Love Is In The Air
(And Rocks!) In Sedona, Arizona
By Tracy Phillips, Southwest Travel Guru
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, one’s thoughts turn to love and romance.  This year instead of the standard card, chocolates and flowers, why not surprise that special someone with a romantic getaway to Arizona’s Red Rock country, Sedona?  The spectacular scenery alone is enough to get one’s heart beating, add in all the great dining and exciting activities and Sedona becomes the perfect place for romance. 

The first thing one must do is find a romantic place to stay… The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort was built for romance.  Located on the Sedona Golf Resort and surrounded by beautiful Red Rocks, this resort offers views galore.  In addition, the resort also offers first class amenities: heated pools, hot tubs, fitness center, spa services and personal Concierge service.  But being a getaway about love, one must have a room conducive to romance.  The one bedroom suites at this resort feature: fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, private patios or balconies and full kitchens.  What better way to end a day in Sedona, then with a soak in one’s private whirlpool tub followed by a glass of wine in front of the fireplace?

Now, what to do?  Sedona offers a wide range of activities that will be sure to inspire love in the object of one’s affection.  How about a sunset Jeep Tour?  Jeeps take one through the Red Rocks to the perfect vista just in time to watch the sunset.  Or maybe a horseback ride?  Discover the natural beauty of Sedona on horseback, and then end the evening under the stars dining on a campfire dinner, while being serenaded by a live guitarist.  Start the day with romance in a Hot Air Balloon as it floats above Sedona and provides unparalleled views of the Red Rock formations.  Once on land, one is treated to champagne and a light breakfast.   Finally a romantic train ride to the Grand Canyon.  Sit back, toast each other and watch the world go by… Once at the Grand Canyon, there is plenty of time to explore the area before the return ride home. 

Finally, where to eat? Everybody knows the way to a man’s heart (and woman’s!) is through the stomach and fortunately, Sedona has many gourmet restaurants that will woo through food.  Like Fournos restaurant in West Sedona.  Five-star Chef/owner Ivan Flowers creates award-winning Mediterranean-Italian dishes.  Try the Porterhouse steak for two, with a rosemary glaze and served with lobster pasta.  Or dine on the rack of lamb with a garlic basil crust.  Fournos also has a fabulous boutique wine list and an intimate atmosphere.  Want a view? Then Shugrue’s Hillside is the place.  Get there at sunset and sip a glass of wine as the sun slips behind the Red Rocks.  Not only does Shugrue’s offer a great panoramic view, but it also has some of the best seafood in Sedona. 

So, this year plan a romantic trip to Sedona.  It will be a Valentine’s Day & vacation that one will cherish for years to come.