Arizona is a fascinating place with such a wide variety of activities, art galleries, hiking, and shopping. On my recent trip, I stopped into Sedona for just a few hours. Within that time I found myself strolling in downtown sampling olive oils, trying on palazzo pants, and finding my way into the local camera shop to buy an extra memory card.
I arrived in Sedona during the busy season, which is in October for the town because of the comfortable weather and it’s usually a stop after tourists visit the other Arizona sights, just like myself. Knowing this now, I’d return in the spring or late summer, just before October.
If you ever travel with me, you know that I try to accomplish as much as possible on a visit. So when driving from Flagstaff to Phoenix, I stopped in Sedona to explore. Here are my four favorite spots!
#1 Little Horse Trail for an easy hike
Just outside the downtown area, you can find this 4.3-mile trail that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. I did about 1.5 hours, or about 3 miles of the hike before turning around to head back. Make sure you bring water! It’s hot and dry, so bringing water, even if you don’t think you’ll be doing the entire trail.
#2 Yummy lunch at the Pump House
The Pump House is located in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and I went to the Pump House around mid-afternoon around 2:30 p.m., after the hike. It was less crowded and the food was wonderful. I enjoyed the rustic atmosphere and there’s outdoor seating in a lovely garden behind the building. Make sure not to try and park in the lot between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. because it gets very crowded.
#3 Art Galleries at Tlaquepaque
My favorite art gallery (of which there are many in this charming shopping plaza) is the Vue Gallery. As part of the Sedona Gallery Association, the gallery offers breathtaking copper wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker.
#4 Hats at Just Us Girls!
I found a really unique original hat made by Peruvian Trading Company that is 20s-themed with “dreads” that are off to the side. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on this hat and it’s super cute! I also discovered they have tons of unique hats, so I may have to find them again someday! Not only did I find this cute hat, but I also found a necklace that holds pads with essential oils, which I’d been looking for and just hadn’t picked up yet. I chatted away with the shopkeepers and they are lovely and take time answering any questions you may have. I always have a few.
