Arizona Shopping Tips by madamx

Even if you aren't in the mood for buying, you must stop at the historic Cameron Trading Post at least for a break on that long drive to the Grand Canyon (the east entrance is much more scenic)

The main shop has thousands of items ranging from authentic native jewellrey and pottery to Grand Canyon pot holders.

However, if you are tight for time, what I recommend is skipping that and heading over to the other shop that has authentic native antiques, such as navajo rugs and baskets, and other unique artifacts. Sure, you probably won't drop $10,000 on a beautiful vintage Navajo rug, but it's sure fun to look. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions.

What To Buy: Native jewellery and pottery, plus Hopi Kachinas. Navajo rugs if you have deep pockets! You may want to buy here, as I found the items at the Grand Canyon overpriced.

What To Pay: My husband purchased a Navajo torquoise and silver bracelet for me. They are willing to negotiate price on jewellery, so don't be afraid to ask if that is the best price they can give you.

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Theme: Local Craft
Directions: The Cameron Trading Post is located 1 mile north of the Highway 64 turn off if you are on Highway 89 going towards the Grand Canyon. There will be a large billboard at the hamlet of Cameron.
Website: http://www.camerontradingpost.com

The Hopi House at the Grand Canyon was originally designed by Mary Colter, and was completed in 1905 by Hopi builders. It is designed to look like a tradtional Hopi dwelling, complete with old wooden pull doors and very low entrance ways -- I'm 5'2" and I had to duck slightly.

Hopi House sells native crafts, jewellery and gifts, and the selection tends to be more on the tasteful, and pricey side. However, you can find some items at reasonable prices. If you even aren't intrested in buying, browsing is fun, as well as having a look at the building.



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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 928-638-2631
Address: Grand Canyon Village
Directions: Beside the El Tovar Hotel.

The little town of Jerome is not particularly picturesque, but is worthwhile to look at, since it was built on the side of the mountain. As a result, the town streets are twisted, steep, and narrow, as well as the road up the Jerome.

You do get a flavor of the old west, looking at some of the historic buildings. Amongst the boutiques which are housed in mostly historic, renovated buildings, you can still find old abandoned building shells, left as is. I thought this was probably the most interesting feature of Jerome.

It's claim to fame is that it was a mining town in the late 1800's, then virtually abandoned in the late 1950's. Hippies and artists moved in the 60's, and now the main draw here is it's stupendous views and the SHOPPING.

Most of the stores here sell jewellery, arts, or crafts, and this is the perfect destination for a girl's road trip. Or guys, if you know any guys who are into shopping.

What To Buy: There are an overwhelming amount of boutiques here, and items range from weird and tacky to gorgeous and tres expensive! I think the best items to look at here are the wide range of locally made crafts, which are great for gift items to bring back to friends at home.

What To Pay: Prices range from reasonable to expensive, depending on what you want to buy.

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Theme: Local Craft
Directions: Jerome is located 28 miles west of Sedona
Website: http://www.azjerome.com/