Today's Theme: The Mighty Canyon
After our hike in Red Rock State Park, we were taken to Tlaquepaque for lunch and shopping. Tlaquepaque is arts and crafts village located on the banks of the Oak Creek. Fashioned after a Mexican Village and has been a landmark of Sedona since the 1970's.
Here's how their website describes it: With over 40 specialty shops and exclusive art galleries, shopping becomes a joyful revelation of fabulous art treasures and distinctive gifts around every corner. Tlaquepaque is filled with spectacular one-of-a kind art expressions in every medium from Western and eclectic bronze sculpture, functional and traditional ceramics, breathtaking blown glass creations, contemporary and Southwestern fine art paintings, weavings, decorative arts, architectural décor pieces and stunning large format photography. Fine contemporary jewelry, designer casual wear in silks, and leathers and unusual gift items all await the Tlaquepaque visitor.
We had an hour and half at this stop. Mike and Tiffany recommend several spots for lunch including the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill and The Secret Garden Cafe which features healthy sandwiches, salads and wraps. They also suggested the Mexican restaurant, El Rincon, which looked great.
Anyone who knows me can guess which spot I picked. Yes, the Brewery and Grill. I had a cheeseburger and it was juicy and cooked exactly as I ordered it. The burger came with one side dish, I picked seasoned fries and added a side of cole slaw which was creamy and had golden raisins in it. I wanted to have some onion rings which were beer battered and huge but decided that my eyes were bigger than my stomach. Sitting by the kitchen and being really hungry is like going to the grocery store hungry. The Oak Creek Brewery has an open kitchen but can really only be seen when sitting at the bar. Since I had walked to the Mexican restaurant which was all the way in the back of Tlaquepaque first, everyone else was already seated so I just grabbed a seat at the bar. Everyone I spoke to enjoyed the food and service at Oak Creek Grill.
On the other hand, Deb, Linda Lou and a few others who selected the Secret Garden Cafe reported not having the greatest of service but the food was good. I stopped in to get a soda for the ride to the Grand Canyon and left without one. The attitude of the staff at the Secret Garden leaves alot to be desired.
Mike had told us about a shop in Tlaquepaque that made stone furniture. Located in back of the village, it was worth the walk. The outside of the El Prado Gallery was full of unique scuptures, fountains and stone chairs with ottomans. The stone chair prices began at $3,000. Inside the gallery were paintings and other wonderful scuptures, some that were works in progress.
We are welcomed to Tlaquepaque by a sleeping bear
Information booth
This horse statue can be yours for a mere $73,000
"Have-Aloha" javelinas sponsored by Andrea Smith Gallery
Notice the "blue plant" behind the fountain, it is glass artwork
Glass artwork upclose
Andrea Smith Gallery is located under the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill
Exterior of the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. Located on the second floor and outside seating is also available.
Beci, Annette and Michelle from MouseFanTravel.com with Debbie and Glenn and the kids
Linda Mac's lunch
The Secret Garden Cafe
Inside the The Secret Garden Cafe
Bonni's Boutique, one of many shops
El Prado Galleries Exterior
Chair and Ottoman made from local stone. Cost $4000. Imagine what your shipping bill would be?
Artwork inside the El Prado Gallery
Western artwork
Posted by Linda Mac on August 24, 2007 5:00 AM | 
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