The 19th Annual Red Rock Fantasy promises to dazzle Sedona vacationers with the man-made marvel adding magical sparkle to the area’s natural beauty with more than a million lights. The lighting ceremony is Thursday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. and the festival will run through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010.

Visitors to Sedona can view 23 bright spots participating in the Red Rock Fantasy festival and vote for their favorite. All displays are at the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. The electrifying holiday displays were each created by families from the Southwest.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, children 4 through 12 are $2 and children under 4 are free. Every evening, when Mother Nature is cooperative, visitors can enjoy the festive display. Sunday through Thursday the display is 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, it’s open 5 to 10 p.m. Wear walking comfortable walking shoes, it takes about an hour to walk the entire display.

Befitting of the season, Red Rock Fantasy benefits local charities and dozens of families. Proceeds are given to such organizations as Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona, Institute of EcoTourism and Verde Valley Sanctuary.

So where are you spending the holidays? Checkout Resort Rentals to book a fabulous Sedona vacation. More information about Red Rock Fantasy can be found on the festival’s Web site.

Photo: Courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce

Brie, Colby and even Cheddar are cheeses that go well with wine. When visiting the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which is surrounded by Arizona’s rugged and stunning red rock scenery, you’ll be saying “cheese” all vacation long. Wine lovers are encouraged to submit photos of the Verde Valley wineries for a chance to win some pretty sweet prizes.

As we’ve blogged before, the wine trail passes through Sedona, Arizona, along with the communities of Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Jerome, and there are four wonderful wineries with tasting rooms in Verde Valley. To refresh your memory, they are Page Springs Winery, Javelina Leap Winery, Alcantara Vineyards, and Oak Creek Vineyards.

The photo contest theme is appropriately named “On the Verde Valley Wine Trail” and the goal is to shoot photos telling the Verde Valley Wine Trail story. Photos can include the wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, grapes, the spectacular scenery, attractions, and people enjoying the region.

The contest is open to anyone 21 years and older and submitting photos is free. A sampling of prizes includes wines, admission to area attractions, and wine tastings. Enter at www.vvWinetrail.com and choose “Photo Contest.” Deadline to submit photos is Nov. 15, 2009. The Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce will select the winning images and prizes will be awarded by Dec. 1.

Getting snapping and uploading those photos! Haven’t been to the Verde Valley yet? There’s no better time than now to plan your Sedona vacation and be part of the competition.

Photo Credit: Sedona CVB

Hey, foodies! Yes, we’re talking to you. The hottest thing about Arizona this June isn’t the pavement but the inaugural Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest. The 16-day culinary event is guaranteed to be a party for the taste buds as well as the wallet.

Here’s the scoop, a variety of Sedona restaurants are offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus beginning Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Diners will be able to select an appetizer, entree and dessert. There are three different price points fitting every foodie’s dining budget.

The Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest Web site lists all the participating restaurants but here are our picks from each price point:

Modest Dining $19.95
Dine like a Sedona local at the hopping Blue Moon Café with cooked-to-order entrees and portions mama used to serve. Dining options are outdoors on the patio (where Fido’s welcomed) and inside.

Classic Dining $29.95
Okay, we admit the name of this Sedona restaurant piqued our interest and although it’s a favorite with tourists, the Southwestern cuisine on the menu is worth the trip. We’re talking about the Barking Frog Grill which proclaims to be “An American restaurant with a Southwest bark!” Don’t worry, you won’t find any dishes made with amphibian frogs on the menu.

Elegant Dining $39.95
Planning a date night during the Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest? Reserve a table at Cucina Rustica for the romantic atmosphere, magical musicians and Continental cuisine. Enjoy an adult beverage before or after dinner on the outdoor patio to take in a perfect Sedona evening.

Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest is coordinated by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Ready to book your Sedona vacation? Check out the best accommodation rates available June 15 – 30, 2009. Importantly, don’t forget to tip your server!

Photo Courtesy: Sedona Chamber of Commerce