Expert: Mindy Mendelsohn - 3/8/2008

Question
My partner and I will be visiting Sedona at the end of May.  Any restaurants or places to go where we will feel like the locals, not just the tourists we are?  Any great out of the way that are on your "do not miss list"?

Answer
Hi Jason,

I am sorry that this took me a few days to answer.  I had a friend in from out of town and forgot to take myself offline.   Tourists blend here but here are some recommendations:  All of these restaurants are very popular with locals.  Pizza Picazzo - which has Wood FIred Pizzas and Salads.  L'Auberge de Sedona for breakfast or lunch.  This is a five star restaurant but inexpensive for either of those meals and you can sit outside by the creek which is fabulous.  Enchantment Resort's Yavapai room - again for BReakfast or lunch.  You need to make a reservation here first.  It is back in Boyton Canyon and the views are incredible.   Red Planet diner.  Homemade food and has a fun UFO Theme.  Javelina Cantina has great Mexican food.  The Bakery in the Village of Oak Creek - which is basically Sedona but they didn't incorporate with the city - has great coffee and pastries in the morning, an wifi.  Their bread pudding is made with the pastries from the day before.  ALso good for lunch.  

Many choices here.

If you are looking for a healer/spiritual type thing try Thunder Mountain Wellness Center - www.tmwc.org.  Jeff Masters is gifted and there are alot of "wanna be's" here.

Devil's Bridge Hiking trail is fabulous.  Not as many people head there.  

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Mindy