However we bring exciting news, courtesy of the Red Rock News that a Sedona nonprofit named Recycling Nonprofit of Year.

The Sedona Recycles Inc. are delighted about a state-level award the organization recently received. The company was named the Recycling Nonprofit of the Year by the Arizona Recycling Coalition.

The Small Business of the Year award recipient created the plaque with the Arizona flag in the shape of the state in the center surrounded by the three recycle arrows. Around the edge of the plaque are flowers made from recycled soda bottles.

The organization’s mission is to serve the Sedona and Verde Valley communities through public education and responsible resource recovery, and to promote and provide opportunities to use the three “R’s” – reduce, reuse and recycle. They take paper, cardboard and paperboard, glass, steel, aluminum, plastics numbers one through seven, batteries, electronics, ink-jet printer and laser toner cartridges, and clothing, shoes, toys and small household items.

Sedona Recycles offers 13 free recycling drop-off sites for people to deposit the recyclable materials they collect at their homes or businesses with a total 110 dumpsters. They process about 15 tons of material a day! Which is alot of recyclable goods!

They have extensive local education programs and provide recycle bins to local organizations including schools!

In short, Sedona has great community involvement when it comes to going green. Sedona’s community involvement is part of what make its an ideal relocation destination!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ,visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Sedona is such a fantastic community with a great, vibrant arts scene. Coming up, two Sedona Art Galleries hold special weekend of exhibitions.

On August 6th between 5-8pm there is the “1st Friday Gallery Tour” at two prestigious galleries here in Sedona. Both  the Lanning Gallery and Turquoise Tortoise Gallery will have opened their doors that morning at 10 a.m. to begin a weekend of sales! With some items 40%, 50% and 60% off until Sunday, August 8, at 5 p.m.

The two galleries, with over 60 years of history between them, have a selection of items, from Fine Art paintings, sculpture, basketry, furniture and jewelry in various styles from Classic, Contemporary and Native American. 

Both galleries are located at Hozho Center, 431 S.R. 179, in Sedona.  Open daily: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,  Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on Sunday.

If you are into the arts then Sedona makes an ideal relocation destination!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Excitingly Sedona is about to welcome a new art gallery to its fantastic art scene!

The Spirit Dancer Fine Art Gallery will be opened by Sedona Mayor Rob Adams during the First Friday Art Walk June 4th 2010 between 5 – 8 pm.

Located adjacent to Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in Sedona, the gallery’s opening itself will put visitors in contact with many wonderful artists and their works, including Kaayla Fox, William Crutchfield, Angel Lightfeather, Villery Joseph Mitchell, Elizabeth Silk, Sally Bowen, Troy Hicks, Heather Molans and Marita Gale. The gallery aims to provide a wonderful experience of fabulous art at its best.

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Many think of taking the bus as minimal convenience, maximum hassle.

However, if you work in Sedona and the Verde Valley then we have a local bus service for you – The Verde Lynx bus, which is both convenient and relaxing!

Lu Stitt of the Red Rock News in Sedona recently wrote a great article on this service which is often overlooked by those living and relocating to Sedona and the surrounding communities.

Lu starts her journey at Mingus Avenue where it meets Main Street in Cottonwood on her journey to Uptown that the schedule says would take three minutes and get her there by 8am – when most start work.

Monthly passes are available, or in the case of this journey it was $2.

Something which is often overlooked about using the bus to commute into town for work or pleasure is the fact you get to, sit back and relax. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning overlooking the beautiful red rocks that pass by. Your feet may feel a little redundant (searching for pedals perhaps?) but on the plus side your stress level might be lower – which is a real bonus these days! WHY NOT let someone else take care of the driving for a change?!

For many it might be years since taking the bus, but there can be real savings. Not just in wear and tear on your car, but in gas too – with gas heading towards $4 a gallon again it can add up.

Wondering when and where you can catch this bus? A Verde Lynx leaves Garrison Park in Cottonwood every hour and 15 minutes Monday through Saturday beginning at 6 a.m. The last bus leaves at 4 p.m. The returns begin at 6:45 a.m. at the Sedona Municipal Parking lot and the last Lynx leaves there at 6:15 p.m. The Verde Lynx conducts eight round trips per day connecting Cottonwood, West Sedona and Uptown. The service passenger numbers are growing too as many more discover the stress-less way to travel to work.

So, if you are relocating to Sedona or live here already, consider using our local public transportation to move about the region!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Planning for the future of a community is of vital importance.

Sedona, Arizona is no exception. Sedona is a community which has grown exponentially in the last few years and planning for its future.

It is a requirment of state law that cities and towns in Arizona have a general plan and update it at least ever 10 years. In Sedona’s case the Community plan is the cities plan and statement of community goals and development policies - including maps, and text, principles, standards and all!

New zoning, regulations and ordinances are all covered by this and more! Since Arizona law mandates that the Community Plan be updated and voted on at least every ten years, the next Community Plan update must be adopted by the City Council by the end of 2012 and voted on by Sedona’s citizens by 2013. 

This March Sedona City Council initiated the Community Plan Update process which is expected to take a couple of years and will be in four phases.

Phases 1 & 2 – Issue Identification
Phase 3 – Preparation of Draft Plan
Phase 4 – Public Hearings with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council

This may sound like dull local politics, but it is important to Sedona’s future! Therefore, those reading this blog who live in Sedona, there are three meetings in May where residents are asked to raise issues and concerns:

Monday, May 10, 6 p.m.    Sedona-Red Rock High School     995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road

Tuesday, May 11, 1 p.m.         Keep Sedona Beautiful – Pushmataha   360 Brewer Rd.

Thursday, May 13, 6 p.m.        St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church   100 Arroyo Pinon Dr.

You can click here to view a copy of the current community plan courtesy of the City Website.

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

This news would effect all of us here in Sedona and Arizona in a move which is welcomed by many.

This is a bill supported by many which is sponsored by State Sen. Al Melvin. The ban on texting while driving would prohibit writing, reading or sending text messages and e-mails while driving state highways but does allow talking on the phone while driving and typing names and telephone numbers.

If in its current form, violating this bill would cost you a $50 fine. However! If a driver is involved in an accident, the fine would be $200.

The reasons for not texting while driving are clear – your attention is distracted and your eyes are taken off the road. With an estimated 25,000 motorists daily between Coffee Pot and Mountain Shadows drives many are texting or talking on the phone. While allowed, even talking on the phone does take some attention away from operating the car. A study by AAA revealed people texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

Many think this bill is a step in the right direction with the Arizona branch of the American Automobile Association championing the idea. AAA actually conducted a survey of drivers and 90% of them were in favor of the idea.

While it may be a challenge for officers to enforce, it would make driving around Sedona safer for all!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

We all know that Sedona, Arizona is a prime relocation and vacation destination.

However, here is an award, or rather, an accolade we did not expect to get – to be in the top 5 places in the US for Single Travellers in 2010.

Sedona was named as such in an article geared up for single women travellers and it suggests that Sedona offers a great chance for rest and relaxation – including Yoga, meditation, spa treatments and more!

Of course, if you are looking to get out and have some fun you can go hiking, biking and much, much more!

Many people visit Sedona and decide to purchase a vacation home here or even make the move permenant! If this is something you are considering then please get in contact – today!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

Snow is something which many associate with the northern parts of the country as well as the midwest and northeast – however! We do get it here in Arizona!

In fact, parts of Northern Arizona get its fair share. Here in Sedona the chances are slimmer thanks to the areas microclimate. But the chance is still there. Recent storms have caused many problems in the region with snow and ice and even Oak Creek Canyon has been agreed to be plowed, so we have put together a handy dandy resource courtesy of the Arizona Department of Transportation for Drivers to “Know Snow” – their printable guide!

Remember, Weather conditions in Arizona can find you driving in sunny, moderate climates of the low desert to ice and snow of the mountain regions in just a couple of hours. So be careful!

Driving in snowy conditions actually starts before you leave home – is your vehicle in the right condition? how is your battery? brakes and heater? ADOT has a list of items you should check!

Checking the weather is something you may think is obvious, which is true! However in addition to your local TV and Radio station ADOT also produce snow maps so you can see areas which are usually effected by snow. That way if you are unfamiliar with the area you will not be caught surprised! Also, read up on ADOT’s anti-icing and plowing routes and how it works – that way you will be more informed on what to expect.

Finally, when you are driving always drive cautiously, keep the fuel tank topped off and take it easy – drive slow! As always, buckle up! See more tips here. 

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact AULT&ASSOCIATES in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016 or Larry Ault at 928-301-0852

We all know thanksgiving can actually be a stressful time – family, friends, cooked dinner and all the hassles of preparation!

However, it need not be a complex affair. Often we all get caught up in trivial matters and forget the true meaning of this holiday. To give thanks and to help others less fortunate.

Now – if you do not wish to cook this thanksgiving there are alternatives!

About.com has published a great idea if you want a thansgiving dinner with a southwestern US cuisine flair!

L’Auberge de Sedona has put together a lovely Fall menu. With its creekside setting, L’Auberge would be a fantastic place for a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Pair that with a viewing of the Red Rock Fantasy lights, and you have a great start to your holiday season. Red Rock Fantasy in sponsored, in part, by Los Abrigados Resort.

Don’t forget! While on the subject of giving and thanks!  The Sedona Library is a great facility by the people and for the people. They rely on donations and volunteer time! They were recently featured in a great article as they are giving thanks to the community for supporting them. So if you can spare some time or a donation, then they would much appreciate it.

So wherever you are and whoever you are with we hope that you are safe and we wish you a very happy thanksgiving!

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Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES! If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.

Fall is well under way and winter is coming – no matter where you are in the nation, there is nothing better in the evening than to wind down with a good glass of wine!

Sedona and its great climate is home to several vinyards in the region.

So, how about seeing the area in a different light, courtesy of a wine tour!

Sedona Adventure Tours has put together a new and creative all-day activity for visitors and locals alike — a tour of Jerome wine tasting rooms, shops, galleries and dining along with tours of wineries in the Verde Valley. This tour joins the Adventure Tours’ three-hour afternoon tours of the wineries in Page Springs and their “Water to Wine Tour.” Which includes a Verde River inflatable kayak float trip that ends at the Alcantara Winery located just outside Cottonwood.

The tour is personally guided and narrated by Sedona Adventure Tours guides and includes complementary hotel pickup and drop off if requested and refreshments. The tour is priced at $116 without lunch or wine tastings to $169 per adult, which includes lunch at Grapes Restaurant, and four wine tastings. The tour departs Sedona at 10 a.m. daily and returns at 4 to 5 p.m. in the afternoon.

Definitely a great way to explore Sedona and the surrounding area!

Click here to subscribe to our RSS Feed.

Realty Times poses the question: Arizona: Is Now THE Time to Invest in the Grand Canyon State? The answer seems to be a very firm – YES!

If you have decided that you would like to own a home in Sedona as a full time resident or part time then contact Claudia Ault and her team in downtown Sedona.

For a complimentary search of the Sedona MLS and access to all property currently on the market in Sedona AZ, visit www.claudiaault.com. For the best in Sedona Real Estate service and knowledge, contact Claudia Ault at 928-301-3016.