Best of Sedona, Arizona

• Pink Adventure Tours - The pink Jeep tours are a popular activity in Sedona. Pink Adventure Tours provides several scenic tours to explore the red rocks. The Broken Arrow tour is one of the more popular choices. This trail is where famous Westerns were filmed! The Jeep rides can be very bumpy as the the cars climb high elevations to enjoy the perfect view from the red rocks. The tour guides are knowledgeable about the desert and surrounding area. They are willing to help take the best insta pic!

• Shopping and Art Galleries in Uptown/Tlaquepaque Village - After your pink Jeep tour, go window shopping in Uptown Sedona. Restaurants, art galleries and touristy gift shops line Main Street. The area is pedestrian friendly. Every time I visit, I go to Native jewelry of Sedona. They have a large selection of Authentic Native American jewelry. I have bought a cactus pendant that is made from a variety of stones from there. Besides being fun to say, Tlaquepaque is an arts and shopping village. Restaurants, art galleries and specialty shops can be found. Local artists display their work.

• Sedona Airport Vortex - If you are looking for a place to catch the southwest sunset, the Sedona Airport Vortex is the place to go. There is a half mile hiking trail to the vortex. Vortexes are believed to be places with an energy that helps increase meditation and healing properties. Even if you do not feel the energy, the scenic lookout is a popular site to visit.

• Chapel of the Holy Cross - The Chapel of the Holy Cross is set up in the red rocks and is a peaceful place to reflect. There is a short walk up the driveway to reach the entrance of the Chapel. Golf cart rides are provided for those with mobility issues. Religious services are held in the nave and visitors are able to light candles in remembrance of others. There is a gift shop that sells products made by many local artists. The view of the red rocks from the Chapel is beautiful and is a serene attraction to visit.

• Red Rock State Park - If you want to explore the Sedona red rocks, visit Red Rock State Park. There are trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Visitors can take guided walks with a park naturalist and learn about the surrounding rocks and wildlife. The park is home to many critters, such as wild turkeys, javelina and coyotes! White camping or overnight stays are not allowed at the State Park, Sedona has several great choice accommodations.

Day Trips

Jerome, Arizona, and Cottonwood, Arizona - Both of these small towns are emerging as top tourist stops. They are both less than an hour from Sedona. Jerome has the nickname of "The Wickedest Town in the West." It is an old mining community. Jerome ghost tours offers both ghost and history walking tours. Art galleries, local music and chef driven restaurants can be found in both towns.

• Elote Cafe - There are always long lines at the Elote Cafe! It has been named a top restaurant in Sedona by several publications. Elote serves modern Mexican and Southwestern fare. I love to order the queso fundido and the corn bisque!

• Hideaway House - The last time I visited Sedona, I sat on the porch overlooking the Sedona red rocks and ate lunch. The delicious bread is made in house and is served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The menu had many choices, including sandwiches, soup and salad.

• Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill - I love to eat at Mariposa when visiting Sedona! This female led restaurant is headed by Chef Lisa Dahl. She is a two-time nominated James Beard chef and has appeared on both the travel channel and the food network. Mariposa has also received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for several years. I love to order the yucca fries from this Latin inspired menu.

• Indian Gardens Cafe & Market - The Indian Gardens Cafe is a great choice for either breakfast or lunch. They have a cute courtyard for sipping coffee. The breakfast burrito with the house hot sauce is a favorite choice for my husband and myself. Check the schedule because they are not open everyday.