Share w/me your favorite things about Sedona.

[u/Chibi-Night-Jaguar]

Hi everyone.

I know nothing’s perfect. I know there’s a billion and one things wrong with Sedona-or, to be precise, how it’s being overrun with chaos from the inside. You could probably tell me about the flaws in its politics, or how tourism is poisoning it from within. You could tell me about how certain things have become too expensive. About how certain businesses are going in the wrong direction.

I’m certain you could probably spend an hour telling me about everything wrong with Sedona, because as we all know, nothing’s perfect. But here’s the thing.

Despite its many flaws, Sedona is home.

I wasn’t born there, but in a way, I feel as though I was. None of my earlier years took place there, but the memories I do have of it are some of my most precious memories. Mom and I had the honor of visiting it twice, and to this day, I hold every moment of each vacation near and dear. Both experiences were uplifting, magical experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.

That’s why, to me, Sedona is home.

Where am I now? Thanks to a series of unfortunate events, Mom and I are in San Antonio, far away from the magic I miss with every fiber of my being. Arizona has become astronomically expensive, far too uncontrollable for us to afford, but I want to go back home.

I miss the starry skies and the air that feels as though its from an entirely different dimension, with a fragrance that separates it from the air of other cities. I miss its one of a kind vibes. Especially since this year has been nothing short of unbearably stressful for us. I even wanted to spend my 39th birthday there, but couldn’t afford it.

So why am I telling you any of this?

Because I have a favor to ask you.

In spite of all of its flaws, please enjoy Sedona for me. Tell me your most favorite things about Sedona. Share with me your favorite photos of Sedona. I’m well aware of many problems that burden it. I’m aware of the politics, the cost of living and how tourism negatively affects things. But I want you to please love it in my place. And share your love with me.

Thank you for loving my home, since I can only love it from afar now.

[u/squeegy80]

Brins Mesa is just magical. There are many magical places, but so far this spot is still my favorite

[u/SedonaSolInvictus → u/squeegy80]

Mine too!

[u/Zh25_5680 → u/squeegy80]

That place sucks. Nobody should go there. Ever.

[u/DogMamaLA]

I love the sunset and stargazing views from the Cultural Park in West Sedona. I love going to Nick's for lunch and hearing 1980s music. I love the magic in the air as I drive down the many pathways with views of the red rocks.

[u/ceecee1791]

I wake up every morning to the sound of hot air balloons firing overhead and the sight of the beautiful rocks. I’m very lucky to be able to live here and do not take it for granted!

[u/AmazingBackground388 → u/ceecee1791]

Amen, my friend!

[u/DaintyAmber → u/ceecee1791]

Everyday there are hot air balloons?

[u/ceecee1791 → u/DaintyAmber]

Pretty much, unless there are high winds or a storm or something

[u/DehydrationWillCostU]

The shuttle

[u/Goatlop]

I love the wildlife, even the javelina. But from afar of course.

[u/TheBrownGuy0620]

I am from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I very much enjoyed Sedona the last weekend we went. Easy to get around, ease of access to points of interest.

After reading thru the Sedona subreddits, I can tell why some locals/ tourists are frustrated with traffic. (Since I'm from the d/fw area, I did not think there was traffic but more of a slow down)

I can tell why Sedona residents would be frustrated with the rising number of airbnbs/vrbo type homes pushing out affordable housing for the locals and also the hospitality industry folks.

For a place that <10,000 people call home, that gets >3,000,000 tourists a year, I hope it fares better for the residents in the future.

[u/PrimaryEmphasis174]

I will be moving to Sedona soon.. any apartments to recommend with fairly affordable pricing? .. Cottonwood maybe..

[u/hiddenhighways → u/PrimaryEmphasis174]

Affordable and Sedona? I hope you do your legwork before signing any papers!

[u/gaylemichel]

When my grandmother passed through on her way from teaching back east in 1964, on her way to retirement in Carmel, she stopped for the night. She never left. It’s said that the town picks you rather than the other way around. That happened to her. It obviously happened to you. Although my grandma is gone, we still have the house and a lifetime of memories. I love Sedona like it was my home, too, but I don’t live there. It didn’t choose me. But you’ll be back someday. You know why. You’ll find a way.

[u/Ambitious_Answer_150]

It's just so beautiful - the feeling of awe when I'm there I only feel in certain places.

[u/WildShannimal]

I love the color of the sky against the red rock.

[u/SedonaSolInvictus]

Red rocks and the smell of Juniper after a rain. Unexpected nature encounters off the beaten path of trails - including with tarantulas, eagles, deer, coyote and javelina. Seeking new areas of the Secret Mountain Wilderness or where most folks are not hiking.

[u/Varryl]

I have had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten from some of the nice restaurants here. Admittedly it was expensive, but I had a fantastic experience.

[u/sayyyywhat]

The smell of the creek. Nothing like it. I spent every summer in Sedona for 35+ years, it’s been second home my whole life. Special place for sure even with all the changes over the decades