themasons

Hello!
I posted recently about where to eat for Christmas dinner in Sedona, and now my husband is questioning why we are going to Sedona in the first place. I didn't have the best answe for him, other than it was a place I had heard of a lot. Our original plan (and we have made hotel reservations, but they are fully refundable at this point) was to drive to Sedona on the 25th from Mohave in the AM and have Christmas dinner, spend the night and explore in the AM/afternoon before heading up to Flagstaff and spending a night there (and going out to the Museum Club). Is that a good plan, or would you suggest spending two nights in one or the other? Why? Thanks!

JennyJJJ

This was posted before but in case you didn't see it..have him go here and watch the video and look around. It will tell you everything about Sedona.It's a great site and they have a ton of great links.

sedonablog.blogspot.com

I'm partial to Sedona and would stay both nights there and wouldn't even consider Flagstaff unless I was a skier and loved the snow.

To be that close to Sedona and not go there would be a shame. It is beautiful!

Good luck!

themasons

Thanks a lot. We have decided to stay in Sedona for both nights

redrockglass

After you get back could you post a message. I would love to hear what you think of Sedona.

I'm excited for you to see Sedona!

Enjoy!

TahitiTams

Sedona is probably one of the prettiest places in the world!

Myer

My own personal opinion.

Spend your daylight time around the town and not in the town.

It's the "setting" and not the town.

TahitiTams

Exactly Myer..
I have been to Sedona around 20+ times and I never go into town..well maybe to go to Oaxaca's for lunch and marg's..

OO

Sedona, I agree! The year we stayed in Flag instead, I was a bit disappointed. Not that it isn't nice, not that there wasn't a lot to do, but the scenery in Sedona is awesome, incomparable even.

themasons

Thanks a lot! We are excited to be spending two days in Sedona, and I will definitely make sure to post a trip report and how we liked it when we get back.

emd

It will be insane to try to eat dinner in Sedona on Dec. 25/26th. You better get reservations for both nights to eat somewhere pronto. We were there two yrs ago for the week btwn Christmas and New Yrs and every dining establishment (from Pizza Picasso to Shugrue's to Thai Spices to Dahl and Delucas and everywhere in btwn.) was so crowded every night it was crazy. 2 hr waits to get seated. Get reservations at one of the good places that take reservations RIGHT NOW if you can. They might all be booked already. I am not kidding.

Myer

Just to add to my post.

My favorite, scenic, easy hikes.

Boynton Canyon Vista (not the complete Boynton Canyon Hike) - this is in Sedona west and quite short. Very scenic.

Bell Rock and/or Bell Rock Pathway.

Broken Arrow. Beautiful scenery.

Go to the Cresent Moon picnic area (just below Sedona West) to see Cathedral Rock across the creek at sunset. Magnificent. The Rock reflects in the Creek.

themasons

We have already made dinner reservations for the 25th at Bistro Bella Terra. I have read good things on here and other forums about the Cowboy Club. Would you recommend that for the second night or is it too similar? I saw a lot of good things about the Coffee Pot Restaurant on here; would you recommend that or the Airport Restaurant (which is right near our hotel) for breakfast? I think we will definitely go on the Boynton Canyon Vista hike on the 26th. Is it easy to locate once we get to the area? Also, does anyone know if Tlaquepaque will be decorated still on the 26th, and would it be worth a stroll through? Thanks!

redrockglass

I'll try to answer the questions I can. The Coffee Pot restaurant is packed and it is local's favorite so I would think it has to be a good place to eat. I'm Vegan so I have never been there but they are supposed to have the best omlettes.

I am sure that Talaquepaque will still be decorated til after the first of the year. It's such a pretty shopping village. You'll love it.

Here is some info on the Boynton Canyon Trail. It is easy to find.

Enjoy! I can't wait to hear about your trip!
http://www.onedayhikes.com/Hikes.asp?HikesID=110

Myer

themasons,

I found the Boynton Canyon hike rather boring after the first half mile.

The Boynton Canyon Vista on the other hand is a short detour close to the start of the Boynton Canyon Hike. The scenery is spectacular. The bang for the effort can't be beat.

Also, you will walk right in front of Chachina Woman rock formation and is the location of one of the famous (infamous) Sedona Vortex sites.

You can see my photos of the Sedona area at:

www.travelwalks.com

Select the Bryce, Zion, GC & Sedona trip on the lower right side of the page.

Unfortunately you'll have to go thru Bryce Canyon, Zion & Antelope Canyon before getting to Sedona. But that's life. Enjoy.

Sedona's setting is absolutely gorgious!!!

JennyJJJ

Myer Your Pics are amazing! I hope you are a professional photographer or you have missed your calling in life!

Thanks for sharing!

JJJJ

Myer

JennyJJJ,

Thanks. No I am not a professional. Far from it.

It's a hobby.

A reasonable camera, some effort and a bit of post-processing can do wonders.

JennyJJJ

Hi Myer!

Well, you are just being humble. It takes more than just a resonable priced camera. I have one and I am not getting pics like you so.

You are a very gifted photographer

Thanks for sharing them.

Myer

themasons,

Hopefully we'll get a foloow-up (trip report) on the trip.

With photos?

emd

Yes, we would love a report. How did the Christmas dinner turn out, where did you go?? I am going back to Sedona in April (many prior visits, but have not been there in a year) for a week and really would like a preview!

I hope themasons are not a hit and run.

ellen_griswold

Hi EMD! So good to see you
Don't want to hijack this thread but what exciting plans do you have for yout trip? Any new hikes discovered or planned? New restaurants? You're truly a STELLAR sedona expert so will be excited to read your report! boohoo, i wanna go again, too