While the traditional image of Thanksgiving dinner usually involves a family gathering and a home-cooked meal, every November there are travelers in cities like Sedona who find themselves far from the comfort of their grandmother’s kitchen. Whether on the road to conduct business, vacation, or in the midst of a more permanent move, many people passing through town during the Thanksgiving holiday are simply unable to celebrate with a turkey in their own oven. Thankfully, Sedona’s thriving … [Read more...] about Visitors Welcome for Sedona Thanksgiving
Tourism Steady Despite Cardinals Flight
With the chill of autumn in the air and winter on its way, Flagstaff business owners, hoteliers, and restaurateurs are now able to reflect on the recently concluded summer tourism season. Although the skiing and snowboarding seasons that are yet to come traditionally provide Flagstaff with the vast majority of its tourist-based economic activity, visitation to the area during the summer months provides the city with a much-needed cushion in the event of snowfall declines. A review of data … [Read more...] about Tourism Steady Despite Cardinals Flight
Sedona Pursuing Dark Skies Status
Sedona may well be on its star-lit path of becoming the newest Dark Sky City. With a 5-2 vote on Sept. 9, the Sedona City Council approved a resolution by Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) to apply for dark sky status with the International Dark-Skies Association. Sedona would become just the fifth community to receive such a designation, which according to the IDA’s website, “was conceived in 2001 to recognize communities that had taken extraordinary steps in preserving the natural night.” If … [Read more...] about Sedona Pursuing Dark Skies Status
Fiesta Features Tlaquepaque’s Mexican Charm
One of Northern Arizona’s grand traditions is set to celebrate a milestone anniversary Saturday, Sep. 14, when the 40th annual Fiesta del Tlaquepaque recreates the sights and sounds of Mexico in Sedona. A world-renowned arts and crafts village nestled beneath massive sycamores along Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque is one of Sedona’s landmark destinations. By enabling locals and visitors alike to enjoy the serenity of strolling through an authentic open-air market, all while soaking in the surrounding … [Read more...] about Fiesta Features Tlaquepaque’s Mexican Charm
Sedona Joins Rental Inspection Debate
In an effort to make sure renters have clean, well-maintained and structurally sound homes, the Sedona City Council is meeting at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 11 to consider whether a residential rental maintenance inspection program is needed. But some in the rental business say programs like this are not necessary, not well-implemented and cost too much money. “Staff will present information to the City Council to seek its thoughts and ideas on the issue,” said City of Sedona Community … [Read more...] about Sedona Joins Rental Inspection Debate
Pink Jeeps and Papillon Collaborating for Adventure
Two of the region’s long-time touring companies, Pink Jeep Tours and The Papillon Group, are launching a new venture. Marrying the concept of off-road adventure tours popularized by Pink Jeep Tours with the exhilarating experience of soaring through the skies on The Papillon Group’s helicopters and airplanes, this partnership is designed to carve a new niche within the region’s tourism market. Pink Jeeps have been carrying visitors over Sedona’s red rocks for 52 years, while Papillon has been … [Read more...] about Pink Jeeps and Papillon Collaborating for Adventure
Sedona Named in Fodor’s 10 Best Towns
The prestigious travel publication Fodor’s recently named Sedona to its exclusive 10 Best Small Towns in America list, which highlighted premier travel destinations that can be found off the beaten path. As the largest publisher of English language travel guides in the world, a recommendation of this stature from Fodor’s is sure to stimulate Sedona’s tourism-based economy in time for the summer season. Along with hidden gems like Brattleboro, Vt., and Traverse City, Mich., the veteran travel … [Read more...] about Sedona Named in Fodor’s 10 Best Towns
Sedona Artists Open Doors to Creativity
Painters, sculptors, photographers, glaziers, jewelers and a whole host of professional craftspeople have made Sedona a haven for creative expression. With dozens of fine art galleries standing as testaments to Sedona’s flourishing community of artists, their sculptures and statues signal to visitors that they have entered a place of wonder and inspiration. Among the many local organizations to actively embrace the arts is the Sedona Visual Arts Coalition (SVAC), which was founded in 1996 by … [Read more...] about Sedona Artists Open Doors to Creativity
St. Patrick’s Day Tradition Continuing in Sedona
Today's weather cooperated for the continuation of a Sedona Tradition: the annual explosion of leprechauns, shamrocks and four leaf clovers at the 43rd Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. The Sedona Chamber of Commerce expects thousands of residents and visitors will be turning out, celebrating all things Irish, cheering on floats and marching bands, and shopping as the parade returns to its historical route along Jordan Road in Uptown. “Many locals make a day of it, … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Tradition Continuing in Sedona
Unlicensed Contractors Undermining System
Whenever a prolonged economic slump occurs, the average American searches for savvy ways to save a few dollars, maybe clipping coupons before grocery shopping or walking instead of driving to work. During a recession, padding the pocketbook with shortcuts like these is an exercise in prudent financial pragmatism, but there are instances when the cheaper option actually proves to be more costly. Responding to the credit crunch that has crippled the construction industry in many areas of the … [Read more...] about Unlicensed Contractors Undermining System