5 Tips for a Flawless Horseshoe Bend Trip

5 Tips for a Flawless Day 

Ready for an unforgettable day at Horseshoe Bend? We've got the lowdown on how to make it a total blast. Check out these casual but crucial tips for your adventure:

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1. Don’t forget your water!

Imagine this: soaking in Horseshoe Bend's beauty with a chilled water bottle in hand. It gets so hot here, remember we are in the desert! There isn’t a place to buy water down at the site and it is so important that you don’t get dehydrated! Make sure to bring plenty of water, and, hey, keep it cool! Nothing beats the heat like a refreshing sip while you take in the jaw-dropping scenery after the small hike down to the bend.

2. Catch the Sunset by getting in at Least an Hour Early!

Sunsets at Horseshoe Bend are pure magic. Want the best seat in the house? Be fashionably early – at least an hour before sunset. Trust us, it's worth it for that picture-perfect view and the ultimate chill vibes. This gives you time to make your way down to the site, grab some photos, and then sit back and wait and get a seat for the sunset.

3. Windy Vibes: Shades On, Sand Out!

The wind at Horseshoe Bend kicks up the sand, so you may want to throw on some shades. It was so windy when we were there, we would have to turn away from the wind so the sand didn’t hit us in the face. I had my glasses on and that helped a lot but if you don’t wear glasses, definitely opt for some sunglasses!  

4. Hit the Restroom Before You Go- and Grab Some Hand Sanitizer!

When you are down to see the actual site of Horseshoe Bend there are no bathroom stalls and you might be like me and absolutely regret not going before. Before you hit the trail, make a pit stop, they have tons of bath room stalls near the parking lot. Oh, and toss some hand sanitizer in your bag, you’ll thank me later!

5. Pack an Umbrella for Daytime Vibes!

Sunsets are killer, but daytime adventures are no slouch either. If you're planning a daytime visit, throw in an umbrella. It might feel completely unnecessary but when you are hiking down to the bend in the heat with the sun beating on you, the umbrella will give you some relief from that! It's your shade buddy, keeping you cool and honestly can help with the sand and wind combination.

With cold water, a sunset game plan, shady sunglasses, restroom readiness, and a sun-protecting umbrella, you're all set for a trip of nature, laughter, and incredible views and memories!

Much Love,

Emma

XO

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Uncovering Arizona's Most Delicious Gluten-Free Restaurants!

Gluten-Free in Arizona

"Gluten-free" has definitely become a buzzword in the world of food, with more and more people opting for a gluten-free diet or like in my case, I don’t have a choice and that is how I have to eat. When I first got my allergy I felt like there were almost no options but in the last few years, there are tons more! Finding restaurants on the go or while you are traveling can be a challenge so I wanted to share some of the spots we loved. Fear not, gluten-free friends, Arizona has got you covered. With its stunning landscapes and rich culinary scene, the Grand Canyon State also boasts a wide array of gluten-free restaurants that promise to satisfy your taste buds without compromising your health. Below we'll take a tour of the top gluten-free restaurants in Arizona, so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest {belly}!

Sedona, Arizona

Wildflower (Breakfast): Start your day right with a hearty breakfast at Wildflower. Their menu is filled with mouthwatering morning options. I was so excited to eat here there were quite a few gluten-free options that I was choosing between and ultimately went with the brown sugar oatmeal pancakes and they were delicious. I am usually more of a savory breakfast person and was pleasantly surprised with my choice.

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Coffee Pot Restaurant (Breakfast): Known for its extensive menu and charming atmosphere, Coffee Pot Restaurant is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast. I loved the little shop that was attached to the restaurant, they had so many cute finds. To eat I just had a classic two eggs, bacon, toast, and breakfast potatoes, there were other gluten-free options but I wasn’t feeling anything else. But everyone else enjoyed their meal as well, Dustin got the biscuits and gravy and he said they were an 8/10. I would for sure go back if we were in Sedona again. Also, for a little tip- parking is limited, we parked across the street at the movie theater but got in right away so don’t let the parking situation steer you away.

Secret Garden Cafe (Lunch & Dinner): This charming spot offers a delectable menu inspired by the freshest local ingredients. Dine amidst lush gardens for a truly magical experience. To eat I got the Secret Caesar Salad and a cup of the Signature Southwestern Corn Chowder- they were both really good! I also recommend getting the Prickly Pear Lemonade (and if you’re feeling crazy add vodka, it was so so so good)!

Oak Creek Brewery & Grill (Lunch & Dinner): Craft beer lovers, rejoice! Oak Creek Brewery not only serves up fantastic brews but also delicious food with scenic outdoor seating. We ate here for dinner one night while staying in Sedoana and it was such a fun time!

Hideaway House (Dinner): Perched on a hill, Hideaway House offers breathtaking views of the red rocks. Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes and sunset vistas that will take your breath away. They had a good selection of gluten-free options and everyone with us who isn’t gluten-free loved their meals! As an appetizer Dustin and I split the Avocado Roasted Tomato Crostini which they made gluten-free for me! Dustin got the gluten-free Margherita pizza and I got the gluten-free Chicken Pesto Pomodoro! We split both and were happy with each item that we got. They also had great drinks here, I just had a glass of red wine but my mom had the blueberry smash and Dustin got the Bourbon Peach Smash, which we all loved!

Cameron, Arizona

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Cameron Trading Post - (Lunch) This spot was advertised on a billboard at the perfect time because we were hungry and it was only a few miles up the road in front of us. They had tons of gluten-free options and the infamous Navajo Taco which was a taco on fry bread with all of the toppings (my parents split this)! I had something called the Gunslinger which was a hot ham and cheese but it had diced green chilis on it as well and it was Chefs Kiss SO GOOD. I have even recreated that sandwich here at home because I loved it so much. I would 100% recommend stopping here for a meal if it is in your path to your destination! I should also say that it was connected to a huge store with art, souvenirs, snacks, and lots to look at while you stretch your legs.

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Gilbert/Mesa Area

Salt, Tacos & Tequila - (Lunch and Dinner) We ate here when we were in Gilbert and they have a really cool atmosphere. We stopped for a quick lunch so I didn’t get a margarita, but I should have, there were so many good options on the menu. We all shared an appetizer we got a delicious corn dip but when I went back to look at the menu online, I couldn’t find it. If it is on the menu when you go, grab it! I got the mix-and-match taquitos on the appetizer menu for my main course but very filling for lunch. It was two shredded beef and 2 shredded chicken taquitos with chipotle cream, avocado salsa, and queso… YUM!

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Queen Creek Area

Queen Creek Olive Mill - (Lunch and Dinner) This place was so cool, we didn’t know what to expect but it was like a shopping experience where you could buy cheeses, wines, olive oils, etc. but there was also a place to grab food and gelato and hang out. I liked the vibe of this place. When I was there they were also advertising for date night classes for pizza-making, wine tastings, and different festivals. I would say that I very confidently had the best gluten-free cauliflower crust pizza that I have ever had, I don’t say that often and will usually turn my nose up at a cauliflower crust if I am being honest. I was very pleasantly surprised, I recommend the Margherita but was also eyeing the San Tan while we were in line. A lot was going on in the best way possible and if I was a local, I would go there often!

Page, Arizona

El Tapatio - (Lunch and Dinner) We are here in Page, AZ, and I wouldn’t recommend this place at all, I got so sick after eating here. I won’t give too many details but I was unwell, I think it was a gluten thing because no one else at dinner who was with us got sick but nobody really enjoyed their food. If you are curious I got the nachos and it was almost like a soup rather than nachos and it wasn’t cheese that was making it soupy- it was the juice from the beans. Not a great experience!

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This was a lot of information but I didn’t want to do separate blog posts for each restaurant so I stuck with putting it all into one spot for you guys to check out if you are in Arizona. I think out of all of these spots my favorite place was the Queen Olive Creek Mill, I would love to have something like that near us in Orlando!

Much Love, 

Emma

XO

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Antelope Canyon with Ken’s Tours

Antelope Canyon with Ken’s Tours 

So this one is for the books.  If you have been thinking about seeing Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona- DO IT NOW. The lighting and photographs you are able to get from this natural wonder are surreal. 

For those of you who don't know, slot canyons are narrow sandstone canyons made over thousands of years by the wind, water, and sand. You see pictures of this all over socials and I promise you it did not disappoint. 

Dustin and I had been wanting to go to Page, Arizona for a while, so we finally did!

Where to stay in Page, Arizona:

We stayed at the Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell and I 10/10 recommend staying there! It was comfortable, the staff was amazing, and I’m a sucker for a complimentary breakfast. The hotel is located just a short drive from the entrance to Antelope Canyon, this hotel provided us with the perfect home base to explore. The rooms were not only spacious and clean but also well-equipped to meet all our needs. 

Tour Guide Review for Page Arizona:

Although there are TONS of Antelope Canyon tours, we decided to go with Ken's Tours based on all the reviews. (PS tour guides are required to see Antelope Canyon because it is on a reserve.) 

Our tour guide, Janelle, was truly amazing. She not only led us through the winding sandstone passages but also shared an abundance of knowledge about the canyon's history, geology, and culture. Janelle was patient and eagerly answered all our questions, ensuring we left the canyon with a profound appreciation for its beauty.

The lighting at Antelope Canyon is a dream come true for photos. Janelle helped us identify the best spots for capturing some of our favorite travel pictures we have ever taken. The way the light hits the winding sandstone formations makes you feel like you are on an Alien planet. 

So here are some reminders for you!

The Best time to see Antelope Canyon:

Timing matters! When planning your visit, consider booking the 9:30 a.m. slot. The lighting is best in the early morning and you have to consider the weather. The temperature was perfect and stayed comfortable right until the end of the tour.

What to Bring on your tour:

You're only allowed to bring water and your phone or camera. So don’t spend time packing for a day out. 

Antelope Canyon Difficulty:

In terms of difficulty, we'd rate the Antelope Canyon tour as a 2-3 out of 10, (with 10 being the most challenging).  While there are a few narrow passages and some rocks to navigate, it's generally an easy and accessible journey. You don't need to be a seasoned hiker to appreciate the beauty of this place.

Pricing of Ken’s Tour of Antelope Canyon: 

The Antelope Canyon tour costs $55 per person, and it's worth every single penny. The memories, the photographs, and the sense of wonder you'll take away from this extraordinary place are truly priceless.

All in all, I highly recommend taking a weekend trip here. The sights are beautiful and you won’t want to miss out. 

Much Love, 

Emma

XO

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