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Travel Guide: Visit Sedona (with Kids)

May 1, 2018

Family Vacation Sedona, ArizonaMontezumas Castle ArizonaMcDonald's Ranch ScottsdaleDoes spring break seem like a distant memory?  I agree.  Last month we had the pleasure of returning to the beautiful state of Arizona.  We have family in Scottsdale, so we travel to the desert each year during the spring.  This is one of my most favorite places to visit and a trip our family looks forward to year after year.

As we take different short trips each year, we have discovered that Arizona has plenty to offer both kids and parents alike.  While we definitely enjoy a lot of down time, which includes swimming, sunshine, and Grandma babysitting, we also try to get out to explore more of the Scottsdale area and other parts of this beautiful state.  This year, we drove north to Sedona to spend 3 days exploring ancient Native American ruins, touring the Red Rocks via a Pink Jeep tour, and swimming in a natural water slide.  Below I offer some inspiration for your next (or first) trip to America’s Southwest:

In and Around Sedona

Driving from Scottsdale up 17 N through the Tonto National Forest, the scenery is breathtaking.  As soon as you leave the “Valley of the Sun,” the saguaros fade away quickly and the landscape changes to low shrub.  While it’s a short drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale (ideal for young families – around 2 hours), there was so much to see on the way.

Montezumas Castle National ParkMontezumas Well ArizonaMontezuma Castle & Well
On the very top of my list, Montezumas Castle is an absolute must-see. We were awestruck by the amazing engineering of this well-preserved dwelling built  into the cliff side above Beaver Creek in the Verde River Valley.  A very easy hike along a paved path leads visitors directly underneath the dwelling, which was built approximately between 1110 and 1425 AD.  The kids were hot and their attention spans waned, but they enjoyed imagining themselves in the cliff dwelling as they toured the grounds and viewed the diarama which recreates daily life in this Singua village.

It’s also worth the drive to view Montezumas Well, a natural limestone sinkhole with a near constant flow of natural spring water.  The well has been used for irrigation since the 8th century and you can see some of the original canal systems that are still in use today.

Red Rocks Sedona ArizonaPink Jeep Tours Sedona ArizonaSedona Family VacationPink Jeep Tours Sedona ArizonaFault Line Sedona Red Rocks

Pink Jeep Tours
Hands down, the Pink Jeep Tour was the family’s favorite activity of our entire trip! What a blast we all had traversing boulders and rocking our way thru the Red Rock Valley!  This tour is not only filled with fun, roller coaster-like thrills sure to please squirmy kids but also takes you onto the Red Rocks without having to hike in (key when you have small children).  Our tour guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable showing us geographical points of interest and educating us on the history of the valley, all the meanwhile taking us on the most thrilling of adventures.  We took the 2 hour tour, which is the most popular, and choose a mid-morning time to avoid the afternoon heat.  Although we didn’t spy any wildlife, we did see a flowering agave plant (which flowers only once during their 10-25 year lifetime and right before it dies), learned that the rocks get their red color from iron deposits, and we saw examples of the fault line running through the valley to the Colorado Plateau.

Slide Rock State Park ArizonaSlide Rock Arizona Family Fun

Slide Rock
Not for the faint of heart, Slide Rock is a natural “waterslide” with rocks and deep pools perfect for water play.  To note, the water is very cold.  It was refreshing on a warm Arizona afternoon but it definitely took your breath away at first splash!  Also, the slides are pretty rough and can move small kids quickly, so you would definitely only want your swimmers to partake.  The park was filled with other families all having a great time (it was crowded but didn’t encroach on your fun time).  Aside from a shaded picnic area, there are plenty of places along the river to soak in the heat on the rocks (and dry off) or seek shade on the banks.

Tuzigoot National MonumentTuzigoot Verde Valley Arizona

Tuzigoot
Leaving Sedona on our way back to Scottsdale, we planned several stops.  We first drove thru the very quant town of Cottonwood with plenty of antique shops and an amazing gem store.  We then stopped at another site of an ancient Singua pueblo, Tuzigoot.  Termed “crooked water” in Apache, the remains of a 110 room pueblo overlook the Verde River flood plain.  You can buy a multi-day pass that allows you to visit all three sites (Montezumas Castle and Well, and Tuzigoot) and I would recommend stopping in at the ranger station.  The kids got National Park passports which allows them to place unique stamps for each national park and monument we visit.  We plan to fill them with more stamps soon…if only we can remember where we stored them upon our return home?!

Jerome
Our final stop was a the old mining town of Jerome.  Once a booming copper mine, Jerome is now a “ghost town” with a dwindling population due to the close of the mine in the mid-1950’s and the fact that it is slipping down the mountainside. The town boasts lots of fun history and spectacular views. We ate an outstanding lunch at Bobby D’s BBQ (a former Chinese restaurant originally built in 1899, supposedly still haunted by it’s owner).  John and I found the Jerome history museum to be filled with interesting artifacts but it didn’t hold the kids’ attention.  Instead we bribed them with ice cream.

Family Trip Sedona Arizona

Planning your own trip to Sedona?  Want to learn more about Scottsdale or traveling to the Grand Canyon with kids?  Shoot me a message with inquiries, as I’m happy to share more.  Or leave a comment.  Your questions and feedback could inspire more Arizona travel posts!

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn (and the Lovin fam)

This post was done in collaboration with Pink Jeep Tours.  As you can always expect, all opinions shared on this blog are entirely my own.

Comments: 0   //   Category: Lifestyle, Travel

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Felt like today was just the occasion to don a seq Felt like today was just the occasion to don a sequin dress. I didn’t make it far in the heels. 
#inaugurationstyle #sequinsfordays #itsjustfashion
Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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