Stop and stay awhile, Sedona, Forest Houses Resort

If you have ever driven 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff you know that feeling of wanting to stop and stay awhile. Well, we finally did! We were lucky enough to get 4 nights at the Forest Houses Resort on 89A, 10 miles from Sedona, 17 from Flagstaff and right down in the canyon with Oak Creek and giant Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir between us and the highway. It isn't easy to get reservations there because first priority goes to the people who stayed there the year before and they hardly ever decide not to come back. But with some flexibility and diligence you can get an opportunity to wind down and really enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Oak Creek and the canyon.

There are 16 1-5 bedroom houses (most are separated by pine trees and the mountain terrain although a couple are duplexes). All are unique in design and built over a period of about 40 years by the same man using materials native to the area (rocks, boulders and log beams). All are absolutely gorgeous with a flagstone patio, balcony overlooking Oak Creek, more private surroundings deeper in the forest, or a huge stone fireplace. I could not pick a favorite-loving them all for different reasons. The one we stayed in was called The Barn House.

Although it is a quick drive to Sedona or Flagstaff, there seems to be a quietness that draws you to perfer a nature walk along the creek or sitting on your patio birdwatching (we shared the grass just beyond our patio with a family of robins).

Beware- there is no TV or phone reception. Being a realtor my withdrawals lasted longer than most, maybe. But after awhile I didn't hear any more phantom rings and let myself relax knowing there were people back at the office taking care of business.

Next time you want to really relax check out www.foresthousesreort.com