My finest buddy and I stay in several components 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 let you know, the enjoyment of packing gentle (just for your self! not the entire fam!) and having just a few 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 need to work laborious to promote me on it although – the attractive views, the nice and cozy temperatures, magical mystical vortexes, retailers filled 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 buddy has all the time 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 undoubtedly costly by our requirements (about $500 an evening every for the three nights we stayed!) however we had a sudden realization that bff journeys may 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 in all probability additionally has to do with the truth that John and my finest buddy’s husband don’t actually have any curiosity in staying at a pleasant resort – so splitting the associated fee and having fun with this place collectively simply is sensible. Is that, my buddies… 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 youngsters. We each try 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 may 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 lovable fire, and a large attractive lavatory in addition to a stunning balcony with a view of the mountains! Each morning we stepped out onto the balcony and noticed a distinct wild animal on the bottom under. Extra on that in a minute.
I can’t 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. In addition they had some good retailers 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 have 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 all over the place you seemed.
I’ve much more pictures of the journey to indicate you, however first please take pleasure in 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 which means! 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 mentioned, 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 pictures and data, this video does an amazing job of capturing a ton of our journey highlights in below 2 minutes. Be happy to e book a visit identical to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can stay vicariously via you as a result of we each left instantly desirous to do it once more. Additionally please don’t cease the video earlier than you see my unmatched athletic prowess on the finish. It’s going to absolutely take your breath away.
Notice: You can too 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 Acquired 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 have been cheaper and simpler to return by. My finest buddy even acquired a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I acquired to satisfy this lovable remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automobile and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I might advocate an early arrival so that you don’t need to drive late at evening. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automobile line took endlessly so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was almost 2am my time (and 3am my finest buddy’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! Once we arrived and noticed a tiny lizard on the curtains, which felt identical to being at house in Florida. However the wild mule deer and javelinas that roamed the resort have been SO DIFFERENT than something I’ve ever seen!
The mule deer have 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 intently associated to rhinos and hippos! They have been actually enjoyable to observe.
I notice 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 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’ll be able to expertise in Sedona. And we additionally did some enjoyable “journey” stuff that undoubtedly acquired my coronary heart pumping.
1. A Guided Vortex Tour
A number of weeks forward of our arrival, we booked a Vortex Tour via 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 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 climbing and standing, so put on comfy footwear.
Additionally I held these rods (see under) 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 buddy mentioned “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 advocate utilizing Blue Bear Excursions and reserving Robert for the vortex tour when you can. By the best way, 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 woman who made the steel rods go loopy.
Okay, onto our subsequent journey, which was pure adrenaline and journey, and nil p.c woo-woo except you depend while you ask the next energy to not allow you to careen off a mountain.
Pink Jeep Tour Of Damaged Arrow
My finest buddy had truly executed a distinct certainly one of these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and she or he mentioned it was a enjoyable approach to see issues from different vantage factors whereas actually appreciating being alive. So we additionally booked this tour (particularly of a park referred to as Damaged Arrow) just a few 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 buddy’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 a large 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 undoubtedly have moments the place you suppose “WHY AM I PAYING FOR THIS?!?!?” however we completely cherished our tour information: Rick. My finest buddy 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 believe he might do the tour together with his eyes closed. However I’m very glad he stored them open.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
We truly realized about this subsequent exercise from another ladies 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 undoubtedly an enormous vacationer spot, so the parking zone is fairly packed, and it’s a must to climb up a methods to get to the chapel after parking. They’d these fairly carved stone paths in some areas that led to the chapel. And as soon as there, the views and the chapel itself have been breathtaking. We additionally actually loved the present store downstairs, so verify that out when you cease by.
It was completely a large vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these pictures as a result of my finest buddy noticed everybody else stopping to take them and stored saying “let me get another for the weblog submit!” She’s one of the best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a observe in regards to the climate whereas we have 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 very 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. 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 Purchasing 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 plush plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually beautiful little companies in there, so it’s the place we acquired 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 under that it seems like a little bit village with charming previous stairs and pathways, and fountains and essentially the most beautiful mature greenery that actually grows all around the buildings and partitions. Magical.
Our absolute favourite store was the one you see on the left of this picture under. It was referred to 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 filled with treasures. I acquired tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a beautiful glass evil eye. So many cool objects. My finest buddy acquired a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply beautiful. The lady who labored there was great 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 retailers, numerous different locations to get souvenirs, clothes shops, and so on. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally have been very joyful to return throughout this store that sells extremely particular issues, like jewellery and jerky (after which they added flutes to the combo!). You possibly can simply spend a full day strolling round Sedona (in contrast, Tlaquepaque can in all probability be checked out in just a few 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 buddy, however she’s mysterious and un-find-able.
Monet works in a store referred to as Inexperienced Witch Creations, proper subsequent to a tremendous gelato place (extra on that in a sec). My finest buddy and I each acquired “angel readings” + “attraction 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, when you ever learn this, be my buddy in actual life! We cherished each minute of our studying.
Okay, I do know I teased an amazing 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 acquired cherry and chocolate and my finest buddy acquired mango and vanilla. Each excellent.
In all probability essentially the most memorable meal of all the journey was the one fancy meal we had at one of many resort eating places, which was referred to as Tii Gavo. This appetizer that we cut up was grilled peaches + burrata + mint with oil and honey and pistachios. Once I let you know it was out of this world, imagine me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I acquired a tavern burger as my most 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 referred to 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 possibly can 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 acquired 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 believe! 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 in all our different food-related favourite issues to do on our journeys (in addition to 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 an excellent DIY.
One other day we acquired sizzling wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For certain there was an excellent stability of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally acquired to witness essentially the most lovely marriage ceremony whereas we have been staying at Enchantment. It was for a pair named Tommy and Baltazar, and it was a STUNNING sight to behold. They acquired such a beautiful evening for it and it was enjoyable to see a lot of well-dressed wedding-goers shifting across the resort for the festivities. They seemed so joyful and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered after they handed via the resort to get to the reception you see under.
They acquired married on the base of one of many large mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above picture is some time later after they moved to their meals on the reception. Actually when you or anybody you realize is on the lookout for a wide ranging 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 buddy had executed a few years in the past. She mentioned 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 title because of having a really small inhabitants, and in addition numerous ghost lore – particularly a few former hospital that isn’t a resort on the high of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to numerous enjoyable retailers and even a reasonably well-known restaurant. Lots of the houses are constructed proper into extraordinarily steep mountain ranges, so it’s actually cool to see.
This copper store, referred to as Copper State Present is one thing you see fairly shortly while you get to Jerome. It was filled with treasures and funky issues! Undoubtedly price stopping in when you see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The picture on the suitable under, can be a very cool kaleidoscope store referred to as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually preferred numerous the retailers there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I acquired John the cool skeleton shirt at The Coppertown T-shirt retailer that you simply see him sporting under:
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 via the constructing and have been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We realized we acquired fortunate as a result of there are hardly any balcony seats accessible, however since we have been only a get together of two, that’s what was open and we acquired 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 cut 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 laborious). By way of a ladies journey (and we’ve executed MANY) this one is on the high of the record. Extremely advocate!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
For those who’re fascinated with our tackle different locations or are in quest of family-friendly journeys, you may additionally take pleasure in these posts:
