SEDONA, ARIZ. is the No. 5 small city in the Top 25 Art Destinations, according to readers of AmericanStyle magazine. This artists' enclave south of Flagstaff climbed 19 places from last year's rankings. In other Sedona news, the Web site of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, www.VisitSedona.com, now lets visitors search for discounts on accommodations and value-added promotions on tours, attractions, spa treatments and more.
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL will be Oct. 2-8. Fifty of the country's top Plein Air painters are scheduled to participate. The artists will display their depictions of the area's beaches, barns, boats, vineyards and other landmarks. There will also be a quick draw and live auction. Admission is free. Information: 805-541-6600; www.sloartcenter.org.
AMERICAN TOURISTS IN ISRAEL. The number of tourists who visited Israel in the first seven months of the year was up 22 percent over the same period in 2005. Tourism numbers from the United States dropped 17 percent in July because of the conflict with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border, but Israeli tourism officials consider that minimal considering the war was headline news. Information about travel to Israel is available by calling 888-77-ISRAEL or going online to www.goisrael.com.
E-mail: kclayton@desnews.com