Holiday Shopping on Memory Lane
AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
December 21, 2018
I am still dazzled by last week’s Sedona Northern Lights show and its jaw-dropping effects. What a breathtaking performance. Our friends at Paintscaping made excellent adaptations after hearing your feedback last year. What did you think of this year’s show?
Shop & Dine in Sedona During the Holidays
My last-minute gift list just gets longer! Please join me in prioritizing Sedona businesses for your final-weekend shopping. You will keep our tax dollars in Sedona and help local businesses thrive. We have so many unique options in Sedona – let’s take advantage.
Have you checked out our ‘Find Your Feast’ page yet? I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you will be amazed at how many excellent dining spots are open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If hosting a big holiday meal seems a little overwhelming, treat the family to a spectacular feast out, or arrange to meet friends for a coffee-and-snack break Christmas afternoon. SedonaChamber.com
While checking out the ‘Find Your Feast’ page, peek at the dozens of restaurants taking part in our straw-free Sedona program. Restaurateurs are backing this sustainability initiative. StrawfreeSedona.com
Land Development Code has big impact
When we look back at 2018, I believe we will see the new Land Development Code as a historic landmark. The LDC went into effect on December 14. It may be a little underappreciated at first, but the Code is a significant consolidation, simplification, and clarification of land use in Sedona — integrating harmoniously with the Sedona Community Plan and Community Focus Areas. It represents a big step in codifying Sedona’s emerging commitment to balancing our natural beauty, small-town character, and economic development potential. Council and staff deserve thanks for taking the time to do it right, with lots of guidance from the community. sedonaldcupdate.com
The LDC will be one of the topics at our Community Pulse event January 8 at the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. You are invited for the 8-9:30 a.m. Q&A with civic leaders with updates on Sedona in Motion, the Sustainable Tourism Plan, our winter Sedona promotion strategy, and more. Coffee and refreshments provided, all at no cost. Please RSVP at sedonachamber.com.
Harper’s and Giesbrecht make Sedona News
The travel experts at Harper’s Bazaar placed Arizona in the top ten ‘Beautiful Places to Visit in 2019,’ adding that affluent travelers are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, which includes patronizing destinations that emphasize sustainability. It’s another affirmation that Sedona’s sustainable tourism strategy is in tune with our most-desired visitors: affluent, longer-stay, less-is-more adventurers who appreciate natural beauty, low environmental impact, and personal rejuvenation.
A shout-out to Chamber Board Chairman Stephanie Giesbrecht, who was recently elected to the Board of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. Stephanie’s community spirit and creative energy are an inspiration. She is generously sharing her talent with one our most critical environmental preservation groups. In the next few weeks, Stephanie will write a column in this space, and I think you will enjoy hearing from her directly.
The December holiday season is always a time to share good wishes. For our beautiful Sedona, I wish continued growth toward unity and progress after a raucous political year, and a prosperous, energetic 2019 with fresh ideas for our challenges and opportunities. For you, I wish peace, health, and love within your family, and if you can only have one this year, let it be love.
Jennifer Wesselhoff