The most direct route from Flagstaff to Sedona is via historic Route 89A, which travels from the high elevation of 7000 feet – and the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world – down through a series of twisting-turns. It gently continues through Oak Creek Canyon, which is a National Scenic Byway in Coconino National Forest. Oak Creek Canyon boasts red rock and sandstone canyon walls, lush forests, campgrounds, picnic areas by the creek, restaurants, and shops. This beautiful historic drive is best taken early in the morning or on the weekday to avoid traffic.

Sedona is an Arizona desert town surrounded by red-rock "buttes," steep canyon walls, and pine forests. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant artist community. Uptown Sedona is filled with New Age shops, spas, and art galleries. On the outskirts of town there are numerous trails that access Red Rock State Park --- a hikers paradise!

Downtown Sedona

CATHEDRAL ROCK

Castle Rock

"The Village of Oak Creek is a laid-back residential community surrounded by striking red rock formations like Castle Rock on your left. It may not be as recognizable as Bell Rock, but it's actually a higher elevation and has FAR fewer tourists!"

Bell Rock

Courthouse Butte

"Courthouse Butte is south of Sedona, just north of the Village of Oak Creek, and only 5 miles away from Bell Rock." Bill explained.

"In fact, it rises 1,000 feet out of the ground and is one of the most prominent features in the area."

Chapel of the Holy cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright student, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, and built in 1956. It rises 200 feet from the ground between two large red rock formations and its most distinctive feature is the 90-foot cross which can be seen from State Route 179.

The massive stained glass window turns the chapel's interior into a kaleidoscope of color at certain times of the day. While it is a Roman Catholic church, no services are held here, but it provides an ideal setting for spiritual reflection as well as incredible views of the Red Rocks.

Seven Canyons Golf course

"In 1956, a man named Jack Snyder bought a 200-acre parcel of land, in what was at the time, a vast wilderness. He had the bright idea of building a master-planned real estate development, centered around a golf course."

"Fast forward fifty years and a few changes of ownership later, and the Seven Canyons 18-hole championship golf course is considered one of America's best golf courses."

Pointing down out the window at the bustling town below us, Bill said, "This is Uptown Sedona. It's full of art galleries, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and there's even a great museum down there too."

"The first inhabitants were Indians of Asian ancestry. Then, in 1583, members of a Spanish expedition --- in search of legendary rich Indian mines --- discovered it. But it wasn't until 1862, when John James Thompson settled on a piece of property in Oak Creek Canyon, that the area began to develop into a small remote farming settlement."

"By 1902, there were twenty families living in the settlement. Theodore Schnelbly petitioned for a postal station to be located there and when his petition was granted, he named the new post office in honor of his wife, Sedona."

As we got closer to the rock formations ahead of us, Bill pointed at the butte on the far right. "See the rock formation on the end? What does it look like to you?"

Capitol Butte

From Coffee Pot Rock, Bill took us along the ridge of red rocks until we got to an enormous dome-shaped rock formation.

"At an elevation of 6,355 feet, Capitol Butte is one of the highest summits in Sedona. It also makes a pretty impressive backdrop for the ever-growing Sedona artist community!"

"On the word of a dying Indian, the three Emerson brothers come to Thunder Mountain in the Sawtooth Range and discover more gold than they ever dreamed possible. But instead of finding peace and prosperity, Jake, Kalispel, and Sam Emerson find more treachery than any normal men could hope to survive."

Art Galleries

Originally conceived as an artist community, Tlaquepaque is a perfect setting to watch gifted Sedona artisans absorbed in their work or a well-known sculptor working on his or her latest piece right in one of the Tlaquepaque galleries.

Among Tlaquepaque's exceptional art galleries, there are spectacular, one-of-a kind art pieces in every style from classic Southwestern fine art to contemporary, abstract, Native American and even spiritually inspired artwork. There is truly something for everyone.

Mountain Trails Gallery continues in the footsteps of founder Ken Payne (1938-2012), a life-long student of American history who shared his passion for the stories of pioneers, cowboys, and native peoples of the Southwest and the Great Plains. The gallery continues his legacy by offering both contemporary and traditional styles in a variety of subject matter such as wildlife, still-life, and landscapes featuring the Red Rocks of Sedona and our beloved Grand Canyon.

Mountain Trails Gallery currently showcases more than 50 award-winning painters and sculptors who also have a passion for the West. Many of the gallery’s artists can be seen painting and sculpting in the gallery on the 1st Friday of the month from 5 – 8 pm.

When Ken and Monica Rowe opened the doors of Rowe Fine Art Gallery in March 2010, they had a strong vision of the gallery’s theme and focus. After sculpting wildlife for 32 years, Ken is an expert at making sure each artist he represents brings something unique to the gallery. The Rowe Gallery quickly outgrew its original upstairs spot and relocated to its current suite under Tlaquepaque’s iconic bell tower in 2011. Rowe Fine Art Gallery represents traditional and contemporary southwestern sculptors, painters, and jewelers. Art lovers will also find handcrafted knives.

There's more than just paintings, sculpture, and jewelry at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. There is also a gallery featuring collectible, "Wearable Art and Quilts" by Arizona Artists. For over 25 years they have exhibited the finest investment-quality Quilts. Fabric Wall Art, Décor, and a continuous collection of timeless Wearable Art by Arizona's finest Fiber Artists.

Established in 1790, Azadi Fine Rugs is owned by one of the oldest rug weaving families in the world. For over six generations the business has evolved from producing wool, to weaving, to exporting to the USA, and finally, to high-end retailing. AZADI has galleries in Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona, Telluride, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Since it’s beginning, Kuivato has been representing some of the most prominent glass artists in the country. Kuivato was among the first three shops to open in Tlaquepaque, and was started in Sedona by Will Hardwick and Deanne Sabeck in 1973, then bought by Pilisa Rainbow Lady in May of 2018.

Kuivato exhibits an exceptional collection of blown, torched, fused, and stained glass and will continue to feature different artists in an exhibition the first Friday of each month.

THE TLAQUEPAQUE CHAPEL

Abe Miller was inspired by the private chapels adjoining the haciendas of Old Mexico --- where a visiting friar or priest would come and perform services --- and based his design of the Tlaquepaque Chapel on them.

The entrance of this private non-denominational chapel is impressive with its wrought iron gates leading to giant antique doors set beneath a carved Spanish-style archway.

The 11 by 12 foot oil painting at the altar of the Tlaquepaque Chapel was commissioned by builder Abe Miller from local Arizona artist Eileen Conn. The painting features the portraits of St. Augustine, Pope Pius X, Bonaventure, Samuel, Peter and John the Baptist. The gold frame surrounding the oil painting was painted by Abe Miller and his wife. The verse at the bottom of the mural reads “I am the light of the world. He that followith me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life”. Jesus releasing the dove of peace is at the top of the painting.

fountains

In Old Mexico, fountains were located in the central village square, serving as a place to gather water, meet friends, and catch up on the latest news.

During the fall, the fountains are transformed into spectacular seasonal displays with gourds, vines, roots, squashes, and of course pumpkins,

During the holidays the fountains are trimmed with decorations like holly, ornaments, and Christmas lights.

Shops

Under the same ownership since 1974, Esteban’s stocks decorative and functional pottery from over 50 different local artists. Find handmade ceramic bowls, oven, microwave and dishwasher safe baking dishes, unique handcrafted serving pieces, vases and cups in an array of colorful designs. Wind bells and wall art complete the inventory.

Environmental Realists represents work of over 120 artisans and displays their handcrafted products in fun and unusual ways in antique display cases. Old tools and artifacts enhance the décor to give the shop its warm and quirky ambience. The focus of the store over the years has been to provide affordable handcrafted jewelry, wood, leather, and copper gifts and home goods items.

ALT Books and Records sells used, rare & out-of-print books as well as vintage vinyl records.

Until now, the needs of our local furry friends have been underserved. Bowwow Sedona, the premier pet boutique at Tlaquepaque North, provides quality clothing, toys, treats, hiking gear, and accessories for four-legged family members. Kathy Louderback, the owner of The Artist's Kitchen Shop, created Bowwow with a vision of offering only the best items for your pet. With brand names like Hurtta, Hip Doggie, Chilly Dog, and Pendleton, you are bound to find just what you've been looking for—for the most finicky of felines too.

Cucina Sedona is a unique & charming shop established in beautiful Tlaquepaque in 2005. They specialize in functional & artistic Southwest kitchenware and tabletop items such as ceramics, glassware, linens, serve-ware, specialty utensils, cookbooks & more! They have inspired gadgets, gifts & tools.

The owners of Cucina Sedona are passionate about their unique selection of bold and colorful glassware & linens for the table, handcrafted Southwest ceramics, Arizona coffees & bread mixes, cookbooks, and tabletop & kitchen wood & metal serve-ware. That passion is contagious and inspires their customers to embellish their kitchen and table with Southwest-inspired handmade goods.

At Natural Wonders you will see spectacular artifacts that have been unearthed from around the world, including Ancient Fossils, Exotic Butterflies, Precious Gems & Minerals. The oldest object in the store is a newly discovered 23 mineral Amethyst that dates back 1.2 billion years. Museum-quality crystals beautifully handcrafted jewelry and wall art pieces are all part of the discovery experience within this brightly lit shop.

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Sculptures

There are so many incredible works of art to discover at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village