Sedona, Arizona
“The Red Rock City”
Located at the base of Oak Creek Canyon in central Arizona, Sedona is renowned for its stunning red rock buttes and monoliths, as well as its surrounding lush forests. Completely surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, Sedona is located in both Coconino and Yavapai Counties.
Sedona began as a small, remote ranching and farming settlement in 1876 when the first permanent settler, John James Thompson, settled in Oak Creek Canyon. By 1902, 20 families resided in the area and a postal station was petitioned for by Theodore Schnelbly. The petition was granted and Schnelbly named the new post office in honor of his wife, Sedona. The isolated farming community was well-known for the high quality of its fruit, especially the abundant apple orchards. But as the scenic wonders of the Red Rocks of Sedona became more well known, tourism surpassed agriculture in economic importance.
In 1950, surrealist painter Max Ernst moved to Sedona, and other famous artists soon followed. Many artists have been charmed by Sedona and its rugged beauty which is said to enhance their creativity. Over the years, a community of artists has developed in Sedona, and many sell their work in local galleries and shops. Sedona has become a center for traditional and contemporary arts and offers a variety of galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops. It is an upscale retirement and tourism community because it is the jumping-off place for tours of the Red Rocks region.
Make Sedona the destination for your next trip to Arizona! With an abundance of attractions, shops, restaurants, and lodging options, you’re sure to find whatever it is that you’re looking for in Sedona, Arizona!
Once you’re done exploring Sedona, Arizona, why not check out one of our intriguing neighboring communities? Just up (literally) the historic highway 89A is the copper mining town turned ghost town turned tourist destination of Jerome. Located in central Arizona’s Verde Valley, Cottonwood is ideally situated above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona’s high country. At the base of Cleopatra Hill, is the quaint former company town of Clarkdale. Located in the geographical center of Arizona, Camp Verde is an interesting and economical stop when planning your next trip. Situated high in Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains is Prescott. Once known as “Lonesome Valley”, Prescott Valley. If you’re looking to get away from it all, there’s no better choice than Chino Valley.
