Sunday favorites with Cindy and Mary Ann and this week I just got back from a quick trip to Arizona with a day trip to Sedona.
Day Trip to Sedona in May
My husband and I got engaged in Sedona 34 years ago and so on a trip to Phoenix, we decided to squeeze in a day trip to Sedona. It’s only about 2 hours and it leaves you plenty of time to see all the natural beauty, take a couple of hikes, have a picnic lunch, and see a few sites.
- Arcosanti – On our way, we saw the sign for Arcosanti. I could not quite remember what it was, but a quick Google search made us take the next exit and go back 5 miles to check out Arcosanti. We were hoping to have a snack, but the cafeteria was closed at the time we arrived, but it is open at certain times and days. We were able to walk around a bit for a self-guided tour and read a little about the project and then back on the road. It was worth a 30-minute detour! Next time we are in Phoenix, I want to visit Cosanti in Paradise Valley, AZ.
- Oak Creek Canyon – We parked at West Fork which is right past Don Hoel’s Cabin store. Pick up lunch and head to the West Fork parking lot for a picnic. There is an $11 charge, but you can park all day and explore Oak Creek. It’s so beautiful and mostly shaded, so even in the heat of summer, it feels relatively cool. You may also want to check out Slide Rock before returning to Sedona.
- Chapel of the Holy Cross – A beautiful Roman Catholic church built into the natural red rock in Sedona. Built in 1957, the main feature is a 90-foot iron cross that serves both aesthetic and structural purposes.
- Crystal Shopping and Vortex Hinting- It would be impossible not to notice all the crystal shops and information about vortexes in Sedona. There are several crystal shops all through town selling small rocks for just a few dollars to some that are quite expensive. So many options it could be overwhelming, but I overheard staff that seemed very knowledgeable and helpful. We stopped at Crystal Magic. If you only had time to stop at one shop, this seems to be the one. It was mentioned in Vogue and Goop. What is a vortex? I had no idea, but once we got to Sedona, I had to know, There are four best-known vortexes in Sedona: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Each radiating its own particular energy.
- Bell Rock – Even if you only have a little time, at least hike partway up Bell Rock. It’s a pretty easy hike and the views are stunning.
Did you get a chance to see the Hilton Carter for Target Collection?
I did not make it to a Target store, but I did manage to order a few things online from the new Hilton Carter for Target Collection. So many beautiful things for plant lovers.
A drop of Purification for fresh flowers works wonders!
We always add a few drops of Purification to the water of fresh flowers. It makes them last longer! We made this arrangement of peonies in a silver Revere bowl using sticky floral tape in a grid on top of the bowl and then just cut the stems short, removing all the leaves below the waterline to also helps the water stay fresh. You can read more about why we love essential oils in this post.
Lululemon Belt Bag
My sister ordered these for both of us. I’ll wear it as a cross-body bag. It holds just what you need safely. Your phone, ID, credit card, and a pack of Ningxia. Perfect for long city walks, travel, and bike rides.
Guacamole Keeper
I don’t love the idea of buying kitchen gadgets with just one purpose, but this might be the exception. You can read more about my organized kitchen in this post, but the Guacamole Keeper has just been added to the list.
Make sure to pop over to see what Cindy and Mary Ann found this week. Cindy had a busy week with moving and Mary Ann had her daughter visiting from LA, so I’m sure they both have some good finds!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You really know how to pack in the fun in a limited space of time! Gorgeous peonies…love the Instagram video 🙂
I thought yesterday was your birthday, but I also have it on my calendar for tomorrow?! Which is it?
LA CONTESSA says
ENJOYED THE PIZZA VIDEO!
GLAD YOU GOT AWAY WITH THE HUBBY!!
MARRIED IN 1986?
ME TOO!
annie diamond says
1987 for us!! I’m working on the video thing. You are such a natural Elizabeth on video!!
Sarah says
We spent a week in Sedona with our then teenage daughter about 20 years ago. Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock were favorite spots. At lunch one day at our hotel’s outdoor cafe, we all ordered root beer floats for dessert. “We don’t have those on the menu,” we were told. So we ordered root beers with no ice, dishes of vanilla ice cream, and made our own right there at the table. Not on the menu, indeed!
annie diamond says
What a fun memory! How would they not have root beer floats? It seems like an old-fashioned thing like that would be something you WOULD find in Oak Creek!!
kim says
Annie your photos of Sedona are gorgeous. I hope you are having fun. I am saving this post and hope I get to go someday! xo
Karen B. says
Hi Annie,
What a fun trip to AZ. I had no idea Sedona had well-known vortex locations. Interesting.
I gave up buying yoga pants that don’t include side pockets. Now I only walk in the ones that do but the lulu pack looks like a good idea too.
I wanted to let you know my Thieves spray helped remove a stain off of a chair in our living room. It’s nearly completely gone but I think it got enough of the stain that no one will notice. Thieves is truly amazing at all of the tasks I’ve thrown at it so far.
Karen
annie diamond says
Hi Karen,
I didn’t know that about Sedona until this trip!
I’m so happy the Thieves has worked! It’s really amazing! You know where you can order more!! Happy to help with that!
xo
a
Shelly says
Your pictures of Arizona are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.