Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is one of the more unique shopping experiences one is likely to encounter anywhere in the greater Sedona area. Located squarely in the midst of Sedona, right off the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona State Route 179), Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is no ordinary mall; Tlaquepaque is laid out like a traditional Mexican village. As you stroll through the grounds of Tlaquepaque you’ll be walking along cobblestone paths shaded by majestic sycamore trees—and everywhere you look you’ll see stucco structures, arched passageways, and charming fountains. Ultimately, here you’ll find an assortment of over 50 different art galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore.
Tlaquepaque Village History and Background
The construction of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village was the handiwork of real estate developer Abe Miller. Miller was a Nevada businessman with a passion for Mexican culture and a love of the Sedona area. After one of his visits to Sedona in the early 1970s he saw an opportunity to establish an artist’s community in the then still very quiet small town. He came up with the name, Tlaquepaque—which means “the best of everything” in the ancient language of the Aztec people—basing it off the name of a town near Guadalajara that he knew and loved. He hired an architect named Bob McIntyre to design and build the facility, and after years of diligent research, careful construction, and hard work, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village opened to the public in 1978. Part-architectural marvel, part-artist’s colony, part-shopping center, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village stands today as a vibrant and compelling attraction.
What’s at Tlaquepaque Village
The vendors at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village can be divided up into five different major categories of shopping or dining experience. Here there are a half-dozen places that specialize in “Jewelry” and four clothing stores devoted to “Wearables.” Over fifteen different stores here are considered “Specialty” shops; these stores sell everything from candles to toys to kitchen equipment. A similar number of vendors here are “Galleries.” If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home from your trip to Sedona, this is a great place to look. And, of course, no trip to Tlaquepaque would be complete without enjoying a selection or two from the “Edibles” category; here you’ll find some eight distinct spots to eat and/or drink.
Tlaquepaque occupies a terrific location within the city limits of Sedona, making it quite accessible for visitors staying anywhere in the area. This means nearby you’ll find a wide selection of dining and lodging options, while maintaining proximity to all the major attractions on display in the region. Popular local sites like Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Schnebly Hill, and more are all very close by—and again, Tlaquepaque itself is located directly alongside the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Tips for Visiting Tlaquepaque Village
- The majority of stores operating out of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village are open daily between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly on weekends and holidays—so if you know in advance one/some of the stores you want to check out, you’ll want to doublecheck their hours online in advance.
- Most of the restaurants found at Tlaquepaque have extended hours, staying open later than the shops—but again, it’s always a good idea to inquire about specific schedules in advance.
- Tlaquepaque routinely holds a variety of special events throughout its grounds; schedules are available in advance online. Tlaquepaque is also fairly well known for hosting weddings—if that is something that might interest you during your time in Sedona!
- Parking here is free and plentiful, as there are multiple dedicated lots found right on-site.
- Tlaquepaque is a “pet-friendly” complex. So long as you’re looking after your pet—cleaning up after them and keeping them on a leash, etc.—you and your pet are welcome to enjoy the site together.