Sedona is an artful town. From sidewalk and parking lot statues, to galleries packed with local art, to the art that’s painted by nature in the sunset skies, the beautiful red rocks, and the cusp of a crescent moon.
Tlaquepaque is a graceful, tree shaded Spanish-colonial shopping plaza. Beneath shady trees on winding paths there are over forty shops and galleries. Also on site is the Oak Creek Brewery, which makes a relaxing spot to – pardon the phrase – enjoy the artof a micro-brew IPA.
With summer’s heat intense by day, strolling these graceful paths at night can be just the thing. The Renee Taylor Gallery was open late, and featured a number of gorgeous, landscape-evocative pieces.
Sculptures, particularly metal sculptures, are everywhere in Sedona: from bronze statues of skateboarders near a roadside to shimmering crystal laden wire trees in parking lots. Animal figures are especially prevalent.
And what about art painted by nature’s hand? At Airport Mesa, sunset viewing is a celebration that illuminates red rock monuments throughout the valley. At Crescent Moon Red Rock Crossing a view of the famous – and challenging to climb – Cathedral Rock is the lure; for an all encompassing view and the reflection of the sunset as it paints the sky, the Vista Point trail in Boynton Canyon is the perfect Western landscape. Architectural art? Try The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into a red rock cliff as if it had sprung there. It too is a work of art, inspired and commissioned by local sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude.
Yes, you may only know Winslow, Arizona for “that song.” But you should know it for another reason, the beautifully restored railroad hotel La Posada. Want some amazingly cool art, gourmet dining, beautifully appointed rooms, and plenty of relaxation?
All aboard then for the wonderful La Posada Hotel. Winslow was once a bustling railroad town, and Amtrak still stops on the way to Chicago or LA outside the hotel’s back door, so you can leave the driving to Amtrak if you wish.
Today the town is a sleepy enclave on the cusp of becoming an artistic hub in the Arizona desert, the site of small galleries and shops, and “Standin’ on the Corner Park” which commemorates the Jackson Browne/Eagles song “Take It Easy.”
La Posada is a wildly gorgeous hotel, with a fascinating history. The hotel began as a wealthy hacienda, re-imagined by renowned architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter as one of the last of the Harvey House hotels, which served railroad passengers. The hotel opened to great fanfare and terrible timing in Depression Era 1930, and closed in 1959. The railroad took over, gutted it into office space, eventually abandoning it to ruin.
La Posada – Photo by Jack Burke
Photo by Jack Burke
Fortunately, owners Allan Affeldt and Tina Mion fell in love with the place in 1997 and have been recreating an elegant and just-about-perfect 53 room hotel, replete with art galleries, sculptures, murals, and gardens. And oh yes, trains rolling picturesquely down the tracks outside the hotel’s back lawn.
Never fear, it was built with care, and you won’t be awakened by the rattling of the locomotives. But you can sit out on a bench and both star and train gaze simultaneously. Or you can choose to stroll through the hotel and make note of antique furnishings, a sunken garden, serene fountains, and the La Posada Madonna, a brilliant contemporary sculpture designed by artists Verne and Christy Lucero.
Of course, you may not want to leave your room. Each room is different, filled with antiques, tile and tin mirrors, heavy wood desks or tables, blissful, handcrafted beds. The Southwestern style is artistic and unique, there is nothing here that hasn’t been chosen with love.
Hotel room sitting area – Photo by Jack BurkePhoto by Jack BurkePhoto by Jack Burke
And speaking of love, you can find plenty of love for your palate at the world class restaurant on site, a destination in and of itself, known as The Turquoise Room.
World class dining – Photo by Jack BurkePhotos by Jack Burke
Helmed by Chef John Sharpe, the restaurant offers organically sourced, cutting edge cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your dining experience with a fabulous frozen margarita and then enjoy a three course meal that you’ll be talking about until your next visit. From the Maytag Blue Cheese Salad to the fragrant Hazlenut Brownie with Coffee Ice Cream, meals here are meant to be lingered over. Beneath the warm glow of hand-painted stained glass panels, enjoy refined dishes such as the uniquely delightful vegetarian Killer Vegetable Platter that includes an amazing wild mushroom corn custard and a mild chili stuffed with three cheeses among its taste sensations. Don’t miss the signature soups, heirloom tomato salad, or fresh salmon, either.
The hotel’s 53 rooms are each furnished individually, but all feature hand-built southwestern furniture, wrought iron, heavy wood, and antiques. Many have patios, balconies, and views of gardens or trains. Reasonable rates encourage long stays, allowing plenty of time to explore the art work, history, views, and large gift shop filled with handcrafted treasures including stunning jewelry and kachinas. New plans are afoot to expand the property with a museum, orchard, sculpture garden, and even a vineyard. It’s a perfect jumping off spot to explore nearby Native American ruins, the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Parks, and the 550 foot deep Meteor Crater just outside of town. No standing on the corner for you!
