Expert: Mindy Mendelsohn - 7/8/2009

Question
Hello Mindy,

In August, my parents and I will visit the Grand Canyon. We also want to visit Sedona. My mom has been told Sedona is a great area and she's like to explore some shopping and fun activities. I've focused much more on Grand Canyon. Can you tell me what items of interest are unique to Sedona for shopping? What about interesting restaurants/cafes? Aren't there healing rocks somewhere in Sedona? If you can point me to any good sources of info or recommend something fun for us, it would be great. My mother and I are physically active. My dad is moderately. Hiking won't be on the cards.

Thanks ahead of time,
Diana

Answer
Hi Diana,

I am sorry about the delay.  The initial time you asked the question must have gotten lost in cyberspace and I just received notification this morning.

For shopping you won't want to miss Tlaquepaque in Sedona.  It was built to resemble a Mexican Village of the same name, the architecture is beautiful and has 43 shops and galleries.  The website for Tlaquepaque is www.tlaq.com.  Goldenstein Gallery in uptown Sedona is also wonderful:  www.goldensteinart.com is their website.

The jeep tours can be fun as well.  www.visitsedona.com is the official Chamber of Commerce website and they are a great source as well.

When you are talking about healing rocks you are talking about the vortexes, There is about you can pick up in town that talks about them "What is A Vortex" that is a good source.  Almost everyplace carries it including Walgreens, Dennis Andres is the author.

Food-wise here are my recommendations.  Cafe Elote which is upscale authentic Mexican was just named one of the top 5 restaurants by Arizona Highways.  The food is incredible, not what you would typically find at all.  Their menu is available on their website: www.elotecafe.com.  

Infusions Cafe is French cuisine and also wonderful.  The Oak Creek Brewery, which is at Tlaquepaque, is casual, and has a great sampling of their beer called the 7 dwarves which can be fun ( small vials of their beer).  Fork in the Road restaurant  has fabulous food.  
Thanks,

Mindy