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At the southern end of Oak Creek Canyon is Sedona, a city that is a growing arts colony and home to many artists and celebrities. The resort town is full of gift shops and galleries with western and Indian objects, sculptures, and paintings. Sedona's version of a shopping mall is Tlaquepaque, an Indian name meaning "the best of everything". Built in old Mexican style, the shopping complex is designed with gracious courtyards, tiled walkways, iron gates, and fountains. |
History of Sedona
For more than 11,000 years, humans have lived in the Sedona region. The first inhabitants were Indians of Asian ancestry. They hunted, gathered and cultivated in the area until Europeans and their descendants entered the area 500 years ago.
The first Europeans to discover the region in 1583 were members of a Spanish expedition in search of legendary rich Indian mines. A few expeditions may have passed through the Sedona region, but it is uncertain exactly which trails were traveled.
Sedona began as a small, remote ranching and farming settlement in 1876 when the first permanent settler, John James Thompson, squatted in Oak Creek Canyon. By 1902, 20 families lived in the settlement and a postal station was petitioned for by Theodore Schnelbly. The petition was granted and Schnelbly named the new post office in honor of his wife, Sedona.
The remote agricultural community was well-know for the quality of its fruit, especially the abundant apple orchards. But as the scenic wonders and sites of Sedona became known, tourism surpassed agriculture in economic importance.
In 1950, surrealist painter Max Ernst moved to Sedona, and other famous artists followed. Many artists have been attracted to Sedona and its rugged beauty which is said to enhance their creativity. Over the years, an artist colony has developed in Sedona and many of the artists sell their work in local galleries and shops.
It may have been more than the scenic red rocks that stimulated the creativity of artists. It is believed by many people that the region of Sedona contains a concentration of vortexes which are spots that release psychic energy or power from the Earth. The four local points which are considered to be energy vortexes are Bell Rock, Table Top Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Sedona Today
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Sedona is located at the lower end of Arizona's spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, renowned for its stunning red buttes and monoliths, as well as its surrounding lush forests. Sedona is located in both Coconino and Yavapai Counties and is completely surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. Sedona has become a center for traditional and contemporary arts and offers a variety of galleries, boutiques and specialty shops. It is an upscale retirement and tourism community, because it is the jumping off place for tours of the Red Rocks region. |
| Sedona features the easily
identifiable natural monuments of Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. The fiery
red in the rock is created by iron oxide. Native Americans consider the
Sedona area a spiritual vortex of the Southwest. Many tourists come to
these vortexes, which are supposedly places where the Earth's
electromagnetic energy is focused, and offer special energy. |
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Hotels found in the Sedona Area
If you were to visit the "red-rock country", here are some hotels that you might stay in.
| Bell Rock Inn: Come and enjoy two outdoor heated pools and two spas! Each of the spacious Bell Rock Outpost guest rooms offer the fine amenities of microwaves, refrigerators, in-room coffee makers, irons and boards. The historic Bunkhouse guest rooms feature original cedar walls and movie art in a historic building that housed western moviemakers in the 1940's. The Sedona Studio Suites include fireplaces, VCRs and hairdryers. |
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Los Abrigados Resort & Spa: The Sedona Spa offers tempting pleasures like facials, manicures, a hair salon and eucalyptus steam room. Along with invigorating choices like aerobics, Body Masters fitness equipment, yoga and aqua exercises. Along with a separate living area, bedroom and balcony, many suites offer a fireplace and patio spa. |
| Radisson Poco Diablo Resort: Nestled on the banks of famed Oak Creek, the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort is situated on 22 acres of lush landscaping, tranquil ponds, cool streams, green willows and pines. The resort is set against a backdrop of stunning red rock views in the scenic "red rock country" of Sedona, Arizona where there is always something to see and do. |
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Best Western Inn of Sedona: Surrounded
by unbelievable views of Sedona's world-renown Red Rock Country, this
hotel features many shops, galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy breathtaking
views from the outdoor pool and spa.
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| Quality Inn Rings Ransom: Situated on over 5 acres of the beautiful city of Sedona, the Quality Inn King's Ransom features 101 newly-decorated guestrooms, featuring color cable television and either a private patio or balcony overlooking our sparkling heated swimming pool and spa. |
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Interesting things to do while in Sedona
Sacred Mesa is a special land of sacred energies, a gift of the earth. It resonates with ancient echoes of prayer in its limestone outcroppings and old junipers. As a heart stone at the center of the surrounding red canyon walls and lush, rolling mountains of Sedona, it stands as a sentinel, ready to gift us with its breath of life. Come visit the spectacular views of Sacred Mesa today.
You've seen it from the ground, now experience the wonders of Sedona's Verde Valley and the last wild river in Arizona while gliding over some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer. Why not take a balloon ride with Northern Lights/Sedona Balloons? Pilot David is a minister, nurse and has over 10,000 hours of flight time in balloons, helicopter, airplanes & gliders.
Gold King Mine & Ghost Town: Located in Jerome, Sedona, this is an interesting ghost town to visit. Complete with a gift shop and restaurants galore, you'll learn a lot about the history of Jerome while having a great time!
Sedona SuperVue Theater: Experience the ultimate giant-screen adventure of Sedona! An original motion picture, brings you the magnificent beauty, romance, history, hidden treasures and excitement of Sedona on a four-story high screen enhanced by digital surround sound.
