Vacation in Sedona!

The most frequent comment from our guests when they leave is “there is so much more to do and see in Sedona than we thought and a night or two just isn’t enough!” So when you take a trip to Sedona, book for at least two or more nights.

You ask what is there to do? Well, here are just a few of the things to do when you visit Sedona:

Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon is an easy day trip from Sedona, just over 90 minutes. If you leave around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning you can see all the great views, doing some shopping for mementos, and still, be back in Sedona by 6:00 pm.

Hike Sedona – Hiking in Sedona is what it’s all about! With over 100 trails in the area; from easy to difficult, along (even through) water, with elevation change, canyon, and mountain trails, there is definitely a trail for you.  

West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon – This trail is touted as one of the best trails in Arizona and one of the top 10 trails in the United States. It is only 6 miles round trip, rated easy-moderate, pet friendly, and has spectacular views.

Jeep Tours of Sedona – Taking a jeep tour of the Sedona countryside is exhilarating, fun and breath-taking! The area has a number of jeep tour companies, with tours from 1 hour to a full day.

Golfing in Sedona – There are a variety of gorgeous golf courses in and around the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area, each one unique, challenging, and fair – plus the views are amazing! With plenty of options to choose from, whether you are interested in a championship course or a relaxing par 3, it is all right here.  At elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level, Northern Arizona presents golfers with a completely different set of challenges, landscapes, and price points. And with our concierge services, we can book you a tee time or two!

Arizona State Parks  – There are a number of state parks to visit in the area; Fort Verde State Historic Park, Dead Horse Ranch, Slide Rock, Red Rock, Homolovi, Jerome, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area to name a few.   
Vortex/Spiritual Tours – Sedona is a place of profound peace and spiritual renewal. Spiritual gurus worldwide are drawn to the area’s mystical vortexes, which are sites of enhanced energy that facilitate meditation, prayer, reflection, and healing of the body and mind. The Sedona area is unique because it contains all of the different types of vortexes and tours aplenty. There are numerous spiritual retreats, healing experiences, and psychic readings to choose from for a life-changing experience, rejuvenation of the spirit.

Dining in Sedona – You will find excellent restaurants in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Coffee shops, fine and family dining, pet friendly and casual dining; Mexican, American, Italian, French, Latin, Asian, BBQ, bistros, pubs, and more! From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between!

The Sedona Spa Experience – There are a variety of day spas, spas with fitness centers, and alternative wellness and healing centers. In our magical Sedona desert setting, be transported to a space of pure tranquility and limitless well-being.

Other things to consider when planning your trip to Sedona are helicopter rides, hot air balloon excursions, rafting the Colorado River, shopping, kayaking, wine tours, Indian Ruins, museums, theatre events, and more!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – pet friendly, family friendly, romance, solo, groups … Book now 1.800.313.0017.

Take a Family Road Trip through the Verde Valley

If you are looking for family-friendly things to do this summer have you considered taking a road trip? In central Arizona, there is a lush region called the Verde Valley, with breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and fun family-friendly excursions! Here are some of the must-see sights and things to do along the way…

The Red Rock Scenic Byway
Beginning just off I-17, this seven-and-a-half mile stretch of road traverses the spectacular scenery of the red rocks leading into the town of Sedona. As the byway winds through the Village of Oak Creek and through the piñon pines of the Coconino National Forest, it offers several pull-offs and scenic viewpoints where families can marvel at the landscapes. Famous sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the renowned vortexes at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are also located along this road. The Red Rock Scenic Byway has been deemed “Arizona’s First All-American Road,” indicating that it is distinctly American and considered a destination in itself.
Family Fun Adventures
Take a break from driving, park your car, and take a trip down the Verde River or on the Verde Canyon Railroad – fun for everyone! The Verde Canyon Railroad launches from Clarkdale into the wilderness of the remote Verde Canyon, where Arizona’s beautiful high desert meets the unspoiled riparian. Passengers enjoy a close-up view of the canyon’s striking vistas of raw pristine nature. The Railroad offers a variety of special rides, such as Starlight Tour, Wild Splendor, and Ales on Rails.

The Verde River is a clear spring-fed river surrounded by a diverse landscape. There are several tour companies that offer a variety of canoe, kayak, and paddleboard excursions perfect for exploring the river and its bounty. The fishing is excellent with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crayfish, sunfish, channel catfish, and more. (You will need licenses). Or just splash about in the river-it’s shallow, but mind the current! Spectacular State Parks & Heritage Sites
The Verde Valley is home to a variety of state parks that preserve the region’s profound natural beauty and provide havens for outdoor enthusiasts. Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that encompasses trails, verdant meadows, and a riparian habitat teeming with plants and wildlife along the banks of Oak Creek, also it’s an outstanding place for viewing the jaw-dropping red rock formations. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is across the Verde River from the town of Cottonwood. It has over 20 miles of trails, and 3 lagoons – making it a beautiful place to truly explore the natural environment of the Verde Valley. One of the most famous is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, with its natural water slide – making this a fun stop for the whole family.
Built by the Sinagua peoples, who were ancestors of the Hopi, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites were the largest cliff dwellings in the area when they were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 A.D. These fascinating remains are just minutes from Sedona. The Palatki Heritage Site includes three trails: one that leads to the cliff dwellings, one that takes visitors to a view of the dwelling, and one leading to pictographs created by the various groups of indigenous peoples that occupied the Verde Valley. Montezuma Castle is an impressive testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua peoples. After admiring the structure, visitors can journey to the nearby Montezuma Well, which was an underground cavern that collapsed and filled with water. At 55 feet deep and 368 feet wide, the well is a lush desert oasis and a fascinating ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare plants, animals, and insects.

The Charming & “Haunting” Towns
The Verde Valley is dotted with historic small towns. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two such towns. The small but bustling walkable center of Old Town Cottonwood is packed with an eclectic collection of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and family-friendly shopping. Clarkdale was founded in 1912 as a home for the miners of nearby Jerome and their families. It is the home of the Arizona Copper Art Museum, as well as a plethora of historic buildings and houses from the turn of the twentieth century. Located on a hilltop at 5,200 feet elevation, the tiny town of Jerome towers above the Verde Valley, offering stunning views and a tapestry of galleries, not to mention a few great ice cream shops! This historic copper mining town was founded in 1876 and was once the fourth largest city in what is now Arizona. It has since been dubbed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” attracting many purveyors of the paranormal with ghost tours and allegedly haunted destinations like the Jerome Grand Hotel (a former mental institution). Jerome is now a thriving artist community, with galleries, restaurants (try the Asylum – it’s eerily good), and hotels inhabiting the town’s nineteenth-century buildings.

The Small City of Sedona
This beautiful town has long attracted tourists with its landscape of towering red rock canyons and numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Take a jeep tour, hot air balloon ride, there’s so much to see and do! Spiritual gurus are drawn to the area’s vortexes (sites where the strength of the earth’s energy is believed to promote healing and renewal). In recent years, Sedona’s arts scene has grown exponentially, leading The New York Times to call the city “a new west enclave of galleries.” From painting to sculpting to jewelry making, several different mediums of amazing artwork are represented at Sedona’s many galleries. Dining in Sedona is as eclectic as the art and as diverse as the landscape; family-friendly, pet-friendly, upscale, fast food, haute cuisine, American, Italian, Mexican, you name it Sedona has it!

 

Sedona is a must-see destination on any road trip through the Verde Valley, and El Portal Sedona Hotel offers an ideal family-friendly base for experiencing all that the city and the surrounding area have to discover. Located within walking distance of uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, El Portal offers a unique lodging experience for guests and their pets. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel and voted Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in the US by 10Best.com and USA Today. The pet-friendly hotel offers families and their furry friends unpretentious luxury in a tranquil setting. Guests have access to personalized concierge services for the Sedona area; owner Steve Segner is an avid outdoorsman and helps guests plan day trips, hikes, jeep, and wine tours, hot air balloon rides, tee times, spa treatments and more. Guests also have access to two swimming pools, a full gym, and basic spa services next door at Los Abrigados – just show them your key, it’s as easy as that! To book your Verde Valley Adventure, call 1.800.313.0017 or reserve online.

 

Winter Festivals and Events in Sedona, Arizona

For holiday merriment come to Sedona, Arizona! We have some of the best events and festivals around the state, and you are sure to not to want to miss them! From visits from Santa to the Menorah Lighting to Irish dancing, it’s sure to amuse, excite and entertain you.

An Irish Christmas – As Seen on PBS! Tuesday, December 3, at 7:30 pm at Sedona Performing Arts Center. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with amazing dancing, singing, and traditional Irish music. This family-friendly event features an award-winning cast of Irish dancers led by Caterina Coyne (Principal Dancer Riverdance), World Champion Tyler Schwartz (Magic of the Dance, Gaelforce Dance, Celtic Fyre,) and Connor Reider (The Chieftains, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Celtic Fyre) in a memorable night that shines with the charm and magic this festive time of year.  Mark Alfred (Percussion), Musical Director Riverdance/ Heartbeat of Home will join An Irish Christmas Tour 2019! “… Genuinely astonishing… electric!” − The Village News

Tree Lighting and Santa Visits! Join the fun on Friday, December 6, 5 – 7 pm at Tlaquepaque North for a traditional holiday tree lighting, refreshments, entertainment, and a visit from Santa! What more could a child want?

Breakfast with Santa at The Hub at Posse Grounds Park, Saturday, December 7, 8 – 10 am. Enjoy a warm breakfast and Santa Claus! This free event will be held at the Sedona Hub in Posse Grounds Park. After breakfast, the kiddos can enjoy having their picture taken on Santa’s lap, taking home a gift bag of crafts, and petting our pony reindeer. Come for the pancakes (and more), and stay to see Santa!

December 14, 2019 – The day and evening are filled with wonderful events! It starts out with Christmas in the Park at the Sedona Heritage Museum, 11 am – 3 pm.  This is the Museum’s annual gift to the community and visitors. Be greeted by their traditional tumbleweed snowman. Enjoy hot cider and cookies, vintage holiday decorations, a fire in the fireplace, and ‘make & take’ a cornhusk doll. There’ll be holiday entertainment, too. Throughout the Museum there will be old-timers telling stories and local authors signing their books!
Loving Bowls continues the busy day beginning at noon at the Sedona Arts Center. For all art lovers – a unique event that offers a beautiful selection of hand-made bowls for your purchasing pleasure, plus loads of food and fun! Over 1100 bowls will be made and lovingly glazed in a variety of finishes by professional volunteer potters. Bowls are $10 each and come with wonderful chili, bread, and dessert. All proceeds benefit local non-profits and the Arts & Educations programs at the Sedona Arts Center.
And for the pièce de résistance – The Festival of Lights!  At the tolling of the bell at 5 pm., the lighting of 6,000 luminarias gets underway in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village’s courtyards and walkways. An evening full of lively entertainment, a visit from Santa and free cider await, making it the perfect ending to a perfect day. Specially designated luminarias to honor cancer survivors can be purchased in Patio Del Norte as well.

Saturday, December 21 brings the annual Holiday Sweet Stroll, 3 – 7 pm.  Tlaquepaque is joyfully bedecked in decorative lights reminiscent of A Christmas Carol. Santa will be greeting little ones, and carolers dressed in finery from Dickens-era sing traditional songs – lookout for the Grinch, he may be lurking through the courtyards! Shops will be open and filled with unique gifts and with sweet treats, special give-a-ways, and discounted offers. You are sure to find some special presents for those on your gift list.

Sunday, December 22, 5;30 – 6:30 pm. Enjoy the miracle of the menorah lighting on the first night of Chanukkah. Latkes, donuts and hot chocolate will be served. Kids can meet Judah and receive Chanukkah gelt. Co-hosted by Chabad of Sedona. The event will be in Patio del Norte at Tlaquepaque.

With many of the events being at Tlaquepaque, El Portal Sedona Hotel is the place to stay. We are a two minute stroll from the Village and offer guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area. The pet friendly boutique hotel has 12 uniquely appointed suites, some with fenced patios for your furbaby. Call now to reserve your room at 1.800.313.0017.

With so many things to do in Sedona, when you visit here, make sure you stay more than a night or two! Most people wish they had stayed longer, and with all the holiday events, plus the “regular” what to do in Sedona, you’ll need extra time to experience just a part of it! So take a trip to Sedona this December – you’ll be thrilled you did!

 

 

Things to do in Sedona – Summer 2019

At El Portal Sedona Hotel we love to help guests with all kinds of activities and excursions.  That is why we offer our guests unparalleled concierge services for the Sedona area!

Sedona offers an abundance of things to do in the summer – concerts, Sedona International Film Festival movie premiers, wine tastings, yoga on the rocks, vortexes, art galleries with every artistic medium, festivals, and events!

At El Portal, we are excited as the Hummingbird Festival returns to Sedona after a one-year hiatus! From August 2 through August 4, 2019, the Hummingbird Festival celebrates these adorable creatures at the peak of their population with entertaining and educational presentations, tours of gardens and hotspots, a hummingbird/nature shopping mall, banding demonstrations, and birding trips; sponsored by the Hummingbird Society. For more information and tickets visit: hummingbirdsociety.org/hummingbird-festival-open/

On August 2 is the Sedona Star Party, and we don’t mean celebrities, we mean big, bright, brilliant stars! Join us to celebrate Sedona’s dark skies 7:00 – 9:30 pm. This free event gives participants the opportunity to view the Summer Milky Way, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, and more! The astronomers of the Verde Valley will provide telescopes for free viewing and laser-guided constellation tours. Mark your calendar, bring a blanket, and join in this fun community event!

El Portal Sedona Hotel offers guests a luxurious lodging experience that exemplifies AAA’s Four Diamond quality standards in every aspect. With only twelve, amenity-filled suites, the entire property features unique architecture and decor that reflect its stunning Southwestern setting. Guests and their pets are welcomed with exceptional service at this architectural masterpiece in the heart of Sedona. Visit www.ElPortalSedona.com for more information, or call 1.800.313.0017.
Stay tuned for fall events and festivals coming to the Sedona area!

 

 

 

Crooked Figure Theatre Performs William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” at El Portal Sedona Hotel

El Portal Sedona Hotel is pleased to announce Crooked Figure Theatre’s return to Sedona July 26 and 27, 2019. Crooked Figure Theatre will perform William Shakespeare’s King Lear at El Portal Sedona Hotel where the actors will be moving and interacting with guests. The production will move through El Portal, asking audiences to accompany performers through the beautiful space. “We’re really planning to localize the play,” says Gutiérrez-Dennehy. “We’ll use both the beautiful great room and relaxing courtyard as performance spaces, and really pull the audience into the story as we go.”  William Shakespeare’s King Lear is the story of a diseased mind and heart that leads to the downfall of a kingdom.

Crooked Figure Theatre is a summer production company based in Northern Arizona University’s Department of Theatre. Crooked Figure Theatre marries direct, honest storytelling with experimentation and audience engagement. Their site-specific company tells both old and new stories in culturally relevant and imaginative ways, pushing the creative boundaries of what a theatre can be and the impact it can and should have on everyday lives. CFT is sponsored in part by Northern Arizona University Department of Theatre.

“Crooked Figure is focusing its work on representations of mental illness in Lear. We’re re-imagining one of the play’s characters as a voice in Lear’s brain that results from the sudden recognition that he has, possibly for the first time in his reign, made a grave error that destroys his family. The guilt and grief that result from this decision, and the depression that Lear falls into, create space within his mind for a growing disturbance. We’re excited to explore these contemporary issues of mental illness within Shakespeare’s classic story,” says director Gutiérrez-Dennehy. The performance features 12 talented actors, including Ben Alexander, CFT’s Resident Scenographer as Lear.

King Lear is 6:00 p.m. on July 26 and 27, 2019 at El Portal Sedona Hotel (95 Portal Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336). The production will be free of charge to the public. No reservations are needed; seating is first come, first served. Parking will be available at El Portal and in nearby lots, signage will direct guests to parking locations.

El Portal Sedona Hotel offers guests a luxurious lodging experience that exemplifies AAA’s Four Diamond quality standards in every aspect. With only twelve, amenity-filled suites, the entire property features unique architecture and decor that reflect its stunning Southwestern setting. Guests and their pets are welcomed with exceptional service at this architectural masterpiece in the heart of Sedona. Visit www.ElPortalSedona.com for more information, or call 1.800.313.0017.

Road Tripping Arizona’s Verde Valley

The Verde Valley is a lush region in central Arizona. The striking landscapes, the historical sites, the vineyards that line the Verde River all make this a must-do road trip!

• Stunning state parks. The Verde Valley is home to a variety of state parks that preserve the region’s profound natural beauty and provide havens for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most famous is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, with its natural water slide – making this a fun stop for the whole family.Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that encompasses trails, verdant meadows, and a riparian habitat teeming with plants and wildlife along the banks of Oak Creek. As the name suggests, the park is also an excellent place for viewing the awe-inspiring red rock formations for which Sedona is known. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will enjoy exploring this nature preserve. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is across the Verde River from the town of Cottonwood. It has over 20 miles of trails, and 3 lagoons – making it a beautiful place to truly explore the natural environment of the Verde Valley.
• The Red Rock Scenic Byway. Beginning just off of I-17, this seven-and-a-half mile stretch of road traverses the spectacular scenery of the red rocks leading into Sedona. As the byway winds through the Village of Oak Creek and through the piñon pines of the Coconino National Forest, it offers several pull-offs and scenic viewpoints from which travelers can marvel at the landscape. Famous sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Sedona’s famous vortexes at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are also located along this road. The Red Rock Scenic Byway has been deemed “Arizona’s First All-American Road,” indicating that it is uniquely American and considered a destination in itself.
• Historical Heritage Sites. Built by the Sinagua peoples, who were ancestors of the Hopi, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites were the largest cliff dwellings in the area when they were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 A.D. These fascinating remains are just minutes from Sedona. The Palatki Heritage Site includes three trails: one that leads to the cliff dwellings, one that takes visitors to a view of the dwelling, and one leading to pictographs created by the various groups of indigenous peoples that occupied the Verde Valley. It is one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona with five-stories and 20-rooms. Montezuma Castle is an impressive testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua peoples. After admiring the structure, visitors can journey to the nearby Montezuma Well, which was an underground cavern that collapsed and filled with water. At 55 feet deep and 368 feet wide, the well is a lush desert oasis and a fascinating ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare plants, animals, and insects.
• Adventures on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Verde Canyon Railroad launches from Clarkdale into the wilderness of the remote Verde Canyon, where Arizona’s beautiful high desert meets the pristine riparian. Passengers enjoy a close-up view of the canyon’s stunning vistas of raw unspoiled nature. The Railroad offers a variety of special rides, such as Starlight Tour, Wild Splendor, and Ales on Rails.
• The Verde River. Park your car and take a trip down the Verde River. A diverse landscape surrounds this clear spring-fed river. Tour companies offer a variety of canoe, kayak and paddle board tours – perfect for exploring the river and its bounty. The fishing is excellent with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crayfish, sunfish, channel catfish and more.
• Charming & haunting small towns. Outside the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona is dotted with historic small towns. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two such towns. The small but bustling walkable center of Old Town Cottonwood is packed with an eclectic collection of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines produced along the Verde River. Clarkdale was founded in 1912 as a home for the miners of nearby Jerome and their families. It is the home of the Arizona Copper Art Museum, as well as a plethora of historic buildings and houses from the turn of the twentieth century. Located on a hilltop at 5,200 feet elevation, the tiny town of Jerome towers above the Verde Valley, offering stunning views and a tapestry of galleries. This historic copper mining town was founded in 1876 and was once the fourth largest city in what is now Arizona. It has since been dubbed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” attracting many purveyors of the paranormal with ghost tours and allegedly haunted destinations like the Jerome Grand Hotel (a former mental institution). Jerome is now a thriving artist community, with galleries, restaurants (try the Asylum – it’s eerily good), and hotels inhabiting the town’s nineteenth-century buildings.
• Wineries and Vineyards. Thanks to the region’s sunshine, temperate climate, and location along the banks of the Verde River, the Verde Valley is home to several award-winning vineyards and wineries. Founded by hands-on winemakers who are passionate about developing this vibrant new wine region, these vineyards produce exquisite varietals to suit any palate. With tasting rooms and restaurants, this is a must do on a Verde Valley road trip.
• The small city of Sedona has long attracted tourists with its landscape of towering red rock formations and numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Spiritual gurus are drawn to the area’s vortexes (sites where the strength of the earth’s energy is believed to promote healing and renewal). In recent years, Sedona’s arts scene has grown exponentially, leading The New York Times to call the city “a new west enclave of galleries.” From painting to sculpting to jewelry making, several different mediums of amazing artwork are represented at Sedona’s many galleries and art festivals. Dining in Sedona is as eclectic as the art and as diverse as the landscape!

Sedona is a must-see destination on any road trip through the Verde Valley, and El Portal Sedona Hotel offers an ideal “home” for experiencing all that the city and the surrounding area have to discover. Located within walking distance of uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, El Portal offers a unique lodging experience for guests and their pets. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, voted Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the US by 10Best.com and USA Today, and has been named one of the best hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler. The pet friendly hotel offers guests and their canine companions unpretentious luxury in a serene setting. To book your Verde Valley Adventure, call 1.800.313.0017 or reserve online.

 

 

Summertime in Sedona – and the Calendar is Full!

Visit Sedona this summer for family fun, inspiring events, fantastic festivals, and more!

Summer starts early in Sedona, late May actually with a new event, the Red Rock Rumble 5-Mile Trail Run in beautiful Red Rock State Park. This is presented by Sedona Running Company in cooperation with Red Rock State Park on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at 7:00 am. For more information click here or call 928.282.6956.

The Sedona PhotoFest is June 14–16, 2019 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. It is a series of educational and inspiring presentations on photographic technique, use of digital software and personal artistic perspectives from some of the top photographers in the country. Sedona Photofest is proudly owned and organized by local photographers Kelli Klymenko and Jordan Reece. Visit http://www.sedonaphotofest.org/ for additional information, or call 928.282.3809.

Fun for the entire family is at the Sedona 4th of July Wet Fest from noon – 4:00 pm.  Spend your day with music, swimming, and water slide fun all surrounded by the spectacular red rocks, at the Community pool (570Posse Ground Rd). Then head out to your favorite fireworks show at night. This event is free of charge (food not included). The pool opens at 12 pm for free recreation swim and just outside the pool gate will be vendors and fun water games to help you beat the heat. Parking is available in the West Sedona School parking lots. 928.282.7098.

Sedona Star Party is August 2, 2019. Join in and celebrate Sedona’s dark skies 7:00 – 9:30 pm! This free community event will give visitors and residents the chance to view the Summer Milky Way, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, and more! The astronomers of the Verde Valley will provide telescopes for free viewing and laser-guided constellation tours. Mark your calendar, bring a blanket, and join the fun community! (Sorry, no dogs allowed ?).

The beloved Sedona Hummingbird Festival is back this year! Celebrate the peak hummingbird population August 2 – 4, 2019. There will be entertainment and educational presentations, tours of gardens and hotspots, a hummingbird/nature “shopping mall,” banding demonstrations and birding trips; all sponsored by the International Hummingbird Society, Sedona Hummingbird Society, and are made possible in part by grants from the City of Sedona, as well as support from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Sedona Arts Center will be selling and exhibiting their work from August 2 – 23, 2019. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the established and eclectic, raved-about local artists and maybe even find a treasure or two to take home! 928.282.3809.

August 20-24, 2019:  The Voilà Tour puts together “A French Experience” with music, singing, paintings, gastronomy, and wine. The “Voilagers,” recognized talented professional artists,
traveling all the way from France, to perform at many kinds of events at numerous and diversified venues (concerts, exhibitions, workshops…). Voilà Touris designed to be a great opportunity to share and learn from the two different cultures. Voilà Tour is fun, artistic and tasty!

Spring Events in Sedona, Arizona

Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where all the birdies is?

Yes, spring is just around the corner – finally! It seemed a long time coming but the birds are singing, the grass is coming, soon the flowers will be blooming!

With spring comes a number of events and festivals here in Sedona. From food to birding to art, these events are sure to please and educate!

Book your rooms today at El Portal Sedona Hotel 1.800.313.0017 for these fun festivals!

March 23, 2019, is the Sedona Food Truck Festival, from 11:00-5:00 pm. Held at Posse Grounds Park. If good food, good music, and good beer are on your list of favorites, then this event is for you. 20+ food trucks will be on site, each truck will have a $5 sampler menu plus more, $5 beer will be for sale and a live band will be sure to keep you entertained. Admission is free.

March 23, 2019 is the Sedona Stumble Trail Run too! This is Sedona’s ONLY trail run. It is a 5K & 10K. This Race will sell out! All race finishers will receive a medal. Trophies will be given to age group winners as well. Timing will be provided by Run Flagstaff for this event. For more information call 928.282.7098.

Sedona Wolf Week is March 25-30, 2019. Founded by Plan B to Save Wolves & Apex Protection Project this event was created with the mission to change the way people see wolves through education & entertainment. Wolf Week is a diverse program of speakers, performers, school presentations, arts, entertainment, concert, fundraisers, a wolf co-existence panel and social interactions with the Plan B & Apex Protection Project Ambassador Packs. For a complete schedule and to register: www.sedonawolfweek.org

April 20:  Celebration of Spring. This is more than just an egg hunt, this is a Celebration of Spring! From 9:00 am– 2:00 pm this fun, action-packed event for families and all those in the community that enjoy spring and the beautiful outdoors. Inflatable toys for kids, face painting, carnival rides and much more are included with the $5 admission fee for the youth attendees. The Easter bunny will be on hand for picture taking. Handicapped accessible. For more information call 928.282.7098.

April 26 – 28: Sedona Spring Artist Open Studios Tour presented by the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition. This is a free, self-guided event celebrating the arts in the greater Verde Valley that runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. The tour provides a unique opportunity to meet over 50 artists in their private studios, working in a variety of mediums. Maps and informative brochures will be available in a number of locations or at their website. For more information, email Mike Upp or call 503.789.4437.

April 25-29: Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival. Held in Cottonwood, Arizona this festival is known as the friendliest birding festival!  Why? It may be the uniqueness of the trips, the knowledge of the leaders, and the value and satisfaction that the participants receive. Festival participants get to choose from over 60 field trip, hikes and walks in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats birding during the peak Spring migration season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a gorgeous pet friendly Sedona hotel where there are no pet fees! We have hotel suites ready for you and your pet. Room 1 is designated for smaller pets, while rooms 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are fine for all size pets.  Rooms 3, 4, 5 and 7 have fenced pet patios. Pets must be well-behaved, and on a leash at all times. Pets receive a “Welcome Basket” with a blanket, doggie bags and treats! Book your room online or call 1.800.313.0017.

A Sedona Mountain Christmas

Have a Sedona Mountain Christmas with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel. With all the holiday festivities in the area, the memories made will be treasured forever. 

 

At El Portal, we offer you personalized concierge services, we want to make sure you get the most out of your Sedona Mountain Christmas. We love to help our guests plan their time in Sedona! There are special events and seasonal attractions all throughout the holidays – some that last the night, some that last the week, some that last for longer than a month.

However, it isn’t just about what is happening, it’s about reconnecting with family, nature, meeting new people, trying new things, eating different cuisine, admiring the local artists and their art. Sedona is a beautiful place to spend quality time with family. Even if it’s just sitting around the fire pit in the afternoon or evening, visiting, telling stories…you might even make new friendships with other guests..it’s quite amazing our fire pit! Hang out in the great room after a delicious breakfast…you never know what you can learn about loved ones over a good cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Get back to nature. Sedona has world-class hiking and walking trails, suitable for everyone in the family. The landscapes and vistas change with the sun…bring your camera for the wonderful photo opportunities. Red Rock State Park offers a variety of guided hikes; moonlight to birding, fun for the whole family! This is another opportunity to relate with family on a totally different level. And it is an excellent exercise to burn off those extra calories you’ve been enjoying! 

 

Speaking of extra calories, not only do we have a delectable breakfast at the hotel, but the “cuisine scene” here in Sedona is fantastic. There are family friendly restaurants, pet-friendly restaurants, fusion cuisine, fine dining, Mexican cuisine. Some are just down the lane from us in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

There are day trips to be taken. Sedona is less than two hours from the Grand Canyon, you can take a trip there and make back to the hotel in time for happy hour. Jerome is a unique town, with a haunted restaurant, lots of art, and all set in switchbacks! Historic Old Town  Cottonwood is another worthwhile trip; known for its Main Street full of delightful stores to meander through, wineries, and great restaurants, not to mention some fine entertainment. Additional family day trips are the Palatki Ruins and Honaki Indian Ruins, and Montezuma Well & Montezuma Castle.

 

Make a Sedona Mountain Christmas a new tradition in your family. Stay at our boutique hotel located in the heart of Sedona. This is where your trip to Sedona begins and ends. El Portal has received AAA’s Four Diamond Award Rating. We assist guests in planning day trips, jeep tours, hikes, and dinner reservations. We will arrange helicopter rides, hot air balloon excursions, day trips to the Indian ruins and more. If you need a spa treatment or tee time we will look after it. We want you to get the most out of your Sedona Mountain Christmas, and will help our guests in any way we can. As a pet-friendly hotel, there is no charge for pets (up to room limit). Our guests enjoy access to a full gym and two swimming pools right next door at Los Abrigados – perfect for families! Call 1.800.313.0017 or book online.

The 14th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival

En plein air is a French term that translates literally as “in the open air.” The term “plein-air painting,” as it is currently used, usually refers to paintings that are completed on location. 

Sedona’s renown Plein Air Festival is just that…invited, acclaimed artists come to Sedona and paint “en plein air” from October 13 – 20, 2018. There are over 25 local and visiting artists who have been invited this year. With demonstrations, workshops, receptions, exhibitions, lectures, and incredible free events, this year’s festival is sure to amaze and astound!

Come and celebrate this wonderful festival, these esteemed artists, and this beautiful town. Who knows – you might find your next masterpiece! 

For a schedule of events, please visit http://sedonapleinairfestival.com.

El Portal Sedona Hotel takes great pride in sharing all of  Sedona’s festivals and festivities. Reserve your rooms with us at 1.800.313.0017 or http://tinyurl.com/ElPortalBookOnline.

We are a AAA Four Diamond, pet friendly hotel, with no pet fees. Yes, your pet stays free at this boutique hotel! We also offer our guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area. We love to help you with the local festivals, tours, events, activities, and more.