Hey everyone! Welcome to the next installment in my Where I’ve Been Wednesday series. To all of you new readers, you can find out more about WIBW here. So far I’ve taken ya’ll to Venice, Rome, and Diego Garcia. Today though, we aren’t even going to leave the United States. I know, what a foreign err not-so-foreign concept. You see, when I joined the Air Force I had never been farther west than Chicago (I love that city too!). My whole life I dreamed of traveling and having adventures. I even had Colorado picked out as the place I wanted to live … even though I’d never been there before 
Hellooo, mountains! Anyway, I digress, my point is that traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave the country. The U.S. has a WAY lot to offer and thanks to my job I’ve been able to see quite a bit more of it than I thought would be possible. Don’t worry though 
I haven’t run out of pictures of Europe.
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Sedona is one of my favorite places in Arizona. I’ve only been a few times so far but honestly, you’ll fall in love with it’s beauty (and QUIRKS) immediately. If you’re into it, there are A LOT of New Age groups and shops there. The belief is that there are “spiritual vortexes” concentrated in Sedona.
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I’m not sure about all of that but there is definitely some magic present in the beauty of the place. If you make it to Sedona, make sure you check out Tlaquepaque Arts Village (Tuh-Lock-ay-pock-ay 
). I had a blast looking at all of the sculptures
and fountains placed in the courtyards
There are SEVERAL art studios with a lot of amazing work. It ranges from New Agey to Native American to different renditions of famous works along with of course original works. Here’s a few other random sights:
Yes, that is a chair made of rocks
Up close view of an interesting looking tree. I thought the bark was cool. I’m aware that I’m a nerd 
[sorry veggies! It’s just not everyday you see a huge pile of skulls]
After you’re done exploring Tlaquepaque you’ll probably be hungry. I don’t have any pictures of these places but trust me. You WILL want to go try out the Oak Creek Brewing & Grill, Marketplace Café, and Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina. All three were AWESOME with fantastic service although my favorite would be the brewery. Next is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was beautiful! It’s set right into the rocks and rises up pretty high. I’m not sure how high but just look at the views.
and then there was this ridiculous mansion in front of the chapel. Do you see the observatory on top of it??? Insane. I couldn’t decide if it was offensive or not to have that mansion a stones throw from the chapel but you have to admit, that person has some pretty awesome views.
Lastly, here are some of the views that can be found entering and leaving Sedona
They call this one Bell Rock but I think it looks more like a Buddha. Am I alone? I’ll just keep referring to it as Buddha Mt.
Well that’s all I have today for Where I’ve Been Wednesday. I hope you enjoyed some of the sights Sedona has to offer. Come back next week to see where we go next! If you’d like to catch up on previous WIBW posts, here they are:
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Wow!! Sedona looks absolutely gorgeous!!
It most certainly is
I highly encourage a visit while seeing the grand canyon. It’s only a couple of hours away.
Yay for WIBW! Love your Sedona pictures. I’ll have to go there!
If you ever make it out to the Grand Canyon, you must!
Sedona looks amazing! (I’ve been to Arizona but never to Sedona specifically.) I love the idea of traveling west. Maybe it’s the Texan in me, but I always feel a little adventurous and free-spirited when I head west!*
I think the West just def has that stigma to it where it means Cowboys, Oregon Trail, Route 66 and lots of adventure
My fave spots in Arizona so far are Flagstaff and Sedona. They’re both way beautiful and the summer is def kinder in both spots.
That looks gorgeous! I love when I see random little fountains in the heart of a city, just that bit of life in the midst all the bustle.
Right?? I LOVE fountains. Just the sound of the water makes me happy.
Same! I live a mile or so away from a river and just a few more away from the ocean and I love it!
So so gorgey! I’ve been to AZ a few times but never to Sedona — looks like you’ve had LOTS of fun travels! Cheers!
Sedona is SO small but well worth the visit. My hubby and I always stop by on our way through to Flagstaff and/or the Grand Canyon. Traveling has been a big awesome bonus to my job. I know people who’ve only been stationed in one place EVER. I’ve been so lucky! Thanks so much for stopping by Kelsey
Totally looked like Buddha, and I never would have thought that close-up photo was tree bark. Very cool. You are not a nerd.
This makes me want to go back to Sedona. We drove up from Phoenix, walked around the main street, ate – at Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina I think, and then drove home. So much more to see!
P.S. Can’t believe that house. So curious to know how much it cost to build.
The first time we went to Sedona, we walked around the area with the cantina and called it a day too. The next time though, we found out the bus was FREE and totally took advantage of the easy exploration.
And that house??? It’s just plain ridiculous and I tried to find out who owns it. Apparently it’s a mystery owner. Thanks for stopping by Heather!