Sedona, Arizona and Paradise Valley
It is time to reconnect and I have found the perfect destination for a long weekend. Those of you who have college students know that you have to take advantage of these little "gems" of time whenever they become available....often on short notice!
Sedona, Arizona is a tranquil oasis situated beneath massive red-rock cliffs at the mouth of lovely Oak Creek Canyon. What was once a small farming community is now a major travel destination. Hikers, nature lovers and mountain bikers find adventure on hundreds of marked trails through majestic canyon lands and towering red rock formations. Artists, writers and filmmakers soak up inspiration from Sedona's pristine desert air. The area's red rocks have provided a backdrop for hundreds of western movies and commercials. Most people I spoke with vacation here year after year, or in some cases have relocated for a lifestyle change.
After arriving in Phoenix, we rented a car and drove to enchanting Sedona. At this point we were more than ready for a wonderful dinner at L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek. The menu offered French-inspired American cuisine, and we enjoyed our creek side dining experience. I smiled as I observed my college students devour their dinners.
In the early morning we decided to take a drive on scenic Highway 89A. At one point we turned the car around to investigate an unassuming building on Oak Creek at the north end of uptown Sedona. I was intrigued by the building's name "Therapy On The Rocks" and went in to have a look. The building seemed to be balanced on the red rocks, nestled in the cliffs of an ancient avalanche. The staff was very accommodating and gave me a tour which concluded at the outdoor spa on one of the building's five creek-side decks. I am sure that the flowing waters of Oak Creek and the adjacent fifty-foot water fall created a tranquil oasis. Immediately I tried to make an appointment. They smiled. Apparently "Therapy On The Rocks" books up six weeks in advance. Unfortunately (for me) cancellations are rare. People journey from all over the world and "Therapy On The Rocks" is the destination. Often they enjoy 13 treatments during their month-long stay in Sedona.
"Therapy On The Rocks"
That afternoon we opted for a thrilling 4 by 4 experience on the rugged and most difficult jeep trail "Broken Arrow". (I could have used therapy on the rocks after this adventure!) I love jeep tours and ours delivered 100% off-road adventure with amazing views! We were able to explore the scenic rim and the red rugged canyons which make Sedona famous.
Descent down the "road of no return".
That evening we enjoyed another delicious dinner, this time at Enchantment Resort's Yavapai Restaurant. Enchantment Resort is set in secluded Boynton Canyon, surrounded by red-rock formations. As you can image Yavapai Restaurant offered a fabulous menu as well as 180- degree views. Absolutely breathtaking!
Our stay was much to short but we did have to drive to Mesa for spring training; the Cubs vs the Colorado Rockies. Hohokam Stadium, best known as the winter home of the Chicago Cubs, was at capacity for the game. The attendance was around 10,000 for a spring training game! During the month of March, it is estimated that 240,000 visitors pass through the stadium's gates. Can you guess which team most of the fans are for? The Cubs have such a following.
Spring training at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.
We stayed at a property in Paradise Valley, just voted as one of Arizona's top resorts by Conde Nast Traveler. I felt as if we were in a European town square with Camelback Mountain as an interesting backdrop. Camelback Mountain resembles a giant sleeping camel and it attracts over 300,000 recreational hikers every year from around the world. It may not be Mount Everest but it does offer some of the best urban hiking in America. There are four trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Cholla Trail was perfect for us this vacation, and we vowed to hike the more strenuous Echo Canyon Trail on our next visit. These hikes are a must-do and water is an absolute necessity.
What an opportunity! We were able to talk about the many issues confronting our college students. What was the best part of the vacation? Was it conquering Broken Arrow, the discovery of "Therapy On The Rocks", hiking the challenging Camelback Mountain, or the free-flowing family conversation at the wonderful restaurants in Sedona? It all made for a memorable weekend. A mini-vacation was perfect for our family.
