sedona's elevation of 4500 feet. Located 90 minutes north of Phoenix, and 40 minutes south of Flagstaff, Sedona is home to numerous resorts, golfing, and artistic events year round - one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement, and art centers, all of which contribute to its economic base. Its history is that of a rural ranching community, far off the beaten track - its beauty became known through the motion picture industry with such classic films as John Wayne’s “The Angel and the Badman,” and Robert Mitchum’s “Blood on the Moon.”  The second photo here is the view from the courtyard of our motel.

Sedona's main attraction is its stunning array of red sandstone formations, the Red Rocks of Sedona. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The Red Rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.  The majestic red rock scenery and evergreen vegetation are two reasons for the unique energy of Sedona and its tangible regenerative and inspirational effects.

I can't talk about Sedona without mentioning the Vortex sites, as you'll hear references to them no matter where you go in town.  Though never experienced firsthand, the Vortexes are popular tourist attractions. Simply stated, Vortex sites are said to be locations having energy flows, in those "deeper dimensions", that the Soul can soar on.  A wide variety of lectures, texts, and Guides are available through Sedona's bookstores and Spiritual Centers to assist you in experiencing the power of Sedona's Vortex sites - just ask...someone will point you in the right direction.

Many, many unique shops, sounds, and sights line the main drag through town ~ like these non-smelly (I've been told that the real ones give off a horrible stench), large (and colorful) bronze versions of the Javelinas that are native to the area... 

to this array of delightful, large bronze frogs that I encountered at various spots throughout the day...

cute enough to kiss!

In addition to roaming the main street shops of Sedona, your trip MUST include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Ta-lah-keh-pah-keh) Arts & Crafts Village (for those of you who just want to park and walk, there is a free shuttle that runs between the main street area, and Tlaquepaque, at the bottom of the hill…every 15 minutes).

Nestled beneath the shade of huge sycamore trees on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque (meaning "best of everything") is authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, and has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970's.

Its vine covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and magnificent arched entryways give you the feeling that it’s been there for centuries.

Originally conceived as an artist community, Tlaquepaque houses over 40 unique specialty/gift shops and exclusive art galleries, as well as 4 restaurants and a micro-brewery. 

Within these walls, you'll find everything from western and eclectic bronze sculpture; functional and traditional ceramics; breathtaking blown glass creations, contemporary and Southwestern fine art; fine contemporary jewelry; designer casual wear; to truly unique gift items – there’s a little something for everyone - if nothing else, go for the scenery...

or the margaritas, food, and atmosphere on the patio at El Rincon Restaurant...

the perfect ending to a day of walking, shopping, and soaking in the sights of one of the most beautiful settings in the Southwest.

Many unique shopping areas abound throughout the canyon – from two locations for Garland’s Indian Trading Post, to "Hillside Sedona" ~

another array of beautiful galleries, shops, sculpture gardens (and real gardens - yep, that's an artichoke!), and restaurants...

such as The Javelina Cantina - it's all located "around the corner" from Tlaquepaque, on the hillside, like the name says.  The benches and peaceful quiet of the after-hours gallery area also make it one of the best places in town to catch the spectacular Sedona sunsets, after that delicious meal and margarita.

Heading through Jerome and Prescott, AZ, while wending our way towards Las Vegas, next...Happy Trails, and a wonderful Wednesday to you and yours!

2012 SW Travel Destinations - FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA, AND SUCH

Beautiful, little FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA lies near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, along the western side of the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the United States...just south of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountain range in the state of Arizona.

Route 66 was completed in 1926 and ran through Flagstaff. Incorporated as a city in 1928, Flagstaff went on to become a popular tourist stop along Route 66, particularly due to its close proximity to the Grand Canyon.  Laid-back “Flag” is also home to NAU – a quaint little college town, with some pretty fun and funky little shops in the downtown area, across from the old train depot.

Though the Grand Canyon is, undoubtedly, the biggest draw of the area, several smaller and equally interesting destinations are all within an approximate 35 minute (or less) drive from the heart of Flagstaff, and not to be overlooked…while none of the photos in this post are my own (but gleaned from NPS sites and the like), I have been to all of these sites and wanted to share some of the beauty and uniqueness of the area.

WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT can be found about 33 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Once home to prehistoric Anasazi and Sinagua Indians, you will discover scores of ruins scattered over a large section of desert. You can observe freestanding masonry pueblos, field houses, and rock art - remarkable signs of a diverse and complex way of life. The structures all have a distinctive deep red color and were built from thin, flat blocks of the regional sandstone. In all, over 2,700 archeological sites have been cataloged at Wupatki National Monument, the largest being the Wupatki Ruin - an expansive three-story pueblo that contain nearly 100 rooms.

Five sites are accessible by car - the monument provides numerous trails for visitors to walk, hike, and view the different pueblos. At the south entrance, a National Park Service Visitor Center offers literature and colorful information into the history of these ancient people.

Wupatki National Monument is located on the same road as SUNSET CRATER NATIONAL MONUMENT. Sunset Crater, itself, is a volcanic cinder cone within the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The date of the eruptions that formed the 1,120 ft. high cone have been calculated to have been somewhere between 1064 and 1085 A.D. The Sunset Crater eruption produced a blanket of ash and lava covering an area of more than 810 sq. mi, and forced the temporary abandonment of settlements of the local Sinagua people. The volcano has partially revegetated, with pines and wildflowers.

A one-mile self-guided loop trail is located at the base of Sunset Crater but hiking to the summit is not permitted. A trail providing access to the summit and crater was closed in 1973 because of excessive erosion caused by hikers. A visitor center is located near the park entrance, 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, along U.S. Highway 89.

METEOR CRATER – “The most well known, best preserved meteorite crater on Earth!”  Meteor Crater sits approximately 35 miles from Flagstaff, on I-40 E., near Winslow (“It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flat bed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me…” Yes, THAT Winslow, AZ). A breath-taking result of a collision between an asteroid and Planet Earth, approximately 50,000 years ago. Meteor Crater is nearly one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference, and more than 550 feet deep - an international tourist venue with outdoor observation trails, guided tours, and a beautiful Visitor Center located on the crater rim.

WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT - Located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument features a collection of single-story cliff dwellings built high on a canyon wall. The monument provides well-preserved evidence of how the Sinagua Indians lived more than seven centuries ago. They constructed 300 rooms in the shelter of the canyon walls and thrived in the canyon for about 150 years. Their descendants now dwell together with the Hopi Indians, whose first villages date from 1100 A.D, in northeastern Arizona.

Visitors are able to explore and enjoy the park by hiking the Island Trail, which is a one-mile round trip. The path winds along the cliff, near the dwellings for an up close view...there are a few of the dwellings that can actually be accessed. The trail also allows for spectacular views down into the canyon.

SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK in Oak Creek Canyon, leading from Flagstaff to Sedona, takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. Tall red rock formations that are typical of the region also surround the park, which also contains a 43-acre working apple farm. Besides swimming and fishing, there are three hiking trails in Slide Rock State Park: Pendley Homestead Trail (.25 miles), Slide Rock Route (.3 miles), and Clifftop Nature Trail (.25). Slide Rock State Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Arizona.

OAK CREEK CANYON is often described as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty. State Route 89A enters the canyon on its north end, via a series of hairpin turns, before traversing the bottom of the canyon for about 13 miles, until the highway enters the town of Sedona. The Oak Creek Canyon-Sedona area is second only to the Grand Canyon as the most popular tourist destination in Arizona - depth of the canyon ranges from 800-2,000 feet...and that leads us straight into Sedona, next post...