Sedona Named #13 Among Top 25 US Destinations by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® has named Sedona, Arizona, lucky 13 in its newly published list of the “Travelers’ Choice® 2013 Top 25 Destinations in the United States.”

“Sedona is a true oasis, a vacationer’s paradise in the middle of the Arizona desert. Here, you’ll find resorts and spas, canyons and red rock formations. Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are great hiking spots, and the dramatic architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a religious experience itself. When the sun dips down below the horizon it introduces the best show in Sedona: the night sky.” -TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor also provides a list of “All 191 Things To Do” where Sedona’s scenic sensations are ranked by TripAdvisor traveling reviewers.  Some of the top destinations travelers recommend in Sedona comprise of Oak Creek Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the Sedona Golf Resort.

“On behalf of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, it is great honor to be placed on the Travelers’ Choice® 2013 Top 25 Destinations in the United States. As the world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor assists visitors in gathering travel information, posting travel reviews and engaging in interactive travel forums. This powerful web-based company boasts 200 million unique monthly visitors and over 100 million reviews and opinions. We are honored that world travelers voted Sedona as one of the best destinations to visit in the US”,  says Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. “It’s recognition like this that helps position Sedona as a premier destination in the world.”

The top 25 destinations include: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Washington DC; Boston, Los Angles, Honolulu, New Orleans, Seattle, Miami, Sedona, Savannah, Charleston, Napa, San Antonio, Lahaina,  Portland, Philadelphia, Myrtle Beach, Kailua Kona, Palm Springs, Naples, and Houston.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations

 

Oak Creek Watershed Council NEWS YOU CAN USE

May 21st Public Meeting on Potential New Transportation/Shuttle Service in Oak Creek Canyon

The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest in partnership with the City of Sedona and the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) are currently investigating strategies to provide public transportation to trailheads, recreation sites and visitor centers on State Highway 179 north from the Forest Service Visitor Center and on State Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. They have retained Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, a transportation planning firm, to lead the technical project. The purpose of this effort is to reduce recreation-related vehicle congestion in the 179/89A corridor and increase visitor access to recreation opportunities.

The project team will be holding its first of two community discussion meetings on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sedona City Council Chambers, 102 Roadrunner Drive. The first community discussion meeting will review findings from a parking inventory, comments and input from community members and leaders, and examples of shuttle services in national parks and national forests elsewhere in the U.S. We will discuss community transportation priorities for the study area and will seek input from the public. This feedback will help project planners define alternatives in the project corridor. A second community discussion meeting will occur in late summer and will seek feedback on the specific proposed alternatives.

Every year, an estimated 3 million people visit the Sedona area, and most come during the peak spring and fall seasons. Only two roadways, State Route 89A and Highway 179, provide access to Sedona and the surrounding national forest. Nearly 95 percent of all visitors arrive by car and there is currently no alternative transit system in place. Despite the State’s recent improvements along Highway 179 and its intersection with Route 89A in the uptown area of Sedona, bumper-to-bumper traffic is still common during peak seasons.

Parking at trailheads and recreation sites is limited. As popular sites become full, people begin to park on the roadside or in un-designated spots, sometimes causing damage to the landscape and creating safety issues.

This community discussion meeting is an opportunity to share interests, ideas and concerns about congestion along Route 89A and Highway 179. We encourage members of the public who have an interest in the topic to attend. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Persons interested in attending but unable to do so may provide comments to Paul Supawanich, Associate Project Planner, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates; via telephone at (415) 284-1544, e-mail at psupawanich@nelsonnygaard.com, or postal mail at 116 New Montgomery Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94105.

If you have questions concerning special needs or to request language or sign language interpretation, contact Sara Dechter at (928) 527-3413, dial 711 from a TTY for relay service, or email sedechter@fs.fed.us by May 16, 2013.

 

The 7th Annual Sedona Bluegrass Festival

The 7th Annual Sedona Bluegrass Festival, with headliner David Grisman and his FolkJazz Trio, will include programs designed to broaden the appreciation of bluegrass during the span of June 5-9. “We’re pleased to have entered into a partnership with the Sedona International Film Festival that continues to blossom,” said Festival Director Bert Harclerode.

            “Wednesday, June 5 at 7pm in partnership with SIFF we will present ‘Grateful Dawg’ that explores the friendship between David Grisman and his musical colleague Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead,” said Harclerode “You don’t have to be a Deadhead to enjoy ”Grateful Dawg” said the New York Times. “Sure, it is a tribute to Jerry Garcia, the lead guitarist and embodiment of the Grateful Dead, who died at 53 in 1995; but this documentary film, which sketches his long friendship and fruitful music-making collaboration with the mandolin and banjo player David Grisman, is quite simply a treat for the ear. Made by Mr. Grisman’s daughter Gillian Grisman, who calls it ‘’a homemade patchwork quilt,’ the film is an affectionate compilation of home video, old photographs, interviews and unreleased concert film that blessedly emphasizes music.  And what a pleasure that music is. From their days as youngsters — they met in 1964 at a folk festival in Pennsylvania — Garcia, originally a banjo aficionado, and Mr. Grisman, whom he nicknamed Dawg, shared a passion for bluegrass. For a time they went their separate ways, and when they met up again after a dozen or so years, they played a lot of bluegrass and traditional music for fun,” stated the NYT.

”Grateful Dawg” is built around ten so-called chapters that embrace a dozen songs rendered in their entirety, though broken gracefully at times for illuminating reminiscence and commentary. The songs range from a banjo duet on ”Sweet Sunny South” to the folk song ”Off to the Sea Once More” to ”Jenny Jenkins,” a silly children’s duet from the Grisman-Garcia album ”Not for Kids Only,” to the captivating ”Dawg’s Waltz” and the sophisticated 17-minute ”Arabia.” ”Grateful Dawg” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It includes grown-up language.

            Thursday, June 6 at 5:30pm the annual Bluegrass BBQ will be presented at the Segner Ranch adjacent to the original Thompson Homestead in Munds Canyon, an off shoot of Oak Creek Canyon. Featured are two of Arizona’s most celebrated artists, singer/songwriter/guitarist Peter McLaughlin and mandolinist/singer Mark Miracle who as members of the Sonoran Dogs will entertain guests. “This is a wonderful event that gives guests a very close up and personal experience,” said Harclerode. The evening includes dinner and beverage along with a 45-minute performance. “The views from the ranch are spectacular, the acoustic is intimate and friends meet new friends. This is the final year for Chef Barron Unger – and promises to be a superlative evening and we will pay tribute.”

            Saturday from 10am to 11:30am at Keep Sedona Beautiful, McLaughlin and Miracle will hold a free community workshop. “Last year we had nearly fifty participants and we anticipate a big turn out this year. Everyone that attends and signs up will receive a $5-off coupon for both Saturday and Sunday’s Festival concert’s,” said Harclerode. Mark is an official instructor of the Doctor Banjo technique plays mandolin and guitar, and has taught at many workshops including the Sorrento, British Columbia Bluegrass Week. With Sawmill Road he has toured the US & Europe, and won Band of the Year at Huck Finn Jubilee. Peter McLaughlin is a National Flatpicking Guitar Champion and his solo recording, Cliffs of Vermillion, was produced by Laurie Lewis. He has toured and recorded extensively as a member of Laurie Lewis and Grant Street. While an Artist in Residence with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, McLaughlin toured in the United States and Mexico with Flying South. McLaughlin is a frequent instructor at festival workshops, including the Rockygrass Academy and Oregon’s Bluegrass at the Beach.

Chamber Music Sedona’s 30th Anniversary Season is made possible with underwriting support from Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, P.L.L.C., Attorneys at Law. Additional support comes from The City of Sedona, The Arizona Commission on the Arts with funding from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Verde Valley Medical Center, The Margaret T. Morris Foundation and WESTAF.

            The Sedona Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by the City of Sedona Arts & Culture Commission and Los Abrigados Resort and Spa. For additional information visit www.SedonaBluegrassFestival.org or call 928.204.2415.

For additional information or high-resolution photos contact:

Bert Harclerode – Executive Director

SedonaCMS@aol.com or Bert@chambermusicsedona.org

928.204.2415

 

Students Look Forward to Their Film Festival

Sedona Film School’s 13^th annual Shorts Film Festival, May 24-26!

 

The film students are nearing the end of their academic year at the Sedona Film School (SFS). In just a few short weeks the talented, and excited, graduates will be ready to show you their films. The atmosphere on campus is alive with creative energy and the students are working feverishly on their final projects.

There will be fantastic, fun and frightening films for everyone to enjoy. SFS students are working on westerns, dark comedies, futuristic sci-fi flicks, action-packed adventures, motocross and moving documentaries. Screenings will be held from 10 am to 6 pm on May 25 and 26, 2013. Save the Date!

Cathedral Rock

The exciting weekend will kick-off with the 2nd Annual Career & Gear Fair on Friday night, 5:30-9 pm at the film school. A variety of equipment vendors, local television stations, film production companies and even SAG-AFTRA representatives will be on hand to talk to attendees. There will be raffle prizes all evening. Admission is $5 and raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Follow us on Twitter at SedonaFilmSkool, or check the website, sedonafilmschool.com, for the latest vendor updates.

 

The students are definitely looking forward to another opportunity to host the community of film lovers at their campus. They hope you will come for the whole weekend and explore the vendors at the Fair, screen films on Saturday and Sunday, and join them for a wrap party on Sunday night.

Here are just a few of the exciting films you can look forward to viewing:

Blood and Dust, by Ali Nidzgorski – Corruption, theft and murder are what help the money-hungry Sheriff thrive in his small western town. After the Sheriff robs Hattie Jane and frames her for the murder of her own husband, she must find justice. Can she escape the clutches of the low down Sheriff? Will anyone come to her aid?

Evolution, by Cody Wethington – After spending their childhood racing motorcycles as a hobby, two young men find themselves transitioning from amateurs to professionals in off-road racing. Explore the grueling sport of off-road racing. Jumping over tractor tires, blasting through the desert and maneuvering around rocks! Watch as Mason and Dave race their way from weekend fun to a paying career.

Invisible Truth, by Ben Fama Jr. – Struggling with memories of a traumatic past of sexual abuse and neglect, Kara must come to terms with the thoughts plaguing her mind. After settling for too many things in her life, Kara must face her distorted self-image and discover what is hidden behind an Invisible Truth

The Man Who Music’d, by Krista Lindner – Benjamin was born with a strange birth defect. Music plays from his ears, betraying his mood in every situation. Growing up in a small town where everyone knows and accepts him is getting too predictable. He decides it’s time to move to the big city and live with his best friend, Marty. Benjamin learns that the big city dances to a different tune.

Ghostbike, by Judith Finneren – Love and forgiveness are the telling messages in this real life story of a family whose lives changed in a split second due to distracted driving. The passion and joy of bicycling are revealed, and a husband’s legacy is created by his widow, Judith and their son and daughter. And finally, we will hear from the young man whose distracted driving altered the lives of not only the Finneren family, but many others, including his own.

The Journey Home, by Hali Pekron – In 2016 invading forces are making their way up through Mexico into the United States. A Phoenix, AZ family flees the advancing forces and seeks safe haven in the New Mexico countryside. They hope to wait out the turmoil with their grandparents on a self-sustaining farm. With America on the verge of collapse and the family managing their own struggles, a stranger finds his way into their lives. The line blurs between friend and foe.

Lady Susan: Jane Austen’s Missing Masterpiece, by Michelle Lambeau – Beloved English novelist Jane Austen is famous for writing six great novels. But she wrote seven. Rejected by her family, dismissed by experts, the author treasured “Lady Susan” and kept the manuscript with her always. Academics, actors, intellectuals, writers and directors—from both sides of the Atlantic—come together in search of the truth. Why did Jane Austen write such a tale of adultery and passion, abuse and betrayal?  And what are the family secrets that refuse to stay buried?

Sweet, Sexy Ocean, by Alexander Finden – This vibrant, character-driven nature film documents and brings awareness to the red sea urchin business in San Diego, California. Explore the beauty of southern California’s kelp beds, the passionate life of an urchin diver, and the consumption of these spiny creatures in markets and restaurants. The future of these urchin populations depends on collaborating to conserve the coastal environment through locally co-managing fisheries.

Oak Creek

 

Passes will go on sale May 1, 2013. A one-day pass will be $10, a two-day pass will be $15 and a weekend pass (which includes the Career & Gear Fair and FREE popcorn all weekend) will be $25. All events and screenings will be held at SFS 4215 Arts Village Dr., Sedona, AZ 86336. Call 928-649-4257 for more information.

The film school is now accepting applications for fall 2013.  To learn more about the Sedona Film School, please visit http://www.sedonafilmschool.com

 

 

El Portal Sedona Hotel Announces New Hiking Guide Joins Team

May 1, 2013, Sedona, AZ…

El Portal Sedona Hotel is pleased to welcome Stephen Ritson as their new hiking guide. Steve Segner, owner of El Portal says “We wanted to offer our guests a ‘complete’ Sedona experience at El Portal; to hike Sedona and give them an opportunity to see places that the regular visitor doesn’t get to see, that’s why we teamed up with Stephen Ritson.”

Ritson joins the El Portal team with over 25 years of guiding experience, 12 years in the Sedona area. He has spent 30 years doing extensive outdoor exploration in the Mountain West, as well as North Carolina, New York, Maine, Alberta and the Pacific Northwest.

He also does Grand Canyon tours and uses a jeep to access back country trail heads. He has a gift of determining people’s wants and desires and developing an experience they feel is unique and special to them.  He recalls, “Last week I had a couple who a wanted cool, shady, not to strenuous hike. I took them to a little known canyon which we accessed by four wheel drive, explored a side slot canyon, had lunch and a great time together.  We were in an old growth ponderosa pine forest. We were lucky enough to see a spotted owl, a rare bird, my first, and saw no other people.  My favorite hike is the one that my client wishes they could do but don’t know where or how to do it.”

Ritson joined the El Portal Sedona team to guide in an environment that has integrity. Segner and Ritson both have a love of people and their stories. Ritson has a broad knowledge of arts, literature, world events, technology, so he is able to translate the whole experience based on peoples’ world view and experience. It is really important to him to develop a rapport – it’s about the personal connection, not just a hike in the woods. He is a birdwatcher, and naturalist, and will bring this into the picture. He will do photo essays of peoples’ day in the outdoors using and provide them a photo file via a file sharing program as part of the experience (at no additional charge).

Most of this country (Sedona) is rarely visited, is vast, and Ritson has found many incredible places where it is unlikely to see anyone else. To experience the Sedona hiking trails with someone who knows Arizona is big bold and sometimes unforgiving is an adventure. Ritson is above all focused on safety.

He quotes John Muir, ““When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity…”

About El Portal Sedona Hotel:

El Portal Sedona Hotels is a boutique hotel that has been cited for excellence and guest satisfaction by numerous prestigious publications including Frommers, Wine Spectator, National Geographic, the New York Times, and has received both Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Best in the World 2011, and AAA’s Four Diamond Hotel Rating.

The pet friendly Sedona hotel is located in the heart of the Arts and Crafts District. Each suite has a private entrance, balcony or patio, whirlpool bath, fireplace, free wireless, luxurious linens and more.

With the beauty of the red rocks of Sedona and the surrounding countryside, El Portal is just steps from hiking trails, biking paths, cultural events, shopping and dining. Guests have access to unique personalized concierge services from planning Grand Canyon adventures to jeep tours to hot air balloon rides making El Portal your hotel of choice.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is located at 95 Portal Lane, Sedona, Arizona 86336; 800.313.0017, info@elportalsedona.com, www.elportalsedona.com.

 

 

Sedona: A Cyclists Bonanza

Sedona, Arizona is pleased to announce that over 170 miles of official trails are open to Mountain Bikers.

Jennifer Burns, Recreation Staff Officer for the Red Rock Ranger District says “the District has added over 45 miles of trail to the official forest system in the past 3 years, all open to mountain biking. This makes over 170 miles of Forest trails open to bikes on the District. Among the trails added in the last couple of years are Hilline, Adobe Jack, Mescal, Chuckwagon and Aerie trails. In addition the recently built Dry Creek Trailhead and Vista and the Adobe Jack Trailhead on 89A offer great access to trails for mountain bikers (and hikers).

The District recognizes mountain biking as a legitimate and growing use of forest trails. Current trail planning efforts are aimed at sustainable trails that enhance opportunities for hikers, bikers and equestrians to enjoy the National Forest near Sedona and VOC.”

 

Sedona has also been certified as a Bronze Level Bike Friendly Community. In 2010, State Route 179 widened to include median strips, bike lanes and roundabouts for safe riding on the road.

Several specialized stores for cyclists, including Over the Edge, Absolute Bikes and Sedona Bike & Bean, await your arrival with knowledgeable staff, detailed maps and perfect products for unbalanced beginners to advanced adrenaline junkies.

Special upcoming cycling events in Sedona include the May 3-5 Sedona Single Track Celebration and the May 18-19 Bike MS: Ride the Vortex.

Plan your Sedona adventure today in our four season red rock playground!

www.VisitSedona.com

 

Discover the Arpil 16: Best of Arizona: Roger Naylor Discusses Route 66, Homemade Pie and Hiking Trails

Spring is the time to get outside and explore Arizona and no one knows how to do that better than travel writer, Roger Naylor. On April 16, Naylor will be at Sound Bites Grill where he’ll talk about discovering the beauty of Arizona on foot and by car.

Naylor will discuss his book, Arizona Kicks on Route 66. He’ll also be talking about his quest to hike 1,000 miles in 2013. This Grand Endeavor is the topic of a hiking series Naylor is writing for the Arizona Republic, covering some of his favorite trails around the state. Also on hand will be Greg Stevenson, owner of The Hike House in Sedona. No doubt, popular Sedona trails will garner plenty of attention.

Complimentary appetizers will be served and dinner is available. Copies of Arizona Kicks on Route 66 will be for sale and a raffle will be held featuring items from The Hike House and Sound Bites Grill. Raffle proceeds will benefit the Arts in Education Program of Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona.

The event will take place from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. Come early or stay late to dine, drink and discuss. Members of Sedona Car Club will have a few of their classic rides on display in the parking lot.

Roger Naylor is a travel writer who hates to travel. At least anywhere beyond the Southwest. He specializes in lonely hiking trails, twisting back roads, diners with fresh burgers sizzling on the grill, small towns, ghost towns and homemade pie. His work appears weekly in the Arizona Republic. He has contributed to Arizona Highways, Western Art & Architecture, Go Escape, Route 66 Magazine, Sedona Magazine and dozens more. For more information, visit www.rogernaylor.com.

Sound Bites Grill is located in The Shops at Hyatt Piñon Pointe, 101 N. Arizona 89A. The restaurant and bar is known for “World Comfort Food,” a wide–ranging menu of steaks, fresh fish, organic salads and stone-fired pizzas. Sound Bites Grill offers a $6 drink menu every day.

For more information, call 928-282-2713 or visit www.soundbitesgrille.com.