Sedona, Arizona is a Place to Love

Sedona Red Rocks October 2013 ©Mary Montague Sikes

Whenever I see the red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona come into view, I marvel at the sight. These amazing rocks have inspired artists and writers forever, I suspect. As the lighting shifts across the rocks, so does the impact of the red rock images.

Within the last 12 months, we have made the trip to Sedona from the East Coast three times. We have stayed in three different locations, Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort, Hyatt Pinon Point, and Poco Diablo Resort. All three resorts are outstanding for different reasons.

The Ridge is located at the Village of Oak

Sedona Red Rocks 2007 ©Mary Montague Sikes

Creek and is near the Red Rock Cafe, an exceptional restaurant for breakfast that features 99-cent mimosas on the weekend. Several art galleries are located in the area, including Cielo Bella. Of course, it is near the famous Bell Rock formation. For sports lovers, PJ's sports bar is nearby.

The Hyatt is situated conveniently close to uptown Sedona with lots of rock shops in the area. The Sedona Art Center is within easy walking distance. The resort is not far from Tlaquepaque which is well-known for arts and crafts shopping and has several attractive art galleries. Sports fans will enjoy the TV screens and the convenience of the Steaks and Sticks restaurant that is next to Tlaquepaque.

Poco Diablo is in a quiet setting next to Oak Creek. The Best Western restaurant on the site is excellent for breakfast. Our room faced the golf course which gave us a nice view from a little patio. The location is convenient for several rock formations, including Bell Rock and is situated between Oak Creek and Sedona.


The Golden Goose Cafe has become one of our favorite places for breakfast dining in Sedona. The Little Mermaid omelette is outstanding. Featuring shrimp, crab meat, jack cheese, and an hollandaise

Little Mermaid ©MMSikes

sauce topping, it's a meal worth a return trip to the city. Their roasted potato medley is delicious as well.

Recently, I watched "Drum Beat", a 1954 movie featuring Alan Ladd. With its setting in Sedona, I was captivated. I was also amazed at the beautiful red rocks rising up from a remote wilderness. Now, the Village of Oak Creek has expanded almost to the edge of Bell Rock. It was nostalgic to see the earlier movie setting. I'm glad so many old movies were set there. I'll be on the lookout for them because Sedona, Arizona, then and now, is a place to love.