Day 1: MKE to PHX to Sedona

Published On: August 16, 2014Categories: Arizona, The Trip that Started it All 2014

We flew into Phoenix, but started our vacation in Sedona for seven nights, then to the Grand Canyon for two, and back in Phoenix for five, close to our flight back home. We landed in Phoenix just before noon. Our friends’ flight arrived about a half hour after ours, just as we were finished loading our stuff into the rental car. Hugs all around and we’re off on our Arizona adventure!!

It’s time for lunch!

Since we were up early that morning two time zones away, we thought we’d check out Barrio Café, a place we had seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” several months ago. They gave it a great review and it was conveniently located, only nine minutes from the airport. What a great experience all around!

The food was spectacular and the waiter didn’t have to apply much pressure for us to try a Lowrider Margarita (we were starting our vacation after all). Since they were sold out of the entree that Laurie and I wanted, he gave us another margarita to share! Luckily Jim (our driver) abstained, since they had a nice kick! I totally forget what we had for lunch, although I remember it was delicious! Woo hoo!

Barrio Cafe, Phoenix
Low Rider, Barrio Cafe, Phoenix

Take the Scenic Route

Sky Harbor is a pretty simple airport to get around in. Driving into the Phoenix traffic is another story. Since driving to Sedona was at least a two-hour trip (all the way through the Phoenix traffic and then up the interstate a ways), we opted for a scenic route up Hwy 87 through Payson, Pine, Camp Verde and then into Sedona.

Not sure it was totally worth it, since we encountered a burning truck that stopped up traffic for HOURS. We were worn out from the early morning and all of a sudden very sleepy (hmm, margaritas?). Because of that delay, we didn’t even stop as we passed the small towns we had hoped to explore on the way through. We just wanted to get checked in, unpacked and relax in our timeshare.

We booked The Ridge On Sedona Golf Resort, a beautiful Diamond Resorts International® condo thru RCI®. With two bedrooms, a living room and a full kitchen, we were able to save money by having several meals at “home”. The pool was great, with wonderful views of Sedona’s red rocks. It was very close to shopping, restaurants and shopping. Did I mention shopping? Since rarely do timeshares have two master units, we let Laurie and John have the 1BR side and we took the studio. In Phoenix we switched.

Pack your Entire Closet and Enjoy!

PS: One disadvantage of visiting the entire state of Arizona (with its variety of elevations) in the spring, is having to pack your whole closet because you’re not sure what the weather might bring. Had our visit been more area-specific, it may have been easier to know what to bring. But you’ll get to know me as we go along – we like to see it all, because you just never know when you’ll be back this way again.

Welcome to Arizona!

Next stop: Tuzigoot, choo choo

Happy trails,
Barb

Previous Posts

  • Red Rocks Recap

    Blogposts from "Return to the Red Rocks" are complete. This post provides an outline of where we went, what we saw and links to posts associated with each stop.

  • Along Oak Creek Canyon

    Sedona in mid-February has fewer tourists, crisp fresh air, and plenty of sunshine. I am grateful for every visit to gaze upon its splendid red rocks.

  • Some Highlights of Sedona

    Sedona's mild mid-February temps and abundant sunshine meet our requirements for escaping winter. And then there are the excellent views!

  • One of Seven Natural Wonders

    Gazing out into the Grand Canyon in mid-February is not ideal, but the sun shined brightly and traces of snow were beautiful on the red rock.