Multi-colored hot air balloons drift lazily across a deep blue sky above rock formations turned brilliantly red by the rising sun. Hikers and bicyclists begin their ascent up any one of a multitude of trails, and a stray roadrunner dashes across an empty street into the brush.

This is a typical early morning scene in Sedona, Arizona, a peaceful and artsy tourist town quietly nestled in the heart of Arizona’s red rocks. Recently given the distinction of “best small town in Arizona” by Thrillist, Sedona rests directly in the middle of the state, equidistant from the south rim of the Grand Canyon and the Phoenix airport.

Visitors come for Sedona’s relaxing spas and resorts and stay for the breathtaking scenery and vibrant downtown. Outdoor adventurers of all ages will be thrilled by the Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock hikes, each offering trails for all levels. Shoppers will find a bevy of treasures along Main Street downtown, from Native American art to kitschy t-shirts and souvenirs. And Sedona boasts an array of local eateries for all tastes as well. According to Thrillist, food lovers can “binge on top-notch tamales from Tamaliza or gussied-up carne asada at Elote Café.”

Visitors looking for day trips through America’s Southwest will find plenty, from the soaring depths of the Grand Canyon two hours north, to the dramatic and well-known rock formations of Monument Valley, which lies four hours to the north on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Two hours to the northwest, near the border of Utah is Page County, where tourists can visit the iconic Horseshoe Bend and arrange a guided tour through the privately-owned slot canyons.

After a day of adventure, a massage and a spa treatment await at one of Sedona’s luxurious properties, like the five-star L’Auberge de Sedona or the traditional Poco Diablo Resort. With its breathtaking views, fantastic weather, fine dining and shopping, and central location, Sedona is the small town that has it all.