The welcome at the Briar Patch Inn itself puts a person at
ease because as you arrive at the secluded inn nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, you will find in your cabin a small box with a card that reads…
“There
is a legend amongst the highland Indian village of Guatemala. If you have a problem, then share it
with a Worry-doll. Before going to
bed, tell one worry to each doll, then place them beneath your pillow. Whilst you sleep the dolls will take
your worries away. Please have
this small token from the Briar Patch Inn hoping you will leave your worries
behind.”
Yes, the Briar Patch Inn, nestled
along the banks of Oak Creek near Sedona, is truly one of the most beautiful
and peaceful spots to escape in all of Arizona.
It
was in the late 1930s that a German carpenter by the name of Raacke made his
way to what then was a very isolated and remote part of Arizona. He found what he considered a paradise
along the trout filled stream of Oak Creek, surrounded by red rock canyon
walls. Here, he thought, he would
find solace from the rest of the world.
His Oak Creek paradise was only 3
miles up the canyon from a small settlement that provided him just enough human
company. The town’s namesake,
Sedona Schnebly and her husband, Theodore, were living here too and were just a
few of the local people scratching out a living in their beautiful Arizona
landscape.
But Mr. Raacke’s quiet and secluded
world began to change early in 1940 when the movie folks from Hollywood,
California discovered that Sedona was a perfect backdrop to shoot Western
movies. Into the small town of
Sedona flooded actors, producers and all the supporting Hollywood cast but with
not a single hotel in which to stay.
Mr. Raacke saw an economic
opportunity and decided to build a few cabins along his Oak Creek land and rent
them out to those most colorful people from Hollywood. His cabins became known as “Rocky’s
Cottages” and the working folks from California filled them to capacity when in
Sedona filming a new movie.
Time passed and people changed in this
red rock paradise. Into Oak Creek
Canyon in the late 1960s came Ike and JoAnn Olson with their 3 sons to escape
the summer heat of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Here they too discovered the paradise once found by a friendly German
carpenter.
In 1983 the Olson family decided it
was time to secure their piece of that paradise and purchased two pieces of Oak
Creek cabin properties – one called Briar Patch and the second one known as
Rocky’s Cottages. Three other
small properties were soon added resulting in the 8.6 acres and a 19 cottage
resort today called the Briar Patch Inn.
Here Arizona’s paradise is still
found. Rustic cottages beautifully
decorated greet every guest. Crackling fireplaces warm the rooms as well as
refresh the heart and soul.
Fresh water springs spill into Oak Creek at the site
resulting in the sounds of always rushing water, creating a refreshing, clean
stream. Trout still flourish in
the creek and guests can still refresh in the nearby swimming hole. And for the very lucky, majestic Bald
Eagles can be seen diving into Oak Creek competing with the fishermen for that
special trout.
A creek side breakfast, afternoon
hot mulled cinnamon cider, tea and coffee, home baked cookies and more are all
a part of the special experience provided for guests at this old and quaint
Arizona bed and breakfast inn.
Even the inn’s “ grass caretakers”, three, loveable sheep known as
Wooley, Billy & Lilly, add a peaceful charm and enjoyment for all looking
to refresh the body, mind and spirit.
The Briar Patch Inn along Oak Creek
– an Arizona Paradise found and just waiting for you to get out, come and leave
your troubles to the Worry Dolls.
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