US Travel Guide - Sedona

Sedona Entertainment

With all of Sedona's majestic natural beauty and overall spirit of health and well-being, its difficult to fight the urge to just sit on your terrace and gaze in awe. But you'd be doing a disservice to yourself and the city if you don't pursue at least a few of the many recreational, cultural and historical opportunities that abound in the area.

A good place to start is with a tour of Red Rock Country - you choose the mode of travel. Sedona Trolley tours depart every hour, on the hour from the center of Uptown Sedona for narrated jaunts to the most popular scenic attractions, shops, galleries and resorts. If you have the urge to get up close with nature and the unique countryside, opt for a Pink Jeep tour. These rugged, rip-roarin' off-road adventures take you into the heart of Sedona's history and its high desert landscape. Sit high in the saddle and experience Sedona the way the cowboys of the Old West first saw it with a horseback tour. A Day In The West and Trail Horse Adventures provide the perfect equestrian adventures. For a birds-eye perspective, glide serenely over Sedona in a hot air balloon, piloted by the pros at Northern Light Balloon Expeditions. Or feel your pulse pounding and the wind whipping through your hair on a vintage Red Rock Biplane Tour&emdash;they're one of only four companies in the U.S. to offer this type of tour. Sedona is a mecca for mountain bikers and Mountain Bike Heaven is a paradise for peddlers. At the Bike & Bean, they not only outfit bikers for remarkable rides, but add a java jolt to stimulate you before you set off.

If your quest runs more toward the spiritual than the physical, a number of companies will guide you through the mystical points and properties of the Sedona vortex and perform cleansing medicine wheel rituals. Way of the Ancients, Sedona's only completely Native American tour company, educates and enlightens with the history of the Holy Earth People, ancient teachings and tales. Both a spiritual and a scenic wonder, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is situated high on a hill, between two red sandstone peaks. It provides an incredible view of the area, and is easy to locate by the 90-foot cross that graces the front of the building.

Delve into the settlement of Sedona at Sedona Heritage Museum, which was the original Jordan farmstead. The museum chronicles the city from its pioneering days, through its establishment as an Arizona agricultural center. Many old apple orchard implements are on display. You'll also get insight into the areas distant past at the Tuzigoot National Monument in nearby Cottonwood. One of the Southwests most remarkably preserved pueblos, inhabited about a thousand years ago by the Sinagua Indians, the museum contains artifacts from the 110 room ruins. Living geographical history can be seen and explored at Slide Rock State Park, an awesome natural 70-foot-long waterslide that takes you on a ride you'll long remember. On your way to and from Slide Rock, you'll be wowed by the spectacular cliffs and gorges of Oak Creek Canyon - don't forget to bring your camera! The wonders of Sedona wildlife also abound at Red Rock State Park, a nearly 300-acre riparian refuge and preserve.

Rather enjoy your Red Rock experience in cushy, air-conditioned comfort? Take in the Spirit of Wonder show at the Sedona Super Vue, conveniently located at the Prime Factory Outlet Center. This introduction to the area on a four-story screen is the ideal way to get your bearings and learn about the areas unique environment and history. And, speaking of theatres, the West Sedona Harkins Theatre is the perfect place to catch the latest Hollywood release, or to wait out one of the rare rain or snow storms that will turn the Red Rocks to a glistening picture postcard.

The city's newest and most magnificent performing arts venue, Sedona Cultural Park, hosts concerts and theatre events in a stunning outdoor amphitheater at the base of the Red Rocks. The Georgia Frontiere Outdoor Performance Pavilion is home to the annual Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival in September and is also the site of the Sedona International Film Festival and Workshop each March.

Another local vortex of arts and creativity is known as Tlaquepaque (teh-lah-keh-PAH-keh). This gallery, shop and restaurant complex is a tribute to Spanish-style architecture and the spirit and works of Southwestern artists and artisans. Among the many notable galleries and showcases for local talent are AvantGarden, a tiny space filled with eclectic treasures like David Russells handmade paper musical instruments; Kuivato Gallery, featuring blown glass and handmade glass sculptures; and Mountain Trails Galleries, representing more than 50 area artists, including the limited-edition bronzes of Scott Rogers. Custom-designed clothing, jewelry and gifts can be found at Call O' The Canyon and The Blue-Eyed Bear.

While you're in a shopping mode, you'll also want to visit the Prime Factory Outlets, just a bit farther south on State Route 179 for great deals on name brand clothing, housewares, books, leather goods and luggage. More than 30 stores including Anne Klein, IZOD, Van Heusen, and the Book Warehouse are open daily.

You might imagine that, once the sun sets on Sedona, its time to say good night. Think again! The excitement takes on a whole new dimension. Casa Rincon, the Spanish-inspired restaurant and lounge, comes alive with fiery Flamenco entertainment and live local and national bands. Oak Creek Brewing Company and Canyon Breeze are perfect places to toast the Sedona sunset and stay for a meal and music. Billiards is also big, with resort-style recreation at Steaks & Sticks and local, blue collar competition at PJs Village Pubs Thursday night tournaments. On the West Side of town, the Laughing Coyote is a favorite gathering spot for drinks and dancing on the weekends. Check out the Dining & Drinking Guide and listings for all the best eating and entertainment options.

Sedona is all about renewal and rejuvenation. Some folks find their inner peace in the surroundings; others in extreme adventure. Some find serenity in cultural fulfillment, and others in discovering that precious hidden boutique or gallery. However you choose to spend your time here, one thing is guaranteed'this is a city like no other with an energy thats sure to draw you back often.

Barbara Rothschild