What We Know So Far . . .
Resort Activities
We have three cabanas reserved for all-day Saturday, giving us a corner of the pool area all to ourselves. Cost is $1500 total for cabana rental, so please contact Neil if you have an issue with participating in that.
Relax with drink/food service all day, or use it as a home base from which to explore the nearby spa or tennis/pickleball courts.
And participation in a round of 80s Name That Tune is a must.
Hiking
Some hikes are a short walk from our resort; others are a 30-minute drive to the trailhead.
I picture Sunday as the longer day to make time for some of the bigger hikes, with the other days as additional opportunities for closer ones. I invite you to take the lead on which hikes we do.
Food
The resort normally has two restaurants for breakfast and lunch, but due to construction, only one of them will be open. There's also a coffee place for grab-n-go options. The pool area also has food/drink service all day.
For dinners, I've -planned a happy hour / casual dinner on the patio area of Tii Gavo, one of the two resort restaurants. The second night will be out at a restaurant in town (TBD - see below), and a final night party / catered dinner with private bar in a private room at the resort.
Weather
WeatherChannel.com reports that Sedona gets an average high of 83 and an average low of 56 during that first weekend in October.
Finding a place to accommodate a large group is a challenge, so let me know if you want to help. Here's what I know so far -
Possibilities -
Mesa Grill - beautiful views by the airport in Sedona
Javelina Cantina - local fun joint in Sedona
Merkin Vineyards - interesting hillside vineyard and restaurant in nearby Cottonwood.
Eden - another interesting place with a private room, in nearby Cottonwood.
Rascal Diner - upscale diner in Sedona recommended by the hotel.
Mariposa is a well-loved place run by Chef Lisa Dahl, a local favorite, but they rejected the idea of a group. In fact, they won't even take a regular reservation larger than 6. If we want to split up into small tables, we could book here.
Great places that just don't do groups -
Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa, Butterfly Burger, and Dahl & Deluca - four other places also run by Chef Dahl. No groups.
Elote is a place Eric and Jenn loved. It looks great, but not open to groups larger than 8.
89Agave is a casual, fun, Mexican place with a semi-private room (recommended by the resort)m but they wanted to gouge us for the private room and catering menu.