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8 August 2022
McDonald’s bright yellow letter M has to be one of the most recognizable logos in the world. “The Golden Arches” adorn McDonald’s restaurants worldwide, to the point where they are nearly synonymous with McDonald’s.
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However, there is one McDonald’s with a light bluish-green logo instead of the famous yellow, and it happens to live in Sedona, Arizona. That’s right, the only arches you’ll see in Sedona are turquoise ones!
What’s the reasoning behind this color change? As many local Arizonans know, Sedona is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Specifically, its red rock mountainous landscape. For this reason, Sedona has strict building restrictions to ensure that no structure intrudes too much on the surrounding natural landscape.
So when a McDonald’s opened its doors in 1993 in Sedona, the bright yellow M was considered a no-no for city officials. As a result, they chose a soothing, soft blue instead of gold, claiming that gold would clash with the surrounding red rocks. Yes, you read that right — gold didn’t fit the city’s (natural) decor.
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Regardless of its reason, the color change certainly makes this McDonald’s stand out. Undoubtedly, these unique not-so-golden arches have become an important tourist destination for travelers to Sedona. In fact, the Sedona McDonald’s location is #10 on the McDonald’s site “A craveable and delicious road trip: 13 of the most iconic McDonald’s across America.”
While the Teal Arches may be fascinating to some, we think Sedona has way cooler things to do while you’re in town. Check out this list of destinations to check out while you’re visiting one of the most extraordinary and beautiful places Arizona has to offer!
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Arizona is widely known for places like the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Forest, but one of its most stunning and underrated treasures is Aravaipa Canyon. Just southeast of Phoenix and northeast of Tucson, this wilderness area remains a well-kept secret for those seeking a fun outdoor adventure. Aravaipa Canyon offers a rare combination of serene beauty, challenging terrain, and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for backpackers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. advertisement A Breathtaking Wilderness Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness spans an impressive 19,410 acres and is located in Graham and Pinal counties. The canyon itself stretches over 11
Arizona is home to some of the most intricate and unique cultural traditions in the United States, and among them is the Hopi people’s craftsmanship of Kachina figures. These carvings, often referred to as kachina dolls, serve as much more than mere decoration—they are educational tools, spiritual symbols, and artistic expressions. Through these figures, the Hopi pass down knowledge of their belief systems, traditions, and the spirits that influence their daily lives. advertisement What Are Hopi Kachina Figures? Hopi kachina figures are intricately carved dolls, traditionally made from cottonwood root, by members of the Hopi tribe who live primarily in
Long before Sedona became today’s popular destination, a few adventurous souls made their homes in this what we now revere as a geological wonderland. At 4,350 feet in Central Arizona’s Verde Valley, Sedona is surrounded by a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. These natural forces carved out Oak Creek Canyon and created the signature oxidized red rocks that have made the area internationally famous, and make up the Red Rock State Park. advertisement Red Rock State Park, which spans 286 acres just nine miles south of downtown Sedona, now protects this remarkable terrain. Established in 1991, the
Spirit of Arizona Tours (SOA) offers a unique experience that blends history, mystery, and culture in one journey. Locally owned and operated, SOA takes pride in sharing Phoenix’s hidden gems—those lesser-known places that often slip under the radar of mainstream tours. advertisement Founded in September 2019 by Arizona native Jarrod Riddle, SOA was born from his desire to share Phoenix’s untold stories. As well as overlooked sites with locals and visitors alike. From true crime tales and ghost stories to the art of murals and the soul of the city’s tacos, Riddle’s tours provide a fresh perspective on the city’s
