Music Matters
Flagstaff will host three different music festivals in June. The June Jam Music Festival kicks things off. From June 12 to 15, attendees can enjoy live music, yoga, camping, workshops and arts at Playa Ponderosa. A…
Martha Penado
A Modern Makeover
The property you see on these pages looks gorgeous now. But about a decade ago, it was in need of a remodel. “This was home was very boxy. It was dated. It was something you wouldn’t…
Family Festivities
New this year, the City of Sedona will be hosting Family Fun Fridays. Every Friday in June, families and their children can look forward to fun, free events. On June 5, families can chill out at…
Paint With Lovejoy at Amara Resort and Spa
Lovejoy is a celebrated local painter, and she’ll be teaching painting classes every Thursday throughout the summer at Uptown Sedona’s Amara Resort and Spa. If the name Lovejoy sounds familiar to you, it’s likely because she’s…
Community Leader Profile: Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence Logan Pearce
Next time you visit the Grand Canyon, you might just run into the astronomer in residence, Logan Pearce. The Grand Canyon Conservancy created the program as a way to educate the public about the importance of…
Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge
Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge is a special place. This West Sedona spot has been in business for over three decades and has rightfully earned a strong following. Although the original owner and the restaurant’s namesake, Judi…
Fay Canyon
Fay Canyon has long been one of the most popular hikes in Red Rock Country and for good reasons: There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead, the route is relatively flat until the end, and the…
On A May Morning
May is that special month of the year when we begin the transition out of spring into the warmth and joy of summer. In nature, the breeding season is past, and a new generation of creatures…
Pisa Lisa
Pisa Lisa has long been one of our go-to restaurants when we’re craving a hot slice of pizza. The West Sedona location beckons with a lively patio that overlooks the stunning Capitol Butte red rock formation…
Sweet Summertime: Your Northern Arizona Summer Guide
SEDONA RED DIRT CONCERT SERIES For an entire decade, the City of Sedona has hosted free outdoor concerts as part of its Red Dirt Concert Series. Every Friday in May and September, Sedona residents and visitors…
Serene Setting
Uptown Sedona’s Sedona Center has launched a new venue space. The 2,200-square-foot space Venue at Sedona Center serves up stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks and can accommodate up to 50 seated guests and 100 standing. Locals…
Native Heritage
From May 13 through June 23, ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery in Prescott will present “Journeys in Spirit 2026: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art,” in collaboration with the Museum of Indigenous People. Look forward to a…
Outstanding Women Leaders
LISA DAHL EXECUTIVE CHEF & OWNER OF DAHL RESTAURANT GROUP Lisa Dahl owns a total of six Sedona restaurants and is one of the area’s most celebrated chefs. Like many who cook professionally, her passion for…
Drive On
Looking to learn more about how to tackle rugged adventures? Then consider attending Overland Expo West. Held from May 15 to 17 in Flagstaff at Fort Tuthill County Park, Overland Expo West will bring together over…
Featured Pet of the Month: Oreo
Oreo is a handsome 1.5 year old kitty who is waiting for a family at the Humane Society of Sedona. He is slowly but surely finding his confidence and learning how to trust the people around…
Cinco Celebration
Consider closing out the spring at Tlaquepaque’s Arts & Shopping Village’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. Held on May 2 from 1 to 4 p.m., Cinco de Mayo will bring Mexican folk dancers, live music and plenty…
Photography As An Artform
Photography is widely accepted as one of the most versatile artforms there is. It is able to capture an instant in time of a historical or momentous event and also the ability to capture the patterns…
Celebrating Mom
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria will offer a special menu to celebrate moms on May 9 and 10, in addition to its regular menu. Really want to go all out? Consider booking a…
Aerie Trail
Sometimes when we’re searching for a hike to tackle, we just want a relatively easy hike that serves up great red rock views without a ton of effort. The Aerie Trail fits that bill perfectly. The…
Coming Home: An Entertainer’s Dream Come True
Mike and Cheri Hayes were vacationing in Sedona back in 2020 and fell in love with the area. The married couple was looking for homes and ultimately decided to purchase a lot to build a dream…
Timeless Tunes
Searching for live music? Then head over to the Posse Grounds Pavilion every Friday to hear free, live music as part of the City of Sedona’s Red Dirt Concert Series. New this year? The City will…
Open Studios Spring Tour
The Open Studios Spring Tour gives art fans a chance to step inside the studios of 55 working artists. Visitors can check out 35 private studios throughout the Verde Valley from April 24 to 26. They…
Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival
We don’t know about you, but spending nearly all day at Cottonwood’s Dead Horse State Ranch Park learning about and seeing birds in a lush, natural setting is our idea of a perfect spring day. Fortunately,…
Luxe Lodging
West Sedona’s Enchantment Resort has unveiled the amenity-packed Canyon Vista Rental Home. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom 2,367-square-foot home features a full kitchen, a dining room, three fireplaces and a massive living area. The home also features a…
Book It
Established in 1997, the Northern Arizona Book Festival is returning to Flagstaff from April 10 to 13. This book festival celebrates the rich history and heritage of the Colorado Plateau and American Southwest. Attendees can anticipate…
Finding Zen
Sedona’s stunning scenery, coupled with its Zen vibe, makes it an ideal place for a yoga festival, and it makes total sense that the Sedona Yoga Festival has found a home in Red Rock Country. Held…
Ain’t It Grand
Celebrated Sedona artist Curt Walters has released a book called “Resilience: The Life History and Grand Canyon Art of Curt Walters,” which is all about his life and work. This issue’s cover? Curt created that painting,…
Awesome Art Galleries
Rowe Gallery Located in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Rowe Gallery has been in business since 2010. The gallery’s most striking feature? A live tree that cuts right through it. One new exciting development is that…
Spring Time
Honor the springtime with the City of Sedona’s Celebration of Spring on April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Posse Grounds Park. The event includes an egg hunt, a big bunny, games and prizes….
Shift Kitchen & Bar
Shift Kitchen & Bar is one of the many outstanding destination restaurants that have opened in Flagstaff over the past decade. Located in downtown Flagstaff in a light filled location, the contemporary setting features wood floors,…
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is one of Sedona’s most iconic trails. This is largely due to the massive sandstone arch – the largest in the Sedona area – that gives this trail its name. Many hikers flock here…
Let’s Go: Centennial Celebration
FLAGSTAFF Route 66 once passed through Flagstaff. The city’s Mother Road Brewing Company – the route’s nickname – celebrates that rich heritage. The Flagstaff Visitor Center in downtown Flagstaff will be handing out a Route 66…
“Resilience: The Life & Grand Canyon Art Of Curt Walters”
Curt Walters is a storied Sedona artist and one of the most notable Grand Canyon painters in the entire world. But throughout his long career, there was one thing he hadn’t done until recently: publish a…
Water To Wine Kayak Trip
There are many ways to experience a winery, and Camp Verde’s Alcanta Vineyards and Winery offers a Verde River tour so you can check out the winery on the water from a kayak. The tour kicks…
Around The Neighborhood
Although it has never played a big role in selecting where we chose to live, we have been fortunate enough to have chosen to live in a place with a lot of wildlife in the neighborhood…
Classic Tunes
The Chamber Music of Sedona will host the esteemed Brentano Quartet on March 22 at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. The quartet – violinists Mark Steinberg and Serena Canin, violist Misha Amory and cellist…
New Digs
The outdoor-inspired hospitality brand Outbound is slated to open a new Sedona hotel sometime this year. The 138-room Outbound Sedona Hotel (formerly the Poco Diablo Resort) will feature modern Pueblo-inspired architecture. Room types include kings, bunk…
Featured Pets of the Month: Betty & Grayman
Betty and Grayman are a very sweet bonded pair who are ready to find a new home. They were surrendered to the Humane Society of Sedona back in November and are still having a hard time…
A Modern Marvel
Building The Foundation Like many Sedona homes, this one was designed to capitalize on the views. “They were interested in something unique, something modern. And of course, they wanted to maximize the views,” says Paul Pellicani,…
Time Of The Season
Acclaimed local painter Christine Debrosky (who was featured in Open Portfolio in the December 2025 issue) will have an exhibit called “High Desert Seasons” on display at Sedona City Hall from now until April 30. The…
Seeing Green
Break out your green attire this spring. The City of Sedona will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the Jordan Historical Park. The…
Berry Divine Acai Bowls
After a long day of hiking, we love to keep that healthy momentum going by digging into a refreshing, healthy snack. One of our absolute favorite go-to spots for lighter bites is West Sedona’s Berry Divine…
Jack’s Canyon
Jack’s Canyon is easy to reach, quiet (a real rarity these days) and offers up stunning views. The strenuous trail that is just over 13 miles out and back is also one of the more underrated…
Bob Ross Oil Classes
PBS star Bob Ross is one of the most iconic artists of all time. The landscape painter is renowned for his show where he would teach others how to draw outdoor scenes in relatively short amounts…
Featured Pet of the Month: Buckley
Buckley is a happy and fun-loving cattle dog mix who is in need of a home. He is just about two years old and is so ready for a fresh start with a family who loves…
Romance In Sedona
WHERE TO STAY L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA L’Auberge de Sedona beckons with a truly exceptional setting right by Oak Creek. The luxe and quaint Creekside cabins feature a plush bed, windows showcasing great views, a generously sized…
Film Fans
One of Sedona’s biggest and most celebrated events, the Sedona International Film Festival, is returning from Feb. 21 to March 1. During the week-long celebration, festival-goers can look forward to seeing hundreds of films, attending Q&As…
Food Trends
Matcha – or powdered green tea leaves – is a food trend that has taken off all over the country and has arrived in town. Local company Red Rock Matcha is supplying Sedona residents with its…
Classic Romance
On Feb. 1, the Sedona Symphony will be playing works by the husband and wife team of Robert and Clara Schumann. Violinist and concertmaster Sarah Schreffler will play the couple’s “Three Romances” during the first half…
Sensible Self-Care
KATHARINE MILANO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Katharine Milano, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who practices psychedelic assisted therapy and metaphysical psychology in Sedona, advises others to really think of self-care as an internal process. “We often look at…
Featured Pet of the Month: Sampson
Sampson is a beautiful 5 ½ year old dog who is looking for a home. He was found as a stray in Sunset Park in Sedona back in June and has been waiting to find a…
Get Your Kicks
Route 66 is celebrating its centennial all year. Founded on Nov. 11, 1926, the iconic, historic highway that ran through Flagstaff was a critical part of bringing Americans westward, and you can learn more about the…
The 72-Hour Secret Of Pinsa Romana
Stepping into Vespa Healthy Italian Café is less about going out to eat and more about entering a story shaped and told through heritage, patience, and true devotion. The Zacchino Family has been sharing their authentic…
Top Acts
Some top acts are headed to Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center in the coming months. Styx will take the stage on Jan. 11. Three Dog Night is slated to play on Feb. 21. The colorful basketball…
License to Wine
Next time you’re driving around town, you might just spot a license plate designed by local artist Sterling West. These plates commemorate the Verde Valley Wine Trail. The image features vineyards along the bottom and red…
Bear Mountain
The trail that leads up Bear Mountain – named after the animal it resembles – may only be 2.3 miles one way, but it’s easily one of the most difficult hikes in Sedona. The challenge is…
Once Again Remembering The Seasons
It’s that time of year again as we near the end of the year and begin the season of winter. This is a time when life is shutting down, and creatures that hibernate are in shelter,…
Igloo Dining at ShadowRock Tap + Table
When it comes to holiday dining in Sedona, it would be near impossible to top enjoying a meal in one of the igloos at ShadowRock Tap + Table at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock….
Let’s Go: Tucson’s Southern Hospitality
Looking to experience the holidays in another city? Then consider heading down South to Tucson. Southern Arizona’s largest city features holiday parades, an ice skating rink downtown and hotels that host plenty of festive events and…
Featured Pet of the Month: Aurora
Aurora is a beautiful 7-year-old retriever mix who is looking for a home. She was surrendered to the Humane Society of Sedona a year ago and is still looking for a family to love her and…
Winter Wonder: Seven Reasons To Love Winter In Northern Arizona
EXPERIENCING CHRISTMAS IN PRESCOTT If you love the holidays or are searching for a quick getaway to a festive place, you’re in luck. Prescott is only 90 minutes from Sedona and is called Arizona’s Christmas City…
Community Leader Profile: Angela Thomas of Sedona Toy’s For Tots
When retiree Angela Thomas spotted the Sedona Toys for Tots collection box at Clark’s in the Village of Oak Creek, she had no idea her life was about to change. The box included a phone number…
Holiday Happenings
THE NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE Nov. 21 – Dec. 24, 3 p.m. Thursday through Sundays Little America Hotel (2515 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff) 480-779-9679 northpoleexperience.com Families can take a peek inside Santa’s Workshop. Once at the…
Dazzle Train
Get in the holiday spirit early when you book a train ticket on the Verde Canyon Railroad’s “The Magical Christmas Journey.” Guests can enjoy a train that’s decked out in holiday lights along with a festive…
Boynton Canyon Trail
When summer’s high temps are finally in the past, we love to luxuriate in a long hike. The Boynton Canyon Trail is one of our favorite Sedona hikes that’s not too difficult and has plenty to…
Coming Home: Modern History
West Sedona’s Eagle Dancer Estate is an outstanding property. The home, which features four casitas and one main casa, has plenty of striking features, but the materials are one of the many things about this impressive…
Broome & Orchard
Broome & Orchard is the latest restaurant from The Shugrue family, the folks behind The Vault and La Vecina. The restaurant is housed in the former Sound Bites Grill location and features stunning red rock views…
A Cool Place
Northern Arizona is a totally cool place in all respects. It’s a cool place to be with temperatures to match. Photo 1 (featured at the top of this page) was taken at 11,931.4 feet MSL (Mean…
Featured Pet of the Month: Ray
Ray is a very shy cat who’s looking for a patient and loving forever home. Ray was surrendered to us from a hoarding situation and is one of the shyest cats of the group. He spends…
Serving Tribute
The Sedona Heritage Museum will be holding its annual Veterans’ Day Tribute on Nov. 11. The event will feature a flag ceremony, dignitaries, a veteran’s tribute and music. Following the program, attendees can enjoy complimentary food…
Run Along
Prior to enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving meal, consider lacing up your sneakers and running a 5K with Sedona’s red rocks as the background. Run Sedona will host its Sedona Annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 27. The…
2025 Hot List
Welcome to the 2025 Hot List. In these pages, you’ll find plenty of small businesses, area attractions and places worth celebrating. Our team took engagement from our readers, and we checked it with recent news and…
Featured Pet of the Month: Maxine
Maxine is a very sweet and loving kitty who has had a rough time lately. She was bounced from home to home before being surrendered to the Humane Society of Sedona. When Maxine arrived at the…
Walk Into Beauty, Waddell Sculpture Path Dedication Weekend
Late sculptor John Henry Waddell and painter Ruth Holland Waddell resided near Sedona for decades and were important members of the local artistic community. In his lifetime, John created over 150 sculptures. One of his works,…
Pottery Power
The Verde Valley Pottery Festival is returning to D.A.Ranch from Nov. 14 to 16. Attendees can look forward to seeing and purchasing pottery made by local artists, right before the holidays. On Nov. 14, guests can…
Soldier Pass Arches
The Soldier Pass Arches hike meets all the requirements of a downright perfect day hike. Just three miles round trip. Check. A challenging, but not impossible, trail. Check. Gorgeous views and a few fun places to…
Iconic Arizona
THE GRAND CANYON The Grand Canyon is the most iconic spot in all of Arizona, and no other place comes even remotely close. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a…
Wildlife Movers & Shakers
Animal and bird movers and shakers are largely invisible to us, but they are here and do have an impact. These are apex predators that oversee the balance of nature. In some areas of the country,…
Let’s Go: Carson Valley & Northern Nevada
LAKE TAHOE NORTH Lake Tahoe is worth a trip, especially if you’ve never been. The lake’s deep blue waters coupled with the mountains and pine trees is a truly breathtaking site. If you’re looking for a…
Keepers of the Wild
Spread across 175 acres, Keepers of the Wild is an animal sanctuary located on Route 66 in Valentine. The nonprofit is a little over 30 minutes from Kingman and has a fascinating history. It was founded…
Nature’s Power
Sedona has a brand-new mountain biking trail, but be cautious as this trail is only for highly skilled mountain bikers. Located on iconic Cathedral Rock, the Hardline Trail is a double black diamond trail that features…
Open Portfolio: Joe Bechard
SEDONA MONTHLY: Where are from originally? JOE BECHARD: I grew up in Boise, Idaho. How did you get interested in winemaking? Well, it’s kind of a long story, but it really goes back to my wife…
Dining With Wildlife
There’s only one place in Sedona where you can dine with wildlife and share the same fine meal that they have, and that is at the Rainbow Trout Farm in Oak Creek Canyon. The trout in…
Buffalo Park
When those high summer temperatures linger, we (and most of Arizona, really) often hop in the car and head up to Flagstaff to cool off. The nearby mountain town has plenty to offer in terms of…
Vespa Healthy Italian Café
Tucked in the red rocks of Sedona, Vespa Healthy Italian Café is more than just a restaurant – it’s an invitation into the warmth of an authentic Italian family home. Founded by father and son Leonardo,…
Community Leader Profile: William C. White
William C. White’s career as a musician has taken him to plenty of places. After graduate school, he served as the assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony. He’s worked with community, professional and youth orchestras as…
The Taawaki Inn Art Gallery
Hotels open in Northern Arizona fairly frequently, but Clarkdale’s Taawaki Inn is remarkable for several reasons. For starters, the 44-room hotel, which opened about a year ago in Clarkdale, is the first hotel outside of the…
History Matters
PBS has released an episode about Petrified Forest National Park as part of its “Untold Earth” web series. This series tells the stories of some of the natural wonders located in North America. Find this eight-minute…
Have Some “Heart”
Classic rock band Heart will stop by the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley on Aug. 16. As of press time, ticket prices start at $88 per person. Visit findlaytoyotacenter.com for more information.
Record Breaker
Kenyan native and Flagstaff resident Sharon Lokedi beat the women’s course record for the Boston Marathon – often considered to be one the most prestigious road races in the world. Her official time was a course…
Featured Pet of the Month: Blaze
Blaze is a big senior dog who is looking for a family to settle in with! Blaze was surrendered to the Humane Society of Sedona last September when his owner could no longer keep him. He…
The Sedona Area’s Six Best Bakeries
We love a good bakery. Walking into one just makes us feel better – with pleasant aromas wafting in the air coupled with the sight of pastries that look as scrumptious as they taste. Fortunately, the…
Best Bites
Diver Scallops at Hummingbird Seeing as Hummingbird is only open to guests of Mii Amo and Enchantment Resort, it’s one of the most exclusive restaurants in Sedona. Mii Amo’s signature restaurant, Hummingbird, offers cuisine that is…
Free Flicks
Interested in watching a free “dive-in” film? Then consider driving out to the Cottonwood Aquatics Center on the second Saturday in June, July and August as part of the Cottonwood Summer Cinema Series. Gates open at…
Show Time
Looking to beat the heat and watch a show? Then consider heading up to Flagstaff’s outdoor Pepsi Amphitheater. Located at Fort Tuthill County Park, the amphitheater is situated in the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the…
Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild
Textiles are some of our oldest art forms, and the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild is keeping this long tradition alive. “The purpose of our guild has been to encourage the interest and education and…
Community Leader Profile: Nancy Lattanzi
Nancy Lattanzi’s influence is all around Sedona. The art in the roundabouts? She’s the force behind them. As the arts and culture specialist with the City of Sedona, she oversees all the city’s arts and culture…
Go Flagstaff: Best Wine Spots
WOULD YOU LIKE SOME SORBET WITH YOUR SYRAH? Low lighting, brick walls and floor-to-ceiling wine racks make FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro Flagstaff’s quintessential wine bar. Patrons of all ages enjoy wines from around the…
