Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

These days, Sedona lures enterprising restaurateurs and gallery owners from the East and West coasts. New Age followers, who believe that the area contains some of Earth's more important vortexes (energy centers), also come in great numbers believing that the "vibe" here confers a sense of balance and well-being, and enhances creativity.

Expansion since the early 1980s has been rapid, and lack of planning has taken its toll in unattractive developments and increased traffic.

The city of Sedona is young, and there are few historic sites; as many visitors conclude, you don't come to Sedona to tour the town itself. The main downtown activity is shopping, mostly for Southwestern-style paintings, clothing, rugs, jewelry, and Native American artifacts. Just beyond the shops and restaurants, however, canyons, creeks, ancient dwellings, and the red rocks beckon. The area is easy to hike or bike, or you can take a jeep tour.