Sedona Arizona is one of the top spots to vacation, USA and is named after the wife of one of the founders (Sedona Schnebly), has an undeniable pull to many people. This quiet city has around 10,000 people with the average age being 50. Sedona was originally a ranching community of only 300 people. Due to the incredible beauty of the landscape and other factors however, it has become an international tourist destination in it’s own right, as well as one of Arizona’s top centers for art, recreation, resorts, and retirement. So what makes Sedona so special?

Sedona is said by some to be the center of several vortices, or energy “hot-spots”. While difficult to explain, it is undeniable to anyone who has ever been there that something extraordinary is in the air. Sedona seems particularly attractive to religious and spiritual folk, making it a city of amazing diversity. Over 30 churches exist in the region, many built in amazing natural spaces that enhance the building designs and make the most of the views and vistas. One does not have to be a believer to feel inspired by this much beauty!

In addition to the traditional churches, the city is a center for many other spiritual paths as well. The Native tradition has always held this place as sacred, a place for shamans and medicine men to come and pray and connect with the natural forces of the earth.

The New Age movement is also very well represented here; the area is full of resorts and other attractions, which might appeal to those looking for personal and spiritual growth. In fact, the Sedona Method, one of the fastest, easiest, most powerful self-improvement techniques available today, was named after the healing effects attributed to the area.

The energy of the area also attracts artists of all kinds, which follows an ancient tradition. Petroglyphs, pictographs, and artifacts left by artists as far back as 4000 BC attest to the power and inspiration of this place. More recently, it became the home of one of the most successful art organizations in American history, the Cowboy Artists of America. The Sedona Arts Center has been another attraction for over 40 years, and according to art historians, no city of this size has a better heritage when it comes to big-name artists than Sedona!

Of course, there are many kinds of art, and visual art is just one. The three-day Sedona International Film Festival is a major draw, as is the weeklong annual music festival hosted by Chamber Music Sedona. The city is even host to the Arizona Opera League of Northern Arizona, whose music is a delight to both connoisseurs and tourists alike.

The natural beauty of the surrounding countryside has even attracted location scouts and movie directors of all kinds as far back as 1923, when the silent film Call of the Canyon was shot just outside of town. Since then, John Wayne, Sterling Hayden, Robert Young, Dick Powell, and Joan Crawford are just a few of the big names that have graced the area making movies for our viewing pleasure. Some even returned to buy vacation homes.

Obviously, Sedona has not only a rich history but also a powerful effect on visitors, which makes it one of the top spots to vacation in the USA.!