how many nights in Sedona? Scottsdale?
Where to stay?
I've looked at prior posts.
Any B&B's?
Jerome? Prescott? worth going?

What activities do you like? What sort of experience are you looking for?

irwin, we spent a week in Scottsdale, but travelled around the state quite a bit, returning to Scottsdale for dinner. Two nights in Scottsdale is plenty unlkess you plan to use it as a base for day travels as we did. If you do a search, you should find plenty of information. Loads of fine hotels out there.

In Sedona, I highly recommend staying and dining at L'Auberge de Sedona. Have dinner outdoors along the banks of Oak Creek. If you stay there, they'll allow BYO but check with them. Two days will be fine.

Skip the other towns and see the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Saguro Park, and drive through the mountains near Tucson.

If you can't find the posts I made with specifics, let me know.

Thanks, Board-O.
Wayfarer: We like hiking a bit, seeing nice nature, artist colonies. Not into touristy things. We have some friends who will be in Scottsdale and so we'll spend a bit of time with them....probably I'll play a round of golf with the guy while the women do their things.

irwin,

The drive down Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff to Sedona was special, and as Board-o said, be sure to see the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest, which have been stops for the past 75 years.

Jerome was a nice side trip to an old mining town, a fun place for lunch and shopping. We didn't stay in the town but made the trip from Sedona to Scottsdale with a stop in Jerome and Prescott.

You have plenty of time to research, but the following is a nice site:

www.azjerome.com/default.htm

In 1995/6, we had dinner at a mountain resort in Scottsdale that overlooked the valley (can't remember the name). Menu was excellent, and they had the 1990 Chateau Margaux for $190 per bottle. The manager said they would only sell the wine with dinner, and didn't change the wine prices until the wine was sold. I can't imagine they still have the same policy!

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
we had dinner at a mountain resort in Scottsdale that overlooked the valley (can't remember the name). Menu was excellent, and they had the 1990 Chateau Margaux for $190 per bottle. The manager said they would only sell the wine with dinner, and didn't change the wine prices until the wine was sold. I can't imagine they still have the same policy!

Elements at the Sanctuary We also highly recommend it.

Board-O,

Well, I'm impressed! How did you remember that name? BTW, although we knew 1990 Chateau Margaux was too young, we ordered that bottle, and it was--------too young! Still, to have a 1990 Chateau Margaux, with a wonderful dinner, overlooking Paradise Valley, I think I'd do it again!

We were there three years ago. Some things I remember. Usually if it's a restaurant, I remember it. We had a Marietta Angeli Cuvee with our dinner there. I'm sure there are notes about that dinner somewhere on this site.

latour67:
You had the 1990 Margaux in 1995/1996? You should have ordered two bottles and smuggled one out!

If you are into baseball, many MLB teams have spring training in the metro Phoenix area among other locales. Giants, Cubs, Indians, Padres, A's, etc.

Sedona has a few day trips close by. Some cliff dwellings that I can not remember the name of, Montezuma's well, drive through Oak Creek Canyon, and Jerome are all within short distance with Jerome being about 20 miles away. Not sure if The House of Joy is still open in Jerome, a quaint dinner house in what was the old bordello during the mining days of Jerome. Only open on weekends and cash only.

Try www.enchantmentresort.com for lunch if you do not stay there and there are some nature trails nearby as well. There are some nice golf courses in the Sedona area as well. There is a stone church in the hills that offers great views. Sedona has the only McDonald's that does not have golden arches, turquoise instead, not sure if they charge corkage . Talaquepaque offers a different shopping experience near the L'Auberge de Sedona.

Pink Jeep tours may offer something that provides hiking in a remote area or perhaps a guide could help you find some special places to hike. There are some horse rides that have overnight trips as well as morning and dinner rides. Enjoy.

quote:

Originally posted by irwin:
latour67:
You had the 1990 Margaux in 1995/1996? You should have ordered two bottles and smuggled one out!

Yes, that 1990 Margaux was a 100 point rated wine by the WA! I even asked if I could buy an extra bottle and take it with me, but the manager said all of their wines were to be served with dinner!

I already had a case of the 1990 Chateau Margaux in my cellar, but I had never tasted it until that night, and like I said, it was too young!

Irwin, you've gotten some good advice here. The drive up or down Oak Creek, between Flag and Sedona is very nice. If in Flag, eat at The Cottage Place. www.cottageplace.com

Board-0 is bang on for his Sedona recommendations. In Scottsdale, try the Phoenician. They will set up a stunning sunset dinner for two on the eight tee. It's incredible: http://www.thephoenician.com/d...ining#tee_box_dining You will never forget that.

If you do come to Tucson, try www.janos.com He stresses classical technique with local foods. A nice wine cellar too. There is also Anthony's in the foothills, one of WS 18 or so US Grand Award cellars. Views are incredible.