“Crying. Acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon”
— Ron Swanson
Sedona, Arizona, is a bit off the beaten path for a Texan who isn't keen on hiking. However, I was pleasantly surprised with all there is to do besides hiking. The food was delicious, the views were unreal and the McDonald's arches were teal! *That last one might not be a selling point, but we were quite amused by this fact. In all seriousness, Sedona is a great spot to visit and relax. The number of spas, hikes, art galleries and restaurants are endless. All you have to do is pick a few and you're set!
FRIDAY
Visit the Coffee Pot for an authentic diner breakfast. The coffee mugs are so cute (can be purchased at the adjacent gift shop) and the pancakes with homemade whipped cream cannot be missed. Tip: Park in the lot next door, it makes things much easier.
Tlaquepaque Village outdoor shopping center is a little touristy but offers a few hidden gems. From glass-blown vases to a dog boutique, it's a peaceful area to walk around. Oak Creek Brewery has a location there and it has a fun vibe.
Next, grab a bite to eat at the Hideaway House and be sure to order the Superb Lemonade or the Humphrey's Hefeweizen, a local beer from Flagstaff.
Time to hike! Depending on the level of interest, we explored a few options. Cathedral Rock (1.5 miles), Thunder Mountain (1.5 miles) and Devil's Bridge (2 miles) are easy, even if it's hot. For those looking for something more challenging, check out West Fort (6.4 miles) or Little Horse Trail (1.5 miles).
After a satisfying hike, celebrate getting your steps in with a beer! The Sedona Beer Company or Oak Creek Brewery are both solid options, depending on where you are staying in town. We opted for Oak Creek, which has live music most weekend nights.
If you have enough energy left, find a spot to watch the sunset before dinner. The Hudson has a cool patio to enjoy pre-dinner drinks (try the Hudson Marg), but if you want the best view of the sunset, head to Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout.
Dinner at The Vault is hard to beat, especially if you order the Trashcan Nachos as an appetizer. The portions are pretty big (I recommend the blackened shrimp alfredo), so splitting isn't a bad idea.
SATURDAY
Buckle up, we are headed to the Grand Canyon! Only a two-hour drive from Sedona, this is a must-see. Hit the road as soon as you can, since gets pretty busy during peak seasons. Tip: Your GPS will route you through the mountains, but I highly recommend the highway option. It's less stressful and can actually be faster because it's not a winding one-lane road.
There are several different options to experience the South Rim, but we chose the Hermits Rest bus route. The free bus route drives you along the rim and lets you hop on and off at nine stops along the way to the Hermits rest trailhead. We got off at Monument Creek Vista and hiked (walked) the four-mile Greenway Trail to Hermits Rest, ate lunch, and then caught the return bus back. It's great for those not interested in a strenuous hike.
If you have the time, a few other trails to explore include the Rim Trail and the Blue Angel Trail. Both trails are solid options for those interested in a more strenuous hike and want to venture into the canyon.
After your Grand Canyon adventure, head back to Sedona. Before dinner check out the Sound Bites Grille (a little kitschy but the drinks are great) for some live music. Tip: Get there in time to watch the sunset from the patio!
As a Texan, I usually avoid authentic Mexican food and stick with my Tex-Mex. However, I am willing to make an exception for Molé, more specifically, their tamales and tres leches cake. The Cadillac Margarita is also quite good.
If you're not ready to go home, there are a few late night spots to check out. The Olde Sedona Bar & Grill is a fun spot for karaoke. If you're looking for something more low-key, Mooney's Irish Pub is the place to be.
SUNDAY
The Mesa Grill is a great spot for brunch on your last day. Located next to the Sedona Airport, enjoy a mimosa on the patio and watch the planes take off. I also heard the bar can get pretty fun at night!
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The views are unreal and it has a pretty incredible story.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
There are very few Ubers in Sedona, so it's best to avoid relying on a rideshare service.
The number of roundabouts in this town are insane. This isn't really a tip, just something to be aware of.
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