From Alabama to Arizona: Happy Cinco de Mayo from Sedona

It doesn't take long to run out of superlatives for describing the scenery in this part of the United States. The drive from Monument Valley to Sedona yesterday was once again breath-taking, dramatic, and amazing. Then we rolled into town and were greeted with towering red rock formations that are dazzling, grand, and wondrous. I've lost count of the times a new scene has come into view, and I've breathed another awed "Wow!"

Our hotel for last night and tonight is the Sky Rock Sedona, a Marriott property. Here are two views from our window.

The room is quiet with a highly effective room-darkening shade, and the best shower of the trip so far. On the negative side, it is also the most expensive to this point. I suppose the powers that be are able to charge such rates because people from all over the world come here, and this property in particular is one of only a few with incredible views. We slept very well, so that counts for a lot.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque (loosely pronounced "tah-la-kah-pah-kee," means "the best of everything" and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is indeed one of the nicest and most beautiful shopping areas I've ever visited. The flowers are incredible, and the merchandise available to purchase is upscale but generally within reason pricewise. It is designed to look like a traditional Mexican village, and there is a good amount of parking space -- a HUGE plus. It is located on State Route 179.

I particularly enjoyed The Artist's Kitchen Shop which was recently voted the Best Kitchen Shop in the United States.

Several nice restaurants are in Tlaquepaque. We tried The Secret Garden Restaurant for lunch yesterday (very good) and El Rincon Restaurant today -- our way of celebrating Cinco de Mayo. We shared the chicken fajitas and thought they were delicious and full of fresh ingredients.

Another area for shopping and browsing is referred to as Uptown Sedona or Sedona Original Uptown Mall Plaza. Just be prepared that parking is very limited. You'll find it on State Route 89A.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of the must-see attractions in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is truly impressive, and the views of the red rocks surrounding it are photo-worthy. Finding a parking spot may be difficult, and in order to reach the chapel, steep uphill walking is required. It is extremely popular, so you won't be alone.

Hiking and New Age Activities

Probably the reason many people want to come to Sedona is the abundance of hiking trails, but New Age philosophies are promoted here, too. Vortex references, yoga sessions, crystals, and healers of all kinds are touted. They even have pet psychics, for heaven's sake! I stay far away from all of those things that claim to be "spiritual" but have no connection to Christianity. Admittedly, I also stay pretty far away from hiking. :)

Sedona is the westernmost point of this adventure. Tomorrow morning we'll head toward Phoenix and Tucson, looking for warm temperatures (FINALLY) and those tall, distinctive Saguaro cacti (again, FINALLY). So far, these cacti are the only ones we've seen.

Tucson, AZ to Decatur, AL covers approximately 1600 miles. I'll share interesting insights and photos as I have an opportunity, but don't forget that a new great grandson was born since we began our trip, AND we have THREE grandchildren graduating from high school in the next two weeks. We'll need to keep moving.

#travel #food #SedonaAZ #redrocks #Tlaquepaque #ChapeloftheHolyCross