Pass Though Sedona on the Way to Phoenix

Hit the road by 8 a.m. and head south toward Sedona. Your road trip starts off in style, featuring a scenic mountain drive with gorgeous landscapes setting the tone for adventures that lie ahead.

After taking the scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon, it's time for breakfast in one of Sedona's best restaurants. The Secret Garden Cafe sits among a well-manicured garden with ample patio seating in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch, featuring carefully sourced local ingredients. Try an omelette or quiche made with cage-free eggs. The French Toast is full of flavor, with thick sourdough slices dipped in a Grand Marnier batter before cooking. Sip on local Fire Creek coffee, espresso or cold brew on tap.
Call +19282039564 to inquire about reservations or ask about the wait time.

You'll drive south through the city of Sedona, surrounded by gorgeous sandstone formations. Pay a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The Roman Catholic place of worship was built into the red rocks in the 1950s to take advantage of the colorful natural landscapes.
Parking is available in a small nearby lot with a short, but steep walk to where the chapel is perched. You'll appreciate the magnificent views of the Coconino National Forest and may even feel an added sense of serenity since the location is believed to be in a vortex. The chapel itself welcomes worshipers and encourages visitors to be respectful of those practicing their religion. A gift shop is open downstairs.

Take a quick detour to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. The cliffside dwelling was home to indigenous tribes more than 700 years ago. It's an imposing sight. Think of it as an ancient high-rise apartment carved into limestone.
It's easy to pull over and soak it all in within 30 minutes or less. Expect to pay a free upon entry.

You'll pull over just north of Phoenix to charge your electric vehicle's battery. Look for the station in the Walmart parking lot.
Type: CCS 4 stations, 7 plugs Power: 50 – 350 kW

Walk over from the charging station to the Tennessee Grill, a quiet restaurant with surprisingly good barbecue. Enjoy smoked meats as platters or in a wide variety of sandwiches. The burger is made with brisket. Just made sure to save some room for a side order of sweet potato fries.
You shouldn't have trouble scoring a seat. Take your time and appreciate every bite while the car charges a few minutes away.

Walk back over to the Walmart parking lot and pick up your car. It should be fully charged by now.

You'll enter Phoenix and head toward Scottsdale, the city's upscale enclave. Check in to the Comfort Suites, where every room is spacious and considered a suite. Take an hour to get settled, unpack and clean up before dinner.

Your dinner is at Caffe Boa, an Italian restaurant on Mill Avenue - a bustling spot for drinks, dining and nightlife in Tempe (home to Arizona State University). The kitchen utilizes natural and organic ingredients, allowing flavors in pastas and other dishes to shine without heavy, overwhelming sauces. Begin the meal with a flatbread or cheese plate and ask about the fish of the day. The wine list is excellent.
Book a reservation online or by calling +14809689112. A little extra time is built into your schedule, in case you'd like to wander Mill Avenue and check out the nightlife scene after your meal.
Cafe Boa is closed on Mondays.

While on the way back to the hotel, make a stop in Old Town Scottsdale, a thriving destination for bars and independent shops. Kazimierz is a late-night bar, hidden behind an unassuming door that opens wide to a high-energy space with live music on weekends. The stone walls simulate the feel of an underground wine cellar, setting a tone that's perfect for an extra glass of wine before wrapping up the evening.
Kazimierz is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

After a long night, return to the hotel and get to bed. You'll want to rest up for a busy day ahead.