With the mysticism of its vortexes and the stark beauty of its unique landscape, Sedona is unique among American cities, but for the most part, the food is the same. Sure, there are local ingredients, but no matter where you're from, you'll likely recognize the dishes at the resort restaurants, and certainly at the local eateries. But there is one establishment that seems to encompass the virtues of the city like no other: Chocolatree.

For residents of Venice or Berkeley, the health-conscious, eco-conscious, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan/vegetarian restaurant/store will feel like a little piece of home, partly because its building is a house. Furthermore, it is "a sanctuary where each being can nurture their authenticity," according to its Web site.

Everything on the menu is either 100 percent organic or found in the wild. A variety of raw foods are cooked at under 115 degrees, and processed sugar is verboten. About 95 percent of the menu is seasonal, based on what is available locally. Chocolatree even takes into account "travel miles," refusing to source anything that can't be obtained within one of the states bordering Arizona. And the water used in preparing foods is from an artesian well, free of chlorine and fluoride.

Why you should go:

Whether you've been eating at resorts, the mom-and-pops, or – heaven forbid – fast food joints, you're eventually going to want something lighter and far less decadent. Many of the herbs that go into the food are grown in the garden in the large back yard, where diners eat at picnic tables and relax afterward in hammocks – that's right –hammocks!