During my cousin Kola’s visit to Arizona, we took a quick day trip to Sedona. I chose Sedona because it’s considered to be a beautiful and mystical place due to its scenery. Also, I figured she would enjoy taking photos of the various views of the red rocks and soaking up the local flavor.
Our Adventure Begins
We arrived in Sedona during the early part of the afternoon after a two hour drive. As I drove us down the main strip leading into the center of Sedona, Kola started taking pictures of the breathtaking red rock formations coming into view.
The Sedona McDonald’s
In an effort to keep our day laid back and stress free, I only loosely planned a few activities for our day in Sedona. For our first stop, we visited the one and only McDonald’s in the U.S. that doesn’t have the golden arches. In fact, the signature arches are a teal color because the locals would only allow them to build the location if it blended into the Sedona environment. I thought this would be a nice first stop on our trip for my cousin to see.
Aura Readings
After our photo op at Micky D’s, we travelled back to the main strip in order have our auras read. I couldn’t resist doing this activity because Sedona is known for having lots of soothsayers and psychics in the area. It is suppose to be a mystical place with strong lay lines. It was an amusing and enlightening experience.
Collectibles Shop
Once our readings were complete, we visited Son Silver West which was situated next door. This establishment was a large collectibles emporium filled with an assortment of odds and ends for the home as well as souvenirs (old signs, art, pottery, etc…). It was a great place to roam because there was a plethora to see at every turn. It was definitely a feast for the eyes.
Early Dinner
By the time we finished roaming through the store, we were ready to eat. We had asked the cashier at the aura shop to give us a few restaurant suggestions and she didn’t disappoint. Out of several options, we decided to visit Javelina Cantina since it was close to our location.
The restaurant was neatly tucked inside a hillside shopping area with views of the the red rock formations. The inside of the restaurant was decorated with Mexican décor and the atmosphere was easy going. The host was able to seat us immediately because we arrived early enough to beat the dinner crowd.
The menu had a variety of items to choose from. We ordered appetizers, a main course, and desserts. With the exception of the Mexican street corn, which was a little bland, we enjoyed every morsel.
Final Thoughts
Sedona is a must see for anyone visiting Arizona. The lovely views alone are worth the drive. It’s definitely a place for tourists that enjoy visiting places that are not the norm.
Here are a few tips if you decide to visit Sedona.
Tips
- Visit the Sedona Website. It will offer a multitude of ideas for your visit.
- Plan Ahead. There are a lot of activities to do in Sedona. It’s best to create a list so you will have an idea of where you are going and how to get there.
- Check the weather. Sedona is located two hours north of the Phoenix area. Therefore, it experiences seasons unlike the southern part of the state. So, don’t expect it to be warm during the fall, winter, or early spring. Dress appropriately for the season.
- Take Pictures. The views of the red rock formations are stunning and unique. Therefore, you will want to take plenty of pictures for your photo album or scrapbook.
