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My husband and I recently spent some time at Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge in Sedona, AZ as their guests. We spent time with the new owners, the former owner, and the amazing gardeners.
Garland’s Lodge Sold
Update: After our visit Garland’s Lodge sold and is now Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek. It’s very much the same and a fantastic place to visit if you want to unplug and relax.
Garland’s Lodge is located less than 10 miles north of scenic Sedona, AZ in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon. I’ve often thought Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Arizona and the weekend we were there did not disappoint us. It started off overcast and rainy, but cleared up the next day, leaving everything clean and refreshed.
After we arrived at Garland’s, I grabbed my camera and just started walking. I didn’t even care what our cabin looked like because the property was breathtaking. Luckily, hubby didn’t mind and enjoyed a nice stroll hand in hand with me. Afterall, it was a rare weekend without the kids so we totally took advantage of just wondering around with nothing particular in mind.
All the cabins are cozy and perfect for a romantic getaway. There are some larger cabins for families and kids are welcome on property…it’s just…this place lends itself to a romantic weekend. There is very little cell service and no internet for guests. The focus is really to unwind and recharge your batteries.
The apple and pear trees were just beginning to bud and the orchards were lined with pink flowers all over the bare trees.
We did eventually make it to our cabin to freshen up before our cocktail party and supper. Isn’t this the cutest little cabin ever!
This was pretty much the inside. There was the bed, a tiny sitting area with a fireplace, and the bath room. We didn’t need anything else but a good book and each other.
Lodge at Sedona
Garland’s Lodge is located right on the Oak Creek, you could hear the roar of the creek from our cabin which made the day so relaxing and peaceful.
Mary Garland, the former owner, came by for our cocktail party to chat about the history of the lodge and sign a copy of her cookbook for me. You can pick up a copy from Amazon for under $5 for the hardback. We’ve made a few of the recipes and everything is easy to make and super delicious.
Garland’s Sedona Restaurant
Of course I was dying to see the kitchen, which was tiny, but the chef didn’t mind at all. Check out the view from his huge window (the picture above the cookbook)…yep who wouldn’t want to go to work every day and look at that!
I apologize in advance for the food photos, we ate late and the lightening was not the best for food photos. However, the food was amazing! Dinner starts with a cocktail hour at 6pm and then the dinner bell is rang for seating at 7pm. They are extremely allergy friendly and even made me my own loaf of the best gluten free, dairy free bread that I’ve ever had. Chef Brian Widmer came out to chat with me about the bread and how he loves to create food for everyone…not just regular eating folks. He was so kind to share his recipe with me as well.
After the 3 hour supper (we chatted way to long with our tablemates), we headed back to the cabin to enjoy some quiet time by the fire. Yep….I’m enjoying a quiet evening with no kids, by the fire with my sweetie. It was amazing!
After breakfast, we had a tour around the property and a chat with the amazing gardeners. Most of the food is grown on property and their apple trees produce so many apples that they make their own fresh apple cider…y’all…this stuff was to-die-for.
I could keep going and sharing photos forever. Make sure to visit Garland’s website for more details, history, and to make a reservation.
Disclaimer: My husband and I were invited to spend a couple days at Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge. We were not asked to do anything other than come experience what they have to offer.
Sadly, after Mary Garland sold the resort, the place has lost its ambiance and charm. It has lost the homey feel and the friendliness has vanished. To us it’s like a death in the family…
We just stayed at Orchard Canyon and had a magical time. From our arrival we were welcomed my Amy and were able to check in a little early. She offered wine or cocktails to enjoy before dinner. Our cabin was immaculate and quintessential Sedona. The 1930’s cabin had been updated with a built in table for two, modern bathroom with large shower, and a queen bed with high quality linens and a down comforter. We enjoyed a nice bottle of wine on the front porch overlooking Oak Creek. The sounds of the water and light breeze through the trees was incredibly relaxing. Drew, the sous chef (and Carnegie Hall musician) played the viola for 15 minutes out on the lawn before our 4 star dinner was delivered to our cabin. The fresh salmon and vegetarian Bulgogi were beautifully presented and delicious. Dessert and coffee from our in-room espresso maker ended the first evening perfectly. During our two day stay, we walked the orchard, took a private path to the creek, heard several stories about the history of the property including how important it was for the Garlands to find a new owner to respect and value the history and staff. I believe the new owners have done what was expected and more. We took the Sedona Historical Society tour the next day which included stopping at Orchard Canyon. Turns out the kitchen was originally Jess Howard’s cabin which upon his death was willed to his sister Martha Purtymun. Both of these families were original homesteaders of the Canyon. I will be returning as often as I can to relax and enjoy the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon in it’s stunning simplicity and charm. What more could you want?
I’m so glad to hear that the spirit of the original is still there. We loved it and are hoping to get back soon. Glad you had a great time. w-
I have never been to Arizona, but it’s definitely on my bucket list. What a beautiful, quiet place to stay!!
So lovely! We lived in Phoenix for six years and I miss our regular trips up to Sedona. It looks like you picked a beautiful time to visit and really enjoyed your time in Sedona. How can you not with those gorgeous red rocks? I would just need some jalepeno fudge and I would happily hole up in this lodge.
What a great place to get away!! I think I could use a weekend there right now!
This is exactly my kind of place, in fact, I want to check out staying here – I love every part of it!! I hope if do get to go that they won’t need to call the sheriff to get me to leave when my stay is done!!!
What a peaceful getaway, it looks like you had a wonderful weekend!
What a great place to get away! I looks so cozy and the perfect place for relaxation!
Sedona is one of my favorite places! We’ve taken a couple of day trips there before from Mesa while visiting my husband’s family but have yet to actually stay overnight. Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge looks sublime, just the kind of getaway we’d love. We’ll definitely be checking into it for our next trip, thanks for sharing!
This looks like such a cozy and peaceful getaway! 🙂 And how awesome to have a child free weekend! My husband and I need that desperately… soon, lol. 😉
This is perfect because I am currently planning a trip to Sedona, AZ. The Oak Creek Lodge looks incredible – so quaint and cozy. Thanks for sharing this special place!
This is a gorgeous place to stay at! It looks so quiet, relaxing, and self soothing. I would love to go here all by myself without the husband or kids. Great place to get some me time.