Our brief visit in Sedona, Arizona last week included browsing the town’s shopping districts. Some shopping areas are upscale and feel almost like a museum because of their lovely architecture, fountains, arches, staircases, and statuary. It felt like we were in some exotic locale.

While strolling through the shopping center, we spotted some of the local lizards that were scaling the walls.

Further into town was the downtown area. We parked in a free-parking lot behind some of the shops, and walked up and down both sides of the street, browsing in shops and eating lunch. Downtown has plenty of restaurants featuring all kinds of food–burgers, hot dogs, pizza, Mexican cuisine, and steaks. The shops are varied, selling everything from t-shirts, hats, dressy clothes, and souvenirs, to jewelry and expensive artwork.

One of the best things about downtown was the view of the red rocks in all directions.

Just north of town we drove through Oak Creek Canyon and stopped at Midgely Bridge where we did some hiking. There, we saw people swimming in the creek down below.

If you get a chance to visit Sedona, I think you’ll find it to be one of the prettiest places in the country. We sure did.