Snowbowl’s Last Day This Season

Last Day’s “Last Run” is Just Straight-up Fun.

 

Superman enjoying an earthling activity.

Flagstaff, Arizona’s Snowbowl ski resort was able to keep their lifts open for just one more weekend thanks to Friday’s freshly fallen snow. Most ski resorts enjoy the tradition of getting a little crazy on the last day of the of the season, and Snowbowl was no different. From skiers dressed as Superman to EXTREME! snowboarding babes in bikinis, the Last Day’s Last Run, is a spectacle, and maybe even an event (if you’re not afraid to show some skin), you won’t want to miss next year. 

 

The vibe simply could not possibly be anything but  crazy when the chairlift guy is dressed as a pirate who has a steering wheel fastened to the fly of his knickers. “Aargh, yer drivin’ me nuts!” says he as he steers the wheel. My personal favorite as the eight foot banana snowboarding down the mountain. I can’t count how many times I heard different people sing “Peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time!” as he walked by.

As for the actual conditions of Snowbowl, they weren’t half bad for the first part of the day. What should we really expect for April in Arizona? In fact, I’m just grateful we had one more opportunity to get out there! The Agassiz was the only lift open and that is the one that goes up to the top of mountain, therefore the runs were decently long. You could find fresh snow off the trails in the woods that were pretty nice as well. While the chairlift lines were about  a ten minute wait, people didn’t seem to mind as everyone was happy and pretty entertained by each other. As they day went on, as expected, the runs were mostly icy, then very slushy towards the bottom, but by that point, it was time to sit back and enjoy the hilarious “Last Run” spectacle consisting of guys in their britches and ladies dropping trou, snowboarding with their pants around their knees, showing off their bikinis -welcoming spring.

Westin Kierland Resort featured on the TODAY Show

In its story about Tough Times for the Travel Industry today, the TODAY Show on NBC featured the Westin Kierland Resort, right here in our own Scottsdale backyard.

While canceled meetings and scaled-back corporate events may be hurting this and other local Scottsdale resorts and hotels, the silver lining message for locals is that more hotel room inventory and the normally slower summer season here (Christmas has come early!) – which translates to super-great deals on backyard resort getaways and “staycations” that we Scottsdale locals have taken advantage of for years.

Support our Arizona hospitality industry and book your spring and summer “staycation” today.  Check out sites like our scottsdalephoenix.net for a terrific list of luxurious Scottsdale and Phoenix resorts that you can experience for sometimes less than half of their high-season rates.

Sedona for Kids

Photo credit: Shap2007 on flickr.com

There’s no amusement park in Sedona.  But that doesn’t mean that Sedona’s not a great destination for families with kids.  There are all kinds of things to do in Sedona – especially in the spring and summer – that appeal to kids and parents alike.  Check out a quick rundown of great things to do in Sedona – or a quick 20 – 60 minute drive away – if you have a child or children under the age of 12:

1) JEEP TOURS – In town, a Sedona Jeep Tour is a great, classic “must-do” for Sedona visitors of all ages. Sedona Jeep tours routinely cater to families with young children. There are several companies to choose from that offer jeep tours in Sedona so visit each one’s website to see what fits your family best.

2) SEDONA TROLLEY – The Sedona Trolley will take your family all over Uptown Sedona for shopping and dining; and a visit up Oak Creek Canyon to Slide Rock State Park is fun for some natural summertime water-play.

Photo credit: kyle simourd on flickr.com

3) STARGAZING – If the kids can stay up a little late, you might check out some Sedona astrological tours (“Sedona by Starlight” is presented by the Institute of Eco-Tourism) on Monday nights and take advantage of seeing Sedona’s beautifully dark skies filled with stars.  For tours any night of the week, check out Evening Sky Tours.  This is what you call family-friendly, natural Sedona entertainment and nightlife!

4) WILD ANIMAL PARK – Just a short 45-minute car ride, near Camp Verde, look for one of the best things to do in Prescott, AZ: Out of Africa wildlife park – a great zoo experience for the whole family.

Photo credit: cogdogblog on flickr.com

5) RIDE THE RAILS – Just a bit south of Sedona, look for the Verde Canyon Railroad (about 20 min from Sedona) for an old-fashioned train ride and sightseeing experience including lots of wildlife

6) WILD WEST SHOOT-OUT – A great match-up with the Railroad ride is Blazin’ M Ranch – a cowboy cookout dinner & show.  Blazin’ M Ranch is also 20 min from Sedona in nearby Clarkdale and can be combined with a Verde Canyon rail ride for a full day of fun.

7) SPECIAL EVENTS – There are some really fantastic special events in Sedona happening year-round. See our Sedona event calendar. Depending on the dates of your visit, you may catch the Sedona Arts Festival, one of many music festivals like the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, live theater like Shakespeare Sedona or the Sedona Film Festival. Several popular fall & winter holiday events like Fiesta de Tlaquepaque and the famous Sedona Luminarias are reason alone to take a family vacation to Sedona, AZ.  And anytime of year during your sightseeing in Sedona, be sure to look for all the “Javalinas on Parade,” a public art installation all around town. Kids love to use their “treasure” maps and go “hunting” for the Javalinas.

Photo credit: eyeliam on flickr.com

8) KIDS EAT FREE – For parents on a budget (read: ALL PARENTS) a Kids Eat Free deal is something to shout about.  Check out Sedona restaurants like Joey Bistro and Stakes & Sticks – both located at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa – where, starting March 29, 2009, Kids Eat Free  every Sunday. Please call Stakes & Sticks at 928-204-STIX (7849) or Joey Bistro at (928) 204-JOEY (5639) for more information.

Enjoy your Sedona family vacation!

Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Photo credit: hyperscholar on flickr.com

March is one of my favorite months in Arizona.  The weather is darn-near guaranteed to be perfect for 31 straight days and it smells fantastic outside.  The lemon, orange and grapefruit trees in my yard and north Scottsdale neighborhood are in full bloom and the sweet, intoxicating smell drifts through my open windows.

The thought of opening the windows, airing out my house and engaging in some serious spring cleaning has been a hot topic amongst my friends this month.  But beyond removing dust from shelves and rotating my closet from winter boots and tights to flip flops and sundresses, we concur that spring also a season for clearing out emotional clutter, and replacing dark thoughts with visions of new life, healing and growth.

I can’t think of anyone better to discuss spring cleaning for the soul than Greg Drambour, our favorite spiritual blog contributor.  Greg is a cancer survivor and shamanic healer in Sedona, Arizona.  Here’s Greg’s How-To list on cleaning your  home so you can heal your body, mind and soul.

***

The Energy of Your Home

My understanding and knowledge of how important the energy of your home is has deepened in the last three and half years since the cure. You want to get the energy flowing in your home and office environment in a way that’s beneficial for your healing.

There are few steps to accomplishing this:

One, find someone who knows how to read the possible toxins that may be lurking in your home. I am referring to a healer that works on a subtler energy level. For example, the lead may have been removed from the house but the energy still exists at a deeper level. There are individuals who are experts at removing this. And, of course, a conventional toxin evaluation would also be wise.

Two, seek out a Feng Shui consultant; I would strongly recommend a person who is fluent in Form or Compass Feng Shui, which calculates your birth date and the Chinese calendar into the evaluation and recommendations. I find this style much more powerful than westernized Feng Shui or what is called Black Hat Feng Shui. On my property there were three dead trees that were literally in a straight line from one end of the house to the other. They were situated in the Health Section of my property-this was not good! I had them removed right away. I certainly did not want the energy blocked in that area. Whether you believe in this philosophy or not, I would do it anyway-it can’t hurt!

Thirdly, I would smudge or use aromatherapy in the house daily and open the windows. Lemon is what I use in my house and office. Get a state-of-the-art Air Cleaner. Keep the house clean, make it a priority, it will help you keep moving forward, feeling constructive. Remember the powerful words from the great book, Tuesdays With Morrie–“when you’re in bed you’re dead!”

Fourth, there are powerful people who can support you in removing any bad energy in the house. They specialize in extractions of entities or negative energy forms that don’t serve you. Seek them out – the right one will show up. You’re on the path to wellness. God will provide.

Fifth, make sure the polarity on the north and south sides of the house are positive as well as the ley lines. This is something you can fix yourself and will find instructions among the next few articles. I will include it along with some other helpful tips.

Soon after I got the big news that I was well, I rented a room in a house for a few months. The first day there I woke up sick and remained sick literally to the day I moved out two months later. The woman who owned it was a bit lacking on cleaning – the house was very moldy and dusty but the reason I got sick was that place was full of old pine needles from the Xmas tree she had up. My holistic doctor discovered that I was ultra-sensitive to old pine needles! Go figure!

Make your home a sanctuary-it doesn’t cost a lot of money. Go haunt garage sales or Good Will – this is always fun. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good, that inspire you. Don’t overlook the importance of a healthy environment – let your environment reflect how you want to look inside-model to your disease how you want it to look – healed. Heal your home not only inside but also outside.

***

For more information about healing the possible emotional contributors to illness, please go to Cancer Survivors or Spiritual Retreats .

Sedona Welcomes “Through Each Others Eyes ™” Photographers

Japanese Members to Experience Luxury Resort and World-Class Spa

photo credit: tinou bao - flickr.com

Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa will host Japanese photographers from Through Each Others Eyes™ (TEOE), a not-for profit corporation that sponsors international photographer exchanges, on March 4, 2009. The visiting photographers are from Himeji, Japan, a sister city of Phoenix, Arizona.

“We are delighted that our resort will be their introduction to the Sedona experience,” said Edgar Lozoya, Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa General Manager. “In addition, our close proximity to the legendary Arizona red rocks and Coconino National Forest positions our top tier resort as the gateway to Sedona.”

Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa provides guests with beautiful red rock views and easy access to the best that Sedona has to offer. During their stay the photographers may take advantage of the resort’s knowledgeable Director of Adventure, who provides guests with an insider’s experience of Sedona such as tranquil trails through the Coconino National Forest. Additionally, the photographers will have access to the world-class Hilton Spa, which blends rejuvenating services for both mind and body.

During the group’s 10-day Arizona trip, the Japanese photographers will be capturing the beauty of Arizona, including the splendor of Sedona. The photographs collected during their visit will be on exhibit in Arizona and Himeji, Japan.

Through Each Others Eyes™ works closely with Sister Cities International chapters and local governments to promote international understanding by using the medium of photography.

About Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa
A part of Hilton Worldwide Resorts™, the 219-room property is located 90 minutes north of Phoenix and features two-room suites with separate living rooms and private patios or balconies, with breathtaking views of Sedona’s majestic red rocks or the Sedona Golf Resort. Guest room amenities include fireplace, flat screen televisions, minibar, high-speed Internet access, microwave oven, coffeemaker, and iron/ironing board. Guests can also enjoy three heated pools and two restaurants. The Hilton Sedona has the largest conference facilities in Northern Arizona with 20,500 square feet of meeting space. Complete meetings packages are available. The resort offers guests complimentary wireless internet access in all public spaces including the pool areas.  More at hiltonsedona.com.

Architecture of the Past Meets the Present.

Along the curvy Route 17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix, tucked away are two architectural phenomenons. They are separated by 23 miles and approximately 800 years but brought together by their ideas of community, agriculture and respect for the land. I am talking about Montezuma Castle built by the Sinagua Indians in 1100ce and Arcosanti still under construction and the careful planning of Paolo Soleri.

Montezuma Castle was built into the cliff face using mud, sticks and the local stone. It along with an adjacent structure provided about 65 rooms for a year round farming community. A local nearby well was irrigated to create a lush farmland that remained clear and unobstructed by the Sinagua’s habitat.  But did they just build into the mountain for protection against attack? I would think this was not the main reason if all the surrounding tribes were also friendly Sinagua.  Could it be that they also had the same ideas that have been the basic building block for Arcosanti?

Arcosanti is an experimental city built on top of a small stone canyon using many local supplies. The object of this city is to create ways to improve the conditions of urban living while creating minimal impact on the earth.  To succeed and make Arcosanti sustainable Paolo Soleri, like the Sinagua, built into the mountain and controlled his local water supply to create and preserve the flat fertile lands for farming. Arcosanti is currently functions as a “company town” providing home to volunteers and employees. It is also a fabulous place to stop for a meal, baked goods, browse the gift shop or just sip coffee while admiring the view from modern castle built into the mountain.

Both Montezuma Castle and Arcosanti make for truly fantastic stop to stretch your legs and let your imagination be intrigued while traveling the 17 between Flagstaff and Scottsdale Phoenix.

The Power of a Cougar – Sedona Vortex

Photo credit: harlequeen on flickr.com

Today, another post from guest blogger Gregory Drambour.

A Sedona Vortex Experience
The Day Of The Cougar

A few months ago, it was my honor to guide a very gifted writer on a Sedona Vortex Experience to the Healing Tree Vortex. As we headed down the trail, I felt something behind me. I turned around and saw a little cougar sitting about 30 feet away (clairvoyantly). I thought I would keep walking and see what she did. I felt her following us and so I stopped and let her catch up! I told my client what I was seeing and she was very open to these kind of happenings. The cougar stopped very close to us and sat back on her haunches and looked up at us and cocked her head. She had this beautiful vulnerability about her; her face was full of innocence. She seemed very present. I greeted her and invited her to join our journey. She followed right along with this! It was so amazing.

As we got deeper into the journey I noticed she edged closer to my client, brushing up against her once in a while. I asked the client is she felt and saw the cougar–“Oh yes!” What came up that day for this wonderful client was taking a closer look at some inner child issues. She had forgotten that special little girl that existed inside her, an issue that comes up on manySedona retreats.

We stopped at the Place of The Fairy People, which is just short of the Healing Tree. This is a very special place that always brings instant joy to my heart. There are dozens of little fairies that live under a Grandmother Juniper Tree. The Fairy People immediately tried to make friends with my client. I felt her resisting it and got a clairvoyant-hit that she should shape shift into her little girl. Well, what followed was an enormous breakthrough. You can read about it in her testimonial. I was truly honored to be there to witness it. As we were getting ready to leave, my client turned to me said,

“Where’s the cougar?”

Something suddenly dawned on me! I responded, “The cougar was your little girl!” Emotion overwhelmed me and I felt the tears trying to come. Once again, I was so deeply grateful to do this work. The little girl inside my client knew she was resistant to connect with her, to let her live again. So she shape-shifted into a cougar so she could get close to her adult-self; so she could get her adult-self use to her child-like innocence and openness.

A Ho, Old One, A Ho. Thank you, thank you.
Greg

One-Person Spa = One Fabulous Experience

A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa - Enter into warm, personalized care.

As an official Sedona enthusiast and an unofficial Arizona travel writer, I was thrilled at the opportunity to experience a treatment at A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa last month.  The owner and therapist, Thea Draaisma, greeted me warmly in her quaint and Scandinavian-style sanctuary.

A prime example of an emerging trend in spas, the one-person spa, A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa allows guests to experience his or her therapist’s complete, undivided attention in complete privacy and stillness.  And because the personalized attention is delivered in a home studio or – like A Spa for You – in residential-style dwelling used exclusively as a spa, guests can relax for less; you know you’re not paying for elaborate decor, excess staff and other overhead expenses.

That’s not to say that A Spa for You wasn’t nicely appointed; quite the contrary.  Just as with fancy resort spas and destination spas, I settled for some pre-treatment relaxation and hydration in the common space while Thea prepared me and the treatment room for my experience.

I was lucky enough to have Thea’s signature Japanese Facial Massage – the perfect blend of facial and body treatment – which Thea gave with personalized and genuine care.  With a gentle sort of “plucking” stroke, the Japanese Facial Massage felt like tiny butterflies dancing on my skin and refreshing my face with hydrating, cooling and replenishing goodness.

A Spa for You uses Lafemation 100% pure botanical skin care products from which Thea customized to my individual skin’s needs.  I would write the rest of what happened during the treatment, but I fell into such a deeply relaxed state that was completely uninterrupted by thoughts of what my blog post might containg.  Sorry, but it’s true.  You’ll just have to go to A Spa for You and learn for yourself.

Thea is deeply knowledgeable, with a resume that includes some of the country’s finest and most acclaimed spas.  But the most engaging thing about Thea is the obvious and genuine care she has for each of her clients and her business.  I strongly encourage Sedona visitors and locals alike to seek out A spa for You – find them on our Spas in Sedona section on Sedona.net or go directly to A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa’s website.

A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa
28 Kayenta Court #2
Sedona, Arizona
Phone (928) 282-3895
SMS Mobile Text “Spa” for call back at: (928) 821-3238
Email: thea@aspaforyou.com
Site: http://www.aspaforyou.com

If you go: Check out the map and note that A Spa for You is a one-person spa.  So look for a gray-green residential 2-story apartment building at the top of Kayenta Court.  Park in front of Unit #2, and enter through the charming red door.  Observe usual spa etiquette; arrive at least 15 minutes early, wear comfortable clothing and turn off your cell phone.  Because Thea is the owner and therapist, some etiquette experts may say that a gratuity is not required, but I felt she certainly deserved it and her prices are so reasonable, you can afford to tip graciously and still mind your budget.

Full disclosure: Yes, the treatment was complimentary. Yes, A Spa For You Sedona Day Spa is a paid advertiser on our travel site, Sedona.net. No, I was not asked to write a review or give a testimonial – I just loved my experience so much that I wanted everyone to know about it.

Valentine’s Day in Sedona – 3 Last-Minute Suggestions

I can’t think of a better place to be for Valentine’s Day 2009 than Sedona, Arizona.  Take advantage of the fortuitous fall of the calendar – a three-day weekend (Thanks, Abe & George!) – and have a red-rock love fest with your sweetie.

Here are three great Sedona Valentine’s Day to-dos that’ll make your heart go pitter-patter:

1. Romantic Picnic

The Art of Wine - The Shops at Hyatt Pinon Pointe. Photo credit: http://www.artowine.com

First, hit the Shops at Hyatt Pinon Pointe in Uptown Sedona and stop in at The Art of Wine. Proprietors Scott and Laura Gisborne are deeply knowledgeable, friendly and offer wine-tasting seven days a week. Select from dozens of Arizona wines – a yummy Merlot, Cabernet or Syrah – locally-produced in the Verde Valley region, an area that the Wall Street Journal recently declared is nipping at Napa’s heels.

View from Merry Go Round Rock, just 4.5 miles up Schnebly Hill Road. Photo credit: AndrewEick on flickr.com

(Readers, it’s perfectly okay if you stop here and don’t actually make it to your picnic. An afternoon or evening of wine tasting at The Art of Wine is romantic fun enough!… But we’ll press on.)

Next, go next door to the Wildflower Bread Company and grab a baguette or a full lunch for two and head out (remember to cork your wine and grab some disposable glassware before you check out of both shops.)

Just south of the “Y,” near Tlaquepaque, turn north and drive up Schnebly Hill Road. A lovely twisting 4.5 mile drive up the road (about 17 minutes) you’ll see a turnout for Merry Go Round rock, a great place to spread out your picnic, toast to your love and sip that local wine.

2. Felice San Valentino at Joey Bistro

Say “I love you” by treating that special someone to a wonderful Valentine’s Day Dinner prepared by Los Abrigados Resort & Spa Executive Chef Danny Woodbridge. Joey Bistro specializes in Southern Italian Cuisine, and is a favorite Northern Arizona fine-dining destination for locals and perennial visitors.

Check out this year’s Felice San Valentino feast menu:

Salute
Champagne toast for Two
Shared appetizer of your selection of:
Heirloom Tomatoes and Marinated Mozzarella
Chilled Shellfish Cocktail
Antipasto Italiano

Intermezzo
Baby Greens Salad
Parmigiano Reggiano Bisque

Portata
Your selection of:
Fire Roasted Chicken
Classic Veal Piccata
Sea Bass Cartoccio
Filet Mignon and Lobster Cream Sauce

Finale
Raspberry Chambord Mousse Tower with Sparkling Shiraz Sorbet

Joey Bistro at the Los Abrigados Resort. Call for Reservations: 928-204-JOEY (5639) Photo credit: nancyjjohnston on flickr.com

For a modest price of $80 per couple, visit the extravagance and taste the culture of Italy in Los Abrigados Resort & Spa’s Joey Bistro. Experience “Felice San Valentino” firsthand, hear the words “I love you,” and dine on food “ta die for!”

3. Book a Romantic Bed & Breakfast

What could be better than staying at a bed & breakfast in Sedona that’s so private, they don’t even publish their address? I mean, come on! That’s serious stuff… Book a stay at the Sedona Cathedral Hideaway – a bed & breakfast with AMAZING views of Cathedral Rock, the most photographed red rock formation in Sedona.

Sedona Cathedral Hideaway is Sedona's most private bed & breakfast retreat. Call 866-973-3662 to reserve and learn its secret location!

Relax and regroup in the 2-person whirlpool tub or generous double shower room. This is a kind of place where you can sneak off; slip away and leave behind the stresses of life – a private, peaceful sanctuary. Whisk your sweetie away and indulge in some serious alone time. Get out and hike, or stay in bed all weekend – it’s your choice.

Dear Arizona Travel: How Do You Find a Vortex?

This week, we got an email from a visitor to our site, Sedona.net.  Shanna from Louisiana had a fairly common question:

Dear Arizona Travel:
How do you find a vortex?
–Shanna
Baton Rouge, LA

Usually when we get this question, we point visitors to our Sedona vortex map and call it a day.  But it got me thinking, “Is following a map really the only way to find a vortex?”  I mean, is a Sedona vortex map little more than an L.A. street-hawker’s $5 map to Hollywood Stars’ Homes? Well… maybe!   I mean, there’s got to be more to it than that, right?

So to better answer Shanna’s question, I turned to our guest blogger, Gregory Drambour of Sedona Sacred Journeys.  As a shamanic healer and guide, Gregory has a real-life how-to guide on finding a vortex… without a map, without a guide.  What he reveals will leave you more satisfied than a tourist in front of  Sylvester Stallone’s Beverly Hills mansion.

photo credit: iandeth on flickr.com

_______________________________________

Conversations With A Sedona Vortex Guide
How Do You Find Vortexes?

My thinking might be much different than most people around this question in the title, especially here in Sedona. I believe there are vortexes all over the place! I joke with clients and say, “In an hour, I could find a vortex in Central Park in NY.”

When I first came [to Sedona], I didn’t feel the energy that strongly in the four vortexes listed on the maps; maybe because I was used to the intense power in the Northern Plains where I could hear the Old Ones singing. For the first six months in Sedona, I hiked everyday, sometimes twice a day. After a time, I began to feel my heart and spirit being pulled into unknown places. I allowed myself to explore those places and show my heart to them and I began to discover the intensity of energy I was used too. And thus was born the Sedona Vortex Experiences listed on my site, Sedona Sacred Journeys. If you honor nature, it will honor you.

If you come to Sedona and want to explore on your own, I’m all for it! Just drive around and when you feel yourself being pulled gently or something catches your eye–STOP–and get out the car and go explore it! I call this openness and willingness.

Before you enter the desert, you might make a little prayer and an offering of tobacco or even water. “There can never be too much praying and hugging” is my motto! When you get into the high desert or trees, continue to let that feeling guide you no matter how much you think you might be going the wrong way-–”This makes no sense, this doesn’t look right!” Quiet your thoughts, let go of trying to reach for it or trying to figure it out, relax! Suddenly, you might feel an energy surge coming from the ground underneath you or directly at you. That’s a SedonaVortex!

When you find that vortex, whatever you do, don’t try and manage it or do anything with it! [This is a] classic and natural, innocent mistake. Just be there…let go…relax. In the shamanic tradition, [we call this] “gathering personal power.” Don’t forget to thank that power spot before you leave – this is important.

Well, this will give you a good start!
A Ho,
Greg