Echoes of the Southwest

You can't go to Sedona without hitting some new age shops. There are plenty there to check out. The one we frequent is near Tlaquepaque with alien wood statues adorning the place. The Center For New Age in a purple building you can't miss when you drive into town from Phoenix. It has everything you would expect from this type of shop. It has crystals, jewelry, books, music, psychic reading, aura photos and so much more. We decide to have our tarot cards read and the results were fascinating. I enjoyed wandering around the shop area and of course I bought several items.

  "A vortex is the funnel shape created by a whirling fluid or by the motion of spiraling energy.  Familiar examples of vortex shapes are whirlwinds, tornadoes, and water going down a drain.  A vortex can be made up of anything that flows, such as wind, water, or electricity. The vortexes in Sedona are swirling centers of subtle energy coming out from the surface of the earth.  The vortex energy in not exactly electricity or magnetism, although it does leave a slight measurable residual magnetism in the places where it is strongest." We decided to hike up this vortex since it was the easiest one to get to and it was hot outside. It had a narrow road leading up to a small parking area.  The hike up to the lookout area was short and easy to do. The views from this location were breathtaking. We stood at the top and took it all in. There was a bit of haze in the air from the nearby fires, but the air was still much cleaner than Phoenix. If it wasn't so hot, we woul...

  As I mentioned in my previous post, the  El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano in  Tlaquepaque ( Tlaquepaque & El Rincon 2021 (echoesofthesouthwest.com ) is one of our favorite places to eat while in Sedona. When Sharon and I just recently vacationed in Sedona, we checked out other places to eat as well and were happy with the food. Here are some of the places we found:  For breakfast, we hit two really amazing places. The food was delicious and satisfying.  The Coffee Pot Restaurant:   Sedona has many places to dine and some more quirky than others. The Coffee Pot Restaurant is located near the Coffee Pot Rock. It has been in business since the 1950’s and offer around 101 different omelets for your enjoyment. They provide breakfast all day long and serve it with the best tasting coffee. It also serves many other delicious meals at affordable prices. The service is just as wonderful as the food. It also provides you with a small shop for various items. My...

  When Sharon and I stayed in Sedona in the past, we always picked the Kings Ransom Inn. It was affordable and near all of Sedona's hot spots. We were sad to see it gone, but found out is was now Arabella Hotel. I looked it up and discovered it had great prices and reviews. So I booked us a three night stay there. I have to say, they did not disappoint. The upgrades were fantastic as well as the service. The room we had was equipped with all we needed. I got text messages from them everyday we were there letting us know what type of activities they had going on that evening. I loved that. It had the perfect southwest decor with a rustic vibe thrown in. We even had to try out the pool. The view from this place is gorgeous especially at sunset. I would give this place two thumbs up and we will stay there again.

One of the places you must see while visiting Sedona, AZ, is Tlaquepaque (Tia-keh-pah-keh).  The name means "best of everything" and was built in the 1970's.  Located near Oak Creek with flourishing vegetation all around its grounds, Tlaquepaque has the look of  being transported  somewhere in Europe, perhaps Italy.  Inside are many interesting shops, galleries, restaurants, with cobble-stoned walkways and arched entryways with vines growing all over the stucco walls. Sitting in the back area in Tlaquepaque Village is the El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano.  Their food is a mixture of Arizona Style and traditional Mexican food.  You will see how the Navajo/Hopi lifestyle is swayed in each meal.  They are know for their delicious El Rincon Chimichangas which are wrapped in a sopapilla masa and stuffed with either beef, chicken or tiger shrimp.  If you can find room in your tummy, they also offer dessert chimichangas with either choc...