Out of Africa Wildlife Park has become a favorite year-round visitor destination in Arizona’s central highlands. Ever-increasing visitation at the spacious 200-plus acre attraction will likely reach more than 150,000 guests this year, said Ashton Powell, public relations director for Out of Africa (OOA). Located just west of Camp Verde off I-17, it makes a great day trip for folks from the Quad Cities area – about 45 minutes by road. The same is true for those driving south from Flagstaff, … [Read more...] about Wildlife Park Attracting Record Crowds
Sedona
Grounding in Sedona
Mariel Hemingway walked barefoot through the forest, Mackenzie Philips comforted those recovering from addiction and Ed Asner reflected on a life of standing up for what he believes. The actors joined filmmakers, production crew members, film buffs, locals and visitors for the 25th annual Sedona International Film Festival. Organizers rolled out the red carpet for the silver anniversary as more than 900 hotel rooms, 2,000 meals and seven after parties were made available and local businesses … [Read more...] about Grounding in Sedona
Experienced Aviation Professional Lands Sedona Airport’s General Manager Position
‘U.S.S. Sedona’ welcomes a new commanding officer aboard The best journeys do not necessarily have a flight plan. From growing up near an airfield to becoming a licensed commercial pilot to spearheading a fledgling air-traffic control school, Deborah Abingdon has vectored her distinct aviation experience toward a career in airport management. Plus, she has made the unlikely transition from one mile-high, mesa-top airport with a mile-long runway to another. “As a young woman I read ‘West … [Read more...] about Experienced Aviation Professional Lands Sedona Airport’s General Manager Position
Native-Inspired Therapies Drawing National Attention to Sedona Spa
Located in the picturesque and sacred Boynton Canyon just south of Sedona, Enchantment Resort’s Mii amo spa draws direct inspiration from the Native American peoples that once inhabited this land and still consider it hallowed ground. Recently, Travel + Leisure Magazine readers named Mii amo the top destination spa in the United States as part of its 2018 World’s Best Awards. The spa has been named No. 1 three times before and has been in the Top 10 for the last 16 years. “We’re in their … [Read more...] about Native-Inspired Therapies Drawing National Attention to Sedona Spa
Sedona Movement Guru Pens Guide to Being Best Self
Landmarks of the red-hued kind are Sedona’s calling card. While inspired by them constantly, Pilates expert and wellness professional Hayley Healey focuses more on the landmarks inside each us, those that guide and shape our movement patterns, and the deep connection between the mind and the body. If writing a self-improvement book were akin to penning one’s autobiographical path to maintaining wellness and taking the next step in a well-planned professional career, then first-time author … [Read more...] about Sedona Movement Guru Pens Guide to Being Best Self
Chef Lisa Dahl Expanding Culinary Empire with Two New Restaurants
Sedona Chef Lisa Dahl, owner and executive chef of Dahl Restaurant Group, is expanding her restaurant concepts with the debut of a “couture-burger lounge,” Butterfly Burger, and a second location for her fast-casual, wood-fired pizzeria, Pisa Lisa. Both restaurants will be located in the Village of Oak Creek within Sedona Vista Village, a redevelopment project currently underway by Martin Aronson, who is transforming the former outlet center into a mixed-use destination with restaurants, retail … [Read more...] about Chef Lisa Dahl Expanding Culinary Empire with Two New Restaurants
Leading Ladies, Women Directors and a Mankiller Take the Stage
Support for women of all ages in film industry power positions was a noticeable theme throughout the 24th Annual Sedona International Film Festival. Producers, directors and actors demonstrated and voiced their encouragement for more women in leadership roles. Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd told the story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation in the documentary, Mankiller. “Almost every project that I do, regardless of the genre, seems to have something in … [Read more...] about Leading Ladies, Women Directors and a Mankiller Take the Stage
VOC Outlet Mall Becomes Sedona Vista Village
The Village of Oak Creek’s Sedona Village Factory Outlets is being redeveloped by a new owner, with plans to revive the vacant former IMAX theater, to attract new retail and dining options and to turn approximately a third of the nine-acre property into a 117-room “Element by Westin” hotel. Rebranded as Sedona Vista Village, the 90,000-square-foot property has historically struggled to retain both franchise and independent retail tenants; the occupancy rate has remained near 50 percent since … [Read more...] about VOC Outlet Mall Becomes Sedona Vista Village
Bell Rock Hilton Customers Driving Restaurant Renovation
One of Northern Arizona’s premier resort properties is undertaking a major overhaul of their flagship dining space. The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock recently announced and began a $2 million renovation of its restaurant, the Grille at Shadow Rock. The project is expected to be completed early this month. General Manager Jay Kriske said the consumer is driving the project. “Everything we do, whether it’s a lobby renovation [in 2014], a guest-room renovation [in 2015], it’s the consumer … [Read more...] about Bell Rock Hilton Customers Driving Restaurant Renovation
Village of Oak Creek Named Arizona’s Most Tax Friendly Place for Retirees
The sleepy Village of Oak Creek boasts one grocer, several restaurants and a small outlet mall. But recently, the hamlet on the southern outskirts of Sedona earned new bragging rights. The Village of Oak Creek was just named Arizona’s No. 1 on SmartAsset’s list of “Most Tax Friendly Places for Retirees.” Of the 10 Arizona communities designated as “tax friendly for retirees,” three other Northern Arizona communities make the list: Williamson (No. 2), Doney Park (No. 9) and New Kingman-Butler … [Read more...] about Village of Oak Creek Named Arizona’s Most Tax Friendly Place for Retirees