August 24th-28th, 2017

After two nights in Scottsdale, Brett and I made our way to Sedona for Trip #2 of our twelve trips. Armed with our three favorite Sedona resources (here, here, and here), Brett and I planned four days exploring Sedona and daytripping our way through Arizona. Our plan was to use Sedona as a base for exploring the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, as well as several Sedona hiking spots. It was just perfect.

And many thanks to that rental car for driving us all over Arizona. You're the real MVP.

We stayed at the Enchantment Resort and, my word, I could have just lived at their pool. They also had a great weekday happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers, and I could've happily subsided on their prickly pear margarita and potato skins. Plus, with a happy hour view like this, why would you want to leave?

We hiked Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge.

We hiked the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon.

It was magical.

And I was so grateful to have fancy-pants hiking shoes.

We found a Trader Joe's and spent many pitstops mid-hike nomming on chicken salad, cheese, and dried fruit.

Even better, Brett and I have a deal that at any point a hike isn't enjoyable for me anymore, I find a lovely spot to stop and pull out my book while Brett explores on. Typically this happens when things get a little too steep or crawl-on-all-fours for my taste. And, lucky for me, some of the best books I've read lately were on this trips. SO GOOD.

Also, this European guy tripped walking backwards. And now I'll forever have this photo.

After hiking the Grand Canyon, we had the most amazing Italian food in Sedona. Gerardo's was just incredible. I've been telling everyone that will listen about our perfect wine-filled, sore-legs, my-God-hand-me-the-carbs dinner date we had after a full day hiking into and out of a pretty famous canyon. Plus, their precious patio had string lights, which automatically makes me a member of the fan club.

However, I'm already thinking about going back to Sedona for their food...and string lights.

After hiking Cathedral Rock, my trusty New York Times book led us to the famous Coffee Pot Restaurant - home of the 101 omelettes.

We explored the wineries of Sedona - we loved Page Spring Cellars and Javelina Leap and did tastings at both.

We did make a stop at Horseshoe Bend on our last day (and had the loveliest lunch date eating turkey sandwiches and apples in the air-conditioned reprieve of our car - because y'all, that midday sun is NO JOKE. Love, Texans), but I'd have to say my highlight of the entire trip would be the Antelope Canyon tour.