My greatest buddy and I dwell in numerous elements of the nation (we’ve been greatest mates 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 a number 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 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 laborious to promote me on it although – the beautiful 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 greatest buddy has all the time needed to expertise. I imply have a look at this lounge room positioned subsequent to certainly one of a number of beautiful 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 may 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 greatest buddy’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 sensible. Is that, my mates… woman math? No matter it’s, we liked 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 comfortable 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). 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 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 principally this superb “village” of casitas with a lot to do proper on the grounds. We shared one suite, which had slightly kitchen space, a beverage fridge, this lovable hearth, and an enormous beautiful rest room in addition to a stunning 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 liked strolling across the resort to get to the swimming pools and varied 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 varied 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 nearly in every single place you appeared.
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 seem to be the best factor AI can do is spell ladies and jeeps and vortexes and YOUR OWN ENTERED NAMES appropriately? 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 information, this video does a fantastic job of capturing a ton of our journey highlights in below 2 minutes. Be at liberty to e book a visit identical to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can dwell vicariously by way of 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’ll absolutely take your breath away.
Word: You may as well view this video on YouTube.
And now again to all the additional pictures and particulars that these two minutes couldn’t comprise, 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 come back by. My greatest buddy even obtained a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I obtained 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’d advocate 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 automobile line took perpetually so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was practically 2am my time (and 3am my greatest buddy’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! 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 got 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 discovered they’re extra carefully associated to rhinos and hippos! They have been actually enjoyable to look at.
I understand 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 mates.
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 possibly can expertise in Sedona. And we additionally did some enjoyable “journey” stuff that positively obtained my coronary heart pumping.
1. A Guided Vortex Tour
A couple of weeks forward of our arrival, we booked a Vortex Tour by way of 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 folks complete), 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 getting into a medication wheel and studying the importance of every entry level. We liked visiting the Stupa (“Peace Park”) that you just 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 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 greatest buddy mentioned “stuff like this all the time occurs to her” whereas laughing hysterically. It actually was a mystical and deeply bonding day. I needed 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 way in which, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any means. We paid for all the things that we did and no one knew me from Adam. Though they may now keep in mind me as the woman who made the metallic rods go loopy.
Okay, onto our subsequent journey, which was pure adrenaline and journey, and nil % 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 greatest buddy had truly carried out a unique certainly one of these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and he or she mentioned it was a enjoyable solution 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 number of weeks upfront of our journey.
After stepping out of the Jeep after a 2-hour jaunt up and down a particularly steep and craggy mountain, my greatest buddy’s description of the tour = a real assertion. By the tip you’re 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 course 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 liked our tour information: Rick. My greatest 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 feel 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 discovered about this subsequent exercise from another girls who did the Jeep tour with us (there have been 6 of us on the Jeep tour complete), so we made time to go to this stunning 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. 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 test that out when you cease by.
It was completely an enormous vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these pictures as a result of my greatest buddy noticed everybody else stopping to take them and stored saying “let me get yet one more for the weblog publish!” She’s the very best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a be aware concerning the climate whereas we have 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 way in which, we went in early October, so I’m positive the climate isn’t like that year-round, however hopefully that helps anybody else planning a fall go to.
Our Favourite Buying Spots In Sedona
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Vilalge
We LOVED Tlaquepaque, which was a small space full of retailers 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 obtained all of our souvenirs for our youngsters.
I imply, have a look at this pumpkin show:
You possibly can see from the picture above and under that it seems like slightly village with charming outdated stairs and pathways, and fountains and essentially the most pretty 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 stunning beads & jewelry-making provides (additionally – CRYSTALS!) they felt like a tiny store filled with treasures. I obtained tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a beautiful glass evil eye. So many cool objects. My greatest buddy obtained a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply pretty. The girl who labored there was great too.
The Outlets In Sedona
Strolling round Sedona was additionally actually enjoyable. There have been a number of locations to seize a chew to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very attractive crystal retailers, varied different locations to get souvenirs, clothes shops, and so on. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally have been very comfortable to come back 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 needed 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 lady who learn our playing cards was named Monet and he or she was SO WONDERFUL. I legitimately tried to seek 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 greatest buddy and I each obtained “angel readings” + “attraction castings” carried out (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 liked each minute of our studying.
Okay, I do know I teased a fantastic gelato spot subsequent door to this store, which brings us to…
What We Ate In Sedona
We actually ate our means 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 obtained cherry and chocolate and my greatest buddy obtained mango and vanilla. Each superb.
In all probability essentially the most memorable meal of your entire 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 obtained 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 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 an area favourite referred to 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 may be like “have you learnt 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 obtained precisely the identical factor two days in a row, and please forgive me for forgetting the precise variety of my omelette, however it had bacon and cheese and chirizo or sausage I feel! Perhaps #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.
Certainly one of our different food-related favourite issues to do on our journeys (moreover 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 a superb DIY.
One other day we obtained scorching wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For positive there was a superb stability of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally obtained to witness essentially the most stunning 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 obtained such a beautiful night time for it and it was enjoyable to see a number of well-dressed wedding-goers shifting across the resort for the festivities. They appeared so comfortable and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered after they handed by way of the resort to get to the reception you see under.
They obtained married on the base of one of many big mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above picture is some time later after they moved to their meals on the reception. Really when you or anybody you realize is searching for a panoramic venue… look into Enchanted! It appeared superb.
Our Day Journey To Jerome, Arizona
On our means again to Phoenix to catch our flights house, we had enjoyable exploring the “ghost city” of Jerome, which my greatest buddy had carried out a few years in the past. She mentioned 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 title as a consequence of having a really small inhabitants, and in addition lots of ghost lore – particularly a couple of former hospital that’s not a lodge on the prime of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to lots of enjoyable retailers and even a fairly 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 value stopping in when you see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The picture on the fitting under, can also be a extremely cool kaleidoscope store referred to as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually appreciated lots of the retailers there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I obtained John the cool skeleton shirt at The Coppertown T-shirt retailer that you just 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 after we walked by way of the constructing and have been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We discovered we obtained fortunate as a result of there are hardly any balcony seats out there, however since we have been only a celebration of two, that’s what was open and we obtained 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 house, with full hearts (and aching stomachs from laughing so laborious). By way of a ladies journey (and we’ve got carried out MANY) this one is on the prime of the record. Extremely advocate!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
In case you’re thinking about our tackle different locations or are looking for family-friendly journeys, you may additionally take pleasure in these posts:
