| Summertime,
and the Livin’ is Easy . . .
It’s
August, and in some parts of the U.S. it’s the hottest month
of the year. Fortunately in Sedona and the Verde Valley, July
is actually the hottest month. Most people don’t notice
the difference (an average of nearly 3 F degrees cooler) because
of the increased humidity accompanying our August monsoon
season. I italicized ‘monsoon season’ because
the Verde Valley usually receives less than three inches of rain
during August. I’ve lived in India, and I can assure you
that a honest-to-goodness Indian monsoon season would probably
turn our valley into a lake. The good news is this August appears
to be cooler than usual.
Fish
are Jumpin’ and the Cotton is High . .
It’s
not just the fish in Oak Creek that are jumping, it’s also
a contingent of delighted Sedona citizens. Joe Martori, head honcho
of ILX Resorts, and his architects, the Design Group firm, have
unveiled their proposed vision of what they believe the Forest
Service’s former 21-acre Administration site could look
like in the future.
A
public park, called Heritage Park, would constitute the heart
of the project. Three clusters of time-share “villages”
totaling 90 units would surround it. In addition, there would
be nine new condominium residences, a 12 cottage eco-friendly
hotel, a science research institute, and a new Administration
building for the Sedona Oak Creek School District, plus plenty
of open space.
In
addition, ILX Resorts (Los Abrigados is next door to the new property)
is donating the use of seven acres of outdoor space and several
historic structures to expand the project’s overall potential.
It is hoped that, aside from the School District component, the
Villages at Heritage Park can become a reality by 2010.
Folks
have a right to criticize ILX’s plan, but while they do,
I suggest they remember to address this important question at
the same time: Would any other out-of-town development company
consider the city’s needs (along with his own) as carefully
as ILX has?
For
more information, visit www.heritageparkvillages.com.
Your
Daddy’s Rich and your Ma is Good-Looking . .
Believe
it or not, Daddy doesn’t have to be rich to enjoy a wonderful
summertime dinner with Mamma if he decides to dine at Nic’s.
The place is in “old Cottonwood”, a wee bit off the
beaten path, but certainly worth the trip (you can even tie it
in with an evening shopping expedition to Super Walmart or Home
Depot).
Cottonwood recently finished renovating “Old Town”,
adding new sidewalks and turn-of-the-century street lamps that
recreate the impression of a bygone era. The food at Nic’s
is delicious, and the ambience stimulating. Portions are on the
large side, which means there is a good chance you will find yourself
taking home some of what you can’t finish. Prices are more
than reasonable, and for a very good reason. The owner purchased
the building a number of years ago anticipating “Old Cottonwood’s”
eventual revival.
A
word of caution. Nic’s is only open for dinner, except on
Mother’s Day when it is also open for lunch. If you are
planning to dine on a Friday or Saturday night, be aware that
it opens at 5 P.M. and doesn’t accept reservations. If you
arrive after 5:30 P.M. you may have to wait before being seated.
Trust me, it’s worth it!
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