My finest good friend and I stay in several elements of the nation (we’ve been finest buddies for twenty-four years, and have solely spent about 1/3 of them in the identical metropolis), so we love taking journeys collectively. Let me inform you, the enjoyment of packing gentle (just for your self! not the entire fam!) and having a number of nights of sleepovers in a enjoyable new place and exploring so freely (simply us consuming dessert for breakfast if we wish to!)… it’s euphoric.
And our newest journey that we loved was a totally new spot for me! She grew up going to Sedona together with her household, however I had by no means been! She didn’t must work onerous to promote me on it although – the attractive views, the nice and cozy temperatures, magical mystical vortexes, outlets stuffed with crystals, and this pool? Bought!
The place We Stayed In Sedona
We splurged to remain at Enchantment Resort, which is a resort that my finest good friend has all the time wished to expertise. I imply take a look at this lounge room positioned subsequent to one among a number of attractive outside swimming pools:
It was positively costly by our requirements (about $500 an evening every for the three nights we stayed!) however we had a sudden realization that bff journeys is likely to be a really perfect time to splurge as a result of (sorry John!) it’s two households splitting the price of one room! Our philosophy most likely additionally has to do with the truth that John and my finest good friend’s husband don’t actually have any curiosity in staying at a pleasant resort – so splitting the fee and having fun with this place collectively simply is smart. Is that, my buddies… woman math? No matter it’s, we liked our keep!
We additionally ought to take a second to acknowledge that we’re grateful to be married to companions who perceive that these journeys are deeply fulfilling for each of us and encourage us to find time for these little reconnection soul-filling journeys they usually’re blissful to remain again with the youngsters. We each try this reflexively for our companions too (whereby they e-book one thing hilariously not-restort-y). Really each of them went to a cattle ranch as soon as. There have been additionally many chickens. It’s nice for everybody to get away every now and then – even when the locations would possibly look wildly completely different 😉
Again to my keep at Enchantment Resort with my bestie. It was mainly this superb “village” of casitas with a lot to do proper on the grounds. We shared one suite, which had a bit kitchen space, a beverage fridge, this lovely fire, and an enormous attractive rest room in addition to a beautiful balcony with a view of the mountains! Each morning we stepped out onto the balcony and noticed a unique wild animal on the bottom beneath. Extra on that in a minute.
I can not underscore how nice this was as a house base for our journey. We liked strolling across the resort to get to the swimming pools and numerous eating places. In addition they had some good outlets and even a elaborate spa and issues like a crystal meditation room. A lot to see. There have been additionally numerous free occasions whereas we had been there, from star-gazing expeditions, and we even stumbled upon the chef’s backyard, the place they develop all of the recent herbs and greens they serve within the eating places.
Once I say that this resort is IN THE MOUNTAINS, I imply it’s actually amongst them. The novelty by no means wore off. It was STUNNING. Towering mountain views virtually in every single place you seemed.
I’ve much more pictures of the journey to indicate you, however first please get pleasure from this AI poster that my bestie made earlier than our journey. I imply. Vertexs! Sheiry! Girts Ladies Trxps! Jetepes! It actually has all of it:
I’m additionally glad this poster design is the “modiated model” – no matter meaning! Sidenote: doesn’t it seem to be the best factor AI can do is spell ladies and jeeps and vortexes and YOUR OWN ENTERED NAMES accurately? That being stated, it’s very entertaining this fashion.
Additionally please discover that one among us is enjoying a flute above. Only a murals.
Fast Video Recap Of Our Sedona Journey
Earlier than I get into much more pictures and information, this video does an awesome job of capturing a ton of our journey highlights in below 2 minutes. Be at liberty to e-book a visit similar to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can stay vicariously via you as a result of we each left instantly eager to do it once more. Additionally please don’t cease the video earlier than you see my unmatched athletic prowess on the finish. It would certainly take your breath away.
Observe: You too can view this video on YouTube.
And now again to all the additional pictures and particulars that these two minutes couldn’t include, like…
How We Bought To Sedona
There aren’t any business flights into the Sedona airport, so most individuals fly to Flagstaff (about 45 minutes north of Sedona) or Phoenix (about 2 hours south of Sedona). We selected to fly into Phoenix as a result of these flights had been cheaper and simpler to come back by. My finest good friend even obtained a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I obtained to fulfill this lovely remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automotive and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I’d suggest an early arrival so that you don’t must drive late at evening. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automotive line took ceaselessly so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was practically 2am my time (and 3am my finest good friend’s time!).
The Wildlife In Sedona
Sure, I’m giving this a whole part on this put up, as a result of it was SO COOL! Once we arrived and noticed a tiny lizard on the curtains, which felt similar to being at house in Florida. However the wild mule deer and javelinas that roamed the resort had been SO DIFFERENT than something I’ve ever seen!
The mule deer had been… like a donkey blended with a deer? Very completely different than those we’ve right here! And I had by no means seen a javelina in my life. They give the impression of being kind of like wild boars, however we realized they’re extra carefully associated to rhinos and hippos! They had been actually enjoyable to observe.
I understand I used loads of caps lock on this part of the put up. I stand by it. We each had a lot enjoyable strolling across the resort (often after an enormous scrumptious meal) and recognizing all of the furry buddies.
The Actions That We Did In Sedona
We actually embraced our woo-woo-loving selves and leaned into all of the cool mystical vortex-and-crystal-related issues you possibly can expertise in Sedona. And we additionally did some enjoyable “journey” stuff that positively obtained my coronary heart pumping.
1. A Guided Vortex Tour
Just a few weeks forward of our arrival, we booked a Vortex Tour via Blue Bear Excursions. It was REALLY FASCINATING, and taught us loads of the historical past of some religious spots in addition to the lore of many vortexes within the space.
It was an amazingly small group of us (6 folks complete), and our information Robert drove us to every spot and taught us about issues we had by no means seen – from the bushes that develop in a swirl sample to the expertise of getting into a drugs wheel and studying the importance of every entry level. We liked visiting the Stupa (“Peace Park”) that you simply see above, and the spotlight for me was standing inside the medication wheel (Robert did kind of a “chilly learn” on all of us primarily based on the place we walked into the wheel). All of us cried. Not even kidding. It was GREAT.
There was a good quantity of mountain climbing and standing, so put on snug sneakers.
Additionally I held these rods (see beneath) they usually went loopy, crossing after which flapping out and hitting my arms. I solely want I had a video. The information was like “wow, that’s loads of power” and my finest good friend stated “stuff like this all the time occurs to her” whereas laughing hysterically. It really was a mystical and deeply bonding day. I wished to get everybody’s numbers afterwards as a result of all of us had this enjoyable expertise collectively.
So I extremely suggest utilizing Blue Bear Excursions and reserving Robert for the vortex tour if you happen to can. By the way in which, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any method. We paid for every part that we did and no one knew me from Adam. Though they could now bear in mind me as the girl who made the steel rods go loopy.
Okay, onto our subsequent journey, which was pure adrenaline and journey, and 0 % woo-woo until you depend if you ask the next energy to not allow you to careen off a mountain.
Pink Jeep Tour Of Damaged Arrow
My finest good friend had truly executed a unique one among these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and she or he stated it was a enjoyable option to see issues from different vantage factors whereas actually appreciating being alive. So we additionally booked this tour (particularly of a park known as Damaged Arrow) a number of weeks upfront of our journey.
After stepping out of the Jeep after a 2-hour jaunt up and down a particularly steep and craggy mountain, my finest good friend’s description of the tour = a real assertion. By the top you might be like “WOW! I survived!”
In case you are an individual who’s afraid of heights (me) and also you don’t love a Jeep doing a donut close to an enormous dropoff (or charging down or up a forty five% angle after which pausing in the course of the grade whereas your brakes scream) you’ll positively have moments the place you assume “WHY AM I PAYING FOR THIS?!?!?” however we completely liked our tour information: Rick. My finest good friend made me pose with him as a result of he’s from Iowa (which is the place she’s from, and the place most of her household nonetheless lives). Rick was THE GOAT. Like I feel he may do the tour together with his eyes closed. However I’m very glad he saved them open.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
We truly realized about this subsequent exercise from another girls who did the Jeep tour with us (there have been 6 of us on the Jeep tour complete), so we made time to go to this stunning chapel that’s actually constructed proper into the mountains.
It’s positively an enormous vacationer spot, so the car parking zone is fairly packed, and you need to climb up a methods to get to the chapel after parking. That they had these fairly carved stone paths in some areas that led to the chapel. And as soon as there, the views and the chapel itself had been breathtaking. We additionally actually loved the present store downstairs, so test that out if you happen to cease by.
It was completely an enormous vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these pictures as a result of my finest good friend noticed everybody else stopping to take them and saved saying “let me get yet another for the weblog put up!” She’s one of the best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a observe in regards to the climate whereas we had been there. Within the mornings and late at evening it was sweater climate (round 60-65 levels) however in any other case it was very extremely popular (85-90+). Sure, it was “a dry warmth” however I’d describe it like “being within the microwave.” Literal waves of warmth radiating into my physique. Not a lot breeze, and never a lot shade in most locations. Bear in mind your sunscreen and your sun shades! By the way in which, we went in early October, so I’m certain the climate isn’t like that year-round, however hopefully that helps anybody else planning a fall go to.
Our Favourite Purchasing Spots In Sedona
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Vilalge
We LOVED Tlaquepaque, which was a small space full of retailers and some locations to eat. The buildings themselves and the plush plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually pretty little companies in there, so it’s the place we obtained all of our souvenirs for our children.
I imply, take a look at this pumpkin show:
You’ll be able to see from the picture above and beneath that it appears like a bit village with charming previous stairs and pathways, and fountains and essentially the most pretty mature greenery that actually grows everywhere in the buildings and partitions. Magical.
Our absolute favourite store was the one you see on the left of this picture beneath. It was known as Cocopah Jewellery, and it had so many cool “curiosities.” From actually fascinating fossils, shells, and butterflies, to stunning beads & jewelry-making provides (additionally – CRYSTALS!) they felt like a tiny store stuffed with treasures. I obtained tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a stunning glass evil eye. So many cool objects. My finest good friend obtained a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply pretty. The lady who labored there was great too.
The Retailers In Sedona
Strolling round Sedona was additionally actually enjoyable. There have been a number of locations to seize a chew to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very engaging crystal outlets, numerous different locations to get souvenirs, outfitters, and many others. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally had been very blissful to come back throughout this store that sells extremely particular issues, like jewellery and jerky (after which they added flutes to the combination!). You’ll be able to simply spend a full day strolling round Sedona (in contrast, Tlaquepaque can most likely be checked out in a number of hours – it’s a lot smaller).
We additionally actually wished to get our tarot playing cards learn, and stopped into 4 or 5 locations till we each had that THIS IS THE ONE feeling! And I’m so glad we took our time, as a result of the girl who learn our playing cards was named Monet and she or he was SO WONDERFUL. I legitimately tried to search out her on Instagram afterwards as a result of I wish to be her real-life good friend, however she’s mysterious and un-find-able.
Monet works in a store known as Inexperienced Witch Creations, proper subsequent to an incredible gelato place (extra on that in a sec). My finest good friend and I each obtained “angel readings” + “allure castings” executed (she has you pull charms out of a bag and interprets them, together with having you pull a bunch of tarot playing cards). It was a significant hour of our lives. We each cried. Monet, if you happen to ever learn this, be my good friend in actual life! We liked each minute of our studying.
Okay, I do know I teased an awesome gelato spot subsequent door to this store, which brings us to…
What We Ate In Sedona
We actually ate our method round this city, and it was all extraordinarily good (one place was so good we went again once more the subsequent day!). I’ll begin issues off with the gelato spot that was proper subsequent to our tarot studying:
I obtained cherry and chocolate and my finest good friend obtained mango and vanilla. Each superb.
In all probability essentially the most memorable meal of the whole journey was the one fancy meal we had at one of many resort eating places, which was known as Tii Gavo. This appetizer that we break up was grilled peaches + burrata + mint with oil and honey and pistachios. Once I inform you it was out of this world, imagine me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I obtained a tavern burger as my important and it was GREAT TOO. I do know typically fancy resorts don’t have nice eating places and it’s smarter to go away the resort for good meals, however I can vouch that this one is price staying in for! We additionally ate this on their again patio overlooking the mountains with a firepit roaring close by. It was pleasant.
Okay, right here is the spot we went to twice! It’s an area favourite known as Espresso Pot – and their breakfast is SO GOOD. Would you imagine me if I informed you that they’ve 100 omelettes to select from? Sure. A Hundred. And our waitress had all of them memorized by quantity. So you might be like “have you learnt what #76 is by coronary heart?” and she or he’d say “avocado and bacon! It’s simple! Everyone knows all of them by coronary heart!”
I obtained precisely the identical factor two days in a row, and please forgive me for forgetting the precise variety of my omelette, however it had bacon and cheese and chirizo or sausage I feel! Possibly #47 or #74? Additionally, sure I did get a giant heaping scoop of COTTAGE CHEESE as my aspect each days. I used to be in heaven.
One among our different food-related favourite issues to do on our journeys (apart from getting dessert at any time of the day) is to go to a grocery retailer to get little snacks and treats. We grabbed some cheese & crackers and wine one evening, and even melted chocolate within the microwave to make chocolate lined strawberries one other time. What can I say? We love a great DIY.
One other day we obtained scorching wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For certain there was a great steadiness of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally obtained to witness essentially the most stunning wedding ceremony whereas we had been staying at Enchantment. It was for a pair named Tommy and Baltazar, and it was a STUNNING sight to behold. They obtained such a stunning evening for it and it was enjoyable to see a number of well-dressed wedding-goers transferring across the resort for the festivities. They seemed so blissful and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered once they handed via the resort to get to the reception you see beneath.
They obtained married on the base of one of many big mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above picture is some time later once they moved to their meals on the reception. Really if you happen to or anybody you already know is in search of a panoramic venue… look into Enchanted! It seemed superb.
Our Day Journey To Jerome, Arizona
On our method again to Phoenix to catch our flights house, we had enjoyable exploring the “ghost city” of Jerome, which my finest good friend had executed a few years in the past. She stated we simply couldn’t miss it, particularly as a result of it was on the way in which to the airport and I’m so glad we stopped there! This self-proclaimed “ghost city” will get its identify as a consequence of having a really small inhabitants, and in addition loads of ghost lore – particularly a few former hospital that isn’t a resort on the prime of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to loads of enjoyable outlets and even a reasonably well-known restaurant. Lots of the properties are constructed proper into extraordinarily steep mountain ranges, so it’s actually cool to see.
This copper store, known as Copper State Present is one thing you see fairly rapidly if you get to Jerome. It was stuffed with treasures and funky issues! Positively price stopping in if you happen to see it. You’ll most likely discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The picture on the best beneath, can also be a extremely cool kaleidoscope store known as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually appreciated loads of the outlets there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I obtained John the cool skeleton shirt at The Coppertown T-shirt retailer that you simply see him sporting beneath:
We additionally heard, from actually everybody, that we needed to go to Haunted Hamburger for lunch. It was a kind of buildings that was carved proper into the sting of a mountain. So after we walked via the constructing and had been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We realized we obtained fortunate as a result of there are hardly any balcony seats obtainable, however since we had been only a occasion of two, that’s what was open and we obtained to benefit from the view.
Additionally, sure I used to be craving burgers this whole journey. We ordered a wedge salad & a bacon mushroom cheddar burger and break up them. It was an excellent name.
After this, it was off to the airport to go our separate methods house, with full hearts (and aching stomachs from laughing so onerous). By way of a ladies journey (and we’ve executed MANY) this one is on the prime of the checklist. Extremely suggest!
Ladies Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
Should you’re enthusiastic about our tackle different locations or are looking for family-friendly journeys, you may additionally get pleasure from these posts: