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Shopping: Red Rock Spree in Sedona
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The best spots for one-of-a-kind loot, in Arizona's most scenic town
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BY BARBARA PECK
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| Wind mobiles at Hillside Sedona mall; cedar prayer bags at Kachina House. |
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The spectacular red-rock landscape alone justifies any trip to Sedona: This is one of the most scenic parts of the continent. But after a few days of driving, hiking and maybe even a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, your mind may turn to shopping.
Admittedly, some Sedona shops are tourist traps. And there are many, many galleries devoted to Southwestern art; this place draws painters and sculptors from all over. Art is often in the eye of the beholder, so we’ll let you make your own choices there. Instead, let’s focus on other shops worth visiting—especially ones selling items you won’t find all over.
Start in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, which looks more like a Mexican town than a mall. Since it opened in the early 1970s, it has grown to about 40 shops tucked along cobbled walks and in fountained courtyards lined with sycamore trees. Savvy management ensures that the stores are diverse and offer a wide range of stuff.
Even if you’re not a big shopper, you could easily spend half a day browsing in Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-PAH-keh), refueling at one of its excellent restaurants. Then check out Sedona’s other offerings.
Kachina House
Many stores sell Native American goods, but this no-frills warehouse-showroom on a West Sedona backstreet provides one-stop shopping. Look for Hopi and Navajo kachina dolls (from souvenir quality to ones carved by masters) as well as pottery, masks, baskets and Zuni fetishes. 2920 Hopi Dr.; 928-204-9750; kachinahouse.com
Joe Wilcox Western Wear
Go here for authentic cowboy gear: Tony Lama boots and belts, Western snap shirts and more, for both men and women. (Not to be confused with Wilcox Indian Den next door, where souvenirs say “Made in China.”) 320 Rte. 89A; 928-282-1348; no website
Garland’s Indian Jewelry
You’ll see the same jewelry all over at similar prices, so why not take a drive up to this spacious, well-stocked shop four miles north of town? There are both inexpensive items (turquoise studs, $10) and high-end pieces (vintage turquoise-and-silver concha belt, $4,800). Bonus: Since it’s outside town, sales tax is 7.25%, not the 10.725% it is in town. 3953 Rte. 89A; 928-282-6632; garlandsjewelry.com
Tlaquepaque
Tranquil and traffic-free. Among the shops worth seeking out: Kuivato Glass Gallery for decorative art glass; Ninibah for Hopi, Navajo and Zuni jewelry and other pieces; Cocopah for beads from all over, framed butterflies and bugs; Point of Sedona for bonsai cactus on sandstone pedestals (minis, $39); Eco Bath & Body for organic soaps; and El Picaflor for colorful Peruvian wall hangings, sweaters and crafts. tlaq.com
Center for the New Age
A visit here may help explain some of the region’s New Age beliefs. Whether you’re in need of a tarot card reading, a Vortex Rock (small, $3) or just a free aura cleansing, this is the place. 341 Rte. 179; 928-282-2085; sedonanewagecenter.com
Garland’s Navajo Rugs
Yes, the Garland family has a high profile in Sedona, and for good reason. This shop carries a brilliant selection of handmade rugs, some museum quality. You may even meet craftspeople coming in from the surrounding reservations with their rugs, pottery and baskets to sell. 411 Rte. 179; 928-282-4070; garlandsrugs.com
Hike House
Before you hit the amazing trails around Sedona, choose the route that’s right for you on this shop’s interactive Trail Finder, then get a new hiking stick and maybe some ultralight INOV-8 boots. Hiking with your pup? Consider the Ruff Wear line. 431 Rte. 179; 928-282-5820; thehikehouse.com
Hillside Sedona
A stylish mall with whimsical mobiles that spin in the breezes. Check out the Mineral & Fossil Gallery for prehistoric shark teeth and Romanian cave bear skulls; A Muse Gallery for colorful hand-painted shoes; Loft 54 Interiors for rustic-sophisticated home furnishings. 671 Rte. 179; 928-282-4500; hillsidesedona.net
Son Silver West Gallery
Possibly the most fun shopping spot, in a warren of rooms and patios hung with vintage metal signs. Pick up a fragrant ristra (string of red peppers; $8.50 for six inches), Mexican ceramics, a Zapotec cushion cover ($45) or a clay outdoor fireplace ($265). The Gun Room displays antique firearms—at a $2.50 viewing fee. 1476 Rte. 179; 928-282-3580; sonsilverwest.com
STAY
RCI affiliated resorts in and near Sedona include:
SEDONA PINES RESORT 4968
One- and two-bedroom units on spacious grounds about five miles from town. 6701 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona
Member Review:
“The resort is super-clean, and the units are spaced wide apart to afford privacy.”
ARROYO ROBLE RESORT 5172
Oak Creek flows through the resort’s nine acres. 100 Arroyo Roble Rd., Sedona
Member Review:
“Close to downtown Sedona. Loads of great restaurants and shopping.”
WYNDHAM SEDONA 5797
In the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, with breathtaking red-rock views. 1500 Kestrel Circle, Sedona
Member Review:
“We’ve visited Sedona several times, and this is the best timeshare we have seen.”
HIGHLANDS RESORT AT VERDE RIDGE 8651
Open-air dining, two spas and a large fitness center. 625 S. Verde Santa Fe Pkwy., Cornville
Member Review:
“The granite in the kitchen and bathroom was nice!”
For complete member reviews (as member reviews have been condensed) and additional resort listings, visit RCI.com or call 800-338-7777 (Weeks) or 877-968-7476 (Points). Club Members, please call your specific Club or RCI telephone number.
Non-RCI affiliated resorts:
L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA
301
L’Auberge Lane; 800-905-5745; lauberge.com; doubles from $205 per night
ENCHANTMENT
525
Boynton Canyon Rd.; 800-826-4180; enchantmentresort.com; doubles from $395 per night
SEDONA ROUGE
2250
W. Hwy. 89A; 866-312-4111; sedonarouge.com; doubles from $229 per night
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: Spring 2012
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Photos: Barbara Peck
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