My Town: Sedona (Route 66)

A cross-country road trip—not along Route 66—took Jeff McGrath ’98 to the Southwest after graduation.

Seeing the sights in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona enticed the exercise science major to cancel his return trip. Once settled in the Copper State, he became a massage therapist and eventually opened a spa.

McGrath’s NAMTI Spa fits in perfectly with the vibe of Sedona, a desert town near Flagstaff known for its vibrant arts community and personal enrichment and relaxation opportunities.

“It’s such a beautiful place,” McGrath says. “Within 30 minutes, I could be up at 10,000 feet skiing or down a little further south into the desert.” 

Since arriving in Arizona, he has driven through a lot of Route 66.

“It’s beautiful, it’s scenic, historic,” he says. “The little Arizona towns along it are classic. I’ve commuted through Oak Creek Canyon for years. There’s a beautiful stretch of about 28 miles of just canyon and switchbacks and the Oak Creek right there. I’ve stopped at the Wigwam Motel, Meteor Crater—beautiful, all of them.”

When not cruising “the Mother Road,” the New York native advises visitors tour the Grand Canyon—about two hours away—or take the Verde Canyon Railroad to explore the backcountry.

“The Grand Canyon is just magnificent,” McGrath says. “It is very surreal standing there looking at it; it almost seems like a large painting. Every time I go back I am in awe.” 

McGrath would point them to Mariposa Latin-Inspired Grill for happy hour appetizers on the patio overlooking the famous red rocks or El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano—great fajitas and salsa—in the Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village for dinner.

“Then, of course, I’d suggest they finish up the day at the spa!” he says.