No need to drive south to Mexico when you can spend a day in Tlaquepaque in Sedona, Arizona.  For my nonspeaking Spanish speakers, the name means “the best of everything.” When Abe Miller, a Nevada businessman, began  to fulfill his dream of “an arts village reflecting the charm and mood of Old Mexico, ” Sedona was a one stoplight small town two hours north of Phoenix.

Miller and his architect began visiting Mexico,  filming  ideas and  purchasing materials for courtyards,  patios, tile walls, plazas to set the atmosphere of Old Mexico in this  new mall in Sedona. They wanted the same feeling of people mingling and selling crafts.

Not only did they buy architectural construction materials but also details such as iron grill work,  huge carved doors, handmade lanterns, clay pots, benches, and fountains.  All  this was to create the genuine feel and spirit of Tlaqepaque.    Planning and collecting set a garden landscape for a tranquil walk for visitors purusing the local artisans’ work on display in shops and on the patios.