Somewhere in Sedona there is a shopping area that surprises. Tlaquepaque (tlock-ay-pick-ay) is a delightful and eclectic village of shops amid a historic looking adobe cluster of buildings. We decide to stop and check it out after hiking all day. We are not dressed for the clientele, but it is either now or never. We leave the area first thing in the morning.

There are fountains in shady courtyards and enough pumpkins to start a farmer’s market. Workers are busy preparing for Halloween or Dia de las Muertos. My husband finds a seat under the trees and happily watches the chaos while I wander shop to shop.

There are lots of art galleries. In some, the vibe is welcoming. Local artists who clearly enjoy their work and the people who visit, greet me with smiles. In others, there are whispers and suspicious looks as people with clipboards block the door and look at my jeans and dusty shoes and determine I don’t fit their profile.

But I am not easily deterred, rude salesmen are simply an interesting challenge. While I don’t intend to buy overpriced art, I may find something I can’t live without. And I am a “Show Me State” girl. I have never let pretentious behavior get in my way. A curled lip and rolling eyes only gets a smile and a “can I just walk past you to see the painting over there.” Apparently, smiling at people trying to be rude is confusing to them. It must be draining going through life judging and mentally sorting people into the worthy and unworthy.

Outside, a fiesta of sound creates a party atmosphere. I dance my way to record stores, book stores and a variety of small businesses. There is clothing, candles, jewelry, shoes, antiques, yard ornaments, cooking gadgets, pet supplies, rock shops, and even toys. I am not really in a buying mood, but that doesn’t mean I am not enjoying the multitude of possibilities.

Eventually the day winds down. I come to the end of the shops. We have hiked all day and I have wandered this place for a good deal of the early evening. It is time to go.

My verdict? Tlaquepaque’s atmosphere is special. If you find yourself in Sedona, you should make time for a stroll….even if you are not dressed for the clientele. If you see a rude woman in a black suit with a clipboard blocking the door to a shop selling framed photographs, smile and tell her I sent you.