My finest pal and I reside in numerous 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 let you know, the enjoyment of packing mild (just for your self! not the entire fam!) and having a couple 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 along with her household, however I had by no means been! She didn’t should work arduous to promote me on it although – the attractive views, the nice and cozy temperatures, magical mystical vortexes, retailers filled with crystals, and this pool? Offered!
The place We Stayed In Sedona
We splurged to remain at Enchantment Resort, which is a resort that my finest pal 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 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 is likely to be a super 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 pal’s husband don’t actually have any curiosity in staying at a pleasant resort – so splitting the price and having fun with this place collectively simply is smart. Is that, my buddies… lady 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 they usually’re pleased 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 infrequently – 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 cute fire, and an enormous attractive lavatory 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 under. 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. In addition they had some good retailers 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 have 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 nearly in all places you regarded.
I’ve much more pictures of the journey to point out 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 stated, it’s very entertaining this manner.
Additionally please discover that one among us is taking part in 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 underneath 2 minutes. Be at liberty to e-book a visit identical to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can reside vicariously by 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 is going to certainly take your breath away.
Observe: You may also 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 are not 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 come back by. My finest pal even acquired a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I acquired to fulfill this cute remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automobile and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I might suggest an early arrival so that you don’t should drive late at evening. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automobile line took eternally so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was almost 2am my time (and 3am my finest pal’s time!).
The Wildlife In Sedona
Sure, I’m giving this a whole part on this publish, as a result of it was SO COOL! After we arrived and noticed a tiny lizard on the curtains, which felt identical to being at residence 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 blended with a deer? Very completely different than those now we have right here! And I had by no means seen a javelina in my life. They appear 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 lots of caps lock on this part of the publish. I stand by it. We each had a lot enjoyable strolling across the resort (normally 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 may 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 by Blue Bear Excursions. It was REALLY FASCINATING, and taught us lots of the historical past of some non secular spots in addition to the lore of many vortexes within the space.
It was an amazingly small group of us (6 individuals whole), and our information Robert drove us to every spot and taught us about issues we had by no means seen – from the timber 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 medication 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 mountain climbing and standing, so put on snug footwear.
Additionally I held these rods (see under) 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 lots of vitality” and my finest pal 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 in case you can. By the way in which, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any manner. We paid for every little thing that we did and no one knew me from Adam. Though they could now keep 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 % 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 pal had truly finished 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 referred to as Damaged Arrow) a couple 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 pal’s description of the tour = a real assertion. By the top you might be like “WOW! I survived!”
If you’re 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 midst 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 pal 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 may do the tour along 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 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 stunning chapel that’s actually constructed proper into the mountains.
It’s undoubtedly an enormous vacationer spot, so the car parking zone is fairly packed, and it’s important 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 reward store downstairs, so verify that out in case you cease by.
It was completely an enormous vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these pictures as a result of my finest pal noticed everybody else stopping to take them and stored saying “let me get another for the weblog publish!” She’s one of the best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a notice concerning 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 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. 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 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 plush plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually pretty little companies in there, so it’s the place we acquired all of our souvenirs for our youngsters.
I imply, take a look at this pumpkin show:
You may see from the photograph above and under that it appears 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 photograph under. It was referred to 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 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 pal acquired a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply pretty. The lady who labored there was great too.
The Outlets In Sedona
Strolling round Sedona was additionally actually enjoyable. There have been numerous locations to seize a chew to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very attractive crystal retailers, numerous different locations to get souvenirs, outfitters, and many others. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally have been very pleased to come back throughout this store that sells extremely particular issues, like jewellery and jerky (after which they added flutes to the combo!). You may simply spend a full day strolling round Sedona (in contrast, Tlaquepaque can in all probability be checked out in a couple 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 pal, 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 pal and I each acquired “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, in case you ever learn this, be my pal 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 manner 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 acquired cherry and chocolate and my finest pal acquired mango and vanilla. Each excellent.
Most likely probably the most memorable meal of your complete 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 break up was grilled peaches + burrata + mint with oil and honey and pistachios. Once I let you know it was out of this world, consider me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I acquired 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 depart the resort for good meals, however I can vouch that this one is value 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 a neighborhood favourite referred to as Espresso Pot – and their breakfast is SO GOOD. Would you consider 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 “are you aware what #76 is by coronary heart?” and she or he’d say “avocado and bacon! It’s straightforward! 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, nevertheless it had bacon and cheese and chirizo or sausage I believe! Possibly #47 or #74? Additionally, sure I did get an enormous 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 acquired 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 acquired to witness probably the most stunning wedding 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 numerous well-dressed wedding-goers shifting across the resort for the festivities. They regarded so pleased and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered once they handed by 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 photograph is some time later once they moved to their meals on the reception. Really in case you or anybody you realize is searching for a panoramic venue… look into Enchanted! It regarded superb.
Our Day Journey To Jerome, Arizona
On our manner again to Phoenix to catch our flights residence, we had enjoyable exploring the “ghost city” of Jerome, which my finest pal 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 way in which to the airport and I’m so glad we stopped there! This self-proclaimed “ghost city” will get its identify because of having a really small inhabitants, and likewise lots of ghost lore – particularly a few former hospital that isn’t a lodge on the high of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to lots of enjoyable retailers 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, referred to as Copper State Present is one thing you see fairly rapidly once you get to Jerome. It was filled with treasures and funky issues! Positively value stopping in in case you see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The photograph on the suitable under, can be a very cool kaleidoscope store referred to as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually preferred lots of 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 kind of buildings that was carved proper into the sting of a mountain. So once we walked by 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 obtainable, however since we have been only a celebration 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 break up them. It was an excellent name.
After this, it was off to the airport to go our separate methods residence, with full hearts (and aching stomachs from laughing so arduous). When it comes to a ladies journey (and now we have finished MANY) this one is on the high of the checklist. Extremely suggest!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
In the event you’re taken with our tackle different locations or are in the hunt for family-friendly journeys, you may also take pleasure in these posts:
