On Sunday after indulging in the famous L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek Artisan’s Brunch we were off to the artist’s enclave of Jerome, located about 25 miles southwest of Sedona at a 6,000 foot elevation. This artist colony was once a copper mining town in the early 1900s and became deserted after the minerals were depleted. Now it is an eclectic combination of artist studios, galleries, Harley-frequented biker bars, charming restaurants and B&Bs, and the "haunted" Grand Hotel of Jerome, now home to the Asylum Restaurant with mountain views stretching for 50 miles. One very special gallery we made sure was on the itinerary is the cliff-side perched Raku Gallery, a three level loft style affair with floor-to-ceiling views of the Verde Valley. Their collection includes the works of local Jerome and Sedona artists, many of whom are world-renowned.

We lunched at the casual Jerome Brewery, enjoying a local brew and jeeped it back to Sedona. After returning to L’Auberge for some downtime, we were off to the Sedona Airfield to take a two hour Piper Navaho Chieftain aircraft flyover to the Grand Canyon. We had decided that this bird’s eye view of this Wonder of the World would encourage us to return to Sedona in the spring and plan an overnight visit to the Rim of the Canyon. On the way north to the Canyon the views of Oak Creek and farther north, the Painted Desert, were worth the price of admission. Upon arrival over the Grand Canyon we were struck by the sheer ruggedness of this part of the world. Although this trip is highly recommended, it is not for those prone to motion sickness as this small aircraft makes frequent wing dips to give passengers a memorable view.

To complete our Sunday we returned to the candle lit outdoor Flagstone Bar at L’Auberge for a glass of 2002 Newton Claret, a fantastic Bordeaux style blend from Napa Valley, with hints of black cherry and vanilla. To accompany the wine we selected the Chef’s gourmet Charcuterie plate for two consisting of duck sausage, aged Genoa salami, rabbit galantine and house made pork rillete, served with gourmet mustards, capers and cornichons. This sharing portion allowed us to experience the creekside ambience without the formality of a multi-course dinner.

Alas, come Monday morning it was time to begin our two hour drive back to the buzz of the big city. However, after this delightful weekend we have become partial to small town living. In any season a visit to L’Auberge de Sedona can provide both a retreat from civilization and a return to the finer things in life.