This year, for Girl’s Trip 2024, my mom chose Sedona, Arizona. I have been to Sedona several times, so it is nice not to worry about a long list of places I want to visit.
Trolley tour to Cathedral of the Cross
We rode both of Sedona’s trolley routes. Each tour was full of information, and it was nice not to have to park! Our tour guide is a retired music professor, so he serenaded us with various instruments.
Marguerite Brunswig Staude, rancher and sculptor, was inspired by the Empire Building and commissioned the church. The cathedral was designed to blend into natural features and was built between 1954-56.
Many say the cathedral was designed by Franklin Loyd Wright, but I had difficulty establishing it. The Sedona church was designed by August K. Strotz and built by William Simpson Construction Company. Staude tried to build this in Budapest with Loyd Wright, son of Franklin Loyd but WWII changed their plans. The tour guide said Wright had the house next door. On a cursory look, I couldn’t find the definite role Wright played in Sedona.
Verdi Canyon Railroad
May is the Uncorked Wine Festival at Verdi Canyon Railroad. Perfect timing for our visit!
We started with wine tasting from around the world.
We then took a 20-mile scenic ride along the river and canyons from Clarkdale to the abandoned Perkinsville. The canyon reminded me of the Grand Canyon, but seeing it from below. We had comfortable couches, and each car had a private bar and open-air car.
Following wine tasting and lunch, the ride started with a champagne toast, a lovely charcuterie tray and ice cream sandwiches.
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