SEDONA AND TLAQUEPAQUE

Sunday morning just seemed like a perfect day for a road trip.  No schedule, plus a short blurb in Saturday's paper noting that the leaves were beginning to change in Oak Creek Canyon meant it was definitely time to climb our of our self-imposed ruts and catch some of that Arizona magic.

Located just two hours north, Sedona is a favorite of nearly everyone.  And our special spot in Sedona is Tlaquepaque.  Yes--Tlaquepaque.  The only place I have more trouble pronouncing than Tlaquepaque is Oaxaca.  Also, I've just discovered that Tlaquepaque is kind of fun to type!

OK--one last time:  Tlaquepaque is an area of  unique tiny shops and great art galleries.  The courtyards are alive with sculptures, and what we used to call "New Age" Music fills the air.  For me--not the most widely traveled person in the world--it's a perfect re-creation of colonial Mexico, and the New Mexico of decades ago.

I love these long shaded galleries leading to--who knows where?

Perhaps here, for example.

All of the buildings contain two levels, so hidden stairways with beautiful Mexican tiles may be around any corner.

 Doorways here and there beckon us to explore the adjoining courtyard and whatever treasures it may hold.

 I love these fellows!

This tiny vine covered chapel is sometimes the site for small weddings.  It's great fun to be here when a couple has just gotten married, and the wedding party is giggling, sipping a bit of bubbly and  mingling in the tiny courtyard fronting this building.

This rather "busy" courtyard is filled with sculpture--an elk on the left, the rearing horse in the center, and a lovely fountain complete with birds in flight.

I could live here--it's great during all four seasons--although winter can be a bit nippy for us thin blooded semi-natives.

One of my favorite sculptures and, yes, it's moi, with the pig who leans in to get his ears scratched.  I'd love to have pig in our courtyard, but saner heads prevail in our household.  I was feeling badly when BC took this shot as, just the morning before, we'd hosted our "Vermont Country Breakfast" for the neighborhood, complete with Vermont cob-smoked bacon, and maple glazed ham.  Fortunately, nobody told pig.

We've wandered a bit and now it's time for lunch and, what can I say?  We're the ultimate sophisticated Brew Pub fans, and this is our Tlaquepaque favorite.  Oak Creek Brewery and Grill complete with its great food and atmosphere.  It doesn't get much better!

 Please visit again in a day or two as we head north in Oak Creek Canyon for views of the foliage and the great towering red rocks.