We made our way to 'Red Rock Country' but took a peculiar route to get there to end up in a little old mining town that goes by Jerome. It has lots of history wrapped in it and also is said to be haunted. But to get there, we have to drive up into the mountains. Elevation 6,940 ft, we endured many twists, sharp turns, hills, and amazing views of valleys and mountains till we made it to Jerome. I was told that the last time my parents were traveling on this road they saw a guy going down the hills on a longboard! Whaaaat! He's crazy, but I guess enjoys a good thrill. We stopped at a lookout area to gaze at the perfect view of mountain sides coming together at the perfect angle to overlook the valley and look out into the horizon. I just knew by then we were in for a treat as we move on to Sedona, and boy I couldn't wait.
Rolling down into Jerome I just fell in love with the uniqueness of the town, it had the charm of the old times and views from any street corner to overlook the valley. We parked and started to walk along the streets and check out some of the shops and read about the old buildings and the history of them. It was so cool to read about it and it made me wonder what the town would've looked like back in its prime of a booming mining town. Oh if time traveling was a thing...We didn't stay long as we wanted to spend most of our day in Sedona, but we did buy some jewelry at one of the shops in Jerome. I also found some gnarly old sign and guitar case that I liked.
We made it down the mountain side and looking back and seeing the town I had just stepped foot in was super cool. I wondered what it would be like living there. As we neared Sedona, you'd realize you're getting close because you start seeing the red rocks forming. We got into town and I instantly fell in love with the town and wanted to pack up my things and move there. The architecture was super unique because they make it blend in with the surrounding mountains so they don't take away from the view and the whole view of the red rocks all over made me excited and happy to see it. We stopped at Oak Creek Brewery in the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village and enjoyed some brews and lunch on their patio.
Shortly after we walked around the village and checked out some of the boutiques and galleries they had. The village was remarkable and designed like some small town you'd find in Mexico or Spain. It was unexpected to see something so unique in a town like Sedona but a treat none the less.
We wanted to go deeper into the red rock country so we drove to Sliding Rock State Park where Kirsten and I cliff jumped and literally slide down the red rocks. If you are from Minnesota, it was almost like the Quarries in St. Cloud, but this one was better with prettier views. We enjoyed every bit of it and Oak Creek Canyon was the perfect treat to spend our evening at.
Our final stop in Sedona was the Church on the Hill which was by far one of the greatest pieces of architecture and beauty I saw in Arizona. I say a lot of things in Arizona are breathtaking but this one literally was. The exterior of the church was simplistic and complimented the mountains and the interior was unbelievable. You walk in and see the crucifix directly in front of you, it was beautiful and you felt at peace within the area. It was a time for me to appreciate life, appreciate God's creations, and appreciate the simple things. If I had to recommend a place to see, it would be this.
Our final stop was a lookout area off the road to view Oak Creek Canyon from above. There is never a dull view in Sedona, it was beautiful and learning about how the rocks formed there was mind blowing. I still can't wrap my head around how it was created years ago over wind and rocks forming from above. Seeing each layer along he side and the aesthetically pleasing red surrounds you contrasted with the green of the trees and bushes.
We drove back to Prescott the evening and enjoyed mojitos and Mexican food at Guacamaya in town. It was another early night for us as we had to pack and get ready for our overnight trip in Page, AZ and also the day we finally get to see the Grand Canyon and infamous Route 66!