HOTEL BARS
View 180 at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona. Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort.
ETCH KITCHEN & BAR
Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you enjoy craft cocktails and a serene setting that includes unparalleled Oak Creek views at L’Auberge’s more casual dining venue, Etch. Choose from a wide selection of wine, craft cocktails and even a few alcohol-free libations. Try the oh-so Sedona Vortex Therapy cocktail, turmeric-infused Tito’s vodka, passionfruit innerpeace flower elixir, agave and lemon and paprika – inspired by the spa. Expect high-end bar bites like seared ahi tuna sliders and buffalo bison meatballs.
Etch Kitchen & Bar, 301 L’Auberge Lane at L’Auberge at Sedona Resort (928-282-1661 / lauberge.com/etch)
VIEW 180
Take in spectacular red rock views of Boynton Canyon as you enjoy wine, cocktails and small plates at Enchantment Resort’s View 180. Dive into an award-winning wine list that ranges from Pinot Noir to Riesling and a large selection of specialty cocktails and margaritas too. Food offerings include the Southwestern yucca fries and healthy options like Peach and Heirloom Tomatoes. When the weather’s cold, warm up on the plush couches by the fireplace.
View 180, 525 Boynton Canyon Road at Enchantment Resort in Sedona (928-282-2900 / enchantmentresort.com)
REDS
REDS at the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa offers a modern setting complete with one long bar in the dining room where patrons can imbibe. As you might expect given the restaurant’s name, the list of red wines is pretty long. The rest of the drink menu is rounded by white and sparkling wines and a Speak Easy Treats cocktail list. One highlight here? Rouge Mary, house-infused jalapeno vodka mixed with the restaurant’s own spicy bloody Mary mix.
REDS Restaurant, 2250 W. AZ-89A at the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa (928-340-5321 / sedonarouge.com)
SALTROCK KITCHEN
There’s a reason why the brightly-lit and well-stocked bar at Amara’s on-site restaurant SaltRock Southwest Kitchen is so full. The beverage menu at this contemporary is an impressive 10 pages long. Have your pick of wines, after-dinner drinks, whiskies, spirits, beer, booze-free drinks and cocktails. But SaltRock is best known for its margaritas. Our favorite for years has been the West Fork, a smoky combination of houseinfused jalapeno El Jimador Blanco, Vida Mezcal, lime, agave and house-made bitters.
SaltRock Kitchen, 100 Amara Lane at Amara Resort and Spa (928-340-8803 / amararesort.com)
WHERE TO GET CREATIVE COCKTAILS
Cotcktails at the Elote Cafe in Sedona. Photo courtesy of Elote Café.
89AGAVE CANTINA
89Agave Cantina is home to an impressive tequila selection. Bevvy up to the gleaming bronze-colored bar with colorful bar stools and admire that top-shelf collection as you down margaritas and tequila cocktails – all made with 100 percent blue agave tequila. For a spicy take on a traditional marg, consider the Spicy Snoopy, a mix of pineapple-jalapeño infused tequila, Mezcal, lime, agave and cilantro salt.
89Agave Cantina, 254 N. AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona (928-282-7200 / 89agave.com)
THE HUDSON
Featuring red rock views from the patio and a contemporary interior complete with hard wood floors, dark blue leather chairs and hanging orb-like light fixtures, The Hudson is a thoroughly modern restaurant. Although the wine list here is stellar, we’re big fans of the creative cocktail menu too. One standout-option? The decidedly Southwestern Hudson Marg, a mix of tequila, prickly pear lime, triple sec and house-made sweet and sour and lime.
The Hudson, 671 AZ-179, Ste. D, in Sedona (928-862-4099 / thehudsonsedona.com)
ELOTE CAFÉ
Although this spot has been renowned for its stellar modern Mexican food since it opened back in 2007, the drinks are top-notch too. The margarita menu is one of the best in town. All the margarita mixes are made in house with natural ingredients. Drinks exclusively feature 100 percent agave tequila. For a refreshing option, consider the Cucumber~Lime margarita – Reposado tequila, Cointreau, fresh cucumber juice and lime mix. Sipping one of these colorful creations is our favorite way to pass the time while waiting for a seat here.
Editor’s note: Elote Cafe’s current location on 771 AZ-179 at Hotel Arabella Sedona closed on Feb. 22. The restaurant’s new location at 250 Jordan Road is slated to open in April of 2020. For more information, visit elotecafe.com.
Elote Café, 771 AZ-179 at Arabella Hotel Sedona (928-203-0105 / elotecafe.com)
MESA GRILL
Watch airplanes take off and land as you savor red rock views from Mesa Grill, one of the most gorgeous vantage points in town. Warm up outside by the fire pits as you imbibe martinis, mimosa flights and creative cocktails like the Jet Fuel Mule – vodka, mint, fresh lime and Fever-Tree ginger beer.
Mesa Grill, 1185 Airport Road in West Sedona (928-282-2400 / mesagrillsedona.com)
WHERE TO GO AFTER MIDNIGHT
Looking for that late-night bite? Consider these options, both open until 2 a.m.
MOONEY’S IRISH PUB
Nosh on hearty Irish fare like Shepherd’s Pie paired with more than 300 drink choices including Irish and Arizona beers until the wee hours of the night every day. Mooney’s also offers a free
shuttle for patrons.
Mooney’s Irish Pub, 671 AZ-179 at Hillside Sedona, (928-282-2331 / mooneysirishpubsedona.com)
PJ’S VILLAGE PUB
Open since 1974, PJ’s is a laid-back sports bar and lounge where customers can chill out. Dig into pub-food like Roasted Jalapeno Chili Cheese Fries and PJ’s secret recipe chili alongside a selection of cocktails and local beers. PJ’s is known for its daily specials including $5 martinis on Monday.
PJ’s Village Pub, 40 W. Cortez Dr. in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-2250 / pjsvillagepub.com)
The Vault Uptown
Brought to you from the folks behind the Javelina Cantina and (one of our favorite spots in town) The Hudson, The Vault Uptown beckons with chef-driven, American cuisine and stunning red rock views. Crowd-pleasing menu options include loaded Trash Can Nachos, Spicy Volcano Shrimp, a Kobe Mushroom Burger and Short Rib Tacos. Pair your hearty cuisine with craft cocktails. One of our favorites is the Show Me the Money margarita, a delightful mix of Don Julio Silver, fresh squeezed lime juice, Grand Marnier and served on the rocks with a lime. Best of all? The bar here is open until the wee hours of 1 or 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Vault Uptown, 361 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona (928-203-5462 / thevaultuptown.com)
WHERE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC
Live Concert at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. Photo courtesy of Cliff Castle Casino Hotel.
SOUND BITES GRILL
Sound Bites Grill is THE place to hear live music in Sedona, with musicians taking the stage here nearly every night. Pro-tip: try the steaks.
Sound Bites Grill, 101 N. AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona (928-282-2713 / soundbitesgrill.com)
STEAKHOUSE 89
Contemporary fine dining restaurant Steakhouse 89 offers live music from Thursday to Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. As of press time, Eric Williams typically plays sax and piano on Thursday. On Friday, Paolo Scardina plays vocals and piano. On Saturdays, you may hear “The Legendary Pianist” Phil Rossi. The musicians that play on Sundays rotate weekly.
Steakhouse 89, 2620 W. AZ-89A in West Sedona (928-204-2000 / steakhouse89.com)
MARIPOSA LATIN INSPIRED GRILL
Chef Lisa Dahl’s Mariposa is known for its dramatic red rock views and Latin-inspired cuisine. And on Sundays from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Bill Barns and Jonathon Levingston play live tunes.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, 700 AZ-89A in West Sedona (928-862-4444 / mariposasedona.com)
FULL MOON SALOON
Every Friday and Saturday night, the upbeat Full Moon Saloon hosts live music from local acts.
Full Moon Saloon, 7000 AZ-179 in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-1872 / thefullmoonsaloon.com)
WINE BARS
VINO DI SEDONA
Vino Di Sedona offers guests a staggering 900 wines to choose from, including many bottles from local Arizona wineries. The lively wine bar also offers live music every night and is open ‘til midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Vino Di Sedona, 2575 W. AZ-89A in West Sedona (928-554-4682 / vinodisedona.com)
J WINE BISTRO
Pair seasonal cuisine like warm camembert and crab cakes alongside a fine selection of wines. One highlight here? Daily drink specials, like $10 off bottles of wine on Sundays.
J Wine Bistro, 7000 AZ-179, Ste. E-100, in the Village of Oak Creek (928-641-6587 / jwinebistro.com)
BREWERIES
OAK CREEK BREWERY
Oak Creek Brewing Co. is Sedona’s only combination production craft brewery and brewpub and has created award-winning beers for over 20 years. Besides the craft brews, enjoy live music five days per week, a lively atmosphere, garden and firepits.
Oak Creek Brewery, 2050 Yavapai Dr. in West Sedona (928-204-1300 / oakcreekbrew.com)
SEDONA BEER COMPANY
Since 2016, Sedona Beer Company has served local craft brews alongside pub fare with a local twist – like the green chili pork sliders – in its boutique Uptown taproom.
Sedona Beer Company, 465 Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona (928-862-4148 / sedonabeerco.com)
CASINOS
CLIFF CASTLE CASINO HOTEL
Camp Verde’s Cliff Castle Casino Hotel comes complete with more than 660 machines, blackjack, video poker and the casual poker room Club 52. The hotel also touts itself as the largest – with 108 machines – non-smoking section slot area of any casino in Arizona. Cliff Castle also offers four restaurants, a nightclub, live music and a 20-lane bowling center.
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, 333 Middle Verde Road in Camp Verde (800-381-7568 / cliffcastlecasinohotel.com)
TWIN ARROWS NAVAJO CASINO RESORT
Find slots, table games and bingo in a brightly colored gaming section at Flagstaff’s Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, a Four Diamond AAA award-winning resort casino. Besides the gaming,
you also can enjoy live entertainment and six restaurants.
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Blvd. in Flagstaff (928-856-7200 / twinarrows.com)
VENTURE OUTDOORS
Doe Mountain in Sedona. Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
SEDONA STAR GAZING
For over a decade, Sedona Star Gazing has been teaching Sedona visitors all about the night’s sky. “We’re one of the best places to star gaze in the world,” says Cliff Ochser, president and founder of Sedona Star Gazing. “We have altitude, many clear nights and we have low lights. Those are the three main ingredients for the best locations for star gazing.” Tours are 90 minutes long and start one hour after sunset. Tours begin at a spot in the Village of Oak Creek where astronomers will show you constellations, shooting stars and satellites. Tourgoers are given binoculars and can look through professional telescopes. The company closes from July 15 to Aug. 15 for monsoon season, but is open for daily tours otherwise.
Stargazing in Sedona. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
For more information, visit eveningskytours.com.
RED ROCK STATE PARK FULL MOON HIKE
If you’re searching for a safe way to take a night hike in Sedona, consider booking the Red Rock State Park Full Moon Hike. Once a month from April to October, the Arizona State Parks offers a guided night hike. Volunteer naturalists lead hikes and will periodically stop to discuss the nature all around you. The groups stop at two different vantage points – House of Apache fires and the Eagle’s Nest. Expect a magical view all around. “You’re seeing stars that you just can’t see elsewhere,” says Heidi Erickson, the park manager at Red Rock State Park. Heidi tells us you might spot mule deer, butterflies, dragon flies and maybe even javelina. The crickets will probably chirp. Each hike lasts about two-and-a-half hours. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. The flashlight app on your smartphone will also work. Wear closed-toed shoes. Make reservations by calling 928-282-6907. You cannot make reservations online. Heidi tells us hikes usually sell out about a week before the hike.
Sunset at Red Rock State Park in Sedona. Photos courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Hikes meet at Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona (928-282-6907 / https://azstateparks.com/red-rock)
SEDONA HORSEBACK RIDES
About one hour from Sedona, the M Diamond Ranch in Rimrock gives Northern Arizona visitors the chance to ride horses at sunset. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, up to six riders can enjoy a sunset ride on the sweeping 35,000 acre working cattle ranch. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as part of the Ranch Rendezvous tour, guests can enjoy a one-hour horseback sunset ride followed by a steak dinner and live entertainment featuring a singer performing classic country and western tunes.
For more information, visit sedonahorsebackrides.com.
Star Bathing at L’Auberge de Sedona. photo courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona.
STAR BATHING AT L’AUBERGE
Forest bathing is all the rage these days. Just in case you’re not familiar, forest bathing is a Japanese practice that essentially means taking in the forest through the senses. Locally, Sedona’s L’Auberge de Sedona offers its own twist on the practice called Star Bathing. According to the property, a certified Forest Bathing facilitator will awaken and attune the senses to the smell of the fresh water flowing through the creek and the rustle of the leaves. Star Bathing is complimentary to hotel guests. Private sessions can be booked and are available seasonally from April through October.
L’Auberge de Sedona, 301 L’Auberge Lane in Sedona (855-905-5745 / lauberge.com)
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Enjoy roasting s’mores at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. Photo courtesy of Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock.
HILTON SEDONA RESORT AT BELL ROCK
Order a S’mores on the Porch kit at the Hilton Sedona’s main restaurant ShadowRock Tap + Table and roast them outside by the fire pits on the patio.
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, 90 Ridge Trail Dr., in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-4040 / hiltonsedonaresort.com)
RED ROCK GELATO SHOPPE
If your sweet tooth wants to be satisfied and the sun has already set, consider heading to the Red Rock Gelato Shoppe. Open until 10 p.m., this spot specializes in all-natural gelato, non-diary options and vegan sorbetto made with fresh, local ingredients. Indulge in flavors ranging from classic mint to Red Rocky Road, red velvet gelato, graham cracker crumbles and premium white chocolate chips.
Red Rock Gelato Shoppe, 2055-A W. AZ-89A, Ste. A, in West Sedona (928-282-4490 / redrockgelato.com)
HAUNTED FUN
Being our October issue, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a ghost tour. And one of the top offerings in town is the Tours of Jerome’s three haunted tours. And Jerome is the perfect place to spend a spooky night as it’s allegedly haunted. Jerome is roughly 40 minutes from Sedona, and the tour company will pick up and drop off guests staying at Sedona hotels for an extra fee. The walking tours kick off at dust. Guests are given EMF detectors and can listen to a sprit box – both devices allegedly can “channel” those who’ve left this world. Expect to learn more about Jerome’s history as a wealthy mining town that later become a ghost town. Haunted tour guide Jason Voss tells us that the Connor Hotel is supposedly one of the most haunted spots in the city. The most notorious room at the property? Room one. Guests who’ve stayed have reported hearing a woman whispering in their ear. The “woman” is allegedly Ann Hopkins. When Ann found out her husband was cheating on her with a school teacher, Ann supposedly threw acid on her husband’s mistress says Jason. “For the price, it’s a good combination of history and intrigue. Murders, mayhem, historic things. It’s a good mix of history and ghost stories woven tighter. It’s just really fun to explore Jerome,” says Jason.
For more information, visit toursofjerome.com.
OUT OF TOWN AFTER DARK FUN
If you’re up for a short trip to Flagstaff, here are some places you can head to after dark.
Alpine Pedaler photo by R2 Studio.
FLAGSTAFF ALPINE PEDALER
Cruise around downtown Flagstaff in the twilight hours as you pedal around town, stop at three local spots and drink on the Alpine Pedaler. Look forward to a true “party-on-a-bike atmosphere” that comes complete with LED lights and a rocking sound system. The Alpine Pedaler is BYOB or wine.
For more information, visit alpinepedaler.com.
NAU Theater of Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of Northern Arizona University.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT NAU
Northern Arizona University is home to a wide variety of venues that can match just about any artistic taste. The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra performs at the on-site Ardrey Memorial Auditorium. The Studio Theater hosts smaller plays like October’s “The Yellow Boat.” Top acts like Death Cab for Cutie and Andy Grammer have both performed at venues on campus. One noteworthy addition? The Kitt Recital Hall – a $15 million, 26,863 square foot performing arts venue that opened in January of 2019.
Northern Arizona University, S. San Francisco St. in Flagstaff, nau.edu/sun-entertainment.
