Words That Play

Sunny days, blue skies and green grassy lawns begging to be lounged on are the palette for the quintessential summer picnic—add in the red rock vistas of Sedona and you’ve got a masterpiece in the making. Here are seven of Sedona’s best places to nosh in nature—from enclaves along rugged trails, lands preserved for historical and natural edification to traditional manicured public parks—they’re all so jaw-droppingly good, you might have to remind yourself to chew. Leave your coffee pot behind when you breakfast on Brins Mesa Trail, but bring plenty of water. Conveniently located on the edge of town, with goo d parking at the end of Park Ridge Drive, th is six-mile out and back trek trades the shade for vast vistas—including Coffee Pot Rock, Wilson Mountain, Chimney Rock and more. Go early during summer months and brunch at the flat-rock ledge near the end of the trail while taking in the rewarding view and appreciating the effort you made to get there (though moderately rated,...

While hiking Woods Canyon Trail near Sedona, Arizona , you may spot a glistening rock that catches your eye. Amber crystals coating one side—a chip from a large geode. As much as you may adore earthly objects found in nature and want to take them home—don’t. This simple chunk of beauty was Mother Nature’s jeweled accessory she was showing you. Take Only Photos “Leave what you find” is one of seven principles in the “Leave No Trace” philosophy, which strives to minimize human impact as we enjoy the great outdoors. Sedona , with 1.8 million acres of national forest land and 300-plus miles of developed trails, is a plein air playground, which earned the city the top spot in the USA Today Weekend list of “The 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.” But if every visitor kept what they found in Sedona’s stunning red rock wilderness, the luster of what many argue is “the most beautiful place on Earth” might soon fade. So, as you hike, climb, swim, fish, peddle, paddle and tour this m...

More energy. Less stress. Find this and more when you step into the great outdoors of San Angelo , Texas. Studies prove that being outside benefits both the body and mind. Unfortunately, some cities aren’t designed to get you outdoors, but San Angelo is. With sunny skies year-round, easy accessibility and award-winning urban design, it’s not surprising. Being outdoors boosts energy and mental focus. The American Planning Association added the  Concho River Walk  to the list of Great Places in America in 2017. This soon-to-be-expanded, 4-mile public walkway along the Concho River makes it easy to spend the day outside. Whether it’s fishing in the river, strolling the manicured pathways or relaxing on a park bench, feel the stress and tension melt away as you breathe the fresh air and soak up the warm sun. Take advantage of your outdoor energy boost at  The Bosque , one of the many attractions along the Concho River Walk. Rent paddleboats, keep score with mini...

As spring blossoms and summer beckons, it’s only natural to find yourself with symptoms of an age-old, seasonal affliction—a mind consumed with getting away to enjoy the great outdoors. This year, remedy your spring fever and summertime blues with a retreat to a place that’s off the beaten path; a refuge that’s unexpectedly abundant; an oasis in the desert. San Angelo is that place. This west Texas town has a history rich with native Americans, Spanish missionaries and frontier settlers. Situated on the banks of the Concho River and surrounded by three lakes, San Angelo offers lush natural beauty and a plethora of outdoor activities to cure even the worst case of “outdooritis.” No matter how you roll—whether it’s with a bed roll, a fifth wheel, a duffel bag or a spinner suitcase— San Angelo accommodates. And, who knows? You might just find a pearl... Go with the Flow The Concho River is the lifeline of this region and feeds the reservoirs that makes San Angelo a veritable ...