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.

RED ROCKS OF SEDONA, AZ on "TRAVEL TUESDAY"

Feel like taking a little hike today?  Come on along...you'll be seeing red...

The area surrounding the town of Sedona, AZ is home to some of the most spectacularly beautiful southwest scenery you've ever laid eyes on.  RED ROCK STATE PARK offers up a myriad of easily accessible hiking trails, or just beautiful vantage points for photos, for those less inclined to traipse around in nature. 

I had to laugh a week ago, while out to dinner with my husband and friends - I married someone who absolutely hates to travel, but has been more than willing and happy to let me do so, on my own, as the occasion arises.  Conversation turned to trips that evening, and he actually said he felt bad enough to feel I should have been dealt a luckier hand in life, and married to the "travelin' man" at the table with us (though he already had a wife, and I wouldn't have married him anyway).  I asked later, if he wanted to travel with me this summer...the answer was still a resounding "No...but you go right ahead and I'll be waiting when you get back." 

I HAVE been lucky that my folks are still as incredibly active as they are...and still seem to like me!  They love road trips, and I have been fortunate enough to tag along the past few summers - they haven't even driven off and left me at a gas station.  Yet.  My kids were taken on a few of these trips when they were smaller.  Seeing the sights and gathering knowledge of different places through Grandma and Grandpa's eyes was a pretty wonderful experience for them. 

The beautiful American Southwest is still a favorite destination - always enchanting, this ancient wonderland. On this day, I enthusiastically drug my poor Dad up the red dirt trail to see what we could see from the top of the hill (actually, I drug him over quite a few roads in the two days we were there). This is a 78 year old Superman/Walking Encyclopedia, who fell from a tree 10 years ago and broke one lower leg in 21 places (19 pins in it to this day, I believe).  SUCH a good sport, and nimble as a mountain goat, yet (that's what got him in trouble with the tree that day).  Mom just recovered from Rotator Cuff surgery, and has amazed everyone with how fast she has healed (a lot of hard work was involved, though)...no one is more amazed at them both, and thankful for them, than I.

The clouds were ominously beautiful this day, providing a reprieve from the desert heat - make sure to take water with you if you start out on any hike.  Or any road trip.  Sage words of wisdom from my dad, that have stuck with me, forever.  You might want a whistle, too...just in case.  He got me mine at the Army/Navy Surplus Store in Denver - WORLD'S LOUDEST WHISTLE (for serious). 

These red rocks are some of the most breathtaking you'll ever see.

Jaw-dropping scenery, just a hop, skip and jump from the main drag of Sedona.  And, like I said, you don't need to hike it...a lot of these shots are accessible, and just as impressive, from the front seat of your car...

Let someone else do the driving, though -

"Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel..."

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!