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BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1902 and incorporated in 1988, Sedona has experienced an evolution in character. From its rural beginnings through its years as a scenic getaway, a sleepy retirement community and artists' colony, Sedona has emerged as a major resort destination and tourism center, yet maintains the positive aspects of small town living. What hasn't changed is the area¹s incredible beauty.
With over four million visitors yearly, tourism has evolved as the major industry and largest contributor to the economy. Related services have expanded the economic base and are attracting more and more young families. This in turn has stimulated the business and real estate sector, creating additional employment in the construction industry.
Sedona is located in both Coconino and Yavapai Counties, and consists of approximately 15 square miles of private property surrounded by National Forest. Some 40% of the private property is located in the unincorporated Village of Oak Creek/Big Park area.
The breathtaking scenery, four delightfully mild seasons, clean air and water, and unlimited recreational opportunities continue to attract artists, writers, entrepreneurs and retirees.
The Suitest Way to stay in Sedona. Sedona Real Inn is the newest all suite hotel. Offering hotel amenities, resort service and a bed & breakfast personality.
Looking for a deal on a luxury home? A home in Sedona, Arizona may be the answer you have been waiting for. The luxury home market in Sedona is considered a bargain. The median "luxury home" sales price in Sedona is $1.2 million compared to Aspen, Colorado’s sales price, $4.2 million, and Jackson Hole’s (Teton Village), average list price of $2.1 million. Sedona, recently named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by USA Weekend’s Annual Travel Report, is certainly considered a bargain amongst its competitors. But, the secret may be out! Sedona is being "discovered" by luxury home seekers and prices may soon reflect the increased demand. In 2002, 8 luxury homes sold, in 2003, 24 luxury homes sold, in 2004, so far, there have been 37 luxury homes sold.
“A home under $1 million is a hot and fast moving market that continues to climb in price and inventory can run scarce. The luxury market, however, (over $1million) is a "buyer's" market and has been for two years now,” says Jacque Weems, local agent. “This window of opportunity appears to be closing on the horizon as, what was a 4-year inventory available of over $1 million homes have recently shrunk to a 2.5 year inventory.” Currently, there are 76 luxury homes on the market which is an inventory reduced by half statistically over March of this year. Now, you may ask, why the recent demand in Sedona?
Many of the 3 million visitors to Sedona each year, dream of moving to the area for the breathtaking beauty that fills the senses and feeds the soul. Some visit Sedona to shop in the delightfully eclectic shops and galleries. Many others visit Sedona to savor the flavors and scents of our restaurants, to be pampered in a world-class resort or stay in a cabin while sampling the diverse events all year long.
Sedona living is in high demand for early retired folks or those just looking for a safe and beautiful retreat from big city life. Red Rock Country is a four - season’s playground for everyone - for history, geology, archaeology, art and sports buffs, and especially for curious, outdoor enthusiasts who love spectacular scenery. For couples, Sedona has become well-known as a premier wedding destination and for those seeking personal enrichment, Sedona's world-wide reputation as a spiritual Mecca and global power spot has drawn some of the most amazing healers, intuitives, artists and spiritual guides now on the planet. Sedona is situated in a unique geological area that has mesmerized tourists and locals for decades. Indeed, this picturesque city is surrounded by beloved red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Bell even Snoopy because their massive shapes resemble these distinctive objects. Also, the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, is not only Arizona's first officially designated scenic highway, it is the first leg of a day trip to one of the world's great wonders, nearby Grand Canyon
The collection of Sedona's impressive, natural endowments also includes the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which essentially engulfs this city and encompasses seven intriguing wilderness areas – which obviously limits the growth of the small, rural community. But the list of city amenities doesn’t end there. Sedona offers quality medical facilities, more than 30 churches, schools and ample opportunities to volunteer with community groups such as the Sedona Public Library, Sedona Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers, the Adult Community Center and many others. In Sedona, residents enjoy the beauty and intimacy of a rural town with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city.
Who wouldn’t want to live in Sedona? Sedona's exceptional charm invites residents to spend a day hiking, browsing local galleries, or volunteering with the Humane Society, then rest and relax amidst the red rock views of their luxury home. But if you’re in the market for a luxury home, act soon, while Sedona dream homes are still a bargain!
Our friendly cowboy guides will entertain and educate you in Sedona's beautiful red rock country. Have fun on our Jeep tours, horseback rides, and scrumptious cowboy cookouts. We offer daily tours, private custom tours, and special events. Call us for the complete western experience.
WHAT’S NEW IN SEDONA…The 2004 Sedona SuperPass – your passport to SAVINGS in Sedona! Sedona SuperPass is Sedona’s premier coupon booklet with discounts valued over $2,500 in the greater Sedona area. The SuperPass will be sold at Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers for $5.00. SuperPasses are also available for wholesale at $3.75 per booklet for a purchase of over 50 booklets. Call 928-204-1123 for more information.
Sedona hosts Japanese actress, Miki Mizuno, for popular magazine – Sedona hosted Miki Mizuno, a famous actress, for a Japanese women’s magazine, BAILA. The actress experienced Native American ceremonies; Fire Ceremony, with Ted Kills in the Fog with Way of the Ancients, and a Sweat Lodge ceremony, in addition to a lot of hiking and photo shooting in the beautiful Red Rock Country.
2004 Sedona Travel Planner CD-ROM - The Sedona Travel Planner is the official, new CD-ROM of the Sedona – Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce. This presentation is designed to entice groups and individuals to visit Sedona and utilize area services with high-quality video, narration, music, photos and web links. 20,000 complimentary CD-ROMs will be distributed to individual visitors, travel industry professionals and the media. Planned release in March 2004.
The Club at Seven Canyons – named #7 in Golf Digest January 2004 issue – For the 21st consecutive year, Golf Digest unveiled its selections of America’s Best New Courses in its January issue (on newsstands December 9). Black Mesa Golf Club near Santa Fe, NM, is America’s Best New Affordable Public Course, Forest Dunes Golf Club in mid-Michigan, is America’s Best New Upscale Public Course and The Golf Club at Clack Rock in Central Idaho, is the magazine’s pick as the year’s Best New Private Course. The Club at Seven Canyons on Long Canyon Rd. in Sedona was named number 7th in the year’s Best New Private Course. Nearly 200 new golf courses nationwide were nominated. Golf Digest’s survey covers three categories of U.S. Courses: Private, Affordable Public (for those with green fees of $50 or less) and Upscale Public (for those with green fees in excess of $50). The ranking can also be viewed at www.golfdigest.com.
The Sedona Gallery Association celebrates its official launch with a monthly “1st Thursday - Evening in the Galleries” series at no cost to participants. Beginning Thursday, February 5, 2004, participating galleries will host special openings and events the 1st Thursday of every month from 5 – 8 p.m. This will be a great opportunity for tourists and local art lovers to experience the excitement of Sedona’s art culture as they venture from gallery to gallery.
Members of the association include Arte-Misia, Art Mart Gallery, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, Erickson Studio Gallery, The Lanning Gallery, James Ratliff Gallery, Sedona Arts Center, Sedona Spirit Fine Art and Turquoise Tortoise Gallery. The Sedona Gallery Association’s mission is to provide a unified voice on issues of mutual concern regarding the visual arts. Its goals are to advance the standards of excellence within the galleries, to raise awareness and unite organizations, businesses and individuals to support and promote art in Sedona.
For information on the “First Thursday - Evening in the Galleries” or the Sedona Gallery Association, please call Karen Ely at 282-3809.
The Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce closes Westgate Visitor Center - After a long period of evaluation, the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce has decided to close the Westgate Visitor Center, next to the Sedona Cultural Park. Visitor traffic studies in 2002 showed that the Visitor Center was being underutilized; but in deference to the Sedona Cultural Park, which wanted to keep the site open as both a visitor center and box office, the Chamber continued to service the center. With recent changes at the Cultural Park and the need of Yavapai College to reclaim the space, the Westgate Visitor Center was closed in December 2003.
El Portal named 2004 Hotel of the Year Grand Award Winner - Andrew Harper, editor and publisher of the exclusive “Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report,” announced El Portal, located in Sedona, as a 2004 Grand Award winner in the report’s 25th annual Hotel of the Year competition. El Portal, opened just six months ago, is one of only eight hotels nationwide and 16 worldwide to received this award, and is the only such chosen property in the state of Arizona.
Each year “Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report” singles out some of the world’s most captivating hideaway hotels and resorts for special recognition with its Hotel of the Year award. To be initially considered, a property must be relatively intimate in size and be located in peaceful and scenically pleasing surroundings. Properties are then judged on all-round comfort, non-commercial character and passionate commitment to personal service. For further information regarding El Portal, please contact Steve or Connie Segner, (800) 313-0017 or visit the web site at www.elportalsedona.com.
Sedona Rouge, LLC. has broken ground on 89A to develop a luxury hotel with 82 guest rooms, a bistro style restaurant, spa and conference facilities. The new property, named the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa is planning to open its doors in late 2004. The architecture and design will pay tribute to Moorish and Spanish Mediterranean style that dates back many centuries. These styles will be apparent in the textiles and ceramics featured throughout the property and open courtyards. The guest rooms will emanate the richness of another time in history with deep colors weaved through the soft fabrics and comfortable furnishings. From the courtyard one will see Moorish influences in the delicate iron balcony railings and other hand crafted exterior and interior designs. The dramatic old world style of architecture and color will be a stunning contrast to Sedona’s landscape of red rock vistas and pinon-juniper forests.
The spa at Sedona Rouge will be full service with eight treatment rooms and feature products known for their restorative healing properties. Treatments will be centered on caring for the body and clearing and centering the mind. A boutique will feature an exclusive amenity line of products that have been created with indigenous herbs and plants. The restaurant and lounge, named Reds, will feature American bistro cuisine. The furnishings will be comfortable and the atmosphere relaxing to attract locals and visitors alike.
New location for Sedona Trolley. The Sedona Trolley is moving its Uptown ticket office and depot to the new Sedona Center located at 270 Highway 89A, next door to Canyon Breeze restaurant, effective March 1.
“We are excited about this move. The Sedona Center is a great location for us. We will now be in the middle of Uptown in the center of the action,” said Armor Todd, owner of the Sedona Trolley, which is entering its 11th year in business. The Trolley, which used to depart from the Cheers store at the corner of Forest and Highway 89A, will continue to offer its popular City Highlights and Seven Canyons Scenic tour itineraries, departing every hour on the hour, starting at 9 a.m., seven days a week. For more information about the Sedona Trolley, visit www.sedonatrolley.com or call 928-282-5400.
Sedona Welcomes New Businesses!
Sightseeing Tours & Transportation/Entertainment
·Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – Jeep tour company with hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. year round. “Come ride with us and see the nature side of Arizona. You will see, touch, smell and learn about nature’s beauty in the Southwest and do it in our 2003 and newer custom-built jeeps for a thrill of a lifetime,” says Dave Swartwout. Contact Dave at 928-284-2868.
·Adelsman Tours – Tours to Asia, specializing in Japan and event planning in Sedona. Contact Steve Adelsman at 928-639-4643.
·White Tie Transportation LLC - Destination Hourly Custom Tours both local and long distance. Transports from airports and provides wedding transportation. Contact Annette David at 928-203-4500.
·Sedona Map Co. – Publishers of a new tourist map of Sedona. Contact Thomas Callister at 928-525-3188.
Metaphysical/Spiritual/Self Enrichment
·Heartsong: The Transformation Station – Providing crystals, angels, books, music, classes, tours, readings, gifts and garden atmosphere. Contact Alana Heartsong at 928-282-7089.
·Thoughtstorm Project Groups - Proven process that radically enhances your mind to think creatively. Contact Micki Chaney at 928-284-2239.
·From the Heart Foundation – Psychic surgeon healthcare practitioner. Contact Father Joshua at 928-282-7081.
·Nicole Duleau – Certified clinical hypnotherapist/holistic healing counselor. Contact Nicole at 928-282-0571.
·Bodhi Leaf Acupuncture and Herbs - Licensed acupuncturist offering general treatment and three specialized programs. (1) Visitor's package of inclusive treatments to enhance the Sedona experience. (2) Weight-control management, including body comp analysis, nutritional advice & treatment. (3) Habit-changing support. Contact Laura Jewell Shields at 928-282-2462 or laurajewell@earthlink.net.
·Kathleen Armstrong – As a Board Certified Reflexologist & Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher & Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, Kathleen brings warmth & compassion to all her holistic treatments & classes. Contact Kathleeen Armstrong at 928-284-4172 or kathleen3707@aol.com. Visit www.kathleenarmstrong.com.
·Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association - Sedona Chamber of Commerce Affinity Group. For more information, contact Craig Junjulas at 928-282-8981.
·Transformations Unlimited – Life-development coaching by Marta Adelsman, doctor of psychology. Individual sessions and group workshops. Contact Marta at 928-639-4643.
·Lovejoy’s Enchanted Cottage – Deb Lovejoy RPP, offers holistic pedicures, reflexology, intuitive readings, chakra balancing, energy balancing, Reiki healing, and polarity therapy in private one-on-one sessions. You can contact Deb Lovejoy at 928-300-9003.
Retail/Arts
·Delightful Muddle Antiques - Antiques estate jewelry, Indian jewelry, old pawn collectibles. Contact Joan Stahl at 928-282-4343.
·Out of the Way Galleria Eclectica – “We are the Out of the Way Galleria with out of this world items,” says Centria Lilly. Contact Centria at 928-282-0555.
·Gallery WOW! – A fine art gallery in Hozho. Contact Shannon Murray at 928-204-5527.
·Pueblo Sedona Gallery – Contemporary Southwestern and Native American fine art gallery in Hozho. Contact: Deborah Menig at 928-282-0506.
·Sedona Specialties & Gifts – On-line sales of collectible and stuffed animals, ceramics and metal items as well as brochure fundraising for groups. Contact: Edward J. O’Brien at 928-284-5156.
Lodging
·Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast - Luna Vista is a Sedona Verde Valley Santa Fe style boutique B & B on Beaver Creek, featuring quality service, exceptional value & an entertaining atmosphere. A secluded equestrian setting just minutes away from Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well. Contact Kala Pearson at 928-567-4788 or info@lunavistabandb.com. Visit www.lunavistabandb.com.
Restaurants/Winery
·Mai Thai On Main - Enjoy fine dining of healthy fresh delicious Thai food in Cottonwood. Contact Noi Olson at 928-649-2999.
·Kurt's Main Street Café - Down to earth gourmet eclectic cuisine with award-winning chef. Contact Kurt Jacobsen at 928-649-3816 or kurt@commspeed.net. Visit www.kurts-place.com.
Attractions & Tours
·Grand Circle Adventure Guides – See the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Powell, by Kayak or experience the canyon country by Hummer. We can also help you plan a trip to the Grand Circle Area, including Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley & the Navajo reservation. Contact Kyle Walker at 928-660-3022.
· The Aerobatic Experience, Inc. – Acrobatics in the air. You can experience rolls, loops, inverted flights, hammerhead turns and more. Contact Linda Fordem at 928-282-1588. · Antelope Canyon Tours by Carolene Ekis – Scenic tours into spectacular Antelope Canyon. Navajo owned and operated. Contact Carolene Ekis at 928-645-9102. Upcoming Events
March · Sedona International Film Festival - Thursday, March 4, 2004 thru Sunday, March 7, 2004 - Welcome to the 10th Anniversary of the Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop. Come, share your independence and...shine! The Festival consists of 4 days of world premiere and award winning features, shorts, animated and documentary films. For details, call 928-282-1177. For more Information: Phone: 928-282-1177, Email: director@sedonafilmfestival.com or visit www.sedonafilmfestival.com · Creativity Series Brings Prominent Facilitators to Sedona - Sedona Arts Center continues its foray into the creative process with a series of workshops featuring best-selling writers Barbara Sher, Gail Sher and Alix Kates Shulman. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” Workshop last August, the Creativity Series is a new addition to the Arts Center’s exciting roster of opportunities. For more information, please visit www.SedonaArtsCenter.com or call 928-282-3809. Barbara Sher’s workshop, to be held March 13, promises to reawaken participant’s originality. Barbara is a bestselling author and facilitator, having presented workshops around the world and appeared on CNN, The Today Show, 60 Minutes and Oprah. Her first book, “Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want” sold well over a million copies and was followed by the bestsellers, “I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was” and “Live the Life You Love in Ten Easy Step-by-Step Lessons”. Her newest book is entitled, “Its Only Too Late If You Don’t Start Now”. In addition to her workshop, an evening reception is being held at Cucina Rustica. Call 928-282-3809 to register. April · Earth Day Celebration, April 22-25 – This first annual celebration, presented by the Sedona Metaphysical & Spiritual Association, will feature drumming, healers, readers, massage, arts & crafts, music, dancing, meditation, presentations, tours and much more. The cost for a four-day pass is $325, advance purchased tickets before April 1 $275 and per ticket events range from $15 - $55. Tickets can be purchased at the Sedona Heart Center, 928-282-2733. For more information call 928-282-1146 or 928-634-1320 or email emff@emff.org. May · Tlaquepaque’s Third Annual Cinco de Mayo Folklorico Celebration and Competition - Sunday, May 2 – The Tlaquepaque Cinco de Mayo Folklorico Celebration and Competition offers a unique experience to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. More than 135 dancers from all over the state of Arizona will compete for the titles of best group, best director, best regional dance, and best costumes in the courtyards of Tlaquepaque. Dancers, ages three through 18, will perform colorful dances representing many regions of Mexico. Admission is free. · Sedona Art and Sculpture Walk - Friday, May 21, 2004 thru Sunday, May 23, 2004 - The 16th Annual Sedona Art and Sculpture Walk will take place May 21-23, 2004, at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort. This is the largest and most diverse single exhibition of sculptural works in Arizona, showcasing the nation’s most prominent and emerging artists. Contact the Sedona Art Center at 928-282-3809. ###