This was our second time visiting Sedona. Have you ever visited somewhere and leave with such a great experience that you second guess yourself when planning the next trip, you wonder if it really was as nice as you remembered? But much to our relief – we liked it just as much (if not, more) the second time around. The Lucky Bugs are also big fans of the Eagles and agreed that if Sedona could have a song – A peaceful, easy feeling perfectly described it. It is a magical, spiritual place surrounded by the most breathtaking red rocks/ mountains you have ever seen. There is just an energy in the air, perhaps due to the many vortex, or maybe just the incredibly friendly people we have encountered upon every visit, but definitely a place to visit. Sedona is located approximately a 2 hour drive from Phoenix.
Our first trip in 2015, was also in March (perfect weather both times – mid 70’s – low 80’s) and Baby Bug and I decided that since we were driving distance to the Grand Canyon we would check it out. Everywhere we went we saw the Pink Jeep tours however we already had the car rental so decided to make use of it. For anyone thinking of doing this it is a fairly easy drive of approx. 2 and 1/2 hours each way, but does make for a long day. The drive was fairly remote without much traffic and it did allow us some time at the Grand Canyon, but if I were to do it again I might stay overnight just so it wasn’t such a long day. Also, though we loved what we saw there was still so much more to see. If anybody is thinking about doing the one day trip from Sedona and back, something else to be aware of is the dark. The thought of driving down the winding. mountainous roads in the dark completely freaked me out so keep your timing in mind. Also, Flagstaff is a good place to stop for gas and food (Chic Fil-A!!! ) on the way and/or on the way back because there is not much else in between.
the Grand Canyon
Cathedral Rock
One thing that was a must during both of our trips was a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. We have seen many churches all over the world and this is a definite favourite. Maybe it is it’s uniqueness, maybe it is it’s spectacular surroundings, but there is certainly something special about this church.
Sedona is a bit spread out, on our first stay we stayed at the Best Western right in the downtown area and it was in a great spot for walking to shops and restaurants. For our second stay we wanted to try the newly opened Courtyard and WOW, were the grounds beautiful! It was located more on the outskirts (not much within a walkable distance), but gorgeous surroundings with fire pits and meditation areas.
Meditation area at the hotel
Trip #2
This trip was tacked on to the end of a California trip. When booking our March Break trip to California (March 2017), I had no intention of visiting Arizona – until I began my flight home search. We had been wanting to get back and it must have been “meant to be” when much to my shock – direct flights from Phoenix to Detroit for $64!!! After doing some research I realized that Phoenix is only a 5 hour drive from Disneyland so how could we not?
Bit of a boring drive but it was all worth it. This trip we were determined to do a couple of the things that we missed last time:
- Get a “reading” – now I’m not a total believer but if there’s any place that seems like a natural place for a reading – this is it. Besides there are so many places to buy crystals, etc. I thought – why not? And I will let you know just how accurate the reading was if I am married to my soulmate and living large in Cali within a year, lol. (tip: Mystical Bazaar seemed to be a good choice for a variety of crystals/ stones and jewellery)
- I told myself that this trip was not going to involve shopping (yeah, right), but could not resist this beautiful stone – it’s called peacock ore and it is known as the stone of happiness and this is it’s meaning: brings freshness & newness to one’s life, encourages abundance, supports healing, facilitates inner knowing and draws necessities and comforts to you – so how could I not buy this “everything I need in life” rolled up into a stone – still trying to somehow attach it to my body.
And last but not least, I am always looking for ways to cross something off my bucket list and Sedona’s beauty just screamed, “hot air balloon ride.” If you ever have the opportunity to try one I highly recommend it, it was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life – so check us out:
“DON’T WANNA MISS A THINGS”
- Wildflower Bread Company – we came across this place by asking the front desk of our hotel for a dinner suggestion, and it did not disappoint. It’s similar to Panera Bread, nothing fancy but great food and good prices – we actually ended up going back for breakfast, which was just as good as dinner. Also has a patio with a great view,
- Shopping – there are so many beautiful shops in Sedona but two that I really enjoyed were: the gift shop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross Church (located in the basement), another great stop was a huge place called Son Silver West (located on Route 179 – right on the way to the Holy Cross Church), it was full of really neat pottery, chimes, etc.
- Play the wind chimes in downtown Sedona – there are fun sets of chimes throughout downtown.
