3 fun things to do in Sedona

As if you needed one more reason to visit Sedona, there is one. The first Sedona Mountain Bike Festival is March 6-8, with an expo chock-full of new bikes and rides for all skill levels out among the red rocks. (See the Travel & Explore section on Sunday for more about the festival.)

But you don't have to bomb down a trail on two wheels to have a good time in Sedona. Here are some ideas for your next visit.

Eat

The challenge at Dahl & DiLuca, a charming northern Italian restaurant in west Sedona, is which decadent dish to order.

Traditionalists won't go wrong with one of the house favorites. Tortellini della Nonna is homemade tortellini with prosciutto and green peas in alfredo sauce. Another popular pasta dish is Garganelli Paradiso, featuring portobello mushroom ragout and a dollop of chevre. House-specialty entrees include sauteed scaloppini of veal, offered with a variety of sauces, and the ultimate comfort food, chicken parmesan. Visitors on a budget or a diet can sit at the bar and ask for a half portion.

Looking for more of a Mediterranean flair in your Italian dishes? Check out Dahl & DiLuca's sister restaurant, Cucina Rustica, at 7000 W. State Route 179.

Details: 2321 W. State Route 89A. 928-282-5219, dahlanddiluca.com.

Play

Although most festivals encourage lounging scattered with some light walking, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival is more about — how do we put this? — exercise. If you're into that sort of thing, hop on a shuttle and take on a single track through the rich red hills. Or you can wander about festival grounds and partake of the beer garden and watch various demos.

Details: Events start at 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday, March 6-8. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 366 SR 179. $50 for a one-day pass, $80 for a two-day pass, $100 for a three-day pass. sedonamtbfestival.com.

Stay

La Vista is one of those small, owner-operated motels that has to put up a "Be right back'' sign in the office when duty calls elsewhere.

The 14-room motel is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants uptown and is a good home base for Oak Creek Canyon outings. Rates start at $95. Each room is individually decorated and many have nice views of the red rocks. The most requested room is No. 20, a large, corner room on the top floor.

Details: 500 N. Arizona 89A. 928-282-7301, lavistamotel.com.