Summering in Sedona, Arizona

Summer 2020, Cathedral Rock

Summer 2020, Cathedral Rock

After 4+ months in quarantine, income loss, uncertainty, complete surrender, gym closures, homeschooling, and way too much time inside, I literally ninja-jumped at the chance to take our two young boys to my hometown of Sedona for a summer getaway. While Wai stayed in LA to run Wild Child and launch our new mobile program In The Wild (Child), we headed to my home as a child, tucked in between forest service land and beautiful Red Rock country.

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My love for Sedona runs deep and the idea of coming home and sharing this magical place with my children was incredibly special. It was the chance of a lifetime and has been even better than I dreamed. Our two-week trip extended into SIX. 

We stayed away from big tourist attractions and local hotspots, found our natural rhythm and kept it slow and unscheduled off the beaten track (you know, Covid-19). We used joy and the desert weather as our guide. I got down on my children’s level, played, ran, climbed trees, won epic water battles, tracked curious desert critters, and I said yes much more than I said no.

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For these stolen sundrenched moments, we felt safe again and the world was overflowing with wonder. We experienced many firsts and made the sort of memories I imagine will shape them for a lifetime. 

I remember that first night, taking them out after dark to watch the stars (way past bedtime). The awe and mystery flashing in their sparkling eyes. They had never seen a sky like this before. I remember our youngest asking what was making all that loud noise. Beep.Chirp.Beep. He asked me to shut it off. After a while I realized my city boy was hearing the symphony of bugs and crickets that only sing at night…yes, for his first time. It didn't even occur to me how foreign and exciting this may feel to him.

When I will look back on this special time together one day, I hold onto this hope…I hope our boys remember the smell of monsoons, talking to jackrabbits, delighting over teeny baby quail, splashing in Oak Creek, making friends with the neighbor’s two spirited horses + one very old dog, discovering stars, planets and the magic of a vast night’s sky, “S’more Time”, and watching the desert sunset tie-dye the sky. 

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Tucked safely away in my heart is the memory of our three-year-old emphatically shouting “Mom, wooook! The sky is beautiful!” every sunset. That nighttime snuggles became family huggles. Cooking dinners with my mom and her now famous G+Ts. Our boys holding Oma’s hands as we walk home. Laughter filling the air as my 75-year-old mom found her inner child, racing through the house and losing at tag with her grandchildren. The THREE scorpions I caught in the house and that big one I stepped on in the pool (skloplions as Makai calls them.) Howling like coyotes and watching them fall in love with all the things I did when I was little here.

Covid-19 gifted this stolen time. We have all been impacted by this virus, some greater than others. As much as we’ve suffered emotionally and financially from its effects, I’ve decided that fear will not lead us. Gratitude, love and faith will. My motto today is “It’s not happening to me, but for me” and I hope that one day soon that truth reveals itself. I also hope that you found a place to explore and escape to this summer. Scholars maintain that children’s memories are shaped by emotion. Let laughter and love mark 2020. It’s good for the soul.

If you’d like to visit Sedona, here are my local favorites!

Where to Eat: 

  • Mariposa – A nicer dinner spot, but everywhere here is kid friendly.

  • Elote –No reservations, dinner only. Get there early and expect a wait, but so worth it. We love the namesake dish, elote. This place is a wow. We even own (and recommend) the cookbook!

  • Indian Gardens Cafe and Market-lunch and wine in Oak Creek Canyon. Such a lovely spot.

  • L’Auberge de Sedona-Enjoy a meal here (especially brunch). Ask to sit Creekside. It’s gorgeous and the food is delicious. It’s nice for happy hour as well. Lots of room for the kiddos to roam, and even chase some happy ducks. Wai and I were married here by the creek. It’s beyond.

  • Paige Springs is becoming Arizona’s new wine hot spot and is just a short 20-ish minute drive from Sedona. Thirsty mamas should head over to a tasting room. Try Paige Springs Cellars or one of the others.

  • Creekside Coffee – Their tagline is “A brew with a View” and they won’t disappoint.

 

What to see:

  • Chapel of the Holy Cross – built into the red rocks, amazing views

  • Red Rock State Park – short and easy hikes, and again views.

  • Cathedral Rock – THE view and place to play in the creek. An iconic photo opp.

  • Bell Rock – A quick and easy hike + a vortex to boot.

  • Oak Creek Canyon – Well worth the drive up the switchbacks. I think it’s the prettiest piece of Sedona. Stops at Slide Rock (swimming) and/or West Fork (hiking) are popular options-both found in the canyon.

  • Airport Mesa – THE Sunset Spot.

  • Beaver Creek - Lovely swimming hole off the beaten path.

  • Devil’s Bridge - Gorgeous, but a more challenging hike.

  • Seven Sacred Pools - Can be part of a 5 mile loop, but it’s at the beginning if you don’t want to go the whole way

Where to shop:

  • Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village – local shops and beautiful architecture. I love Estabon’s for pottery. Tlaquepaque hosts a lovely Farmer’s Market every Friday Morning. 

  • Center for the New Age - One of the more legit crystal shops, just across the street from Tlaquepaque.

  • Groceries - there is a nice Whole Foods and Natural Grocers, both in West Sedona

  • Cheers - hit or miss, but your best bet for cute toddler and kids “Sedona” travel tees. 

Happy Trails!

Alli
Co-founder, Wild Child Gym

Wai Sallas