BETHEL — Sedona, Arizona may be nearly 2,500 miles away, but local residents can still experience its essence while visiting the spiritual boutique Touch of Sedona in Bethel.

“I’ve always loved Sedona,” owner Marge Courtney said. “I went in 1966 for the first time… and it blew my mind. I wanted to live there. It’s the most spiritual and beautiful place I’ve ever been to.”

She decided to open a shop inspired by the city and its rich culture nearly 22 years ago in her hometown of Ridgefield and called it Touch of Sedona. The store, located on Main Street, focuses on offering a wide assortment of southwestern goods and healing items.

Many times, customers come in unsure of what they are in need of, but trust that the shop is a safe place to go to for guidance.

“People are so looking for some sort of solace and understanding,” Ms Courtney explained. “When they are starting to get on that journey and spiritual path, they need a place to go.”

Knowing that there were more people in need of what her store provides, she opened a sister-location in Bethel, at 125 Greenwood Avenue, in August of 2017.

The shop also specializes in Native American jewelry and art, semiprecious stones, crystals, chakra bracelets, dreamcatchers, candles, incense, oils, and CDs.

Despite not having Native American ancestors in her genealogy, Ms Courtney says her heart and passion is in the culture, and she has found her calling helping bring it to people. When someone walks into her store, she enjoys taking the time to educate them on the history of an item and what an individual crystal or stone means.

Touch of Sedona even offers Intuitive Readings at both locations, from Thursday through Sundays. People can come as they are and receive a customized private session that can range anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Ms Courtney encourages people to come celebrate the Bethel location’s one year anniversary on September 14, where it will have its regularly scheduled drumming class from 7 to 8 pm (drums provided). The celebration will also include a farewell to the store’s current manager and an official welcoming to the location’s new manager.

Touch of Sedona in Bethel, 125 Greenwood Avenue, is currently open seven days a week from 11 am to 5:30 pm. For information, call 475-329-2087, e-mail touch.of.sedona@gmail.com, or visit www.touchofsedonaridgefield.com.