One of our previous posts on Sedona highlights what a beautiful, magnificent area this is to visit.  Our recent trip, two years later, will reiterate that sentiment, and focus on some new things that we experienced.  But first, let’s talk about the resort, Sedona Summit.

We traded into this resort using RCI points, and we were delightfully surprised to find that we enjoyed it more than the previous two where we had stayed.  No, it wasn’t perfect (for one thing, the internet connection was awful!) but it has many plusses that make it a great vacation destination.

Sedona Summit is one of several Diamond Resorts in Sedona, consisting of about 450 units.  It is located right next to the Cultural Park, where we drove last time to enjoy some beautiful sunsets.  So, it is very close to town, without actually being right in it.

We had called about a week ahead to check on our reservation and request a mesa view away from the road.  Imagine our surprise when we were given exactly that—and an upper unit, to boot!  We were in Building 29, unit 278, which looked right out on some gorgeous red rock formations.  We felt extremely lucky, as many of the units had views of parking lots and other buildings.   Also, because the resort developed slowly over time, there are many varying styles of units, with different amenities.

Our unit was a 1-bedroom that sleeps 4 that had recently been redone.  There were stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and granite countertops.  The dining area was adjacent, with round table and four chairs.  There was also a breakfast bar with 2 comfortable stools.  A door close to the entrance in the kitchen revealed a washer and dryer.

Both the living room and dining area furniture featured Native American designs, which was very attractive and appropriate.  The 2 leather living room chairs were comfortable, but the sofa-sleeper left something to be desired.  We remedied that by grabbing a few bedroom pillows to provide extra support.

The living room also featured a large, flat-screened TV and a switch-controlled fireplace.  A large, sliding glass door opened onto a small balcony complete with 2 chairs and a table.  This would provide ultimate viewing of  the rock formations, but it was too cold to sit outside so we mostly ooh-ed and ahh-ed in the living room.

Our bedroom sported a king-sized bed, dresser, flat-screened TV, nightstands, and a large, walk-in closet.  The bathroom is separate from the bedroom, and also has an entrance from the living room for those sleeper-sofa guests.  There is a glassed-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub.  Our only 2 complaints were that the unit tended to be quite dark, and we had to turn lamps on even in the morning.  Probably, we should have just gone out and bought some brighter bulbs.  The other complaint, of course, was the quirky internet service.

The resort features 3 pools, several hot tubs, numerous gas grills, a playground and a fitness room. The central lobby/check-in and concierge area also has a fireplace and gathering area.  There is a small café with self-serve hot beverages. Many of the activities are held here, or in Studios A and B located in a building behind the lobby building.  The arts and crafts classes take place here, next to one of the on-site laundries for those in units without washers and dryers.

Speaking of activities, of the 3 resorts that we have stayed at in Sedona, this one wins the prize for the most activities.  They are also quite diverse in nature.  There are some fun craft classes for children and adults, which include making blessing feathers and smudge fans. I learned how to make a beautiful silk scarf.  I also made an arrow complete with beads, leather and a real arrowhead, for my grandson.  There is a stained glass class, a leather handbag class, and on and on, and most have a minimal charge.

A native flute player came one evening and gave a wonderful and informative concert—never knew there was so much to learn about flutes! On another evening an expert spoke about vortexes, explaining some of the history and myths surrounding these phenomena.  Cowboy Bob entertained us with his guitar and cowboy jokes and stories,  There are also the usual yoga and exercise classes, WII tournaments, and a photography and jewelry display and sale.  There are also several tours to places like the Montezuma Well and Jerome;  the price includes transportation.

There are so many things to do in Sedona, and since we’ve been there several times, and the resort offers so much in the way of amenities and activities, we kind of opted to relax more than on our previous visits, just enjoying the red rock formations and the shopping.  We did take a day to visit Jerome, the “miner-hippie-artist” town that is so unique.  We ate lunch at the Haunted Hamburger—talk about an interesting history!  The food was excellent, and we saw a beautiful rainbow.  (It had snowed heavily that morning).

We also visited Crescent Moon State Park for gorgeous views of Cathedral Rock, and Chapel Hill, one of our favorites.  A new experience for us this time was a ride on the Verde Valley Canyon Railway, which takes you on a 4-hour train ride through the Verde Valley where the scenery is magnificent!  This is an extremely popular activity, so make reservations early.  This was worth every penny, and we wished that we had done it sooner.  The neat thing is that every season gives you a different scenic experience—the fall was fabulous, and we can’t wait to go back and ride during a different season.

We enjoyed our sojourn to Sedona, and if you’d like a closer look at Sedona Summit, a Diamond Resort, watch our video.

The beauty of a Sedona sunset is unlike anything else in this world.  To see one of them, complete with  glass of wine, cheese, and some good friends, is a truly satisfying experience.

We recently flew into LasVegas, rented a car, and spent 3 nights at the Wyndham Grand Desert.  Then we drove down to Sedona for 4 nights.  (Frequently we fly into Vegas because the flights are cheaper than flying into other places, and– we like it!  Then we head out to other locations like Arizona, San Diego or Utah for a while, then back to Vegas for more glitz.)

After our 4-5 hour drive we checked into Wyndham Sedona.  We had been told that most of the units had good views, but ours was not too impressive.  The concierge was extremely hard-sell in trying to get us to do a timeshare presentation.  Actually, he bordered on obnoxious.  Having to say “no” more than 5 times usually leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

The standard 2-bedroom unit  was fine, and nicely decorated.  There were some craft activities offered, and a welcome breakfast that we missed, because of our check-in day. The staff was very business-like, but not overly friendly.  We decided that we much prefer Arroyo Roble, which we have stayed at during 2 previous visits.

The big attractions in Sedona, other than the sunsets, are the beautiful red rock formations.  Most have names that reflect what they resemble. Thus, we have Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, etc.  There are numerous hikes one can take up and around these formations, but they  can also be enjoyed by car.  If you are very adventurous, and have a good heart and back, you can take a Red Rock or Pink Jeep Tour.  The jeeps take you where a car cannot go, so the views are astonishing!

One of our favorite places to visit in Sedona is the Chapel in the Rocks.  The views from this little chapel are magnificent.  There is a nice gift shop with religious articles on the lower level.

Speaking of the spiritual, Sedona is known for vortexes, which are concentrations of energy prevalent in certain areas (there are 4 in the Sedona area.) I can’t really begin to explain what a vortex is, other than the energy concentration helps one to get in touch with mind/body healing and also the spiritual and the divine.  Vortexes enhance the ability to pray, meditate, and explore the inner soul.  If you want to know more about this, I suggest you try the internet, or, better yet, visit Sedona!

Another must-see place is the overlook at Oak Creek Canyon.  Located between Sedona and Flagstaff, the views are spectacular.  As an added bonus, there are tables and tables of Native American jewelry for sale at very reasonable prices.

Speaking of shopping, Uptown Sedona is known for its many stores and boutiques.  Souvenirs and T-shirts are readily available, but Sedona is known for its unique, lovely and expensive art.  Many Southwestern treasures, including jewelry, can be found here. There is also a small outlet mall in nearby Oak Creek.

For a most unique shopping experience (another “not-to-be-missed) visit Tilaquepaque.  This beautiful, upscale arts and crafts center is modeled after an old Mexican village with cobbled streets and walls of stucco. Not only are there many different and one-of-a-kind shops,  there are flowers and beautiful sculptures, galleries and restaurants.  The arched stone doorways make you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time.

So where are the best places to view those amazing sunsets?  A very popular place is the Airport Mesa.  But the one that we really like is Cultural Park.  There are few people, so it is much quieter than by the airport.  There are also some picnic tables if you do want to haul out the wine and cheese.

And where to eat after you enjoy that lovely sunset?  Generally speaking, we don’t go to expensive restaurants.  (Our son made the point, long ago:  “After all, it’s only food!”)  There are almost no chains here, except for fast food. We enjoyed The Coffee Pot for breakfast, home of 101 omelets.  We ate dinner at Wildflower Bread Company, which is kind of like Panera , but the menu is a little more extensive.

We’ve also eaten at the Oak Creek Brewery, known for good sandwiches and burgers.  There is also a very good local place (can’t remember the name) in the plaza where the Safeway is.  If you like to dine upscale, The Cowboy Club downtown is legendary, though we’ve never eaten there.  Another restaurant that gets good reviews is The Hideaway.  Actually, there are many great (and higher-priced) places to eat in Sedona—just ask around.

Staying in Sedona offers you the opportunity for some great side trips.  The Grand Canyon is about 2 ½ hours away.  The quaint ghost/mining town of Jerome is a wonderful day trip, complete with museum and excellent shopping.  Be sure to eat at the Haunted Hamburger! Montezuma’s Castle , an ancient Indian dwelling, is about a 40-minute trip. Flagstaff , a bigger town with a mall and university, is about 45 minutes (be sure to stop at Oak Creek Canyon on the way).  There is a Wyndham in Flagstaff, which is the closest timeshare to the Grand Canyon.  The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest are within a few hours.

Sedona is truly an exciting, enchanting place, and when you dream of timeshare travel,  you will find yourself always wanting to return.