Sedona
Seeing Red
New Agers gravitate to Sedona, Ariz., because it is said to have more than one vortex, an area where the earth’s energy is believed to intensify. They make pilgrimages to this central Arizona town to explore their spirituality, but you might be more attracted to Sedona’s sandstone formations, commonly called the Red Rocks, where at times visitors can walk for miles without bumping into another human. That’ll raise most any consciousness.
Coconino National Forest offers numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the Red Rocks’ canyons and over their buttes. Part of the fun is discovering your own favorite area, but definitely check out Bell Rock and Devil’s Bridge, the latter an enormous, natural, sandstone arch. Another popular tourist attraction is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a sanctuary built into the mesas. And although we’re trying to keep you away from the most common destinations, consider making the two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. Who can pass up a vista this magnificent?
Besides its Red Rocks, Sedona is also known as an art community. Tlaquepaque, a settlement on Oak Creek’s banks that’s modeled after a traditional Mexican village, sells locally made jewelry, clothing and artwork. The town also features more than 15 galleries and some popular restaurants. Local flavor abounds at El Rincon, located near the shops, which specializes in well-priced Southwestern cuisine. Travel about 20 miles south of Sedona to vineyards that the locals dub the “New Napa.” Page Springs Vineyard & Cellars bottles more than 40 wines, including Vino de la Familia ($20) and Rio San Lucas Syrah ($35).
Red Rocks over Sedona; the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Those preferring to stay closer to Sedona can dine Mediterranean-style at Dahl & DiLuca. Other popular eateries are Heartline Cafe, which has pecan-crusted rainbow trout ($14.25), and Reds, which is inside the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. The Sedona Rouge’s rooms run about $190 a night. Another option in that price range is The Amara Resort & Spa (from about $160 a night). Realize, though, that a red rocks view will cost extra at any hotel, including the top-of-the-line Enchantment Resort (from about $300 a night). Tourists come from all over to experience the hotel’s Mii amo Spa, but if that’s not your vortex, there’ll be plenty of other places to look among the cliffs and canyons.
(Photos courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce)
IF YOU GO
Transportation: Fly into Phoenix International Airport, drive 90 minutes northwest to Sedona
Lodging: Enchantment Resort, (928) 282-2900, www.enchantmentresort.com; Amara Resort & Spa (928) 282-4828, www.amararesort.com; Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, (928) 203-4111, www.sedonarouge.com
Dining: Dahl & DiLuca, (928) 282-5219, www.dahlanddiluca.com; El Rincon, (928) 282-4648, www.elrinconrestaurant.com; The Heartline Cafe, (928) 282-0785, www.heartlinecafe.com; Reds, (928) 203-4111, www.sedonarouge.com
April 1 Average Temperatures: 72 (high); 42 (low)
Fresh Snow
Colorado is a skier’s haven. Nobody argues that. But resort towns such as Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen often attract so many guests that lift lines can be long and accommodations in short supply. Utah has become a popular alternative, and while Park City now bustles like Breckenridge, there are other options. Solitude Mountain Resort in, you guessed it, Solitude, Utah, offers about 1,200 skiable acres that should be less congested than a typical tourist destination.
The village outside Utah’s Solitude Mountain Resort; some of Solitude’s more than 60 skiing and snowboarding runs.
Solitude rests in the Wasatch Mountains’ Big Cottonwood Canyon and is only about a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. For vacationers who arrive at midday, that means not spending the entire first afternoon cooped up in a rental car and instead snapping into some skis immediately. Single-day lift tickets cost about $50 for adults and $30 for juniors (7-13 years old), but cheaper prices are available for multi-day skiers. The terrain (50 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced and 20 percent beginner) features more than 60 runs, including the three-mile-long Honeycomb Trail, and three bowls — hundreds of acres of open land above the timberline with flat rims skiers can traverse and then drop onto the slope wherever they’d like to do some creative trailblazing.
From the mountain’s bottom, lodging is a ski-booted walk away. The Inn at Solitude (approximately $190 a night and up) has 46 rooms, some with a mountain view. There are also many condominium options — such as Eagle Springs Lodges (starting at $200 a night), which are modeled after Italy’s Tuscany region.
The village and its restaurants are within walking distance. St. Bernard’s, inside the Inn at Solitude, offers a breakfast buffet and a more upscale French dinner — we’re talking confit de canard ($28) and porc d’alsace ($28). Can’t read the menu? Try the Stone Haus Pizzeria. Or if skiing hasn’t been a complete energy-drainer by evening, experience The Yurt (about $100 per person). Twenty people strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and trek nearly a mile to a Mongolian-style tent for a five-course meal. Although the menu is seasonal, expect items such as roasted tomato and crab salad, braised lamb shank and white chocolate bread pudding. Make reservations early to ensure a spot in the group. Oh, and alcohol’s not served at dinner, so consider stuffing a wine bottle (or two) into your parka. Just remember that snowshoeing back to the village is the only choice.
Nearby Brighton Ski Resort increases the trail options (a $62 pass permits skiing at both places). And cramming into a car isn’t necessary to resort hop. Solitude’s lifts system connects to Brighton’s, which services more than 60 trails. Expect a lot of snowboarders, though, because they flock to Brighton’s jumps, rails and 400-foot-long half-pipe.
Although this trip’s purpose is to ski clear of places where the hordes devour nearly every inch of snow, Solitude is only about 40 minutes from Park City’s 100-plus runs covering 3,330 acres. This quaint town’s Main Street is a draw, albeit a pricey one, with many dining options. Shabu, which specializes in Asian cuisine, is a local favorite. There’ll often be a full house, but that’s a given these days in Park City. If you become frustrated, just think of one peaceful word: Solitude.
(Photos courtesy of Solitude Mountain Resort)
IF YOU GO
Transportation: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, drive 40 minutes southeast to Solitude
Lodging: The Inn at Solitude, (801) 517-7717; Eagle Springs Lodges, (801) 536-5765, both at www.skisolitude.com
Dining: St. Bernard’s, (801) 536-5508; The Yurt, (801) 536-5797; Shabu, (435) 645-7253, www.shabupc.com
Attractions: Solitude Mountain Resort, (801) 534-1400, www.skisolitude.com; Brighton Resort, (801) 532-4731, www.brightonresort.com; Park City Mountain Resort, (435) 647-5440, www.parkcitymountain.com
April 1 Average Temperatures: 39 (high); 18 (low)
WEST VIRGINIA
High on the Valley
We know what you’re thinking: West Virginia? The answer is, “Yes — even in spring.” Lewisburg is a mountain town nestled in the Alleghenies’ Greenbrier Valley, about a six-hour car ride from Louisville. Most travel east on I-64 the whole way, but consider taking US 60 from Charleston (aka the Midland Trail) to cruise along West Virginia’s rolling hills to see farmland, historic homes and mountain views — which should be more appealing than the Wal-Marts and Burger Kings on the interstate.
The historic Greenbrier hotel in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.; downtown Lewisburg.
Once in Lewisburg, outdoor enthusiasts will understand why this is a vacation worth taking. Although March’s and April’s weather will probably be too cold to permit swimming in the Greenbrier River, there is still plenty to do. The Greenbrier River Trail, for example, is more than 70 miles long and great for cyclists and hikers. Not a world-class athlete? Greenbrier Outfitters, which rents out bikes, will s/files/storyimages/a shuttle a few miles into the trip to retrieve those on more casual outings. For additional hiking options, the Greenbrier State Forest offers paths of varying difficulty that snake around Kate’s Mountain. For climate-controlled activities, try Organ Cave and the Lost World Caverns, which both offer tours. Organ Cave is noteworthy for its rich Civil War history, while Lost World will outfit guests adventurous enough to squeeze, climb and crawl their way along a four-hour spelunking journey.
Greenbrier Valley fishing; biking on the Greenbrier River Trail.
If a fireplace’s warmth is all that’s needed to survive the night, consider the Greenbrier State Forest’s cabins, which open in mid-April and cost about $60 a night. Available any month is the General Lewis Inn (approximately $100 a night and up), which is built on a Civil War battle site at one /files/storyimages/of downtown Lewisburg. It remains popular among guests because each of the hotel’s 25 rooms is different. Plus it’s on Washington Street, the town’s main avenue for art galleries, boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. The West Virginia trout at Food and Friends or the seafood crepes at Stardust Cafe are good choices. On Lafayette Street, Julian’s (which opens for the season on April 6) makes a popular horseradish crusted salmon ($21).
But for some true pampering after a few days dedicated to mastering the outdoors, consider driving 10 miles to the stately Greenbrier, a resort in White Sulphur Springs that dates back to 1778. (Renovations have kept it closed since early January, but the hotel and resort will open again on April 2). Once reopened, you’ll no longer have to be an overnight guest to enjoy some of the resort’s attractions, including a spa, fine dining, a movie theater and three championship golf courses. And it’s worth mentioning that the hotel gives tours of its bunker, which was constructed during the Cold War to house Congress in case of a nuclear attack. Although staying in one of the more than 700 rooms (from about $390 a night) isn’t a requirement, we won’t fault you if you decide to splurge.
We also won’t fault you if you never make it to the Greenbrier. For all we know, you could be back on the river trail as the week comes to an end.
(Photos by Steve Shaluta)
IF YOU GO
Transportation: Drive about six hours (370 miles) east on I-64 to White Sulphur Springs, take Route 60 for a scenic drive
Lodging: General Lewis Inn, (304) 645-2600, www.generallewisinn.com; Greenbrier State Forest, (304) 536-1944, www.greenbriersf.com; The Greenbrier, (800) 453-4858, www.greenbrier.com
Dining: Julian’s, (304) 645-4145; Food and Friends, (304) 645-4145; Stardust Cafe, (304) 647-3663
Attractions: Greenbrier Outfitters, (304) 536-9245; Lost World Caverns, (304) 645-6677, www.lostworldcaverns.com; Organ Cave, (304) 645-7600, www.organcave.com; The Greenbrier, (800) 453-4858, www.greenbrier.com
April 1 Average Temperatures: 58 (high); 32 (low)
AMELIA ISLAND
Sand and Space
To some, Florida is synonymous with spring break, when college-age revelers migrate to hotbeds such as Panama City, Miami, Destin and Key West, making it difficult for the rest of us to find areas without beer-soaked beaches and pulsating nightclubs. But the Sunshine State is a big, big place, and there are options for mature travelers or families with children. One of them, Amelia Island, a sleepy town surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean about 30 minutes from Jacksonville, near the Georgia border, still offers peaceful shores and the sun’s pleasant rays. 
The island is only about 13 miles long and four miles wide, but spacious — and at times secluded — areas on Fernandina Beach are easily accessible for those wishing to claim their own stretch of sand. We could go on and on about Amelia’s kayaking and biking choices, but let’s stay focused: We’re sending you to a beach destination with a premium on days spent under the sizzling sun. The two main areas are the north end’s Main Beach and Peter’s Point on the south side. While they may be more crowded than the less-explored areas, you should still have the freedom to shake out a towel without sand-showering other vacationers. Other options worth checking out are the Kelly Seahorse Ranch’s horseback rides down the beach and Amelia River Cruises & Charters, which offers boat trips, including one to St. Mary’s, Ga., one of the oldest settlements in the U.S.
Scorched-shouldered beachcombers can slip on a T-shirt and mosey over to Centre Street, which is recognized by its Victorian architecture and, perhaps more famously, Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge and Chocolates. A bag of the shop’s chocolate-covered popcorn only costs $5, but many indulgent visitors will shell out nearly $60 to purchase the “kitchen sink,” a few pounds of sweets that, we hope, will last the entire week. For non-chocoholics, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro offers a recommended pork tenderloin ($24) along with about 10 other entrees on a wide-ranging menu. For those who don’t want to trudge back to the hotel to freshen up before meals, swim-suited diners can order a seafood sampler at the Crab Shack.
Amelia Island is only 13 miles long and four miles wide but still offers seclusion. Horseback riding at sunset.
Beachfront hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton (from about $170 a night) or Amelia Island Plantation Resort (from about $140 a night), keep sunrises over the water in plain sight. For less-expensive quarters, the Hampton Inn & Suites (from about $80 a night) has a marina-front location that’s within walking distance of Centre Street. For something farther from the beach, consider the Amelia Hotel & Suites (from about $90 a night) in the center of the island. But wherever you stay, the sand and surf will be at your beck and call.
(Photos courtesy of Amelia Island Tourist Development Council)
IF YOU GO
Transportation: Fly into Jacksonville International Airport, drive 30 minutes northeast to Amelia Island
Lodging: Amelia Island Plantation Resort, (904) 261-6161, www.aipfl.com; The Ritz-Carlton, (904) 277-1100; Amelia Hotel & Suites, (904) 261-5735, www.ameliahotelandsuites.com; Hampton Inn & Suites, (904) 491-4911
Dining: Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, (904) 321-2558, www.joesbistro.com; Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge and Chocolates, (904) 277-4801; The Crab Trap, (904) 261-4749
Attractions: The Kelly Seahorse Ranch, (904) 491-5166, www.kellyranchinc.com; Amelia River Cruises & Charters, (904) 261-9972, www.ameliarivercruises.com.
April 1 Average Temperatures: 76 (high); 52 (low)
