“Paris and Sedona : the only 2 places in the world that I would want to live”
Max Ernst
We first discovered Sedona a few years ago. Coming from Flagstaff, we were looking for a place for the night and I had read the quotation about Ernst in my guide. That was it, we decided to go to Sedona.
The following morning, the sun rose on the red mountains, we were smitten.
We came back many times at Christmas or summer and our love for this place is still present.
It’s not just the town, it’s more than the town. It’s the red rocks, it’s the mix between the rocks and the forest around, it’s the air, the sun and sometimes the snow…
This year we chose Briar Patch Inn, the inn is nestled in Oak creek canyon. You are surrounded by the red rock mountains and the creek is like an oasis that gives you a bit of air to breath. 19 cottages all different. As I didn’t really know which one to choose, I had lovely conversations by mail with Briana and Polly to find the perfect getaway for our anniversary.
We took Eagle and it was perfect, wine upon our arrival, a big cabin with a king bed and a small room where you can put your luggage. Nice homemade breakfast each morning by Creekside with 2 musicians.
No TV, no internet service in the cottages, but do you need them to enjoy landscapes and the sound of water ? My only regret is that you can’t use the fire place during summer months, it would have been so romantic, the ice on the cake.
For the first time I took a balloon trip, thanks to Briar Patch we took Northernlightballoons. They came at 4.50 to take us in front of the Inn, Ron our driver was also our pilot.
4 balloons, 5 people in each plus the pilot and the wind to take you somewhere in the sky, up and down, smooth and quiet. So peaceful. You don’t need to talk, just enjoy the scenery. The sun rises between the mountains. An hour and a half after, it’s time to land and to enjoy a bubble breakfast with champagne. Really something to do once in your lifetime.
Speaking of food, I need to give you the 2 addresses Vanessa gave us.
The first one is Rene’s at Tlaquepaque. It’s one of the best restaurants in Sedona. It’s in a nice setting, gardens and fountains guide you toward the restaurant. It was quite empty the night we were there, but I guess because it might be the middle of the week, at the end of children’s holidays. You can have Dover Sole served a la meuniere with rice and vegetable, or double cut pork shop Asian marinated and grilled or the tenderloin of antelope with whisky juniper berry sauce. Desserts are very tasty and good too.
The second one is Mariposa, Latin inspired kitchen, steak and seafood grill. The view from the ground is just stunning and many couples are taking selfies. The staff is great, our waitress was always smiling and willing to explain the dishes. The food is good but the plates are really very big. We shared an appetiser. Then I had fish and my husband meat. Don’t take 2 sides as there are huge.