My finest good friend and I reside in several elements of the nation (we’ve been finest associates 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 need to!)… it’s euphoric.
And our newest journey that we loved was a very 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 at all times wished to expertise. I imply have a look at this lounge room situated subsequent to certainly one of a number of attractive out of doors 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 perfect time to splurge as a result of (sorry John!) it’s two households splitting the price of one room! Our philosophy in all probability 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 associates… woman math? No matter it’s, we cherished 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 and so they’re joyful to remain again with the children. We each do this reflexively for our companions too (whereby they e-book one thing hilariously not-restort-y). Truly 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 little bit kitchen space, a beverage fridge, this cute hearth, and a large attractive toilet 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 cherished strolling across the resort to get to the swimming pools and numerous eating places. Additionally they had some good outlets and even a flowery 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 contemporary 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 all places you regarded.
I’ve much more images of the journey to point out you, however first please get pleasure from this AI poster that my bestie made earlier than our journey. I imply. Vertexs! Sheiry! Girts Women 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 look like 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 certainly one of us is enjoying a flute above. Only a murals.
Fast Video Recap Of Our Sedona Journey
Earlier than I get into much more images and data, this video does an important job of capturing a ton of our journey highlights in below 2 minutes. Be happy to e-book a visit similar to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can reside vicariously by way of 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 is going to absolutely take your breath away.
Observe: You too can view this video on YouTube.
And now again to all the additional images and particulars that these two minutes couldn’t include, like…
How We Bought To Sedona
There aren’t any industrial 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 return by. My finest good friend even bought a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I bought to fulfill this cute remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automotive and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I might suggest an early arrival so that you don’t must drive late at night time. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automotive line took eternally so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was almost 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 submit, as a result of it was SO COOL! After 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 combined 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 numerous caps lock on this part of the submit. I stand by it. We each had a lot enjoyable strolling across the resort (often after a large scrumptious meal) and recognizing all of the furry associates.
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 may expertise in Sedona. And we additionally did some enjoyable “journey” stuff that positively bought my coronary heart pumping.
1. A Guided Vortex Tour
Just a few weeks forward of our arrival, we booked a Vortex Tour by way of Blue Bear Excursions. It was REALLY FASCINATING, and taught us numerous 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 whole), 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 coming into a drugs wheel and studying the importance of every entry level. We cherished visiting the Stupa (“Peace Park”) that you simply see above, and the spotlight for me was standing inside the drugs wheel (Robert did kind of a “chilly learn” on all of us based mostly on the place we walked into the wheel). All of us cried. Not even kidding. It was GREAT.
There was a good quantity of mountaineering and standing, so put on comfy footwear.
Additionally I held these rods (see beneath) and so they 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 numerous power” and my finest good friend stated “stuff like this at all times occurs to her” whereas laughing hysterically. It actually 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 best way, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any method. We paid for the whole lot that we did and no person knew me from Adam. Though they may now keep 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 nil % woo-woo except you rely once 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 finished a unique certainly one of these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and he or she stated it was a enjoyable technique 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 prematurely 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’re 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 a large dropoff (or charging down or up a forty five% angle after which pausing in the midst of the grade whereas your brakes scream) you’ll positively have moments the place you suppose “WHY AM I PAYING FOR THIS?!?!?” however we completely cherished 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 whole), so we made time to go to this lovely 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 examine that out if you happen to cease by.
It was completely a large vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these images 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 submit!” She’s the most effective.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a be aware concerning the climate whereas we had been there. Within the mornings and late at night time it was sweater climate (round 60-65 levels) however in any other case it was very highly regarded (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. Keep in mind your sunscreen and your sun shades! By the best way, 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 Procuring Spots In Sedona
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Vilalge
We LOVED Tlaquepaque, which was a small space full of outlets and some locations to eat. The buildings themselves and the luxurious plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually pretty little companies in there, so it’s the place we bought all of our souvenirs for our children.
I imply, have a look at this pumpkin show:
You possibly can see from the picture above and beneath that it looks like a little bit village with charming previous stairs and pathways, and fountains and probably 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 lovely beads & jewelry-making provides (additionally – CRYSTALS!) they felt like a tiny store stuffed with treasures. I bought tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a stunning glass evil eye. So many cool gadgets. My finest good friend bought a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply pretty. The lady who labored there was fantastic too.
The Outlets In Sedona
Strolling round Sedona was additionally actually enjoyable. There have been a lot of locations to seize a chew to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very engaging crystal outlets, numerous different locations to get souvenirs, clothes shops, and so forth. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally had been very joyful to return throughout this store that sells extremely particular issues, like jewellery and jerky (after which they added flutes to the combination!). You possibly can simply spend a full day strolling round Sedona (in contrast, Tlaquepaque can in all probability 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 he or she was SO WONDERFUL. I legitimately tried to search out her on Instagram afterwards as a result of I need 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 bought “angel readings” + “attraction castings” finished (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 cherished each minute of our studying.
Okay, I do know I teased an important 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 following day!). I’ll begin issues off with the gelato spot that was proper subsequent to our tarot studying:
I bought cherry and chocolate and my finest good friend bought mango and vanilla. Each excellent.
Most likely probably the most memorable meal of the complete 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, consider me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I bought a tavern burger as my fundamental and it was GREAT TOO. I do know typically fancy resorts don’t have nice eating places and it’s smarter to depart 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 consider me if I advised 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 “are you aware what #76 is by coronary heart?” and he or she’d say “avocado and bacon! It’s straightforward! Everyone knows all of them by coronary heart!”
I bought precisely the identical factor two days in a row, and please forgive me for forgetting the precise variety of my omelette, but it surely had bacon and cheese and chirizo or sausage I feel! Perhaps #47 or #74? Additionally, sure I did get an enormous heaping scoop of COTTAGE CHEESE as my facet 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 night time, and even melted chocolate within the microwave to make chocolate coated strawberries one other time. What can I say? We love DIY.
One other day we bought sizzling wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For certain there was stability of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally bought to witness probably the most lovely 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 bought such a stunning night time for it and it was enjoyable to see a lot of well-dressed wedding-goers shifting across the resort for the festivities. They regarded so joyful and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered once they handed by way of the resort to get to the reception you see beneath.
They bought married on the base of one of many large mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above picture is some time later once they moved to their meals on the reception. Actually if you happen to or anybody you recognize is searching for a wide ranging venue… look into Enchanted! It regarded 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 finished a few years in the past. She stated we simply couldn’t miss it, particularly as a result of it was on the best way to the airport and I’m so glad we stopped there! This self-proclaimed “ghost city” will get its identify as a result of having a really small inhabitants, and in addition numerous ghost lore – particularly a couple of former hospital that isn’t a lodge on the high of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to numerous enjoyable outlets and even a fairly 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 once you get to Jerome. It was stuffed with treasures and funky issues! Undoubtedly price stopping in if you happen to see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The picture on the fitting beneath, can also be a extremely cool kaleidoscope store known as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually preferred numerous the outlets there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I bought 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 type of buildings that was carved proper into the sting of a mountain. So once we walked by way of the constructing and had been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We realized we bought 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 bought to benefit from the view.
Additionally, sure I used to be craving burgers this complete 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). When it comes to a ladies journey (and we’ve finished MANY) this one is on the high of the checklist. Extremely suggest!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
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