Vacations Blog

As I mentioned in my previous entry, I joined my husband last weekend up in Flagstaff, since he had to work a job up there and the hotel room was, therefore, free.

On Saturday night we went out on the town. We’re trying not to spend a whole lot of money, these days – I think everyone is feeling that way, lately. So our goal was to have as much fun and hit as many places as we could, for as little money as possible.

First we stopped at Altitudes and had a beer ($3.25 each – we like microbrews, domestic beer is cheaper), and we split the hummus plate with veggies and pita triangles ($6.99). We lounged there for a good hour, watching college football and conversing with the bartenders. Grand total spent (including a $5 tip): $19.84.

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The view of Flagstaff from the top of Mars Hill.

Last weekend my husband had to work up in Flagstaff, AZ, about two and a half hours north of our home in Chandler. I availed myself of the opportunity for a free hotel room, and drove up to join him on Friday night.

Saturday I set out to explore the lovely city of Flagstaff. I wanted to enjoy the wonderful fall weather to its fullest, so I decided a bit of hiking was in order. After perusing the area map provided to me by the hotel, I found one of the entrances to the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS, pronounced “foots”).

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Fall foliage

Contrary to the thermometer outside my window, which at this second is reading a balmy 108 degrees (September in Arizona – gotta love it!), the fall weather will soon be upon us. Nothing says fall to me more than the round of upcoming harvest fairs and festivals, scheduled for September through November.

The Arizona Expo and State Fair is being held from October 16th through November 8th (closed Mondays). Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and kids under five years old are free. Parking in all fair lots is $10. The fairgrounds are located at 26 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix, just off of I-10. This year’s concert series includes Stone Temple Pilots, Bob Dylan, Lady Antebellum, The Black Crowes, David Cook, and Kelly Clarkson. The fair is entering its 64th consecutive year and features the traditional round of carnival rides, fried foods, craft and livestock displays and contests, and rodeo events.

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Photo by simax105

If you’re going to be in Arizona during the July 4th weekend, here are some celebrations that are going on around the state. There’s something going on in virtually every town, but here are ten key events that are sure to please:

Phoenix: Enjoy the 24th Annual Fabulous Phoenix 4th, at Steele Indian School Park. Entertainment (on three stages!) begins at 6:00 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at 9:20. The event features local entertainment, a cooling misting area, inflatable rides, a Classic Car exhibit, food and beverage vendors, and a water spray zone manned by the Phoenix Fire Department.

Tempe: Check out the 58th annual Tempe 4th of July Festival, taking place in Tempe Beach Park alongside the man-made Tempe Town Lake. The extravagant fireworks show, local food vendors, and live entertainment more than make up for the crowds.
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It’s 106 in the Phoenix area today, which is causing me to cast my memory fondly back to last Saturday and Sunday.

(Hover over the pictures to see captions.)

Last weekend was equally as sweltering, which prompted my husband to call me at work on Friday afternoon, all full of spur-of-the-moment planning. He asked if I wanted to head up to Flagstaff for an overnight getaway, to get out of the heat and to indulge in the annual Made in the Shade Beer Festival. Well, he certainly didn’t have to ask me twice (we are great fans of the beer festival, after all) – within a half hour I secured us a hotel room. Since, due to our last minute planning, everything in Flagstaff was booked or exorbitantly priced (the Beer Festival AND the Flagstaff Music Festival were going on) I ended up booking us a room in Sedona. It’s only a quick 28-mile jaunt down 89A from Flagstaff and, for that weekend anyway, cheaper.

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When I was little, growing up in the back BACK woods of Maine (think Stephen King, here), I couldn’t be kept away from anything having to do with water. Ponds, lake, streams, even standing water in the fields after a rainstorm. It seems all I wanted to do was get the cuffs of my jeans wet and muddy.

Fast forward some thirty-mumble years, and I still have that inclination. Dwelling in the desert presents a problem, though, unless I want to wade in a community pool or a “man-made lake” (anathema!).

This is where my very favorite scenic drive in Arizona comes in. It’s Scenic Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon – twenty-eight miles of tree-lined and mountainous winding road that follows along Oak Creek.

On one end, you have Sedona:

On the other end, you have Flagstaff:

All along the middle, you have this:

And this:

And this:

Aaaaaaand this:

There are great little places all along the route to stop and take pictures, or to obtain refreshment. Private resorts and bed and breakfasts abound. Swimming (and sliding!) at Slide Rock is popular for families with children. Hiking along the West Fork Trail and Palatki Indian Ruins is appropriate for all skill levels.

Finally, the road climbs out of the canyon, and a the top of the final crest (over 6,000 feet!) there is a rest stop maintained by the National Forest Service. It features necessary conveniences, an Information booth, a lookout area from which the entirety of Oak Creek Canyon is laid before you, and Native Americans set up along the pathways selling their crafts.

It was a beautiful and refreshing way to spend an afternoon. We rely upon this scenic drive at least two or three times a year, to get us out of the sweltering heat of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It was hard for us to come back home when all we wanted to do was plant ourselves next to Oak Creek and never leave. We did come back home (work calls, after all), but it’s comforting to know that we can go back any time we need to.

To experience the drive from the Phoenix area, take I-17 north, then take exit 298 to access Highway 179 east to Sedona. Highway 179 connects to Highway 89A in the heart of town.

To access the drive from Flagstaff, take I-17 to the junction of I-40, then take exit 337 to Highway 89A. You will then follow the route south to Sedona, instead of north like we did. It’s just as pretty going in the other direction, trust me!

When I moved to Arizona in the fall of 1993, the weather was a balmy 80 degrees. I thought to myself, “After a lifetime of grueling winters in Maine, this place is going to be like paradise!” Then, fall gave way to winter, and winter abruptly turned into 100+ degree searing heat. In MAY. I panicked. I was completely ill-equipped to deal with the furnace-like conditions. I contemplated packing up and moving the 3000 miles back home. I may have cried.

Yeah, that first summer was rough. But I learned some very valuable lessons, tips, and tricks, on how to get through three to four months of triple-digit temperatures. I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to!

1. Go North!

The higher elevations of Arizona enjoy four full seasons (unlike the desert, which only boasts two – Hot, and Not Hot), with summer temperatures ranging in the high 70’s to low 80’s. Flagstaff is a popular destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and just plain ol’ getting out of the heat. Only a two-hour drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area, this college town is also popular for its shopping, fine and casual dining, and historic Route 66. It is a natural stopping-off place on the way to the Grand Canyon. It’s a great destination for a day-trip, or an extended stay.

If you and your family enjoy camping – tent or RV – the White Mountains recommend themselves as a beautiful, scenic, and COOL location. Show Low, Pinetop/Lakeside, and the surrounding areas offer countless improved campgrounds, and many areas where unimproved (non-hosted) camping is permitted. Big Lake, near Springerville, is a lovely remote area which hosts both tent and RV camping, and even boasts a handful of cabins for rent. There are public showers, boat rentals, and a general store – which is very handy, considering the hour-long drive back out to civilization if you’ve forgotten something vital.

2. Play Indoors!

Phoenix and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of entertainment in cool, air-conditioned comfort. The Phoenix Art Museum is a world-class facility featuring permanent collections spanning cultures and genres, and a varied schedule of exhibitions and events. The museum is free to all on Tuesdays from 3:00-9:00 p.m., and the first Friday evening of each month from 6:00-10:00 p.m. At all other times, admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children.

Another popular destination, especially for families with young children, is the Arizona Science Center. There are many hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. You’ll definitely want to schedule a full day to take advantage of everything the Science Center has to offer. General admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Special exhibits, the IMAX theater, and the planetarium are an additional cost.

Throughout the summer months, Chase Field is occupied by the Arizona Diamondbacks and visiting teams, as well as various scheduled sporting and non-sporting events. The stadium may have a vast retractable roof, but it stays closed during the summer months and is cooled to a comfortable 78 degrees, on average.

3. Resort Life!

Top resorts in Arizona are fully aware that it’s hard to entice customers to come play in 100+ degree temperatures. Many of them, such as the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, and The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, offer significantly discounted rates and packages to appeal to “stay-cationers” and visitors alike.

Look for a resort with a large swimming pool or complex of water features. A swim-up bar isn’t a bad idea, either. Many resorts offer full and mini-spa treatments for men and women alike, as well as fitness classes, golf lessons, and entertainment for the children. Hundreds of locations offer a multitude of options, so go here to find the best place for you. The best rates are typically offered in the months of July and August.

4. Don’t Forget!

No matter what activities you indulge in while in Arizona, it is vitally important to remember these things:

• Water – First, foremost, and of the UTMOST importance, is water. Carry it with you everywhere and at all times. Keep a couple of gallon jugs of water in your trunk in case you break down. Freeze a few 16-oz water bottles, and when you’re ready to go out for the day, take them with you. They’ll melt (quicker than you’d think!) and keep your water cool for hours. It is vitally important to stay hydrated. Arizona is primarily a desert state and you can become dehydrated before you know it.
• Sunblock – Even if you plan on being indoors all day. Even if your exposure to the sunlight is limited. Please remember that it takes only TWO MINUTES of direct exposure to sunlight to get a burn during peak months. Sunblock your face (including the part in your hair and the tips of your ears!), neck, arms, and any other parts of you exposed to the sun. Don’t forget the tops of your feet if you’re wearing sandals!
• Hat – In tandem with the sunblock, a hat can go a long way toward keeping you cool, keeping the sun off of your head and face, and preventing dehydration.
• Sunglasses – Arizona is one BRIGHT state. Limit your eyes’ exposure to harmful UV rays by choosing lenses that block such light. Wearing sunglasses while driving also cuts down on the glare from the pavement and other vehicles. Plus, it’ll reduce the chance of crow’s feet!

This is but a very small selection of all of the available choices to escape the raging Arizona heat. I’ve indulged in them all – some more than a few times – and they’re some of the things that make it bearable to live in this state summer after summer (after summer).

Stay cool out there!

The red, sandstone buttes of Sedona are picture perfect.

There’s no escaping the overwhelming awe one experiences during a visit to Sedona, Arizona. The majestic red sandstone buttes in contrast with a vast blue sky combined with the mystical aura of the region have been a place of wonder since the days of the Wild West.

Take in the tranquility of Sedona's landscape in a private, creek side cottage.

Today, the cowboys and Indians of the past have been replaced by throngs of tourists eager to experience one of Mother Nature’s most remarkable landscapes. Whether enjoying an exhilarating off-road adventure, exploring many of the area’s hot Vortex spots, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts in its abundant gift shops and art galleries, or tasting the unique flavors of its many dining options, Sedona has everything necessary for an exciting family vacation.

There are many places to stay during a Sedona vacation, ranging from the small, no-frills motel to the luxury resort and spa. One of our family’s favorites is the quaint L’Auberge De Sedona Resort. Nestled at the bottom of a cliff and situated on the banks of Oak Creek, guests are invited to stay in The Lodge, The Creek House or in a one or two-bedroom private cottage. The cottages, in particular, offer an opportunity for guests to truly experience the natural beauty of the region from their private front porches.

Restaurant on Oak Creek offers an incredible fine dining experience.

L’Auberge De Sedona is also home to one of our favorite restaurants, the famous Restaurant on Oak Creek. Hugely popular with visitors and locals alike, the restaurant offers an unparallel outdoor dining experience along the trickling creek side. Its seasonal menu of French-inspired American cuisine is an outstanding epicurean treat and its vintage wine selection is superb. Wine Spectator has awarded the restaurant a “Best of Award of Excellence” for 14 years in a row. It’s a “can’t miss” during a Sedona vacation.

Tlaquepaque Village

A great place to find a variety of dining and shopping options is the nearby Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village‎. It’s always on our list of places to visit. Resembling an authentic Mexican village, Tlaquepaque is an epicenter for the Sedona experience, with eclectic live entertainment, artisans and flavors all in one beautiful, natural setting. If you love Mexican food, a “must try” is El Rincon. Their food is influenced by the Navajo and is “muy delicioso.”

Tlaquepaque is also a great starting point for an off road tour of the area’s majestic landscape. Sedona Off Road Adventures offers Hummer and Jeep tours at the Village as well as from The Adventure Store located in the Uptown Mall. Many tour options are available and the vehicles can accommodate groups of up to 12 at a time and always offer an adrenaline-filled trip. Off road tours are very popular, so reservations are encouraged. Also, don’t forget your camera as the panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll want to capture the experience.

Get up close and personal with the Sedona landscape with an exhilirating jeep tour.

Sedona Off Road Adventures, as well as other tour operators, also offer wilderness horseback tours as well as mountain bikes rentals for the extreme outdoor enthusiasts.

While in Sedona, you can also hike the rugged terrain in search of the area’s many purported spiritual Vortices (Vortexes). Sedona has been labeled as a spiritual center for many generations, because power emanates from vortexes producing some of the most remarkable energy on the planet. This energy is the reason why Sedona is home to a lot of people that are “on the path” of spiritual growth. It is also the reason that a large New Age community and tourism industry has sprung up in the Sedona area, bringing with it a variety of spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities. Sedona is now often referred to as a spiritual Disneyland. Popular Vortex spots include Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill. Maps of these locations can be found at all of Sedona’s New Age shops.

If you do decide to hoof it into the Sedona wilderness, as always, please take proper precautions, like packing plenty of water, a map and a cell phone. You wouldn’t want to become a permanent part of the landscape.

Finally, if the weather’s warm and you need to cool off, take the family over to the famous Slide Rock State Park. There the Oak Creek has transformed the red rocks into a natural, slippery water chute. You can take a ride down the chutes, sunbath, wade or swim in the cool waters. It’s a blast.

Getting To Sedona

Sedona is located approximately 115 miles north of Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Highway 179 west. Travel time is just under two hours. Flagstaff is about 30 miles north of Sedona. The best, and most scenic route to take from there is Highway 89A south. The route will take approximately 45 minutes. And it’s a 288-mile, nearly five hour drive from Las Vegas.

The city also has a small airport (SEZ) accommodating private aircraft and offering charter flight, scenic air tours as well as car and jeep rentals.

Photos courtesy of the City of Sedona, L’Auberge De Sedona, Tlaquepaque Village and Sedona Off Road Adventures.