Well, we've been to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and to Sedona before, looking for something different and romantic. Flying into Phoenix in mid Sept. and renting a car. Looking for ideas for resorts to stay at and things to do in Southern AZ. I would probably spend about $200+/night on lodging (would prefer one w/ a relaxing balcony overlooking a canyon, mountain, wildlife, desert, etc.). We are in our early 30's and pretty active. Looking to stay for 4 nights in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tucson area or a combination of two... Any specific resort names that you can recommend would be great, as well as any hot air balloon or horseback riding companies, don't really care about spas and i can't go golfing, as it's my honeymoon, lol (she doesn't golf). I help out a lot of people with questions like this, so i'm totally open minded to recommedations from others, anything you can mention would be great, thx in advance

We just stayed at the Boulders Resort in Carefree, outside of Phoenix and it was lovely..everything you are requesting and more.

theboulders.com

Westin LaPaloma in Tucson might fit all that. September should be off season rates. Sabino Canyon is one of the finest canyon hikes in AZ. The museum of the desert is an enjoyable visit. All of Arizona will be scorching hot in September. Count on it.

Check out this place: www.zarzuela-az.com

It's priced higher than what you said, but in the long run, we found the value to be better (taxes, amazing breakfasts and evening drinks/appetizers included).

It's in the desert and certainly fits the bill with a relaxing balcony.

We spent a week mid September in Tempe then in Sedona to renew our vows for our 25th anniversary. Just wanted to say it was TERRIBLY hot that time of year. We got married in MA 9/23, a lot different climate. We knew it would be hot, but not quite that hot....just a FYI. We live in FL now and it was no where near that hot here, and yes it was a bit humid there too...amazingly enough.

Thx for the ideas, anyone have any recommendations for a place in Sedona? Maybe a little bit cooler up there in mid-Sept? Again, for a honeymoon so don't mind shelling out a little bit extra...

Why not try the White Mountains of Arizona. It is about a 3 1/2 hour drive into some of the most scenic areas of the country. It has hiking, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, and you can take a ride up a chairlift to the top of Sunrise Mountain on the Apache Indian Reservation. Far less crowded than Sedona and since you have already been there why not try someplace new. Try these two places in Greer: www.redsetterinn.com and www.hiddenmeadow.com

This might be a bit too quiet, but C. Steele has an excellent culinary reputation. Her B&B has been written up in the NY times. Although the price is more than mentioned, it includes 3 meals a day.
Best of luck.
http://www.aravaipafarms.com/

n Sedona I can highly recommend Canyon Villa Inn -- wonderful romantic B & B/Inn. Expensive but worth it!!

My advice is to seek higher elevations-- they will be cooler at that time of year. White Mountains, Sedona, Flagstaff are all good ideas. Tucson is higher and cooler than Phoenix at all times, but will still be hot in late Sep., plus you might see the tail end of the monsoons, which will raise the humidity.

We enjoyed Red Setter Inn in Greer in 2003 -- it would be a good choice; great opportunities for easy day hiking and picnics, and accommodations in a beautiful modern "log cabin" inn. nb, Red SEtter has changed hands within the last year or so -- I don't know if the accommodations, ambiance, or food have changed.

Just north of Sedona, you might consider the Briar Patch; excellent B&B with individual cottages so you could have breakfast in the main lodge, and dine, snack, cocktail or whatever in your own private cottage on the bank of gently burbling Oak Creek. Sedona is close by to the south, and Flagstaff a little further away, to the north,

Enchantment Resort in Sedona is a gorgeous place for a honeymoon!

enchantmentresort.com