Having driven cross-country last year with my husband, we came across Arizona and spent several days in Sedona and the Grand Canyon Area. We were amazed and taken aback by all the natural beauty and wonders in this area. Back in NJ, we recently bought a house and decided that we wanted to cherish our memories of Arizona by decorating it with a Southwestern flair. Fortunately, this May we will be flying back to this region again. We are flying into the Phoenix area and then drive to Sedona and stay there for a few days. I would like to know if anyone can recommend any shops, trading posts, or stores we shouldn't miss?

Hi
When visiting family in Tucson, one year, we went to swap meets and bought great terra cotta vases, candleholders painted in great Indian style and colors, a loooot of turquoise and some small woven rugs. While I don't remember any of the stores we went to, the swap meets were quite fun and the prices are great.
Have a great time!

Hi Scarlett,
Can you tell me more about these swap meets? What are they? Do they resemble, what we call here, flea markets?

If you are going to pay for authentic crafts, buy at The Heard Museum gift shop...many Indian looking things are made in Mexico or other Latin American countries, rugs, pottery, etc. If I was going to buy just one thing, it would be a Kachina.

Hi Scarlett,
Can you tell me more about these swap meets? What are they? Do they resemble, what we call here, flea markets?

Circuit,
The swap meets are the same as flea markets. I can't imagine the quality of the turquoise would be of quality, but perhaps I'm wrong.

I can't recommend specific shops in Sedona, but the area is known for it's stores.

If you want to take the time to get cheaper southwestern goods, you might want to add some time on and make the drive down to Nogales, Mexico. You'll get your best deals in Mexico.

Yes, they are like flea markets here or the big craft fair type things they have in Flemington NJ.
The turquoise might not have been of great quality, although I have had it a long time and it still looks good, the rings were signed by the Indian Artist/Jewelery that made them and sold them to me.
We went to Nogales that trip also. I was not impressed, but maybe it has changed
Wherever you go in Arizona, there are great things to buy for the house, I like getting small interesting bowls and containers, for flowers or drinks or just to sit empty on a shelf

There are tons of shops. A lot depends on whether you're looking for western or Mexican influenced items. And a biggie is your budget. If you have lots of $$$ to spend then the world is your oyster.

My two favorite local magazines are Phoenix Home and Garden and Arizona Highways. PHG is more about decorating and lifestyle, which I think you'd really like. You might want to contact them and see if you can get a subscription going quick so you can get the May issue. There are lots of ads and ideas in there.

snarla

I just found the PHG resource directory online..free!

www.phgmag.com

I'd also get a subscription to Arizona Highways. IMO it's one of the 2 or 3 best regional publications in the country and always has great photos. Two or three copies on your coffe table will add to your southwestern decor.