The McCain Family's Ultimate Sedona Guide

An exclusive look at must-visit spots and hidden gems from the "Princess of Arizona"

Gertrude Stein had a very famous quote where she said, "America is my country and Paris is my hometown." Well, in my own life, my personal motto is: "Virginia is where I reside, but Sedona is my hometown."

I was born, raised, and went to school in Phoenix, Arizona, but my family has a homestead right on the outskirts of Sedona, Arizona, where I have spent most weekends, all holidays, and summer vacations. It is the place where my father died and passed on to the next life and where my family took care of him while he battled brain cancer. It is where I got married, where I found out both times I was pregnant with my daughters. It is the place where all the significant "growing up" life lessons in my life took place, and it is the place in my fantasy life where I hope to return to live permanently at some point. It is the place in this world I feel most connected to.

My parents long ago sold the house I was raised in, in Phoenix—so going home, for me, means Sedona, Arizona.

It is also where Ben and I will be taking the girls with my mother, siblings, and their families for Christmas, and honestly, the days until we go home can't come fast enough.

Saturday Night Live long ago parodied me and gave me the nickname "The Princess of Arizona"—a nickname that has stuck, hard. It was meant to be unflattering but has sort of become something I have embraced because I love Arizona so much. I have had many friends and colleagues over the years who have traveled to Sedona for vacation in search of the vortex energy and the magic of the red rocks—and every single time, they want my recommendations.

So, for you, my loyal Substack subscribers, I want to share my Sedona master list. This is a very exclusive list of places to go and things to do if you ever visit Sedona and the surrounding towns and areas in northern Arizona—some of which only locals know about.

Without further ado, here is my Sedona Master List:

1. The Pink Jeep Tour:

Although this is an obvious one, the Pink Jeep Tours are iconic for a reason. It is exactly as it sounds, an outback excursion where you drive all over the red rock and into canyons like you're in Jurassic Park. It is not for the faint of heart, and it is a true red rock experience. I've gone many times, and it is wonderful!

2. The Enchantment Resort:

The Enchantment Resort is my personal favorite hotel in Sedona. Although I have heard good things about the recently opened "Ambiente Sedona", I have not stayed there yet so I cannot comment. The Enchantment is located directly in the heart of the red rocks in Sedona and it is completely immersive in the terrain. It also has an incredible spa called "mii amo" where you can get everything from your classic spa treatments to chakra realignment, energy work, astrology, and ceremonial work that connects to the canyon's energy. My personal favorite is the lymphatic massage, cupping facial, and desert mist body wrap. They also have a ritual where they can lead a ceremony called the spirit of the new moon releasing. I am a desert hippie at heart and I'm into all of this.

Also at The Enchantment, there is a restaurant called the Che Ah Che which is incredible and one of the nicest in all of Sedona. This place is nothing short of a sanctuary and I absolutely recommend it. It's worth the price.

3. Up The Creek Bistro And Wine Bar:

This is my hidden/local secret and my absolute favorite restaurant in Arizona. I love it so much that I had my rehearsal dinner there the day before my wedding. It is technically located in Cornville, which is about a ten to fifteen minute drive outside Sedona but well worth going to. The setting is like an old cowboy saloon that sits high on the bank of cave creek so you have a view of the water while you eat. The food is gourmet and the wine selection is wonderful given that nearby Cottonwood has turned into a hotspot for vineyards and wine lovers. I also love that in the spring and summer there are hummingbird feeders everywhere so you can watch the hummingbirds while you eat. This was a favorite of my Dads and also holds a special place in my heart for that reason. Order the buttermilk pie for dessert.

4. Jerome:

This former largest copper mining town in Arizona is about a thirty minute drive from Sedona between Prescott and Flagstaff. It is one of my favorites, especially for kids. We usually do an afternoon trip so we can walk around and get lunch. There is a haunted hotel and restaurant called The Asylum at the very top of the town's mountain that has great food and a real "ghost town" vibe. There is also a wonderful wine tasting bar called "Caduceus Cellars" that is owned by Maynard James Keenan, the heavy metal lead singer from the band Tool featuring wine from his local vineyard in Verde Valley. I also always stop in the Copper Country Fudge to pick up fudge to take home. Jerome's slogan is "wickedest town in the west" and everyone should go there at least once.

5. The Verde Canyon Railroad:

You get on this train in Clarkdale, which is right outside of Arizona. It is a four hour vintage train ride that is such a fun sightseeing trip through northern Arizona. You ride in old timey railroad cars and they serve food (and alcohol) throughout the trip. It really is a wonderful way to take in the scenery and have a more leisurely family experience. I've been riding this train my entire life!

6. Tortas De Fuego:

My favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in Sedona. Casual, delicious and often very busy because of how great this place is. Whenever I'm in town I eat in and I also do take-out for dinner. It is everything you want from real Arizona Mexican food. They also have deep fried cactus on the menu if you want to give it a try.

7. Bearizona Wildlife Park:

This place is so fun but it is located in Williams, Arizona which is about an hour drive but I assure you it is worth the trip. It is a wildlife park where you can explore on foot or in your car and see different animals in the wild. You can see deer, foxes, antelopes, bears and more. I have never taken anyone and they have not had a good time!

8. Sedonuts:

Hands down the best donuts in Arizona. My favorite is the cereal donut or the red rock donut. I love to wake up early and go into town to grab a dozen and bring them home to everyone for breakfast.

9. Chapel Of The Holy Cross:

I really love this ninety foot Catholic monument built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright's, and it is famous for being one of America's most iconic man made wonders. It is so beautiful it is almost overwhelming. I would suggest going early in the morning or towards the evening because it can get very crowded and parking can be tricky. But I am telling you, go see this in person!

10. Swim In Oak Creek:

This is obviously weather permitting but I swear the muddy water of oak creek has magic elements in it. I love Grasshopper point and slide rock but there are many small trails that provide access to the creek. I suggest doing an entire day and bringing a picnic. If you are interested in fly fishing check out Brian Mowers and go to www.sedonaflyfishingadventures.com or on instagram @sedonaflyfishing - he is considered the best guide in the area!

11. Hike the Vortex:

If you love Sedona, you'll love the Vortex and if you don't believe in it, you will at least respect it. There is no real way I can explain the beauty and power of the Sedona red rocks other than there is definitely something to the folklore of the vortexes in Sedona. It is considered to be a center of energy conducive to healing, meditation and self exploration. There are very specific areas on the planet that are especially alive with energy. I can't explain what it feels like to go there other than it is rejuvenating, spiritually intense, and feels like recharging your soul's batteries. Show up with an open mind and see what happens.

12. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel:

I love to gamble and this casino is located close to Camp Verde. I like to do a night in town here to play a few games and have some fun with friends.

13. Cowboy Club Grille:

This is exactly what it sounds like, a fun cowboy bar in the heart of town in Sedona. They are known for their elk chops and rattlesnake sausage. Definitely worth stopping in.

14. Old Town Cottonwood:

Cottonwood is about twenty minutes outside of Sedona and it is just adorable. It is known for its mainstreet, local restaurants, historic tours and antique stores.

15. Mariposa Sedona:

This Latin restaurant in town has wonderful decor and food created by chef Lisa Dahl. This is a very nice night out and a romantic vibe - the food is very high end with incredible views of the landscape of Sedona. I love this for a nice couples night out and the skinny margarita is my favorite in all of Arizona.

16. Rolling Rack Boutique:

This is my FAVORITE boutique store settled right in the heart of the downtown strip in Sedona. It’s curated with amazing clothes, handbags, cowboy boots, hats, jewelry - Sedona and Arizona themed items, basically everything you could possibly need for a cowgirl day out. The last time I was there I picked up a gorgeous beaded American flag handbag and some “Sedona” t-shirts. It its wonderful and you must stop in when visiting the shopping area!

I am sure I will think of more things to add to this list soon but for the moment, these are my favorites. If you have not visited northern Arizona, I hope you will someday. It is in my humble opinion, pure magic and good for the soul. I cannot wait to go home and be with my friends and family.

Where is your favorite place on Earth? Also please let me know in the comments if there is anything you would like me to cover or you would like to get my opinion on!

More soon!

Love,

Meghan