Sedona: The most beautiful place on Earth?

Spoken like a true expert! Thank you Near and Far AZ!

NearandFarAZ

First of all, I know that there are many, many gorgeous places that I have yet to see.

I’ve been around a bit, but I am under no illusion that I’ve seen it all!

Still, I have to wonder: Could there be any spot in the world that can top Sedona, Arizona on a hot, clear summer day?

I know this is entirely subjective and open to all kinds of debate. And I’ll admit to being a little biased. Sedona – just an hour-and-a-half drive from where I live – is a place I visit often and know well.

But as I hiked two Sedona-area trails over the weekend, the vibrant colors, diverse landscape, and drop-dead-gorgeous rock formations kept striking me again and again.

On this given Sunday in early July, Sedona was in its full glory. Lush greenery, cobalt skies, cottony clouds all served to set off the main…

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Reconnect in Sedona

Resolution to Reality: Travel to Sedona This Year

There are two types of New Year’s resolution makers—those who hope they’ll reach their goals and those who make their goals reality. This holds true for travelers with dreams of visiting Sedona. Whether you’ve resolved to take an adventure vacation or to take time to relax and heal in Sedona, these tips will help make those hopes your reality.

Cast an Adventure Vacation Vision

Successful travel plans begin with a vision. Which of Sedona’s outdoor adventures call to you as the travel year begins? Whether your dream involves hiking, camping, fishing or blasting your way through the high desert in a Jeep, make it a reality by booking your tour, campsite or fishing expedition early.

Will you camp your way through Coconino National Forest? Or could this be the year that your kids learn to love the great outdoors along Bell Rock Pathway? Cast your vision for an over-the-top adventure vacation and plan ahead to experience the best tours, the most challenging trails and the most scenic campsites Sedona has to offer. Here’s a link to help launch Sedona vacation vision casting.

Take Time for a Healing Interlude

It’s no accident the beauty and mystery surrounding Sedona have birthed a town where healing and serenity are an expectation. Let this year’s travel resolution lead you to one of Sedona’s centers of healing and beauty.

The many spas that grace the streets of this high desert town offer visitors the chance to find their bliss. Resolve to take time for a healing interlude in Sedona, and give your budget a vacation, as well, by taking advantage of seasonal spa packages.

Your dreams of visiting Sedona this year are within your grasp. Visualize what you want to happen in Sedona, plan ahead and set aside the time to make this resolution the one that becomes a reality.

Joe Laing is the Director of Marketing for El Monte RV and has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years.  He has been exploring the outdoors most of his life and enjoys spending time camping throughout the United States.  Joe has also been involved with the RVIA’s Go RV’ing committee, campground associations, and many travel industry associations. 

Reconnect in Sedona was originally published on The Official Website for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

 

Sedona’s Spiritual Side

Guest blog submission from Whitney McNeil with International I AM

A lot of visitors are seekers, coming to Sedona to escape the ordinary and connect with the energy prevalent in Sedona’s vortex sites. Some seek out their Spiritual connection, feeling drawn to Sedona for reasons unknown. Why is this, and what is this phenomena? Sedona’s energy supports and amplifies the intentions of the visitor. Those seeking answers but feel blocked in receiving them, may be feeling drawn to Sedona to help amplify the answer. Sedona has a way of unblocking and unlocking potentials, insights, and opportunities.

 

 

One of these reasons is the vortex energy. Vortices help to amplify different aspects of The Self. Some help to strengthen the masculine, while some help to amplify and strengthen the feminine aspect of Self.

 

 

Other energies can help one to connect with the Spiritual side of The Self. There are many pockets of energy in and around Sedona to help support someone in specific goals. The Honanki Ruins is a site on the outskirts of Sedona where Native Americans resided in the cliffs of the Red Rocks. Energy of the ancestors is still heavily prevalent in this place. Tourists can feel the energy of the past.

 

 

Bell Rock is another location to access the Higher Self, or the Spiritual Side of the Self. The energy here helps to unblock and amplify the higher chakras. It is easier to feel this energy because Sedona amplifies everything.

 

 

If someone is wanting to develop Intuitive abilities, Sedona is a wonderful place to start. If someone is wanting to heighten or increase their already sensitive Intuition, come prepared knowing that Sedona provides much history, energy, and beauty to be felt and perceived in many different ways.

Sedona’s Spiritual Side was originally published on The Official Website for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

 

New Year…New Destination

Guest blog submission by Roger Naylor

The waning of the year always prompts a bit of self-evaluation. We pause to look back and to count our blessings. But don’t tally up the final score just yet because there’s still time to dramatically increase your blessings total. All you have to do is gather up friends and family and take a trip to Sedona.

 

As the holidays approach we are reminded all over again as to what’s truly important in life. It comes down to moments we share with loved ones. Sedona makes the perfect getaway to reconnect with the people who matter most, providing a bouquet of memories that will never fade.

Sedona is equal parts playground and resort; equal parts wilderness and spiritual retreat. It is a place far removed from the everyday experience. The rising columns of red rocks form a fortress that repels stress and distraction. The scenic splendor lifts hearts and ignites smiles. Sedona just seems to bring out the best in all of us. No wonder it’s such a joyful place to share.

Whether hiking in the shadow of soaring monoliths, strolling along the banks of dancing stream, wafting through the sky in a hot air balloon to greet the rising sun, rumbling into the outback aboard a rugged jeep, or meditating at a vortex site crackling with ancient energy, let the adventure sweep you away.

This kind of vacation makes for vivid, spicy memories; stories that will be recounted over many a dinner table for years to come. That’s the magic of Sedona. It gives you a chance to live fully in the moment while you’re here. And then gives you golden moments to take with you, to relive over and over again.

 

 

Sedona Festival Features World Renowned Experts!

Escape to Sedona and experience a series of brilliant thinkers and visionaries that will positively influence your life and world view.

Sedona World Wisdom Days features world renowned experts in their field with innovative live presentations including 4x Grammy Award winner and one of Oprah’s favorites, India.Arie, one of the greatest TV legends of our time, and renowned for his groundbreaking social commentary sitcoms such as All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Maude, Norman Lear, 4x Olympic Gold Medalist and motivational speaker, Greg Louganis, direct from Comedy Central and seminar leader on the healing of laughter Kyle Cease, bestselling author of Conscious Evolution, Barbara Marx Hubbard, CEO of Meriwether Group and business leader, David Howitt, former NFL Linebacker Keith Mitchell and many more!

From laughter to gaining greater knowledge and wisdom, there is something for everyone at Sedona World Wisdom.

Sedona World Wisdom will give you tools to access your own inner wisdom and find your own voice. The festival offers you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sage advice of innovative business leaders, Tony Award Winners, bestselling authors, professional athletes, world renowned spiritual leaders and so much more.

Taking place at the Sedona Performing Arts Center with the red rocks as your backdrop, this festival has quickly acquired the nickname ‘the TED talks of Sedona’ –states producer Jerry Gilden, as it contains such a wide selection of leaders and experts from all walks of life.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Red Carpet Premiere of The Power of the Heart. This stunning film, features Dr. Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Gary Zukav.

Start the New Year with excellence! January 15 – 19, MLK weekend www.SedonaWorldWisdom.com

Reserve your seat now!

 

A morning hike in Sedona

Sedona is a truly magical place. Blessed with a rugged, red-hued landscape of mountains, rock formations and canyons, the awe-inspiring beauty of Sedona is best seen on foot. A morning hike in Sedona is a spectacular way to start off the day as you can watch the sun slowly light up the brilliant red mountains and the shadows dance away. Furthermore, it may be one of the few times that you are hiking alone meaning you will receive the benefit and joy of finding peace and solitude while enjoying an incredible view.

One of the best sunrise hikes in all of Sedona is the Airport Mesa Trail Loop that literally circles around Sedona’s small mountaintop airport affording dramatic 360-degree views of the city and her magnificent, unusually shaped rock formations.

The hike starts off of Airport Road and meanders a gentle 3.5 miles from start to finish. Depending upon how fit you are and how many stops you make to take photos of the breathtaking views, the hike takes a little over an hour to an hour and a half.

Arrive about a half hour after sunrise to be rewarded with the best views of the sun bouncing off the red-hued mountains. It is the golden hour and the light is magical. It is not the best time for photos as the mountains are covered in shadows however watching the sun rise as the shadows disappear is fantastic.

I was lucky that although the parking lot was full, I only saw two people during the entire hike. It was so insanely serene and peaceful that I was overcome with emotion. If only I could start every day as beautifully as this!

Here are some photos of the glorious sunrise over Sedona that I took during the hike.

As I set off on my hike, the light was brilliant, bouncing and reflecting off the red-hued rocks. It was felt surreal. Such a calm, peaceful beauty.

As I continued, the views of Sedona changed in landscape, topography, vegetation and of course light. The hike continued to be just as stunning as it was when I began an hour before. It was pure eye candy!

If you go:

The trail head is located about halfway to the top of Airport Road. Note that the parking lot is very small and fits only a handful of cars. The lot is usually full from sunrise to sunset however I waited only a few minutes and a spot opened up.

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Content is provided by Minneapolis-based travel and social good blogger, Nicole Melancon, who shares her journey at Thirdeyemom

 

Sedona: A Work of Art

Guest blog submission from Roger Naylor

Like all great works of art, Sedona takes your spirit hostage. It captures you softly and holds you in its red rock grip.

The visual drama of the landscape stirs something deep within everyone who visits or resides here. Sedona inspires and challenges, it thrills and mystifies, it haunts and energizes. It moves us in ways that we struggle to understand. Great art doesn’t provide answers. But it does show us which questions are the right ones to ask.

A fortunate few drawn to this place manage to capture the magic, carving art from the larger masterpiece of Sedona. Surrealist Max Ernst arrived in 1946 and created his most famous work here. In 1958, Egyptian sculptor Nassan Gobran and others established Sedona’s first art center. Joe Beeler and pards formed Cowboy Artists of America over cold beers in a local saloon in 1965. That kind of diversity continues to fuel Sedona’s vibrant art scene that ranges from traditional to contemporary, from Native American to cutting edge.

It’s no wonder the town bristles with artistic showcases, events and festivals. Numerous sculptures and murals are part of the public space. Dozens of galleries, studios and shops populate every corner of the community. Take some time to prowl as many as you can. Explore the different mediums and styles. See how their interpretation of the spectacular scenery aligns with yours.

On the first Friday of every month, many of Sedona’s prominent art galleries from Uptown to Gallery Row and beyond host an evening of openings, demonstrations and receptions. The Sedona Trolley offers free transportation during First Friday Art Walk, circulating from gallery to gallery where everything from fine art to funkier creations can be found. What a wonderful way to kick off your weekend in Sedona.

 

Summer’s not Over in Sedona

El Portal Guest Blog Submission

The summer season is winding down across the state, but Sedona is not going to let it go without a final month of events for visitors to enjoy. Headlining this month is the Sedona Wine Fest: a two day festival that showcases the many local wineries and their great wines from the Verde Valley, Prescott and the Southern Arizona regions. This year the Wine Fest will take place on September 27^th and 28^th, so come over the weekend and enjoy the delicious wine as well as the food, music, and vendors!

The soil in the Arizona hills is so rich that it has even been compared to Burgundy, France, and the wine festival is the perfect opportunity to learn about this region and the world-class grapes it grows. If you’re interested in sampling these premium Arizona wines, then Sedona Wine Festival is the perfect way for you to spend the weekend – learning about all things wine, trying premium local reds and whites, and enjoying the food, music, and vendors that come with it.   If you find yourself wanting to learn more than the two day festival can hope to teach you, then consider going on a tour of the local vineyards – many of which have tastings and even jeep tours for interested parties. Arizona is growing in reputation, so wrap up the summer and kick off the fall with this annual event that draws people from near and far!

While you’re enjoying the festival, you will need a place to call your home. Let that place be El Portal Sedona Hotel – a local, pet-friendly artisan hotel. The boutique hotel is centrally located and with knowledgeable staff who offer personalized concierge services for the Sedona area, El Portal Sedona is the perfect place to rest and relax between these events!

 

Sedona Takes your Spririt Hostage

Guest blog submission by Roger Naylor

Like all great works of art, Sedona takes your spirit hostage. It captures you softly and holds you in its red rock grip.

The visual drama of the landscape stirs something deep within everyone who visits or resides here. Sedona inspires and challenges, it thrills and mystifies, it haunts and energizes. It moves us in ways that we struggle to understand. Great art doesn’t provide answers. But it does show us which questions are the right ones to ask.

A fortunate few drawn to this place manage to capture the magic, carving art from the larger masterpiece of Sedona. Surrealist Max Ernst arrived in 1946 and created his most famous work here. In 1958, Egyptian sculptor Nassan Gobran and others established Sedona’s first art center. Joe Beeler and pards formed Cowboy Artists of America over cold beers in a local saloon in 1965. That kind of diversity continues to fuel Sedona’s vibrant art scene that ranges from traditional to contemporary, from Native American to cutting edge.

It’s no wonder the town bristles with artistic showcases. Numerous sculptures and murals are part of the public space. Dozens of galleries, studios and shops populate every corner of the community. Take some time to prowl as many as you can. Explore the different mediums and styles. See how their interpretation of the spectacular scenery aligns with yours.

On the first Friday of every month, many of Sedona’s prominent art galleries from Uptown to Gallery Row and beyond host an evening of openings, demonstrations and receptions. The Sedona Trolley offers free transportation during First Friday Art Walk, circulating from gallery to gallery where everything from fine art to funkier creations can be found. What a wonderful way to kick off your weekend in Sedona.

 

Register NOW for the Sedona Marathon Event: Janaury 31, 2015!

REGISTER NOW for the 10th Annual Sedona Marathon Event taking place on January 31, 2015. Sign-up with your family and friends before September 1, 2014 to save on registration with Early Bird pricing! The boutique destination race event is expected to host more than 2,600 runners/walkers who will participate in one of these breathtaking panoramic races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon race.

The course will take registrants through the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical iron-clad formations, and onto the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the Country – a town which was recently placed on the “Top 10 Best Small Towns in America” list!

Spectators, supporters and participants will be treated to an Awards Party, a Pasta Dinner, and an Event Expo at the world renowned Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The Expo will feature vendors, artists, and live performers that will inspire and entertain both locals and visitors alike. All registrants will also have access to a fully loaded Virtual Goodie bag, a gender specific tech running t-shirt, and all finishers will be given a Finishers Medal.

Sign up before September 1, 2014 to save on registration with Early Bird pricing!

Come to the Sedona Marathon Event and be part of a rich tradition of healthy, sustainable living that has most recently been named by Good Morning America as one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.”

For details and to register, visit SedonaMarathon.com.