A weekend in ... Sedona, Ariz.

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

Budget

Getting there

Sedona is about 119 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Frequent sale rates start from $124 each way. Regularly published rates from $162 with a 21-day advance purchase; nonstop AirTran, Delta, USAirways.

Stay

Dedicated early-rise hikers will save big at the 16-room Sedona Motel. Simple and clean motel-style accommodations are $90-$100 during spring, autumn; $80-$90 winter and summer. Accommodations feature a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. Take in fantastic views of Red Rocks from a covered patio. Walk to the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, Tlaquepaque (an arts and crafts village) and Gallery Row; 218 Ariz. 179, 1-877-828-7187, www.thesedonamotel.com.

Eat

For an out of this world experience, head to the funky, family-friendly Red Planet Diner. This UFO-themed place is also a hot spot for those late-night munchies (open 7 a.m.-11 p.m.). Menu and bar items include Flash Gordon Chili, the Roswell burger and an adult elixir dubbed the Vorttini. Breakfasts $5-$9; dinners $10-$15; 1655 W. Ariz. 89A, 928- 282-6070.

Experience

Soak in the natural beauty with a moderate six-mile hike along the Oak Creek Canyon West Fork Trail, the most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest. Start the adventure from the Call-of-the-Canyon Day Use Area; $10 per vehicle (www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml). Or steer that rental car along a circle drive from Sedona to Flagstaff, an experience rated a Top 5 Scenic Drive in America by Rand McNally (www.dreamsedona.com/oak-creek-loop.html).

Moderate

Getting there

USAirways offers one-way rates from $232 to Flagstaff, located 25 miles from Sedona. A 21-day advance purchase is required.

Stay

Gorgeous surroundings and delightful hosts make a stay at the AAA 4-Diamond Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast Inn unforgettable. Guest rooms were custom-built for the finest views of the Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and other red rock formations. Individually decorated rooms include complimentary WiFi, private bathrooms, gourmet breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. Rates from $191 to $349, depending on the room type and season. Canyon Villa has been rated one of the 10 Most Romantic Inns by American Historic Inns; 40 Canyon Circle Dr., 1-800-453-1166, www.canyonvilla.com.

Eat

Chef-owned Cafe Elote features the finest and freshest Mexican cuisine. Local and sustainable choices include organic wines, vodka, beer, herbs and grass-fed beef and natural pork. Small plates $6.50-$11; Platos Grandes $16.50-$21.50. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays; no reservations; 771 Ariz. 179, 928-203-0105.

Experience

Award-winning Pink Jeep Tours has been offering top 4×4 off-road adventures in the Southwest for 50 years. A favored Sedona outing is on the Broken Arrow tour with a heart-pounding descent down the Road of No Return. Other stops with spectacular views are Submarine Rock and Chicken Point. The two-hour tour, with hotel pickup/return, is $75 adults; $56.25 children age 12 and under, 1-800-873-3662, www.pinkjeep.com.

Splurge

Getting there

One-way, walk-up Business Class rates to Phoenix are $531; nonstop AirTran, Delta, USAirways.

Stay

Luxurious yet rustic, to complement the stunning region, El Portal Sedona has been rated one of the eight best inns in America by the Andrew Harper Travel Guide. Accommodations feature authentic and reproduced antiques and furnishings from the 1900-1930 period. Guests enjoy posh bedding, complimentary WiFi and afternoon hors d'oeuvres and drinks (a la carte breakfast is available). The Grand Canyon Suite features a vaulted, massive log-beam ceiling, river rock fireplace, king bed, queen sleeper sofa, an impressive bathroom and a private patio with views. Rates are $299 January-early February, June-August; $359 February-May, September-December; 95 Portal Lane, 1-800-313-0017, www.elportalsedona.com.

Eat

Celebrate a special occasion with lunch or dinner at Rene, a Mobil Travel Guide 3-Star and AAA 3-Diamond restaurant in the Tlaquepaque Art Village. Cuisine leans toward French with a Southwestern touch. Smaller luncheon plates $9-$16; salads, sandwiches $8-$15; specialties $11-$17. Evening starters $11-$14; entrees $19-$42; 336 Ariz. 179, 928-282-9225, www.rene-sedona.com.

Experience

Soar high above the dramatic vistas of the Coconino National Forest and Sedona's spectacular Red Rock Country with Northern Light Balloon Expeditions, one of only two balloon companies that hold U.S. Forest Service permits to fly over these areas. The flight preparation begins at sunrise with the inflation of the six-to-seven- passenger balloon followed by a one-hour flight and a champagne picnic. Pickup/return available from most Sedona hotels; $195 per person, 1-800-230-6222, www.northernlightballoon.com.