Experience Sedona’s Diverse Shops and Galleries

Sedona is known around the world for its majestic natural beauty and vibrant outdoors culture—but within the city itself, visitors will also find an abundance of activities, including a diverse selection of shops and galleries to explore. Whether you’re looking for an awe-inspiring work of art, a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, or just a small token to remind you of your trip, you’re sure to find the perfect treasure in Sedona. Here are some of the key shopping destinations you won’t want to miss:

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village 

Located just steps from El Portal, Tlaquepaque (pronounced T-lockey-pockey) is one of the most distinctive shopping centers in the Southwest. Built in the 1970s as an homage to the sights, sounds, and flavor of Old Mexico, Tlaquepaque—which means “best of everything”—remains a vibrant arts community and a Sedona cultural icon. Today, there are 45 specialty shops (including 19 art galleries) nestled amidst the center’s enchanting vine-covered walls and cobblestone walkways. Visitors will find artwork representing every medium and genre, as well as stylish clothing, jewelry, handcrafted home décor, leather goods, and much more.

After a long afternoon exploring the shops and galleries, you’ll find a variety of dining options conveniently located within Tlaquepaque. For instance, experience classic Mexican cuisine at El Rincón, fine French and continental dining at René at Tlaquepaque, or sample an award-winning local brew at Oak Creek Brewery & Grill.

Uptown Sedona 

As one of the most bustling parts of Sedona, Uptown is packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants—not to mention sweeping vistas of the surrounding red rocks. If you’re seeking a dose of local culture, be sure to visit the Sedona Heritage Museum—which showcases the area’s history from its first pioneers to the orchard industry to films that were made in Sedona—and the Sedona Arts Center, a nonprofit, educational institution dedicated to nurturing creativity and developing artistic talent. At Sedona Arts Center, visitors can take classes or browse a gallery filled with the works of over 100 local artists.

Hillside Sedona 

Another prime shopping destination is Hillside Sedona, which is home to a collective of restaurants to suit all tastes, a diverse array of fine art galleries, and boutiques that offer a vast assortment of fashion and home décor. In addition to incredible views of the red rocks, Hillside Sedona also features several visually intriguing kinetic wind sculptures by artist Andrew Carson.

At any time of year—and particularly during the warm summer months—browsing the diverse array of local shops and galleries is a great way to spend a day in Sedona. With El Portal as your base, you will be conveniently located in the heart of Sedona, within minutes of the area’s best shopping and other attractions. Call us at 800-313-0017 to book your stay!

Pet Friendly Walks and Hikes

For this month’s blog, we welcome guest blogger Andrea Christelle of Sedona Philosophy!

Sometimes you just have to take the dog with you. That’s the way I felt 15 years ago when my good friend was getting married at Sam A. Baker State Park in Missouri. It wasn’t that I had to take my dog to the wedding. I didn’t have a dog. I found a lost dog at the wedding, and he needed a home!

At the park, all of the cabins and campsites were filled up with friends new and old. It was a weekend of outdoor immersion, before the wedding party and a sizable entourage headed off to Burning Man. It was a wonderfully chaotic mix of people and parties, but eventually, it became clear that amidst the merry madness, there was a dog without an owner. 

A black lab mutt with the sweetest disposition kept sidling up to people looking for affection. And food. When I heard the rumor that this dog had been left behind, and that the park managers were planning to take it to the pound I was really upset. That could not happen. Not to this kind creature. I made a decision and a proclamation. I would take the dog back to New Orleans. 

I hadn’t had a pet since I was a kid, so I didn’t know that you can’t just put a dog on a plane like a suitcase. Animals need shots, and papers, and more than just carriers. But once I made it clear that the dog would have a home, others stepped up to the plate. 

The newlyweds decided to expand their family right away. They adopted this lovable dog, which remained a loyal companion for all of its days. They named him Sam A. Baker, to commemorate the place they found the pup and tied the knot. 

Like a lot of things in my life, making sure that the dog had a home didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, but it probably turned out for the best. In this case, the best thing was Sam staying with Kelly and Michael.   

We know that many of you are choosing El Portal Sedona Hotel not only for its charm and elegance but also because it is pet friendly. Now you can take a guided hike that is pet friendly too. As of January 2022, Sedona Philosophy can take you on a walking or hiking tour, and your furry friends are welcome to come along. One of our guides even volunteers for the Humane Society, so he is used to taking dogs of all types on the trails.

To the left is Kent Baldner, one of Sedona Philosophy guides who will be taking out El Portal Sedona Hotel guests and their dogs, and he volunteers at Humane Society of Sedona.

Sedona Philosophy hikes are enriching and rewarding outings where you learn a little about Sedona and a lot about yourself. Sedona is the perfect place to reflect on the wonder of the world and the meaning of life. On your next visit to beautiful El Portal, take a tour with Sedona Philosophy, and bring your pet along for every step of the adventure.

By Andrea Christelle, Sedona Philosophy

Here is a guide to help pet owners keep their pets safe this winter season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly boutique hotel, located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, activities, and more. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, with only 12 rooms, and no pet fees!

 4 Amazing Sedona Hikes in Two Days

This is uncommon for us to do, but Larry Preston is not only an excellent writer but an avid hiker as well. Please enjoy this guest blog post of Larry’s, we certainly did!

This was my second trip to Sedona. The first one was over Memorial Day, and it was so crowded that I went home almost as soon as I got there.

This time was different. I brought Pixel the Wonder Cat along, as she rather enjoys riding in the Jeep and sniffing out a new place. I also booked a room at El Portal, and this place is wonderful. I would put it in my list of top hotels ever. And they aren’t even paying me to say that.Was it crowded again? Yes, but not as bad. I also planned it out this time so I could go nowhere that was crowded.

As a first for me, I booked a guided tour for my first hike on Saturday morning. When I saw the option to book with Sedona Philosophy Experience, I assumed it was about experiencing Sedona. Nope. It’s actually a hike with a guide who shares their love of philosophy with you.

What a great surprise that was. Matt Goodwin, my tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable about Sedona, Arizona’s history, and of course, Philosophy. It made for the most interesting hike I may have ever been on.

When I was a kid, I wanted to build a go-kart. I found a man not too far from my house that was willing to help me weld it. Sadly, I cannot recall his name, and I am sure he is long gone. This guy was a welder by day but a philosophy lover at night. So as he was welding, he told me all about Plato, Socrates, Dante, and John Locke.
I studied a bit more of it in college and had read many books on my own. But Matt clearly has dug into it at a whole other level, making for a fascinating 2.5-hour hike and conversation.

The highlight of the hike is the House of Apache Fire, Built by Helen and Jack Frye, who, in the early 1940s, caught sight of the land during a flyover. Jack was the president of TWA Airlines, and Helen was his artist wife. By 1947, construction began for the home on what the Fryes dubbed the Smoke Trail Ranch—some 700 acres of red-rock country land with the creek running through it.

The house is not being used now and is surrounded by a barb-wire fence. That’s sad because you can see it was truly an amazing place with perhaps some of the best views in the world. Certainly in Sedona. This place struck me because it was about the same time (1948) that my grandparents, Herb and Millie Borah, built a gorgeous log cabin on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota. Both places, at the time, were about as remote as one could get, yet both couples preferred to be there and far from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities of the time.

Helen was clearly a larger-than-life character with multiple husbands and homes. She is certainly a Sedona legend.

Dining out in Sedona was tricky: The nicer places have strict dress codes and are booked far in advance.

As always, it is tough to get reservations for a party of one. The one place I did get into (who shall remain nameless) has mediocre food and awful service. When you go to eat by yourself, too many places have a tendency to stick you at the worst table and then pretty much forget about you until you club them over the head for more water, the check, or to find out why every table around me got their order before me.

Be sure to book your meals ahead of time.

Sunset in Sedona

As the sun got close to going down, I headed over to Margs draw for hiking a little, but more so to take in the sunset – where I got some of my favorite photos ever.

Day Two

I got up early and headed to the Adobe Jack trail. About 4 miles, mostly in the shade. Great little hike, but you are in town so you’ll walk buy a lot of houses and hear some traffic noise in parts.

I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – where I checked almost every store but bought nothing. There is some very nice high-end art there, but the vast majority of it is tourist trinkets.

Next up, I drove the Canyon almost all the way to Flagstaff, stopping at several points for the view.

I then hoofed it in the other direction all the way to the Jerome Ghost Town. Unfortunately, Jerome was anything but a ghost town – it was packed!  After looking for twenty minutes, I could not find a parking spot. So I headed back and walked through all the tourist shops in Sedona. Then it was back to the hotel, gather up the cat and head home.

All in all, Sedona is an amazing place… but it’s also so crowded that it’s tough to enjoy it. So the next time I head north, I will make sure I go in the off-season. That should do it.

Thanks, Larry for the great blog.
If you would like to see more of his photos, you can visit him on Instagram @larrypreston.

All photos copyright by Larry Preston, and used here with permission of Larry Preston.
#sedona #arizona #sedonaphilosophy #elportalsedonahotel
#sedonahikes #sedonahikingtrails #hikingguide

Walk to Town from El Portal Sedona Hotel!

The Sedona area is known for its many hiking trails, which allow on-foot exploration of the majestic red rock wonderland that makes the city famous. However, visitors do not need to venture into the wilderness to discover immersive walkable adventures. With the city’s intriguing past and diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and galleries, visitors will find plenty to explore in Sedona on foot.

From Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to Hillside Sedona to Creekside to Uptown to Tlaq North, Sedona is a very walkable town; and all from a two-minute amble to less than twenty minutes’ stroll from El Portal.

Wander the streets, browse the shops, explore the galleries, and do not forget to follow Sedona’s “Walk through Time,” (also known as the Sedona History Walk). These charming places house a wide variety of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, fine dining, specialty boutiques, gear stores, art galleries, bars, and souvenir shops!

Leave the car behind and walk about wonderful Sedona!

Reserve your room today at El Portal Sedona Hotel! 1.800.313.0017 or online!

Trending Now – Sedona for Summer Vacation!

Sedona is trending now for your next vacation! It is perfectly located with Grand Canyon National Park – one of the Seven Wonders of the World –  an hour and a half away, numerous state parks, a national forest, two historical parks, six national monuments, a historical heritage site, unlimited outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, spa days, golfing, wine tours, swimming, fishing; there’s just so much to do, see, explore!

 

Your trip to Sedona begins and ends – here at pet-friendly El Portal Sedona Hotel. We offer exceptional concierge services for the Sedona area. Tell us what you want to do – or not do and we’ll help you plan the perfect trip!

Book your vacation today! Call 1.800.313.0017 or online!

 

Time is of the Essence – A Sedona Spring Getaway!

Do you have a favorite room here at El Portal Sedona Hotel? Is it the Grand Canyon Suite with stained glass accents, whirlpool tub, and fenced pet-friendly yard? Or maybe it’s our Greene & Greene suite with its lovely balcony and fabulous views? It could be our grandest suite – The Governor’s Suite with over 600 square feet and a king-sized bed enveloped in spectacular panoramic Red Rock views.  Or it could be the sweet and serene Garden Court Room? No matter what one is your favorite now is the time to book for a spring escape!
It is time to think ahead to March, April, and May! You don’t want to miss the wonderful weather – perfect for hiking, touring, or just kicking back and strolling around! Time is of the essence…

The soul of Sedona is calling, the serenity of the Southwest is summoning … At El Portal Sedona Hotel we invite you to relax and revive your spirit, refresh your inner self! We have the perfect room just for you…the choice is yours.

Call 1.800.313.0017 or book online!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly AAA Four Diamond Hotel, a boutique hotel that offers personalized concierge services for the Sedona area! 

Fall – and the Weather is Perfect in Sedona

Fall Weather = The Best Weather

There’s nothing like a hike along the gorgeous trails in Sedona during autumn…The leaves are just beginning to change, there’s a hint of a chill in the morning and the warmth of the sun is perfect in the afternoon.
The golfing is fantastic too. Championship courses, par 3s, we have it all. The Sedona Golf Resort is considered one of the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences​, ​where each hole provides a unique adventure. Something to add to your bucket list – definitely!

Off-road adventures, jeep tours, and more take you out to the red rocks for excursions sure to turn up the thrill factor! Not your cup of tea? Take a wine tour, book a spa retreat (many of our spas have outdoor facilities), do a little retail therapy in our eclectic shops and galleries, the options are endless.

The unmistakable pull of Sedona means it’s time for relaxation in the fresh mountain air. Check-in at El Portal Sedona Hotel, it is so quiet and peaceful you’ll forget you’re in the middle of town. Stroll down the lane to Tlaquepaque and enjoy the quaint “village” feel, enjoy the restaurants and artisans, then return to El Portal for ​”happy hour” in our idyllic courtyard!

Sedona Weather + Sedona Discoveries + El Portal Sedona Hotel = Perfection 
1.800.313.0017 or Online Reservations

Hike the Mystical Red Rocks of Sedona

Nestled amongst crimson canyon walls is one of the most beautiful places on earth – Sedona Arizona. Known for our 400+ hiking trails, Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of wide-open spaces! So come, visit Sedona, and stay with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Our hiking trails are open and are truly breathtaking! From beginner to expert – there is a trail for everyone; and Steve and staff can help you choose the perfect trail for you and yours! A few of our favorites… (listed from easy to difficult) Margs Draw, Fay Canyon, Deadman’s Pass, West Fork Trail, Airport Loop, Boynton Canyon, Broken Arrow Trail, Doe Mountain Trail, Devil’s Bridge, Wilson Mountain Trail, Cathedral Rock, and Bear Mountain Trails.

Sedona’s trails offer solitude, serenity, and an opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the countryside (please practice “Leave No Trace” principles). There are amazing ruins, pictographs, and petroglyphs to see and learn about as well, not to mention the intense spiritual vibes and high concentration of vortexes (sites that are believed to strongly emit energy that promotes healing and meditation)! It’s not about to hike or not, it’s about how many you can hike!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – call for your room 1.800.313.0017, or book online!

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.