All About Sedona Arizona by Southwest Inn at Sedona

Sedona is known for its grand views and mystical connections and has been for many years. Originally, it was an incredibly rural ranching community known mostly for its natural beauty. Once that beauty became known throughout the motion picture industry, Sedona’s popularity skyrocketed. The city of Sedona was officially incorporated in 1988 but its history began years before. Native Americans had been living in the area since the year 900, building pueblos and farming. Evidence of many different tribes has been found in the area, including the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache peoples. However, this idyllic canyon was not spared the tragic sweeping invasion of Europeans. The very first Europeans arrived in 1583 in search of gold. By 1875, the soldiers of Fort Verde, now Camp Verde, captured the last group of Tonto Apache Native Americans in the area, the others either fled or also captured. The story of Sedona as we known it actually begins in Oak Creek Canyon. The very first white se...

Everyone has their favorite season. Some people love icy winter nights; some people love sweltering summer days. Winter can be magical. Snow on the ground, dark quiet nights, and days spent with family and friends are all things to look forward to when winter rolls around. Summers in Sedona are luscious and lively. The whole area is a focal point for traveling communities. These communities often sell handmade arts and crafts and their wares can be found amongst the permanent stores and stalls around town. There are many reasons to love every season, and Sedona is an amazing place to see all of them! With an eclectic combination of both outdoor and indoor events, there is always something for everyone. That then begs the question: when is the best time to visit Sedona? The answer for that question depends on the goal of your trip. There are many festivals and events in the area that occur throughout the year. The Yoga Festival, Mountain Bike Festival, and many others all happen...

The days are counting down towards the start of the Sedona Marathon ! This event has been running for 13 years and this year could be yours to stretch your legs! 26.2 miles has been mapped out in the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona. If that distance feels impossible to you, never fear. A half marathon, a 10k, and a 5k are also offered alongside the full marathon. Even parents are encouraged to participate; strollers are allowed on the 5k course! Just make sure your little one is also registered. But what if running around for a few hours doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time? Marathons are not everyone’s idea of a day well spent, and there is also plenty to do at this event for non-runners. Folks who are out there supporting racers, or merely spectating,should make sure to check out the Event Expo. Sedona itself has been named one of the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Places in America,” and no one can deny that the signature red rock cliffs are an awe to see. But the commun...

Weather: The spring weather in the Sedona area is commonly known to be consistent and amazing. With averages resting comfortably in the low 80’s, the days are still cool enough to be spent enjoying the great outdoors and nights are still warm enough to see some more. If 80 degrees sounds too hot for you, don’t worry! There are tons of indoor activities and even some refreshing outdoor ones. You can raft, tube, and kayak in the Oak Creek or simple swim at Slide Rock State Park, one of Sedona’s most famous kid-friendly locations. Adventure: Adventure comes in all shapes, sizes, and budgets in Sedona. Hiking trails stretch across the idyllic landscape. This expansive free trail system give you and your family access to almost all of Sedona’s famous sites, including Courthouse Rock and Cathedral Rock. Short hikes can be taken to view points and longer, more intense hikes can take you to the top of some of Sedona’s best known places. For folks who aren’t mobile, there are many plac...

2017 is coming to a close. The year has been full of stresses, adventures, new experiences, and much more. Each person experienced the year differently but everyone has dealt with the realities of 2017. The best way to create an amazing 2018 is to choose what you want to bring into the new year and what you would like to leave behind. Beginning the new year with positivity and intention is an important concept for many religions, cultures, and other groups. If you are spending this December 31st in Sedona, there are a plethora of ways for you to kick off the New Year. A few of them are highlighted below. The Sound Bites Grill in Sedona is hosting Walt Richardson & Friends this Sunday starting at 7:30pm . Walter Richardson II is a performing singer songwriter, with a passion for rhythm and acoustic guitar, in Tempe Arizona. He has been both a solo performer and band leader for 30 years. The event is for folks 21 and up with a attire theme of Reggae. If energy wo...

Running is an important part of life to many people. Even people who are not professional athletes can benefit from a weekly run. Of course, not everyone can run and most people certainly can not run a marathon. Marathons have been an Olympic event since 1896, although the distance was not standardized until 1912. The 42.195 kilometres or 26.2 miles that we now recognize as an official marathon comes from the story of a Greek soldier’s run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. While this story is now considered more of a fable, the event remains. There are over eight hundred official marathon events worldwide, and one of them is here in beautiful Sedona. February 3rd, 2018 will be the 13th annual Sedona Marathon . The course takes runners through the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical scenery and rock-formations. There will also be an Event Expo for spectators, supporters and participants. The Expo will feature local artists and live perfor...

When someone says vacation, most people automatically think of being outside, eating out at a nice restaurant, or simply relaxing. In an age when busier is always better until you barely have room to breathe, the idea of taking a vacation can feel both impossible and crucial. In the end, downtime is important not only for our sanity, but for our physical health as well. How much rest you get will make or break your attention span, your skin complexion, and your overall energy levels. So vacations are important, but setting aside the time to do nothing is easier said than done. There are hotel rooms to book, tours to research, and restaurant reviews to read. And, on top of all that, many of us have kids. Children make vacation planning a logistical nightmare. Being out in nature is great until someone has to pee, nice restaurants are amazing until the appetizers end up on the floor, and simple relaxing is a completely foreign concept to a high-energy six year old. Location is ev...