The Entrance to the cute village of Tlaquepaque along the Oak Creek

The conceptual history of Tlaquepaque is truly a story of this man’s love for beauty and perfection.  Under the influence of the lively creative arts scene in Mexico, it struck him that Sedona was a natural location for a living arts community…a village where artisans work out in full view and live on-site as well.  It worked in Mexico; it could work here.  He’d call it Tlaquepaque after the colorful Mexican city on the outskirts of Guadalajara.  Tlaquepaque is a word from the Nahuatl Native Indian language – the ancient language of the Aztecs meaning the “best of everything”.   http://www.tlaq.com/articles/history.html

                                One of the courtyards and fountains in the square

Today, after years of growth, Tlaquepaque is graced with climbing vines of sweet scented honeysuckle, purple clematis, ivy trumpet vine and silver lace.  Pansies are everywhere in early spring and remain until late April when the Arizona sun becomes too strong for their survival.  Summer at Tlaquepaque is inundated in color in every nook and flowerbed.  Fountains are perpetually decorated with fantastic floral creations in celebration of a wedding or private event.

We visited the Oak Creek Brewery and Restaurant while we were there; the deep fried spicy dill pickles were pretty amazing for a crispy, fried start.  I recommend the pizza’s if you go and they’re Orange Blossom Beer is crazy good!!!!  Never tasted anything like it in my life!  The Tlaquepaque Village is a great place to visit especially this time of the year. You won’t be disappointed!