Family Time

Description:

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.

Description:

Walk under the shark, past the row of what looks like old brightly painted race car seats, and you're entering the party zone. This Cabo San Lucas/Puerto Vallarta/Acapulco-inspired cantina is fun and funky. It's a favorite place to drink, dine and dance any night of the week. The menu tends toward the tropical with items like Mango Chicken and Margarita Shrimp. Buckets of shrimp, huge burritos and fish and shrimp tacos are also favorites-all at reasonable prices. Live music on weekends will put you in a "fiesta" state of mind.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great vegetarian selection at the deli. Many sandwiches, salads and full-meal items to choose from.

Description:

Salads, sandwiches, soups and baked goods are made fresh daily using top quality natural ingredients at this favorite Flagstaff market and deli. You'll never find any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives here. Anyone with vegetarian dietary preferences (no matter how strict) or special dietary restrictions should give this place a try. A few tables are available for dining in, but most of the business is on a take-out basis.

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.

Description:

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.

Description:

A frequent winner of "best breakfast" and "best desserts" awards locally, this strip-mall cafe is a comfortable place to relax with a specialty coffee. Start the day with a freshly cooked breakfast or traditional European-style pastry. The Tucson Daily Citizen once referred to it as "Flagstaff's best kept secret," but we're letting the word out. Hearty breakfasts include unique offerings like trout and eggs, homemade Swedish oat pancakes and the house special, Eggs Brandy (poached eggs on a bagel, topped with Hollandaise sauce). Service is friendly and attentive, and a tempting display of baked goods gives the place a homey feel.

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.

Description:

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.

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!

Description:

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.

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.

Description:

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.

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.

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.

Description:

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...

Our Local Expert Says:

Start from the backside off of Schultz Pass Road for a stroll in quiet solitude.

Description:

This easy trail offers visitors a wide array of what the true high country has to offer. Ponderosa pine gives way to Aspens, which later reveal Evergreens. All the while, breathtaking views of the highest peaks in Arizona and the valleys and canyons that lie below come into view. While there aren't steep inclines or large boulders to maneuver through this quiet trail, it is at high altitude, which shouldn't be taken lightly for those not acclimated. Bring at least two quarts of water for each person. Also bring a jacket - maybe a long sleeve shirt in the summer. The Kachina Trail can be accessed at the end of the lower Snowbowl parking lot. This is also where the Humphrey's Trail begins. A quarter mile down the trail, you will come to a T. Go left for the Kachina Trail, which eventually meets up with the Weatherford Trail. Go right for the Humphrey's Trail. Be sure to sign the register!

Description:

The Radisson Woodlands Hotel's Japanese restaurant is one of the few, and one of the finest, sushi establishments in Northern Arizona. The setting is Asian minimalist, but the menu offerings provide maximum flavor and good value. In addition to an appetizing assortment of sushi, the restaurant's talented chefs will prepare tableside Teppanyaki dinners for your dining party. Lunch and dinner are served daily and the Sunday brunch is a fun alternative for adventurous diners. Full bar service is available.

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.

Description:

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.

Description:

This place features salads, soups and thin-crust pizzas.

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This park makes camping in Northern Arizona a memorable experience for the whole family. Covering 355 acres of Ponderosa pine forest, the scenic grounds include picnic ramadas, hiking trails, tennis and racquetball courts, and equestrian facilities. The resident fairgrounds come alive annually with the Coconino County Fair.. Call ahead to reserve one of 113 campsites, with or without water and sewage.

Description:

This park makes camping in Northern Arizona a memorable experience for the whole family. Covering 355 acres of Ponderosa pine forest, the scenic grounds include picnic ramadas, hiking trails, tennis and racquetball courts, and equestrian facilities. The resident fairgrounds come alive annually with the Coconino County Fair.. Call ahead to reserve one of 113 campsites, with or without water and sewage.

Description:

If you're looking for an old-fashioned Italian restaurant where casual is the name of the game, Strombolli's offers low-key dining indoors or an outdoor patio. The staff is friendly, the food is consistently cheesy and delicious. There's nothing particularly complicated or fussy going on here, so those seeking haute cuisine or the latest trends in fusion dining will probably feel out of place. But for a nice family out, a casual date night, or just a quick lunch with co-workers, Strombolli's Italian Restaurant is a pretty safe bet.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good spot for fine dining in Northern Arizona, especially if you happen to be traveling between Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

Description:

For fine dining, locals know that Jackson's Grill is a consistently good choice for prime grade steak, free range rostissere chicken, fresh seafood, hot out of the brick-oven pizza, and picking that perfect bottle from their large, award-winning wine selection. Located between Flagstaff and Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon, this is one of Northern Arizona's premier dining destinations. Jackson's Grill is a popular choice for graduation parties, wedding events, and romantic nights out. Chef Ray uses fresh ingredients to churn out fresh dishes that are prepared daily in house.

Description:

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.

Description:

This award-winning facility is ground zero for arts exhibits, performing arts and community events in the Flagstaff area. The complex includes a 200-plus-seat theater, an exhibition hall, a 4,000-square-foot gallery and a shop selling works by the area's premier artists. Year-round entertainment and seminars feature local, regional, national and international talent. The center is also available for social gatherings and business meetings. It is operated by a non-profit organization. Call for current exhibit and performance schedules and more information.

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.

Description:

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.

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.

Description:

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...

Our Local Expert Says:

I've had many of the best intellectual and political conversations here. For some reason, it breeds thought!

Description:

This is one of Flagstaff's most popular places for those of the non-nightclub set, especially those of the vegetarian persuasion. Works by local artists grace the walls, and the menu includes everything from amaranth to tempeh. The outdoor deck is a favorite place to sip an espresso and read, or discuss current events and environmental issues. Remember, this is a laid-back kind of place, so don't expect speedy service.