#3 Sedona, Ariz.

The Sedona Arts Festival, held every fall.

Countless generations of people have traveled to Sedona seeking comfort, refuge or spiritual guidance from the red rocks and evergreen landscape of this Southwestern city. Such an environment was a natural lure for musicians and artists including Max Ernst and Joe Beeler, co-founder of the Cowboy Artists of America.

“Sedona’s natural beauty is an art by itself,” said reader and Sedona resident Araceli C. Lippman in casting her vote. It’s a “haven for artists,” added resident Susannah Martin, and “spells art and nature in utmost harmony,” said Marion Hadji-Agha, also from Sedona.

The Sedona Arts Center, hailed as the oldest arts nonprofit in northern Arizona, features a number of workshops and exhibitions in its Members Gallery and hosts the annual Sedona Plein Air Festival in the fall. The annual Sedona Arts Festival, also held in the fall, features work by more than 150 nationally known artists and craftspeople. Proceeds from the event go to help nonprofit cultural organizations in the community.

Experience the artistic energy of a traditional Mexican village at Tlaquepaque, originally designed as an artist community. The Sedona landmark offers more than 40 galleries and shops; standouts include Kuivato Glass Gallery and El Prado, Sedona’s oldest gallery. Enjoy an evening in town during First Fridays, hosted by the Sedona Gallery Association—activities include artists’ receptions, wine tastings and live music, all connected by free rides on the Sedona Trolley.