A family exploration of Flagstaff

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Our Local Expert Says:

See comment under activities

Description:

Flagstaff's sunshine climate inspires a day at the park. Whether you want to plan a picnic, watch a rousing rugby match, cheer for the boys of summer or take your dog for a scenic run, this park is the perfect setting. Four baseball fields and a concession stand cater to baseball and softball fans in season. A grassy multi-functional field begs the feet of soccer and disc golf players. Picnic tables and benches offer rest and shade. Laughter from the playground permeates the ponderosa pines. And Lowell Observatory/Mars Hill Wilderness area offers hikes behind the park, trailing off into Coconino National Forest. Call the administration for a schedule of sporting events and activities for all ages.

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Located about eight miles southeast of Flagstaff off I-40, Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a fascinating peek into the lives of the people anthropologists have named the Sinagua ("without water"). A strenuous, one-mile walk on the Island Trail gives you a front-row glimpse to the 700-year old cliff dwellings where the Sinagua lived and left their mark. Peer into the past as you take in the 25 cliff dwellings along the trail. You can see more dwellings across the canyon. Even if you are not transfixed by the mystery of the people who built this cliffside pueblo, the lush canyon is the perfect high desert backdrop for your Northern Arizona adventure. The canyon is a valuable habitat for many species of plants and animals, and a gorgeous backdrop for photographers of all stripes.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Pizza is delish! Also, home-made brews are mostly hoppy and titillating to the tongue.

Description:

Located one block south of the train station in downtown Flagstaff, Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe is a local favorite brewery and restaurant with a bright, family-friendly pub atmosphere. The menu is heavy on reliably tasty dishes, including hefty sandwiches with generous servings of fries on the side, fresh salads, yummy fondues, and their popular wood-fired pizzas. Try the Enchanted Forest pie, loaded with Brie, roasted red peppers, spinach, Portobello mushrooms, and artichoke pesto on a chewy, warm crust. Watch the flames fly from your table as chefs prepare meals in the open kitchen, or take a gander as the brewer creates handcrafted ales. Time your visit for late spring and summer, and sit outdoors in the comfortable beer garden. If you're looking for a casual, fun dining spot around downtown, Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe is always a solid choice.

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Our Local Expert Says:

A nice choice for parents visiting students at NAU. Comfortable, roomy suites, free breakfast, and free happy hour. Adjacent to NAU campus.

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How "suite" it is to relax in a spacious living area with separate bedroom and bath! Embassy knows that after you've enjoyed the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Flagstaff mountain community, you'll want to unwind with all the comforts of home. Amenities include two remote-controlled televisions, in-room movies, outdoor heated pool, breakfast cooked to order for even the heartiest appetites, and happy hour nightly. If business is your pleasure, call ahead and ask your hosts to arrange a meeting in the onsite conference facility.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Poached eggs are the specialty here, and they are worth it!

Description:

This is one of Flagstaff's favorite breakfast and lunch spots, and if you're willing to brave long lines (especially prevalent on the weekends), you won't be disappointed by the extensive menu of all your breakfast favorites, which includes nine delicious variations on Eggs Benedict and their popular Trout Breakfast. Owners Ed and Brandy Wojciak, who also own Brandy's on the east side, also serve up a scrumptious lunch menu of specialty sandwiches, quiches, burgers, and salads. The daily lunch specials offer a classic sandwich with a cup of soup for a good price. With lacy white curtains and a relaxed yet always-busy atmosphere, La Bellavia is a sound choice for good eats in downtown Flagstaff.

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Located on Flagstaff's west side about four miles south of Route 66 on Woody Mountain Road (which is just as scenic as its name implies), The Arboretum is a must-see for nature-lovers. Your car may get a good splattering on the road down to The Arboretum (the first mile is paved, but the remaining 2.8 miles are not), but it will be well worth it to spend the day meandering through the gorgeous 10 acres of cultivated gardens, strolling around the pond, and paying a visit to the working greenhouse (where most of the 2,500 species seen in the gardens are grown). The entire Arboretum encompasses 200 acres that were once the gardens and buildings of The Arboretum's founder Frances McAllister, who was given the parcel of land as a wedding present in the 1930s. McAllister and her husband lived in Los Angeles, but spent summers at their Flagstaff cabin, which affords incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks. After her husband's death, McAllister moved to this location, reveling in the challenges of gardening at 7,000 feet. The Arboretum continues to carry out McAllister's mission of garden experimentation and research, and sharing the natural beauty of the gardens with the public.

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Flagstaff has a long history as a railroad town and major resting point for travelers out west. You'll definitely want to spend some time poking around the historic downtown, where stately, turn of-the-century buildings still stand guard over this busy high desert city. Highlights include the Tudor-inspired Santa Fe Railroad station (which houses the Visitor Center, where you'll want to stop and pick up a map), the1888 Babbitt Brothers Trading Company building, the Hotel Monte Vista, and Hotel Weatherford. Remnants of Depression-era roadside Americana can still be found on Route 66, which bisects downtown, including hotels, auto shops, and the Museum Club, a historic road house that continues to welcome road-weary travelers.

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Our Local Expert Says:

On a clear night in the winter, stargazing through this magnificent telescope with make your jaw drop. Part way up Mars hill, look for a small vista on the right where all of Flagstaff can be seen below.

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Lowell Observatory, located atop Mars Hill Road just outside of downtown Flagstaff, is one of the leading astronomical research facilities in the United States, and one of the city's true must-see attractions. The observatory offers a compelling glimpse to universe--even bored teenagers will be amazed by what they see on the other side of the telescope. Day visitors are treated to guided tours, multimedia exhibits, and a viewing of the Sun with a specially equipped telescope. But the real action starts at dusk, when (weather permitting) the staff opens up the telescopes for viewings of Jupiter, the Moon, star clusters, and other incredible celestial sights. Rain or shine, visitors are also invited to experience the Observatory's interactive presentations at their portable planetarium, and tours of the Universe inside the 3-D movie theatre. If you happen to be looking for a great place to take a date, the Observatory, which is surrounded by walking trails and great  views of the dark skies over Flagstaff, is surprisingly romantic.

Multimedia Shows

Computer-generated imagery meets the exciting music of Mannheim Steamroller in our 30-minute widescreen show Heavy Astronomy: Marvels of the Cosmos.

Join us in the evenings for telescope viewing, widescreen multimedia shows, and tours of the Universe with our 3D space theatre – all while enjoying the clear mountain air and dark skies over Flagstaff.

 

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Description:

The Hotel Weatherford has been home to a radio station, billiard hall, various restaurants, and Flagstaff's first telephone exchange company. It has played host to gunslingers, pioneers, and today, visitors looking for a hotel loaded with character and history. Built in 1897, the Weatherford, conveniently located close to the Amtrak station in downtown, is immediately recognizable by its columned veranda. Most of the hotels 11 rooms are rather spartan and subject to the occasional rattle of passing trains. But if you're seeking a comfortable, affordable stay with turn-of-the-century charm, and don't mind going without some modern amenities such as TV and telephones, the Weatherford fits the bill. If you can't go without, upgrade to one of the three restored rooms on the second floor, which feature claw-foot tubs, air conditioning, and phones. Charly's Pub and Grill, located downstairs, offers solid Southwestern fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and live entertainment.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Nachos are a healthy proportion and mighty delicious.

Description:

The Weatherford Hotel's dining room and bar is a must-see dining destination for those with an interest in historic properties. Even if you're not into old buildings, the Arizona-inspired edibles, great beer selection and live entertainment make it worth a visit. Breads, soups and pies are made daily. Sunset dinners are served in the Zane Grey Ballroom. Sidewalk dining is available in mild weather. Full bar service is available with 20 imported beers on tap. Live entertainment is also on tap nightly.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Exhilarating 18 mile, downhill bike ride to Wupatki. Need to have shuttle system unless you also want to climb up. Or, take the short Lava Flow trail and pay attention, not only to the immediate landscape, but the surrounding area. Try to imagine what it was like when this baby exploded, snuffing out every living thing within a 5-mile radius.

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Between 1040 and 1100, this volcano exploded, powerfully affecting the lives of local peoples and forever altering the landscape of the surrounding area. Today you can drive right up to the site, where shinny black molten rock covers this area, as if it erupted just yesterday. Take the Lava Flow trail to see the life slowly returning to this rugged landscape. The fee is $5. Take U.S 89 north for 12 miles, turn right on the Sunset Crater/Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the visitor center. This loop road makes it convenient to see the nearby Wupatki Ruins on the same day.

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A variety of sandwiches, made with homemade bread, deli meats and cheeses, and lots of fresh vegetables.

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A must-stop for anyone remotely interested in Native American culture or the geological history of the Colorado Plateau. The museum is home to over 600,000 artifacts of anthropological, geological, historical, and artistic interest, as well as extensive federal and tribal research collections. Not to be missed is the museum's permanent anthropology exhibit, "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau," which documents 12,000 years of occupation in the area. The Hopi Kiva Room and Jewelry Gallery showcase the singular beauty of native handcrafted jewelry, while the Ethnology Gallery provides an intriguing glimpse into the daily lives of local tribe members. Located three miles north of Flagstaff on US Highway 180, the museum is an easy stopping point on your way to, or from, the Grand Canyon.

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At Fratelli's Pizza, they bake pizzas the right way - in a stone deck oven. Every Fratelli Pizza starts its life as home made dough and is then proofed to perfection, hand tossed, mated with the freshest ingredients & baked to crispy, golden perfection.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Waiters and waitresses are not only friendly and helpful, they are also singers and dancers! Meal-times are interrupted by occasional musical acts. Bring along your fake mustache and six-shooter!

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Western kitsch abounds at this bright, boisterous cowboy palace near downtown Flagstaff. This meat-lover's paradise specializes in cowboy steaks, prime ribs, and barbequed chicken, so if you're set on getting a full service of vegetables for dinner, best steer elsewhere (the deep-fried zucchini and mushrooms probably don't count towards your daily nutritional content). Live entertainment is provided by the Northern Arizona University musical theater students, who regularly put down their trays to hop on stage and belt out classic show tunes. Although definitely not the most sophisticated place to eat around downtown, curious (and hungry) diners will certainly get an eye- and earful at Black Bart's. The Wild West decor, solid steakhouse offerings, and singing waitstaff definitely make this one of the more unique places to have dinner. Perfect for families and anyone with a good sense of humor.

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Nearby Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Ashurst, Marshall and Kinnikinick lakes, serve as a recreational focus for these campgrounds. All are stocked with fish including trout, bass, and channel catfish. Upper Lake Mary is popular with power boaters (there's no motor limit), and Ashurst attracts a following of wind surfers along with its anglers and boaters. Those whose interest in the out of doors goes beyond water sports might consider these sites for the wildlife watching they offer. The lakes around these forested campgrounds are used as a stopover for migrating waterfowl, a wintering site for rare bald eagles, and a feeding ground for resident ospreys. The area is home to a considerable number of elk and mule deer too.

Lake View Campground is terraced along a grassy hillside shaded by old-growth ponderosa pine trees. Pine Grove is spread out through a cool stand of pines bordered by high country meadows. Access to both campgrounds is via a short spur off Forest Highway 3. Supplies are available at convenience stores along the highway and in Flagstaff, about 20 miles away.

FACILITIES: These campsites offer 46 single unit sites-Pine Grove, 30 single unit sites-lake view, tables, fire rings and cooking grills, drinking water, toilets (flush and vault type), Boat ramp at lakes, Handicapped fishing access at Lake Mary Narrows. Tents and small motor homes are permitted at both campgrounds. Pinegrove permits trailers under 22', No trailers at Lake View. No utility hookups. Pets must always be restrained or on a leash. No horses allowed in the campground. Motorbikes may only be used for entering or leaving campsite.

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Do the unusual and go ice skating in Arizona! This activity center is an indoor rink with ice skating in the winter (mid-September through April 30) and, on occasion, inline skating during the summer months (June through end of August). Family activities and group competitions put the summer blues on ice, so call ahead to see what's chilling. Admission is half price for children. Skate rentals are extra. The center accepts cash and personal checks. Seasonal hours vary, please call to confirm.

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Our Local Expert Says:

The Riordans were the owners of lumber company early on in Flagstaff history. Learn about family history and see living conditions of them and their in-house help. Mansion built at the time when Flagstaff was a timber industry town.

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Get a glimpse of Flagstaff's logging town past with a visit to Riordan State Historic Park, located near the Northern Arizona University campus. Lumber baron brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan built the mansion in 1904, which was designed by Charles Whittlesley, also famous for building the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The 13,300 square foot mansion contains 40 rooms of log-and-stone,  many of which are furnished with Gustav Stickley furniture, known as the father of the American Arts and Crafts design movement. One of the most whimsical objects you'll see in the house are the "Paul Bunyan" shoes--a two-foot long pair of boots that Timothy Riordan built in his workshop. Everything in the mansion is original, making this a goldmine for history buffs everywhere.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Great workout, but highly populated and the busy traffic of Rt. 66 can be heard.

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For the most part, the Fatmans Loop is an easy walk, although it does have a few short steep sections. Scenic overlooks of Flagstaff, the city's eastern suburbs and the surrounding countryside make this a good place for a stroll when you have time to stop and enjoy the view. Along the route there are a number of interesting rock formations that bear witness to Mt. Elden's volcanic origins. One of these is a bit of a tight squeeze, hence the trail's name.

The area through which this trail leads supports a diverse community of plant species including upland trees such as white fir and ponderosa pine. Shrubs and smaller trees more usually associated with lower altitudes are also present. Among these are cliff rose, alligator juniper and broadleaf yucca. Wildlife you may encounter on this trail includes Albert's squirrels, pygmy nuthatches, mule deer and gray foxes along with more commonly encountered animals such as Steller's jays and ravens.

This trail provides access to the Elden Lookout Trail which continues two miles and 2,000 feet to the summit of Mt. Elden.

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10 miles northwest of Flagstaff, west of the San Francisco Peaks. This is a relaxing, scenic cruise through pine forest and meadows with little elevation change. Your destination is a lava tube cave. This type of cavern forms when molten lave, flowing through an underground passage, subsides and leaves a long, tube-like cave.

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The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff has two major claims to fame: it's the largest hotel in town, and one of a handful of hotels offering room service. So, it should go without saying that if you're looking for a comfortable stay with all the modern amenities, the Little America Flagstaff awaits with open arms. One of the biggest selling points of this popular resort hotel is the location: surrounded by 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine trees, Little America Flagstaff makes for an inviting and serene Northern Arizona escape, light years away from the business and train noise of downtown Flagstaff. On the flipside, guests looking for a warm and cozy stay may find this huge hotel property a bit impersonal. Large, comfortable rooms are decorated with French provincial-style furnishings, and the property features walking trails, an in-house restaurant, deli, Southwestern gift shop, and courtesy van service to the airport or Amtrak station.

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Downtown Diner offers a full breakfast menu, entrees, hot and cold sandwiches, burgers and garden burgers, soups, salads, daily specials, pie and other baked goods. Beverages include espresso, mochas, lattes, quality coffee, shakes and malts.

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Tacos al Carbon are the specialty of the house at this Guadalajara-style Mexican restaurant. Beef, pork and chicken are char-grilled, diced and piled onto your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Health-conscious diners will want to note that vegetable oil is used rather than traditional lard in the preparations.This is a casual, comfortable place decorated with the usual Mexican tchotchkes. A patio offers extra seating in moderate weather, which is a good thing, especially on weekends because reservations are not accepted.