There's no place on earth as magical as Sedona, Arizona. The beautiful landscape is breathtaking, and the spiritual vibe is unmatched anywhere. Where else can you take a Pink Jeep Ride, hike to a vortex, and get your palm read all in one afternoon? There's also one thing you'll only find in Sedona, and you'll never see it again anywhere in the world.

Taken from the Airport Vortex in Sedona. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Taken from the Airport Vortex in Sedona. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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A Little History of Sedona

According to the City of Sedona, Theodore Carlton Schnebly and his wife Sedona Miller Schnebly settled in the Oak Creek area with about 15 other homesteading families in 1899.

Schnebly owned a general store and a hotel on 80 acres of land. In the early 1900s, he spoke with the postmaster about starting mail service to the area, so he began suggesting names for the town. Oak Creek Crossing and Schnebly Station were two of his initial choices. Both were deemed too long by the postmaster in Washington. So, Schnebly's brother Ellsworth suggested Theodore use his wife's name, and the town was dubbed Sedona, which was approved by the postmaster in 1902.

The beautiful red rocks of Sedona are unmatched. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
The beautiful red rocks of Sedona are unmatched. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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Tourism: Sedona's Major Industry

According to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, tourism is a major industry in Sedona, bringing in approximately $1 billion to the area annually. This industry supports over 10,000 jobs throughout the area.

It's no surprise Sedona and the surrounding communities work hard to maintain the beauty and integrity of the area, right down to regulating the appearance of local businesses. The scenery, the mystics, and the vortexes are a major draw to the area, but Sedona claims one attraction you won't find anywhere else in the world.

The Beauty of Sedona. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
The Beauty of Sedona. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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Found Only in Sedona

When McDonald's came to Sedona in 1993, town officials imagined the restaurant's signature bright yellow arches would clash with the beautiful natural landscape. In order to maintain the beauty of the area, a compromise was reached.

The Turquoise Arches of McDonald's in Sedona, Arizona. Credit: User letthemeatthis via TikTok
The Turquoise Arches of McDonald's in Sedona, Arizona. Credit: User letthemeatthis via TikTok
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To this day, Sedona boasts the only McDonald's in the world where the "Golden Arches" are instead, the "Turquoise Arches". The unique McDonald's in Sedona is now as much an attraction as Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, or the vortexes.

The turquoise McDonald's arches blend beautifully with the surrounding red rocks. Credit: User letthemeatthis via TikTok
The turquoise McDonald's arches blend beautifully with the surrounding red rocks. Credit: User letthemeatthis via TikTok
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