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Best Restaurants In Sedona – Arizona

Best restaurants in Sedona

Our all time favorite restaurant in Sedona is The Hudson. We order the pork chop every time. The Hudson’s tagline is “A Neighborhood Restaurant” and we couldn’t describe it more perfectly. When we sit at the bar and chat with the bartender, locals, and tourists, it feels like we’ve known everyone forever. Their service is impeccable. Do not leave without ordering dessert! I can’t resisit their flourless chocolate cake. Enjoy this list of the best restaurants in Sedona, your mouth will be watering!

Our favorite dessert in Sedona

Speaking of dessert, this beauty is from Creekside American Bistro. This hot banana churros with ice cream is incredible! Yes, that IS banana bread. It was so good! I would recommend ordering this as your meal. 🙂 We loved stopping in for a lunch and sitting at their cozy bar. They also have great burgers and I really enjoyed their salads.

Breakfast at the airport offers the most incredible views

Breakfast at Mesa Grill is a must! Beside a yummy breakfast, you get an amazing view on the way up, and it’s cool to watch the planes land. They also offer an awesome dog-friendly patio with a full dog menu. They even bring your dog a bowl of water when seated. We were so impressed by the level of service especially with our dog. Allen gave it two paws up.

Best brewery, winery, coffee shop and more in Sedona

The Oak Creek Brewery is a great location to sit at the bar and catch a game OR sit on their patio for some sun. The cheese tray is perfect to split and enjoy with your drinks. My husband’s favorite Oak Creek Brewery beers were the Amber Ale and Gold Lager.

The Secret Garden Cafe has the best rueben and coleslaw. The slaw has blue cheese and raisins added which brings it to another level. The perfect spot to stop after shopping at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. They offer a cute patio and we appreciated their friendly service.

The views from Mariposa are unbeatable! My favorite item on their menu is the deep fried avocado. Oh yes….let me say that again…deep fried avocado. Delicious!

For a special treat, enjoy lunch at the L’Auberge de Sedona. The patio sits right on beautiful Oak Creek. It’s so peaceful listening to the sounds of the creek while sipping on a glass of wine. Make it extra special and book an appointment at their spa.

For coffee, stop by Creekside Coffee (now Rattle & Hum Coffee Roasters). They source the highest quality green beans from around the world. Their coffee warms the soul. Look at that view!

For fresh juice (and for more superb coffee or a delicious meal), visit Indian Gardens. This cafe and market is a historic general store just 4 miles north of Sedona. It’s a nice short drive with hikes along the way. They have wonderful to-go lunches for your hike or picnic.

There are a lot of wineries to check out while in Sedona. We ended up only stopping at Page Springs Cellars. It was one of our favorite afternoons with live music, an excellent cheese tray, and very good wine. Page Springs Cellars is located approximately 15 miles south of Sedona. Another beautiful drive with other wineries on the way, you can make a day of it.

Last food tip. Check out the Whole Foods nightly happy hour! Great prices and good food. They also offer a really good coffee and juice bar.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the best restaurants in Sedona. I would love to help!

Check out our “things to do besides hiking” blog post for more fun Sedona ideas.

Happy traveling!

#WhatStirsYourSoul

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

December 7, 2020
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

There is something about Grand Teton National Park and the first moment you see the jagged peaks of the Tetons. We’ve driven this road many times and the view takes my breath away every time. Growing up, I loved traveling west with my Dad. He was a science teacher and would give us lessons on how these grand mountains were formed. It was like having a park ranger in the car with us! If you want to learn more while visiting, the park offers great educational park ranger programs.

Grand Teton National Park Hiking

Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) has something for everyone. Hiking, camping, boating, fishing, scenic drives and more. We love the hikes! Below, find a few of our favorite popular easy hikes, mountain lakes, and places to relax. This barely scratches the surface. There is so much to do and see at GTNP!

Lunch Tree Hill Loop Trail is a great spot to start. It’s an easy hike with full views of the Teton Range and Willow Flats. This is a 1/2 mile hike starting at Jackson Lake Lodge. John D. Rockefeller ate his lunch on this hill and the view was what inspired him to push to protect this land.

String Lake is crystal clear and gorgeous! Go for a hike and then jump in to cool off. The String Lake Loop is 3.7 miles. The loop is rated easy but for us it felt moderate. Even though it’s relatively short, it takes 2-3 hours. When hiking in the mountains, make sure you understand your abilities. We are from the flatlands so the elevation definitely affects us. Always have plenty of water and snacks! And bear spray.

You can do an out and back to make this a shorter hike OR you can connect with different trails to make it longer. String Lake connects to Leigh Lake. Leigh Lake is a little less populated and adds another 1.8 miles to your hike.

There are very few places left that you can escape the sounds of cars, planes, people, etc. This spot was my favorite because it was silent. ❤️

Colter Bay – Grand Teton National Park

Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is stunning in the morning! This is an easy 2.1 mile hike starting at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. The trail makes a figure eight around the wooded peninsula that protects Colter Bay. There are beautiful views in every direction and we loved the rocky beaches. It’s a perfect spot to pack a lunch, sit on the beach, and listen to the waves.

Oxbow Bend is ideal for watching the sunset over the mountains and capture stunning photos. It’s a popular spot so be prepared for traffic and get there early. We noticed people brought their lawn chairs and settled in waiting for the sun to set. Good tip to bring a chair!

Take a Jenny Lake Boat Cruise to see the mountains from a different angle. You might even spot a bear eating huckleberries from a safe distance. The boat cruise is a fun way to get out on the water and learn more about GTNP from the driver.

Even the cloudy, smoky days are beautiful. It’s fun to just drive around and soak up the scenery. I love finding and capturing the reflections.

Also, check out my blog post about the Jackson Lake Lodge Breakfast Cruise that departs from Colter Bay HERE. One of our all time favorite things to do at Grand Teton National Park while staying at Jackson Lake Lodge.

Happy traveling!

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

December 6, 2020
Holidays in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Things To Do for the Holidays in Santa Fe New Mexico

The cool Minnesota air has me thinking about winter travels.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is magical over the holidays. We had a blast celebrating the new year in this unique and historic city! Imagine seeing twinkling lights adorning the trees on Santa Fe Plaza, the comforting aroma of local cuisine in the air, creamy hot chocolate to warm your hands, and the sound of live local music on the streets.
Before the New Year celebration, we enjoyed walking around town, learning about Santa Fe history, shopping, and eating. The historic buildings and churches are absolutely gorgeous.

I toured the Loretto Chapel which was built in 1873 and learned about the legend of the “miraculous” spiral staircase. The chapel is a peaceful, special, place. It’s a must-visit.
We stayed at The Sage Hotel, a dreamy bohemian retreat. It’s a spacious, comfortable, dog-friendly hotel. There is a park right across the street which was perfect for quick walks and dog potty breaks. Our girl, Utah, gave the bed two paws up. 🙂 She was a little tired after the long drive.

Where to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico

For authentic Northern Mexican cuisine, we went to Tomasita’s for lunch before walking around the Santa Fe Railyard (see more about the Railyard below). This was the best Mexican food that I’ve had in a long time. Hit the spot!
For breakfast and coffee, you have to stop at The French Pastry Shop. Amazing French food! The quiche serving is huge and melts in your mouth. The service was above and beyond and we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere.

For dinner, we loved the romantic Luminaria located at the Inn & Spa at Loretto. Delicious, innovative, Southwestern food with impeccable service.
The Santa Fe Railyard is such a cool urban space. There are restaurants, shopping, art, events, and we loved watching the trains. What a fantastic idea to transform this historic area into an inviting space for the public to enjoy!
If you’re REI addicts like us, you’ll love the REI in Santa Fe. 🙂
We spent New Year’s Eve at the La Fonda on the Plaza. It was decorated with tons of balloons and looked so festive. One of the best things about traveling is the people that you meet. On this night, we met new friends and celebrated bringing in a new year with them. The following day, there was a snowstorm and all of us were getting back on the road. We had exchanged phone numbers, so as we all traveled, we texted each other giving weather updates. It was very helpful knowing we were there to help each other.
Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

If you’re in the southwest, make sure to visit Sedona. Read more HERE and use the search bar to find all of our Sedona blog posts.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media
December 6, 2020
Explore Montezuma Well

No Fee Days at the National Parks

There are five no-fee days at National Parks and Monuments throughout the year. On one of these special days, we made the trip to visit Montezuma Well! It was so cool to see this much water in the middle of the desert.

The Story of Montezuma Well

1.5 million gallons of 74-degree water run through the well every day! The water enters through an underground stream and flows through 150 feet of limestone before exiting the other side into an irrigation ditch.

You can feel the Sinagua culture as you walk around looking at the cliff dwellings and reading about the history. I kept imagining what life was like 1000 years ago. This site is still considered sacred by many local tribes.

The trails are nice and easy to walk and the site is pet-friendly. If you want a little bit more of a challenge, there is a rocky area to climb down towards the well.

In every direction, there is a beautiful view…

Montezuma Castle National Monument is only 11 miles away from Montezuma Well. The castle is one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. We didn’t make it over there due to time constraints but I would definitely add it to your itinerary if you make the trip to the well.

Grand Teton National Park is another one of our favorite parks. Read more about hiking the park here.

To see all five no-fee days at the National Parks, click HERE.

Keep searching for what stirs your soul and #FindYourPark.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

September 7, 2020
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Favorite Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Driving Teton Pass towards Jackson from Idaho at sunrise is breathtaking. For the last few years, we have made it a priority to get up early and catch the sunrise at 8,432 feet. Then it’s off to Nora’s Fish Creek Inn for breakfast! Don’t miss any of the best restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Our Favorite Breakfast Jackson Hole Wyoming

Nora’s has rustic charm with outstanding service. The food always tastes like home. You can tell it’s cooked with love. ❤️

To keep us going throughout the day, we stop for one more cup at Cowboy Coffee Co. They are located right across from Jackson’s quaint town square. Jackson Hole has that magic that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. The town square is lovely to walk around, shop, and enjoy the scenery.

The first time we went to Snake River Brewery, we were surprised. We knew that we loved their beer but we were not expecting the food to be so amazing! They make the best french onion soup and homemade pretzels. My husband loves their burgers and pizza.

Best Eats Grand Teton National Park

For beautiful mountain views, visit the Blue Heron Lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch or dinner to see the sunset. If you decide to stay at Jackson Lake Lodge, make sure to sign up for their Jackson Lake Scenic Breakfast Cruise! One of our all time best experiences, you can read about it here.

Hand Fire Pizza located in the historic Teton Theater offers a fun location with delicious pizza. We were impressed with the level of service. We sat at the bar and enjoyed conversations with the manager and bartender. It’s always nice to get tips and ideas from the locals!

For dessert, stop by the Jackson Drug for an ice cream cone. The first Jackson Drug opened in 1919 and closed its doors in 2001. In 2016, Nikki and Jessica Gill reopened bringing back a piece of Jackson’s past. You can read all about the history and their story here.

While in Jackson, you have to stop at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. You can literally saddle up at the bar. Check out amazing live music and hit the dance floor.

Other mentions that I didn’t get pictures because we were too busy enjoying ourselves. 🙂 Cafe Genevieve is our favorite! Every meal has been delicious, it’s cozy and quaint, with excellent service. You can sit outside on the porch with your dog too.

We also always have a great time at the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel. If you’re there on a Tuesday, make sure to stop in and enjoy the locals two stepping around the dance floor.

Happy Traveling!

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

August 8, 2020
Southwest Utah

Exploring Southwest Utah – Monument Valley

Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is located on the Arizona/Utah border. These grand, mysterious, sandstone monuments formed over millions of years and show us what happens when Mother Nature is left alone to do her thing. It’s always an honor to explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley.

Our first stop as we headed towards Monument Valley from Durango, Colorado was Goosenecks State Park in Mexican Hat, Utah. It was mesmerizing looking at 300 million years of history in the layers and watching the San Juan River flow through the gooseneck on its way to Lake Powell. We highly recommend stopping here! It’s just as incredible as Horseshoe Bend with WAY fewer people. You can read more about Horseshoe Bend, HERE.

We didn’t stop due to time restrictions but traveling this way, you will pass the Four Corners Monument. Stop in and stand in four states at once…Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Plus you can learn more about the Native Americans way of life at the Visitor Center.

Don’t Miss Mexican Hat, Utah

Mexican Hat, Utah is a very small village named after this 60 ft rock that resembles an overturned sombrero. This area is remote so make sure you’re prepared before traveling with water, food, gas, etc.

Explore Southwest Utah and Monument Valley Backcountry

Side note: If you want to hike and explore some of the scenic backcountry without having to get a permit, check out Valley of the Gods in Bluff, Utah right by Mexican Hat before arriving in Monument Valley. This area is on BLM land and the entrance is free. It might not be quite as grand as Monument Valley but it’s still gorgeous and wild. There is a 17-mile unpaved loop that you can drive to enjoy the scenery.

Forrest Gump Point at Monument Valley

As you near Monument Valley, you will pass Forrest Gump Point. (Remember when Forrest stopped running in the movie) Tons of people stop here to take the same photo from the movie. You’ll know when you arrive by all the cars that are pulled over.

The monuments stand 400-1000 feet. Mother Nature’s art.

See rates and hours for Monument Valley here: Navajo Nations Parks & Recreation.

We also found a great beach at Lake Powell while we explored Southwest Utah.

Enjoy the road!

A reminder, some of this information may have changed due to COVID. Make sure you know before you go.

© What Stirs Your Soul Media

March 8, 2020

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