SkaiSW

I will be driving alone between Phonix and Sedona, and would like at least one place (prefereably two places) to stop between the two - in each direction. (I am a hyperactive driver). I am interested in both eating and fun things to do. I do NOT want to stray far from I17. Can anyone help?

MichelleY

Montezuma's Castle is right off the interstate. Well worth the detour.

Have a nice trip!!

MY

bbqboy

Arcosanti's worth a stop.



http://www.arcosanti.org/








relaxing and inspiring.

Ida101

In Sedona make a stop at the chapel in the mountains, beautiful view over the village.

Fairhope

Agree that Montezumas Castle is well worth the time
Rock Springs Cafe is a funky place foe hamburger and pie
You could detour to Jerome which is a great tourist town up on the side of a hill
Stop at Red Rocks just south of Sedona at Oak Creek Village

Fairhope

PS There is a casino at the Montezuma Castle interstate exit

amwosu

I've always wanted to stop at Badass Barbeque which I can see from the highway. While in Sedona I did overhear someone talking about going there on their way from Phoenix. Has anyone ever tried it?

emd

No offense to Fairhope, who must have had a different experience than we did, but regarding Rock Springs Cafe: I ate there two weeks ago on Friday night and have to say that Rock Springs Cafe is a total dive. BIG Cockroaches (my daughter literally got on her chair when the two roaches, each 3 inches long, came up to her chair). Gross greasy food. Bad service. It holds absolutely no charm at all for me. But we did take out two pies that my husband and son said were great (daughter and I could not eat them after the roach ordeal). They sell the pies, many varieties, at the "store" on the left side of the cafe. I'd go in, buy the pies, and get out. Or maybe just not go in at all. It was a scary place. It did make for a surreal stop after a long day of flight delays and long trip from D.C. to Phoenix. And no, they did not discount the check when we pointed out the roaches - the waitress just shrugged and said that they run in the door when the guys in back take out the trash. And I kid you not, then the dishwasher came out and stepped on both of the roaches, smiled at us, and went back in the kitchen.

amwosu

Come on emd- I bet cockroaches are a delicacy in some parts of the world. I bet dipped in chocolate they might be worth a try. hee hee....

I want to hear about your trip. Did you post a report? DH was sick the whole time we were in AZ so I don't have much to report except to say, "Go Bucks!"

emd

amwosu, I am from Texas where the cockroaches are big and some of them fly (no kidding). These ones at Rock Springs Cafe were definitely from Texas, they hitched a ride and got off on I 17 when they smelled the pies.

I am not squeamish, and I like local hangouts. But this place was a pit. It did provide some comic relief after a long day of travel and a 4 hr. flight delay outbound. But not for my daughter, she could not laugh about it as she was terrified of the roaches and almost threw up when the dishwasher smashed them at the feet of her chair and made no attempt to clean it up - she ran outside at that point, shaking, and would not go back in. The funniest thing was when some German tourists next to us saw my daughter jump on the chair, they jumped and also put their feet on their chairs. The locals just looked at us like we were nuts, even after the roach smashing scene. The whole thing was just so bizarre.

Re the trip report: got home at midnight Monday after waiting for our luggage for two hours at DCA. I've been sick this week and trying to work, posting occasionally. I did keep notes and will do a trip report when I am back on my feet. It was a great trip.

emd

BTW, although it is a chain, if you are looking for a place to eat and they do not have restaurants in your state (restaurants are mostly in TX, w/a few in AZ, NM, IL, GA, OH), we really like the Pappadeux's right outside Phoenix on I17 on way to Sedona. 11501 North Black Canyon Hwy. (602)331-3434. I do not know the exit number, but you could call and ask once you are driving out of Phoenix on I 17. The restaurant will be on your right, very visible from I 17. Good seafood. Have stopped there half a dozen times.
http://www.pappadeaux.com/