The Sedona Arts Center is located in Uptown Sedona. It is a haven for artists, future artists and art-lovers alike. Here you can attend one of the annual festivals, take classes, attend art retreats and much more.
The art center is the only school of the arts in Sedona. It is a not-for-profit institution that locals and visitors can come and enjoy the work from local as well as international artists or become one of those artists!
Since 1958, it has become a popular destination in Sedona and hosts over 60,000 visitors each year! Many internationally known artists have found their roots at the Sedona Arts Center.
Some come on! Let the Sedona Arts Center open the door to the artist in you!
Located uptown Sedona at 15 Art Barn Rd. Their phone # is 928-282-3809 and you can email them at: sac@sedonaartscenter.com
Looking for something to do in the evening while in Sedona? If fine dining, a great wine selection of wine and relaxing live entertainment, then you might want to plan a night at Rene's in Tlaquepaque.
Vibhas Kendzia plays Native American Flutes and East Indian Bamboo Flutes every Friday & Saturday from 6 to 9pm at "Rene" in Tlaquepaque, Sedona Arizona.
As you drive through Sedona, if you are like me, you can't help but wonder who are the people who live in this beautiful area. What stories could they share?
I wish someone would write a book and open the door to the plethora of stories that Sedona rocks could share.
One of the recent celebrities to share her story is Janet Fontaine. During the 50's and the 60's she worked for Joseph Kennedy and then went on to work for President Kennedy.
In 1983 Mrs. Fontaine moved to Sedona after traveling the world.She said in the interview that she loved to read books so now she volunteers at the Sedona Public Library.
If you would like to read about this woman's exciting life, you can read the full article by clicking on the above title.
While in Sedona you will probably want to take in some of it's natural beauty. Just keep in mind that when you are hiking, you are in areas that most likely are the home to many snakes. You probably won't see any but just in case, here is some info that will hopefully keep you safe.
The best thing you can do is learn to identify the snakes so if you do see one, you will know it's behavior. Just remember that they are very shy and never attack for no reason. If they hear you coming they will slither away. They love the heat so avoid putting your foot or hand on a rock without scanning it first. They are very good for the environment and keep the rodent population under control. Don't be afraid of them because they are very afraid of you.
I've been hiking thousands of times and STILL have a problem spotting a coiled up snake! While they're easy to spot when they're moving, trying to spot one that is lying in wait is very tricky, especially if you're walking briskly or running!
Just remember that snakes blend into their environment perfectly, especially in wooded areas, making them VERY hard to spot when they're sitting still. If you're running or hiking a trail and are expecting to be able to spot rattlesnakes, you've got another thing coming.
Rules to help keep you safe:
1) If you hear a rattle/noise stop immediately identify where the rattle/noise is coming from.
2) Take 2 big steps back from the snake.
3) Find another way around.
4) NEVER attempt to tease or play with the snake. This is the #1 reason people get bit.
There are 3 main snake populations in Sedona. The Rattler, the Gopher and the King Snake. There are others but these are the main Sedona resident snakes.
Gopher Snake
Gopher snakes are constrictor snakes and are non venomous. They help keep Sedona's rodents under control. A large, cream-colored to yellowish brown snake with dark brown, black, or reddish brown blotches along top and sides of body. Head has a dark line crossing the eyes. Because of their behavior when cornered, they are sometimes mistaken for Rattlers.
If you want to listen to the hiss of a gopher snake, go to this site and look on the left hand side an you will see the link to listen to the audio of the hiss.
This snake is sometimes confused with the Sonoran Coral Snake which is a venomous snake and the Arizona King snake is not. Here is a rhyme that can help you identify these two snakes.
Red touches yellow, kill a fellow. (coral snake) Red touches black, venom lack. (anything else w/ same colors)
Here's another one: Red touches yellow, dangerous fellow. Red touches black, friend to Jack.
The good thing about King Snakes is that they love to snack on Rattlers. So just think of them it as a way of control the rattlesnake population in Sedona.
They can be found in mountainous habitat between 2800 and 8800 feet above sea level, especially in brushy areas or conifer forest with nearby water. A mixture of rocks, tree trunks, and undergrowth provides concealment.
They are a subspecies of the Sonora Mountain King Snake. Has bands of red, white, and black. Head is wide and flat. Closely resembles, and is often mistaken for the poisonous coral snake.
The King Snake is a constrictor. Seizes its prey, encircles it in its body coils until the prey suffocates, then swallows the prey whole.
They are often killed because they mimic the venomous coral snake.
King snakes provide a valuable service to humans by consuming large amounts of rodents that could be spoiling stored food, fouling buildings with feces and urine and spreading diseases to humans such as hantavirus.
Rattle Snakes usually come out in the early AM or late afternoon to warm up by sunbathing on the warm rocks. During the heat of summer they hide under cool brush or fallen trees and such outta sight.
First off, Rattler snakes don't chase people. Many people see a snake heading towards them and immediately think they're "chasing" them. Snakes are passive, and definitely defensive, but not aggressive (at least not in the states). What's nice about snakes is that they'll let you know they're there with a rattle or two. If you continue to pester them they'll assume their coiled strike pose. That is your last warning that they don't want to be messed with. If people continue to fuss with the snake they will get bit. Not many animals on earth give you a warning that they're about to attack, which is what makes snakes rather forgiving if you ask me.
As for a Rattle snake bite, make sure you get to the hospital IMMEDIATELY, neurotoxin act fast. Especially on those with weaker immune systems and low body weight.
No need to spend the money to take an expensive tour in Sedona. Now you can enjoy a tour from the comfort of your own car! For only $25 for the day, you can rent this GPS tour from the Chamber of Commerce. What a great way to experience Sedona!
I love this man's work. Not your typical Cowboy paintings. Take a look at his work and I am sure you will be impressed.
While in Sedona you will be surrounded by beauty. No wonder there are so many artist in one area. Over 200 world renowned artists call Sedona home.
It's hard to imagine that in this little town over 40 galleries showcase the works of these artists. Everything from jewelry, to photos, sculptures, paintings, clay, metal are just some of the mediums that you can find.
The artists in Sedona are creatively inspired the colors offered in Sedona. The azure blue skies against the crimson rocks and the green pine trees are an inspiration surely to get the creativity flowing. Sedona with its ever-changing colors mesmerize artists the local artists. It’s the uniqueness of Sedona nature that is the heart of where the spendor gives birth to pieces that are simply breath taking. Sedona first was captured by Max Ernst, a surrealist painter and sculptor in the 50's. Now creativity is overflowing from every gallery that you step into.
So while you are in Sedona, don't miss out on your chance to take a piece of Sedona home with you.
Visions Gallery
Bill Worrell Artist Profile Exposures Gallery Sedona, Arizona
David DeVary Artist Goldenstein Gallery Sedona, Arizona
Senator/Presidential Candidate McCain flew into Sedona's airport on Friday February 29 for a much needed break. Why Sedona? Well because he owns a ranch in the area.
The Senator McCain was greeted by his wife, Cindy, who had driven in from their ranch to meet John.
He was also greeted by Mac McCall who is the airport manager, and Sedona Airport Authority President Russ Demaray, and his friend, Pam Fazzini.
He was relaxed and his laid back style showed as he climbed into the drivers seat of his SUV and drove his wife and himself back to their ranch. He was hosting a big cook out for reporters and various members of the press.
His ranch, he and his wife Cindy have owned it for over 25 years and it is valued at 1.1 million dollars. It was featured recently in the Home and Garden Magazine. The McCain's have enjoyed countless weekends, family gatherings and relaxing get-aways from their busy life in Washington D. C. and Phoenix.
So where is his ranch? I have searched for any pictues on the Internet and more specifics on the location and came up pretty empty handed. I can tell you however, I am willing to bet if you get to Page Springs, the people there will know where he lives.
What I do know is that the 6.6 acre ranch is located about 13 miles west of Sedona. It is in a small town called Page Arizona. It is the best-kept secret in the Verde Valley.The town is bordered by 2000 acres of National Forest and is located between Sedona and Cottonwood, on the banks of Oak Creek it is located at 3,400 feet in a quaint setting of giant oak trees, sycamores, old cottonwood trees and artesian streams.The Oak Creek has created a migratory corridor for more than 500 species of birds traveling from Canada to South America – a bird watcher’s paradise.
Page Springs was established by James Page, great grandfather of the current Page family still that still lives there. Some historians describe the area as “the way Sedona used to be in the early days”.
The area has many points of interest, parks and monuments to offer travelers full days of activities and fun. Page boasts several wineries.Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery, Oak Springs Winery, Page Springs and Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery.
In Page Springs the fly fishing is great in the Oak Creek. They have a hatchery located there and the hatchery is dedicated to raising endangered species of fresh water fish before they become extinct. Also, nearly 120 of the species of birds actually reside within the vicinity of the Hatchery itself.
Are you interested in getting in a little fly fishing while you are in Sedona? Well, this is the perfect spot to do that. Click Here To Lees Ferry Fly Fishing
Page Springs Restaurant is located at the entrance of Page Springs and provides a menu based largely on ribs, sandwiches and steaks. The average entree to cost $12 to $20 and it is a "cash only" restaurant. They are open for lunch and dinner and dress is casual. John McCain and his family stop by whenever they are in town.
1975 North Page Springs Road Cornville, Arizona 86325-6103
Also, if you are a fan of Bed & Breakfast's, then you are in luck. Page Springs B&B sits nestled in the rolling hills of Page. Click Here for Page Springs B&B Info
Sedona is such a beautiful place to visit and in order to assist reach everyone in the gay and lesbian community traveling to Sedona, we wanted to collect some information that might assist you in planning your dream vacation. Whether it is camping or staying in a B&B, you will find Sedona not only beautiful, but also very welcoming to all.
Thanks to Trip Advisor I found a couple posts that might help you determine the tone of Sedona.
"I lived in Sedona for 8 years and yes, it will be just fine for your visit. There is a gay or rainbow business/service directory that specifically say they are gay friendly. Not sure how you can get one. But Sedona, being a pretty metaphysical, spiritual kinda town, is not the Republican Phoenix. I think you will find there are no turned heads or anything. On the other hand - and I remember wanting to go to a gay bar with my hairdresser - there are no gay only types of bars or hotels. I never saw two men dance but they were always with us, dancing with the girls. I guess it is not San Francisco or even California, but it is not a small minded religious right town. Hope this is helpful. I do hope you have a great time. Be sure to go to Jerome the artist community on the hill, and take a pink jeep ride and dance to Sammy D. if he is playing anywhere."
And here is another...
"I just went. I am not gay, but consider myself "gay Friendly." Sedona is really laid back and relaxed, and I would be surprised if your sexuality was a strong subject of interest. Most of what we did in Sedona was very solitary (hikes and drives, etc). I don't know that there would be much swinging nightlife --gay or otherwise. So, I suppose if you are going to Sedona for the hiking, nature, etc, your sexuality will not be a factor."
Here are a collection of sites that are LGBT specific that I hope will assist you in planning your vacation. For info on dining, spa's, tours, etc. Please refer to the archives! And as always, Enjoy Sedona!
Close your eyes and imagine sitting under a starry Sedona night sky and listening to the howls of a Coyote. It's call to the wild seems to be able to take you back in time.
The image of a wild Coyote is synonymous with the west. Yet they are not just exclusive to the west any longer. It used to be exclusive to the west but now they can be found all over Northern American including as far south as Mexico and Panama. Coyotes have even been spotted in New York City’s Central Park!
They are a member of the dog family and they are just about the size of a small Siberian Husky. It's tail is bushy like a fox and is carried straight out below the level of it's back.
The coyote, like a Husky has 2 coats. One coat has guard hairs to protect him from the weather and a thick, soft undercoat for insulation.
Coyotes are extremely adaptable and will change it's breeding, hunting, eating and social habits to survive. This has allowed them to flourish while the Grey wolf is almost eradicated.
Coyotes are the most vocal of all of the North American mammals. They will use a wide variety of sounds to communicate with one another. Howls, yelps, and high-pitched cries are best known, but they also bark, growl, wail, and squeal. If there are just two coyotes howling in at the same time it can create the illusion of a dozen or more performing in concert. Usually, the coyotes are most often heard around dawn and dusk.
Some people say the sounds is eerie, but to others it is a rare and almost spiritual thing to witness.
Coyotes are omnivores. Like humans, that means they eat both meat and plants. They will eat mice or other rodents, fruit, seeds, berries, or grasshoppers when available.
They are amongst the fasts animals in North America and can run as fast as 45 mph for hours without tiring.
Coyote pairs are monogamous and devoted to each other. They will live as a couple that lasts a lifetime. Most coyote packs are family units consisting of a mated pair (alpha pair) and its current offspring and possibly a few of last year’s offspring (beta coyotes). Usually, the alpha pair are the only breeders with the betas helping to raise pups, gather food and defend their home territory. Only rarely are beta pairs allowed to mate.
The coyote comes from the Aztec word "coyotl", which can be translated into the "trickster." In Native American stories coyotes are clever and tricky. This reputation is based on fact. Coyotes may scan the sky for ravens flying in circles. Coyotes know that the birds often hover over a dead animal, so finding the birds frequently leads to finding a free meal.
Coyotes have even been known to hunt with the badger; with the coyote scenting out burrowing rodents and the badger digging them out, and then both animals will share the feast.
Go to any resort town and you will see salesmen hanging out of doorways offering you a map, asking if you want discounts on tours, where are you from,etc. Beware my friend. They are not just friendly people, they are going to lure you in and get you to agree to a "short 90 minute presentation" in exchange for discounts, dinners,etc.
I can tell you I have attended many "short presentations" and they are never 90 minutes. Most of the time they come and pick you up with a bus and drive you to their location. Serve you some water or coffee and have you sit in a holding room until the presentation begins. Then you will be taken in a room (usually) for a video to show you how wonderful the resort is and how you really need this. After you will be escorted out and you will meet your assigned sales man/woman.
He will go over all the reasons why you and your family can't live without this. Then if you say no, off he goes and will come back with the big dog boss who will offer you a better deal, more perks,etc. Naturally this "great offer" is only for today and "no" you can't go home and think about it. You have to decide NOW. That in itself should be a good enough reason why you need to just collect your free dinner certificate and head out the door.
There are many, many other places you can buy discounted timeshares from. Ebay has many, many reputable dealers that you can buy them at about 1-10% of the price. I know the one we were suckered into at Los Abrigados I could have bought a week every year instead of every other year for under $1,000 and we paid over 10K for a studio, every other year! On Ebay we could get a 1 bedroom, every year for under $1,000.
The other place is from Licensed Timeshare Resale Companies. You can pick them up there for 50-80% off the original price. We sold a Princeville, Kauai (Hawaii) 5 star resort that we had paid $25,000 for (every other year) for $10,000 and we were thrilled to get rid of it for that much.
Also, never buy a timeshare from anyone that deals with points (RCI) You will buy a set amount of points and they will promise you the world and as soon as YOU own it, you will discover that you need to buy more and more points. They keep raising the amount of points you need. So my personal opinion is stay away from points (RCI) and look for one that deals with Interval International.
Los Abrigados uses Interval International which is the better company to deal with. Now Los Abrigados tells you they give you "passport weeks" with your unit each year as a special bonus. Which is supposedly a discounted rate at world class reports. Let me tell you, the minute we got back from our Sedona vacation we called to book a few passport weeks. Now mind you this was off season.
Nothing was available, and they were trying to get us to change the dates, change the destination and the places they had available in other areas they were pushing on us were 2 star at best. It's just another"perk" that they make you think you are getting and they are not a deal and not world class. When we finally were able to talk to the girl (after numerous attempts) and said OK to a different time then we wanted, and a different location the prices we were quoted were higher than what I could have gotten it on my own.
Plus with Los Abrigados, once you sign on that dotted line. They are horrible about returning calls, or you call and they are at lunch, out of the office,etc. There is one person is in change of the "passport weeks" and she must just spend a lot of time out of the office. It took us days to get in touch with her.
I would never suggest buying a timeshare directly from them. BUT you can pick up a Los Abrigados timeshare, annual and floating weeks, for under $1,000 on eBay or probably for a couple thousand from a Timeshare Resale company.
What does annual/floating mean? Well, you can buy a floating week or a fixed week. Floating means you can use it anytime of the year based on availability. Fixed means you can only use it for that particular week. If you can't use it, you either lose it or need to deposit it with Interval International and they will find someone to use it. In exchange for your deposited week, you will be able to select another resort to use. But that will cost you an additional fee of around $140.
Now your salesman will tell you that you can go anywhere in the world, well I am here to tell you it is not that easy. Year after year I would try to book somewhere else and get nothing. Remember someone has to deposit a week for you to be able to you one. I would be depositing a Hawaii week and asking for a Florida week and couldn't get anything. The only thing they had was Orlando. Well I didn't want to go to Orlando!
It works like this, if you want to go stay at Silver Springs Resort in Texas, someone who owns a weeks at that resort has to deposit a week so that you can get it. Or say you want to go to Hawaii? An owner of that resort needs to deposit that exact week and you have to just be lucky and on the phone with an agent and then you would get it. Chances? Well, let's just say this, if you had a Timeshare in Hawaii, wouldn't you want to be going to it yourself?
We used to own one in Hawaii and our maintenance fees were $750 a year for a one bedroom, every other year. We paid $25,000 for it and after the fees kept going up and up we decided to sell and it took us 2 years and we jumped at the chance to dump it for $10,000. So that should tell you how cheap you can get them for.
Now we have one at Los Abrigados because we travel to Sedona frequently and they have a great gym/pool/spa so while the rooms are about a 3 star, the gym is worth it.
How did we sell it? Well first we were scammed again. We owned that the Hanalei Bay Resort in Kauai. They asked us to go to another presentation for $150 gift certificate. So we went. The catch was they were trying to get us to upgrade from a 1bedroom to a 2 bedroom. Naturally we weren't interested. We told the sales man how unhappy we were with Time Shares and he told us he could help us sell it. A " friend" of his sold them and for only $350 they would advertise it and sell it. Once we sold, we would pay them an additional commission. We were so anxious to get out of it that we paid the $350 and never heard from them again.
We finally sold it by contacting a timeshare resale company in the area and they sold it for us. But like I said we $25,000 for it and were happy to get $10,000 back. But this is probably your best option to sell one if you have one to sell.
You can look on ebay and see what they are going for there, but they go so cheap that you won't even get a portion of what you paid. A legitimate timeshare resale place is best but don't be taken again like we were. You do NOT pay anything up front.
Well, with all that said, you probably know by now it is best to rent someone else's timeshare and steer clear from all the snake oil sales men.
If you are still brave enough and know you can say " NO" there you might want to check out this Wyndham deal. Here is a great package for a cheap vacation! Wyndham Resorts is offering to you if you attend their presentation a weekend for $89 and more gifts. I would ask them before you book it if there are any additional fees if you do not buy. Once again, check eBay or the Timeshare Resale Companies first!
This video is about a couple who was trying to sell their timeshare and ended up giving it to a company that will then take over the obligations of that property. I'm showing you this because this should tell you that owning a timeshare is not what the sales people want you to believe. AND most importantly, if you insist on owning one, buy from either a reputable dealer on eBay first or at least a licensed Timeshare Resale company. You will save from 50-80% and have the same benefits.
* Note: There are other articles I have written on Timeshares in the archives. Please read them because they have more information about places to go to rent them instead of buying, and places to buy them cheaper.
I've posted information about this before but I recently found more pictures of the house as it was being built so I thought I would post them.
Anyone who has gone to Sedona, Chapel of the Holy Cross has seen "the house". You can't take a picture of the view at the chapel without seeing "the house" in the way of the view.
The house is located at 503 Chapel Dr. and is a whopping 8,148 square feet. It also appears the land was first sold on 3/23/2001 for $286,000. I tried to get additional information by calling the City of Sedona Community Development Department and left a message that I was trying to locate the public records for that house and no one returned my call. If you want to try, call them at 928.282.1154 and ask for planning and zoning and permits. Let me know if you find out anything!
The first time we went to Sedona was Dec. 2003 and the house was already being built. I have no idea when they actually started to build it but they were putting the shell up when we were first there. With as slow as they are moving, they probably started when the land sale closed in 3/01. I am sure not only were the neighbors crying but probably so was the earth.
We asked many people who owned the home and at first we were told it was Johnny Depp. That I thought was odd since he is really the reclusive type. Why would he pick a spot right in front of a Chapel that millions visit each year. It's not exactly a good spot for privacy, you know?
Next we were told that it was Nick Cage. One lady at Robert Shields Studio (since has close up) said that he was in there picking out things to be delivered and insisted it was his home. He too is reclusive so it also didn' t make sense.
We later found out that he actually does love Sedona and often came to Sedona to vacation when he was married to Lisa Marie Presley. He wanted to have a home in Sedona and was even in escrow for a home in an exclusive area near the airport but we were told that at the last minute he dropped out of escrow. He wanted to own the airspace above his home and that can't be sold. But it was not this home.
Finally we were at an art gallery and spoke to an older gentleman for quite some time. He told us that the other stories were all fabricated and it was actually being built by the Dr. who invented the laser for Lasik eye surgery and he is from Romania.
Now as of just a few months ago, it was still being built (4 yrs later) but it has been for sale for over a year. Evidently he isn't even going to move in. He has it listed for a cool 29 million in case you are interested in having millions of visitors stare at your home all day.
Also it was reported that since they built " the house", the houses below it are now having water problems.So not only did he destroy a mesa, ruined the view from the chapel, and leaves this eye sore breathing down the necks of his neighbors, but he also is causing flooding problems.
This house proves that money talks. Why else would the city have approved this eye sore to be built? I'm not saying it isn't a beautiful house. I am saying it is not in a appropriate location.
Here is the Google map of the big house by the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Below are the pictures of the build process over the years it took to build it.
December 2003
May 2004
February 2005
February 2006
September 2007
Google's Satellite view of Sedona's big house and the Chapel of Holy Cross
Ever wonder what happens when Sedona gets too much rain at one time? Several years ago, the Oak Creek found out exactly what happens. The waters raced through Sedona and the evidence of it's power left scars on the land that would be visible for years to come.
News crews sat perched on the bridge recording the news journalist's reports and filming the events. The logs, fallen trees and boulders that normally would be immovable, raced by destroying everything in it's path. The trees hung on to the earth with their exposed roots as the raging river eroded what little soil they had to cling to.
We stood and watched as the river rose to the point it was just a few feet under a crystal store that normally sat over looking the creek. This time was much different as the store owners probably held their breath in hopes of the now raging river receeding.
The rain in the Sedona area caused slides to cover Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. Many people along the Oak Creek lost their homes to the waters while hundreds of others were evacuated.
Slide Rock Park Before The Rain: Note The Building On The Right
Slide Rock Park After The Rain: Note The Same Building In This Picture!
This video is of the Village of Oak Creek, a couple locations in Oak Creek Canyon, Wet Beaver Creek, Dry Creek, and in the Red Rock Crossing areas.
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