The road winds in hairpin turns through a 12 mile river gorge canyon. Covered in maple, oak, ash, sycamore, pine--and at the north end, aspen--Oak Creek is a proper brook, complete with bubbling water sometimes rushing over stacks of stones, sometimes accumulating in clear pools, where lazy trout daze in the sunlight.

Oak Creek Canyon extends between the cities of Sedona and Flagstaff, with the Oak Creek Canyon-Sedona area being the second most popular tourist destination in Arizona, second only to the Grand Canyon.

It is perhaps even more beautiful, too, if less dramatic.

For some reason, the area for me is absolutely linked with Andrea Bocelli's "Con te Partiro,"
which may be because I first heard the piece while riding in a convertible during the fall that I first moved here. And because the beauty is on that level--undeniably the level of a virtuoso--so achingly lovely you almost want to associate it with cheesiness--if only it didn't actually exist that way. (Look at the above photo to grasp what I'm talking about.)

Anyway, that is my first recommendation--a convertible with classical music playing while you drive in and out of the trees down this stretch of highway.

Some Other Recommendations:

Oak Creek Brewery

One part fine dining, one part bar with live entertainment with extensive micro brew and wine list, this establishment comes highly recommended. Located in the heart of Tlaquepaque, which sits on a section of Oak Creek running through Sedona, the restaurant is accomodating and comfortable--both couples on romantic getaways and families will find it enjoyable.

The food is top notch, with stone open fire baked pizza's, sandwiches, salads, grilled steaks and fish, and oven baked chicken. A little more expensive, as the quality warrants it, but with generous portions. There is a fireplace and a dining patio.

Hoel's Indian Shop

This is a must-see store located within the heart of Oak Creek Canyon which has been in business since 1945. The shop sells Indian art and artifacts of all kinds, including gold and turquoise jewelry, baskets, kachina dolls and Navajo rugs. Everything within the store is authentic and of the highest quality.

Hoel's also offers bios and information on all the artists they represent. Some are of national recognition: http://www.hoelsindianshop.com/html/artists_bios.html

Slide Rock State Park

Kids will love this. Basically, it is a part of Oak Creek which runs over flat "slide" rocks where the water runs rapidly. The rocks are slippery, hence the term "slide rock." You don't need a raft. If you are careful, the current will carry you down stream, sliding all the way.

Even if this doesn't sound so appealing (and the park can be crowded), Slide Rock is still worth seeing. Originally a 43-acre historical apple farm, the park contains some very unique buildings, stone cottages and antique equipment that is available for visitors viewing. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. His irrigation system still in use by the park today. An annual festival, celebrating the apple harvest takes place in mid September.

Oak Creek Canyon Dairy Queen

Yeah, for some reason they decided to put a Dairy Queen in the canyon. And actually, it was a good idea. An inexpensive place to quench your thirst and have a quick bite--plus rest if you have been doing a lot of driving.

It's not your average Dairy Queen, after all. It probably is the nicest decorated fast food restaurant you will ever see (well, this is Sedona), and contains a gift shop, as well as a display of paintings by artists of regional repute. Here, very clean bathrooms are available (and vanities with copper sinks, lol, a Sedona usual), as well as an ATM, if you have the need for either of them.

There is an outdoor picnic area, and often, an outdoor market featuring Native American entrepenuers selling their wares--usually turquoise and silver jewelry and sometimes leather items.

Cozy Cabins and Spas

They line the road up and down the canyon. Because I live here, almost all my trips have been day trips. However, I've always thought that the Briar Patch Inn, http://www.briarpatchinn.com/index.php?HOME-1 would be fun to stay in for a weekend getaway, particularly in the late fall or winter months. Each cabin contains a fireplace, which would be particularly nice, as this area is known for its scenic snowiness.

A true riparian area, Oak Creek Canyon's seasons are more pronounced than that of the city of Sedona, even though it is only a few miles away.  Temperatures get lower in the winter, and the Canyon gets quite a bit of snow, although it doesn't always last very long.

The rates of these hotels are generally a little higher than average, but you will get what you pay for. I'd definitely recommend one of these tucked away cabins or resorts to the larger, over-priced chains located in the tourist shop laden uptown Sedona area (which is at the opening entrance of the Oak Creek Scenic Drive).

Final recommendation: Do bring your camera. There are some amazingly beautiful things you will want to remember.