My greatest pal and I dwell in several elements of the nation (we’ve been greatest associates 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 gentle (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 need to work exhausting to promote me on it although – the beautiful views, the nice and cozy temperatures, magical mystical vortexes, outlets stuffed 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 pal has at all times needed to expertise. I imply have a look at this lounge room situated subsequent to considered 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 is perhaps a really 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 pal’s husband don’t actually have any curiosity in staying at a pleasant resort – so splitting the fee and having fun with this place collectively simply is smart. Is that, my associates… lady math? No matter it’s, we beloved 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 and so they’re completely happy 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). 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 would possibly 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 somewhat kitchen space, a beverage fridge, this lovable hearth, and an enormous beautiful lavatory in addition to a stunning balcony with a view of the mountains! Each morning we stepped out onto the balcony and noticed a special 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 beloved strolling across the resort to get to the swimming pools and varied eating places. In addition they had some good outlets 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 had been there, from star-gazing expeditions, and we even stumbled upon the chef’s backyard, the place they develop all of the contemporary 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 virtually in every single place you appeared.
I’ve much more images of the journey to point out 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 appear to be the simplest factor AI can do is spell ladies and jeeps and vortexes and YOUR OWN ENTERED NAMES accurately? That being stated, it’s very entertaining this fashion.
Additionally please discover that considered 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 images and data, 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 via 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 can certainly take your breath away.
Notice: You too can view this video on YouTube.
And now again to all the additional images and particulars that these two minutes couldn’t comprise, like…
How We Received 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 had been cheaper and simpler to return by. My greatest pal even acquired a direct flight from DC to PHX! In the meantime, I acquired to fulfill this lovable remedy canine on the airport whereas I waited for her to land.
We rented a automotive and drove 2 hours to Sedona. I might suggest an early arrival so that you don’t need to drive late at evening. Our flights didn’t arrive till round 9pm PST, however the rental automotive line took ceaselessly so we didn’t get to Sedona till after midnight… which was practically 2am my time (and 3am my greatest pal’s time!).
The Wildlife In Sedona
Sure, I’m giving this a whole part on this put up, as a result of it was SO COOL! After 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 had been SO DIFFERENT than something I’ve ever seen!
The mule deer had been… like a donkey combined with a deer? Very completely different than those we’ve right here! And I had by no means seen a javelina in my life. They appear kind of like wild boars, however we realized they’re extra intently associated to rhinos and hippos! They had been actually enjoyable to look at.
I notice I used loads of caps lock on this part of the put up. 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 associates.
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 may expertise in Sedona. And we additionally did some enjoyable “journey” stuff that positively acquired 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 loads of the historical past of some religious 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 timber that develop in a swirl sample to the expertise of getting into a drugs wheel and studying the importance of every entry level. We beloved 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 mountain climbing and standing, so put on snug sneakers.
Additionally I held these rods (see under) and so they 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 loads of power” and my greatest pal stated “stuff like this at all times 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 suggest utilizing Blue Bear Excursions and reserving Robert for the vortex tour if you happen to can. By the best way, no a part of this journey was sponsored or gifted in any approach. We paid for every thing that we did and no person knew me from Adam. Though they could now keep in mind me as the girl 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 rely once you ask the next energy to not allow you to careen off a mountain.
Pink Jeep Tour Of Damaged Arrow
My greatest pal had truly finished a special considered one of these excursions (Pink Jeep Excursions can be found in lots of cities) and she or he 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 referred to 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 greatest pal’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 midst of the grade whereas your brakes scream) you’ll positively have moments the place you assume “WHY AM I PAYING FOR THIS?!?!?” however we completely beloved our tour information: Rick. My greatest pal 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 believe he might do the tour along with his eyes closed. However I’m very glad he stored them open.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
We truly realized 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 must 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 had been breathtaking. We additionally actually loved the present store downstairs, so examine that out if you happen to cease by.
It was completely an enormous vacationer vacation spot – therefore me posing for all these images as a result of my greatest pal noticed everybody else stopping to take them and stored saying “let me get another for the weblog put up!” She’s the very best.
Additionally I really feel like I ought to add a observe concerning the climate whereas we had been there. Within the mornings and late at evening 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. Bear in mind your sunscreen and your sun shades! By the best way, we went in early October, so I’m certain the climate isn’t like that year-round, however hopefully that helps anybody else planning a fall go to.
Our Favourite Procuring 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 plush plantlife was GORGEOUS. We additionally discovered some actually pretty little companies in there, so it’s the place we acquired all of our souvenirs for our youngsters.
I imply, have a look at this pumpkin show:
You may see from the photograph above and under that it looks like somewhat village with charming previous stairs and pathways, and fountains and essentially 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 photograph under. It was referred to as Cocopah Jewellery, and it had so many cool “curiosities.” From actually attention-grabbing fossils, shells, and butterflies, to stunning beads & jewelry-making provides (additionally – CRYSTALS!) they felt like a tiny store stuffed with treasures. I acquired tiny carved crystals within the form of some animals, in addition to a beautiful glass evil eye. So many cool gadgets. My greatest pal acquired a necklace with a tiny bell on it for her daughter. Simply pretty. The lady who labored there was fantastic too.
The Outlets In Sedona
Strolling round Sedona was additionally actually enjoyable. There have been plenty of locations to seize a chunk to eat (or dessert!) in addition to some very engaging crystal outlets, varied different locations to get souvenirs, outfitters, and many others. I imply, look how excited I’m:
We additionally had been very completely happy to return throughout this store that sells extremely particular issues, like jewellery and jerky (after which they added flutes to the combination!). You may 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 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 girl who learn our playing cards was named Monet and she or he was SO WONDERFUL. I legitimately tried to seek out her on Instagram afterwards as a result of I need to be her real-life pal, however she’s mysterious and un-find-able.
Monet works in a store referred to as Inexperienced Witch Creations, proper subsequent to an incredible gelato place (extra on that in a sec). My greatest pal and I each acquired “angel readings” + “appeal castings” finished (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, if you happen to ever learn this, be my pal in actual life! We beloved 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 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 acquired cherry and chocolate and my greatest pal acquired 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 cut up was grilled peaches + burrata + mint with oil and honey and pistachios. Once I inform you it was out of this world, imagine me. I nonetheless daydream about this.
I acquired 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 depart the resort for good meals, however I can vouch that this one is price 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 imagine me if I instructed you that they’ve 100 omelettes to select from? Sure. A Hundred. And our waitress had all of them memorized by quantity. So you possibly can be like “have you learnt what #76 is by coronary heart?” and she or he’d say “avocado and bacon! It’s simple! Everyone knows all of them by coronary heart!”
I acquired precisely the identical factor two days in a row, and please forgive me for forgetting the precise variety of my omelette, but it surely had bacon and cheese and chirizo or sausage I believe! Perhaps #47 or #74? Additionally, sure I did get a giant 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 (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 evening, 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 acquired scorching wings from the grocery retailer and devoured them in our room. For certain there was a superb stability of consuming out, in addition to little grocery retailer treats that we labored in there.
We additionally acquired to witness essentially the most stunning wedding ceremony whereas we had been staying at Enchantment. It was for a pair named Tommy and Baltazar, and it was a STUNNING sight to behold. They acquired such a beautiful evening for it and it was enjoyable to see plenty of well-dressed wedding-goers transferring across the resort for the festivities. They appeared so completely happy and candy. We completely shared of their pleasure and cheered after they handed via the resort to get to the reception you see under.
They acquired married on the base of one of many large mountain ranges on a sunny night, and the above photograph is some time later after they moved to their meals on the reception. Actually if you happen to or anybody is on the lookout for a panoramic venue… look into Enchanted! It appeared superb.
Our Day Journey To Jerome, Arizona
On our approach again to Phoenix to catch our flights house, we had enjoyable exploring the “ghost city” of Jerome, which my greatest pal had finished 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 identify as a consequence of having a really small inhabitants, and in addition loads of ghost lore – particularly a couple of former hospital that isn’t a resort on the high of a hill. There are some nice creepy tales, in addition to loads of enjoyable outlets and even a fairly well-known restaurant. Most 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 Reward is one thing you see fairly rapidly once you get to Jerome. It was stuffed with treasures and funky issues! Undoubtedly price stopping in if you happen to see it. You’ll in all probability discover the copper wind spinners out entrance first!
The photograph on the appropriate under, can be a very cool kaleidoscope store referred to as Nellie Bly in downtown Jerome. We actually preferred loads of the outlets there, and it was enjoyable to browse a bunch of them.
I acquired 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 once we walked via the constructing and had been proven to our seats…
… this was the view! We realized we acquired fortunate as a result of there are hardly any balcony seats obtainable, however since we had been only a social gathering of two, that’s what was open and we acquired 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 cut 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 exhausting). When it comes to a ladies journey (and we’ve finished MANY) this one is on the high of the listing. Extremely suggest!
Women Weekend In Sedona: An Overview
Different Journeys We’ve Taken
For those who’re inquisitive about our tackle different locations or are in the hunt for family-friendly journeys, you may also get pleasure from these posts:
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