Get Away With Your Girlfriends to the Southwest

November 30, 2020

Editor’s note: Be sure to read the Girlfriendships blog on Friday, 12/4, when guest blogger Candice Wheeler, writer and radio personality 92 KQRS shares her recent girls weekend shenanigans when they ventured to Flagstaff and Sedona.

This week My Girlfriendships™️ brings you to Arizona, exploring Flagstaff and Sedona. The entire state is a dry, desert climate, and the temperatures make them perfect destinations with plenty to do!

One of the milder climate cities is Sedona, with only 58 days where the highs exceed 90°. It’s a beautiful place known for its beautiful red-rock buttes. Consider these excursions on your next girls weekend.

What to Do in Sedona

Cathedral Rock Hike, Sedona | This hike is perfect for your gals who want to hike, but don’t really want to hike. This trail is a short 0.7 miles, and involves 660 feet elevation gains. It’s a very busy trail with spectacular scenery. If you take this hike, plan for a few minutes at the top for the breath-taking 360 degree views! Pete and I almost got caught here in the dark so make sure you get here with plenty of daylight left for your trek.

Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village, Sedona | This village is the best shopping in Sedona. It’s authentically fashioned after the Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, which means “the best of everything”. The village features sculptures, traditional ceramics, glass blown creations, fine art paintings, unique contemporary jewelry, designer silks and many more unusual gift items. It’s a place you’ll surely want to visit again!

Where to stay in Sedona

Amara Resort and Spa, Sedona | The Amara Resort is a blend of nature’s artistry and a relaxed social vibe. It’s tucked away along the Oak Creek Canyon, but is also steps away from Uptown Sedona. The resort offers delicious cocktails by the pool, a serene on-site spa, and the most beautiful sunsets around! You have to have at least one meal at an authentic Sedona restaurant called SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. The Amara is all-around a fabulous place to stay.

Home Base for Adventure, Sedona | This beautiful home is open, spacious, and bright, and can host up to 10 of your friends. It’s centrally located in west Sedona and has fabulous views of Thunder Mountain. The house is a two minute walk from a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, and one mile from Sugarloaf Trail Head. The house is a great place to relax, cook, eat, and drink!

Flagstaff

Just 17 miles from Sedona is Flagstaff, which makes it possible to hit both places during your weekend. Flagstaff is surrounded by mountains, desert, and pine forests. It’s also the gateway to Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphrey’s Peak. Flagstaff is the coolest city in Arizona, averaging only 3 days when the temperature is over 90°, which makes almost any activity enjoyable.

What to Do in Flagstaff

Hatch River Expeditions, Flagstaff | Whitewater rafting is the best way to experience the Grand Canyon, and Hatch River Expeditions knows how to do it right. With more than 80 years in business, they take care of the smallest details to ensure everyone can have a blast— even if one of your friends is a Nervous Nelly.

After all, who wouldn’t want to drift along, passing the magnificent, red canyon walls and impressive white water rapids while taking in the nature around you?!

Flagstaff Oktoberfest, Flagstaff | If you’re looking to schedule your 2021 girl’s trip for October, go the first weekend and visit Oktoberfest! The bratwurst, pretzels, beer, polka music, stein holding contest, and people dressed in their dirndl and lederhosen make it a fantastic way to kick off Fall. Doesn’t it sound like an exciting and unique event to experience with your besties?

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

Cabin with Mountain View and Hot Tub, Flagstaff | This gorgeous Airbandb is the perfect mountain escape. The entire cabin is fully updated with modern furnishings, yet is pristine and cozy. You and up to 10 of your girlfriends can hang out on the two decks that overlook the golf course and the mountains. Grab a bottle of wine (or two) and your swimsuits, and scoot up to the hot tub to enjoy the views together!

Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff | Hotel Monte Vista is located directly off of Route 66 and is an Arizona icon, serving as a centerpiece for downtown Flagstaff. There are two bars located inside of the hotel, The Rendezvous and The Monte V and one restaurant, The Lotus Lounge. Hotel Monte Vista is a wonderful place to stay and to play!