A Women Weekend In Sedona, Arizona
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My finest good friend and I dwell in several elements of the nation (we’ve been finest 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 inform you, the enjoyment of packing mild (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 need 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 laborious to promote me on it although – the attractive views, the nice and cozy temperatures, magical mystical vortexes, retailers stuffed 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 good friend has at all times 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 good friend’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 smart. 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 try this reflexively for our companions too (whereby they ebook 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 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 bit of kitchen space, a beverage fridge, this lovely hearth, and an enormous attractive rest room in addition to a beautiful 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 liked strolling across the resort to get to the swimming pools and varied eating places. Additionally 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 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.
After 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 in all places you regarded.
I’ve much more photographs of the journey to indicate you, however first please get pleasure from 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 stated, it’s very entertaining this fashion.
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 photographs and data, this video does an excellent job of capturing a ton of our journey highlights in below 2 minutes. Be at liberty to ebook a visit identical to ours and inform me how nice it was so I can dwell vicariously via you as a result of we each left instantly eager 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 certainly take your breath away.
Notice: You too can view this video on YouTube.
And now again to all the additional photographs and particulars that these two minutes couldn’t include, like…
How We Bought 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 finest good friend even received a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I received to satisfy this lovely remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automotive and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I might advocate an early arrival so that you don’t should drive late at night time. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automotive line took without end so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was almost 2am my time (and 3am my finest good friend’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 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 we’ve got right here! And I had by no means seen a javelina in my life. They give the impression of being type of like wild boars, however we discovered they’re extra intently associated to rhinos and hippos! They have been actually enjoyable to observe.
I understand I used a number of caps lock on this part of the submit. I stand by it. We each had a lot enjoyable strolling across the resort (often 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 undoubtedly received 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 a number 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 drugs 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 type 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 mountaineering and standing, so put on snug sneakers.
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 a number of vitality” and my finest good friend stated “stuff like this at all times 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 in the event you can. By the best way, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any approach. We paid for all the pieces 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 until you depend once you ask a better energy to not allow you to careen off a mountain.
Pink Jeep Tour Of Damaged Arrow
My finest good friend had really carried out a distinct one among these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and he or she stated 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 known 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 good friend’s description of the tour = a real assertion. By the tip 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 liked our tour information: Rick. My finest good friend 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 may do the tour together with his eyes closed. However I’m very glad he stored them open.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
We really 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 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 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 examine that out in the event you cease by.
It was completely an enormous vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these photographs as a result of my finest good friend noticed everybody else stopping to take them and stored saying “let me get another for the weblog submit!” She’s the very best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a notice in regards to 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 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 positive 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 luxurious plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually pretty little companies in there, so it’s the place we received all of our souvenirs for our children.
I imply, take a look at this pumpkin show:
You’ll be able to see from the picture above and under that it appears like a bit of 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 picture under. It was known 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 stuffed with treasures. I received tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a beautiful glass evil eye. So many cool objects. My finest good friend received 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 numerous locations to seize a chunk to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very engaging 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 combo!). You’ll be able to simply spend a full day strolling round Sedona (against this, 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 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 need to be her real-life good friend, however she’s mysterious and un-find-able.
Monet works in a store known as Inexperienced Witch Creations, proper subsequent to an incredible gelato place (extra on that in a sec). My finest good friend and I each received “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, in the event you ever learn this, be my good friend in actual life! We liked each minute of our studying.
Okay, I do know I teased an excellent gelato spot subsequent door to this store, which brings us to…
What We Ate In Sedona
We actually ate our approach 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 received cherry and chocolate and my finest good friend received mango and vanilla. Each excellent.
In all probability probably the most memorable meal of the complete journey was the one fancy meal we had at one of many resort eating places, which was known as Tii Gavo. This appetizer that we break up was grilled peaches + burrata + mint with oil and honey and pistachios. After I inform you it was out of this world, consider me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I received a tavern burger as my principal and it was GREAT TOO. I do know generally 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 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 known 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 could possibly 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 received 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 feel! Perhaps #47 or #74? Additionally, sure I did get an enormous heaping scoop of COTTAGE CHEESE as my facet each days. I used to be in heaven.
One in every of 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 night time, 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 received scorching wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For positive there was an excellent stability of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally received to witness probably 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 received such a beautiful night time for it and it was enjoyable to see numerous well-dressed wedding-goers shifting across the resort for the festivities. They regarded so comfortable and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered once they handed via the resort to get to the reception you see under.
They received married on the base of one of many big mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above picture is some time later once they moved to their meals on the reception. Actually in the event you or anybody you realize is on the lookout for a panoramic venue… look into Enchanted! It regarded superb.
Our Day Journey To Jerome, Arizona
On our approach again to Phoenix to catch our flights residence, we had enjoyable exploring the “ghost city” of Jerome, which my finest good friend had carried out a few years in the past. She stated 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 attributable to having a really small inhabitants, and in addition a number of ghost lore – particularly a few former hospital that’s not a lodge on the prime of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to a number of enjoyable retailers and even a fairly 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, known as Copper State Present is one thing you see fairly rapidly once you get to Jerome. It was stuffed with treasures and funky issues! Undoubtedly value stopping in in the event you see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The picture on the fitting under, can be a very cool kaleidoscope store known as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually preferred a number of the retailers there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I received 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 type of buildings that was carved proper into the sting of a mountain. So after we walked via the constructing and have been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We discovered we received fortunate as a result of there are hardly any balcony seats obtainable, however since we have been only a occasion of two, that’s what was open and we received 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 laborious). When it comes to a ladies journey (and we’ve got carried out MANY) this one is on the prime of the listing. Extremely advocate!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
In the event you’re fascinated with our tackle different locations or are in the hunt for family-friendly journeys, you may also get pleasure from these posts:
