We resolved to make 2019 the year we went somewhere new each month (or, as many months as possible). By the time the new year began, we had not yet chosen a place to visit in January. So, a quick search for cheap flights around the U.S. yielded a few good choices for a weekend getaway. Ultimately, we decided to fly into Phoenix and rent a car to visit Flagstaff/Sedona. This visit was also during the tail end of the longest government shutdown (to-date).
In hindsight, we should have been more diligent in researching which parks would be open during the shutdown. But, hey, we were just itching to go somewhere, and Phoenix had reasonable flight prices... We drove from Flagstaff to Petrified Forest National Park through some of the most beautiful landscapes the United States has to offer. Flat, red, Martian-like terrain with the occasional large butte or train certainly made the drive worthwhile even though Petrified Forest was still closed (only to be opened the next day when we had to fly home, of course). But, with a little research, Nick was able to find a couple gems for us to check out with our, now, extra time.
What We Did
Flagstaff
Petrified Forest National Forest: Well, we attempted to visit, but the government was still shutdown. We'll be back!
Jim Gray's Petrified Wood Co.: Checked this place out as we started our trek back to Flagstaff. There's a massive yard of petrified wood, a shop with some amazing specimens, and a fossilized alligator skeleton.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: One of the first meteor craters identified in the United States. Worth a visit, especially to read about how geologists finally came to prove it to be a meteor impact crater rather than a volcanically-formed crater.
Two Guns: Once a trading post along the historic Route 66, this ghost town makes for an interesting, graffiti-ridden foreground to Humphreys Peak.
Apache Death Cave: Right next to Two Guns at the end of a dirt road, is this cave that Apache once hid in after massacring a Navajo tribe, only to later meet their end by the hands of Navajo warriors inside the cave. Super creepy and feels like it's straight out of a horror film. Three other young people were visiting the cave when we got there. When one said, "Hey, where's Johnny?" (the friend visiting the cave with the couple), that's when I said, "Nope, I'm outta here."
Walnut Canyon: This place re-opened just twenty minutes before we got there. It was a really nice afternoon hike to see where the Hopi dwelled within a single recessive shale layer (homes and all).
Sunset Crater: This crater being volcanic, unlike Meteor Crater, is a beautiful gray mountainous cinder cone amongst a series of other peaks nearby. People used to be allowed to walk to the top, but the path created three-to-four-foot runnels down the volcano's one side. The park knew this was destroying the volcano, so now visitors can only view the unobstructed, smooth slopes.
Humphreys Peak: The tallest point in Arizona! We didn't have enough time or resources to summit this time around, but if you're interested you'll need a backcountry permit.
Sedona
Devil's Bridge: A pretty easy three-hour hike that takes you to a natural sandstone arch/bridge. It's a great photo op for a picture atop the bridge -- it's not as bad as it looks!
Red Rock Scenic Byway: Iconic red rocks buttes and landscapes.
Phoenix
Arizona Capitol: Unfortunately, the capitol museum was closed, but seeing all the state capitol buildings is one of our to-dos for each state.
Food
Flagstaff
Shift Kitchen and Bar: We did the Chef's Tasting Menu (six-course meal). Some of the best food we've ever eaten. They even catered to my being pescatarian by providing me with fish and Nick with red meat. Definitely a must!
Rendezvous: Whiskey Chai -- my jam.
The Green Room: Low lit, live music bar that we stopped in for a beer and some tunes.
Sedona
Coffee Pot Restaurant: Famous for 101 omelets and has had several famous people visit over the years. Get there early, because it gets packed around 10 AM.
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