Romancing the Snow

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:

This restaurant is furnished with locally blown light fixtures, stylish bar and seating area plush with red cushions. The sushi and other offerings are creative, as are the specialty drinks. Rich healthy food and a lively urban atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

A well-crafted venue for discourse, board games, and solo reading or contemplation.

Description:

Climb the stairs to the second floor and you're suddenly in another world, a bit closer to Napa Valley than Arizona High Country. This wine bar and shop is an oasis for oenophiles, offering the area's largest and best selection of wines by the glass, plus bottles and wine accessories to go. It also serves a limited appetizer menu and feature live jazz music in a smoke-free atmosphere. The shop regularly schedules wine tasting events highlighting Arizona, California and imported bottlings. Call for the current schedule of tastings.

Our Local Expert Says:

Featured in the April 2009 issue of National Geographic's Traveler Magazine as well as in the newest 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and voted by Phoenix Magazine as one of Arizona's 'Best Weekend Adventures'!

Description:

The Inn at 410 offers guests four seasons of hospitality in a charming 1907 Craftsman home, elegantly furnished with antiques, stained glass and touches of the Southwest. Distinctive guest accommodations include five suites and five rooms, all with private baths, all with fireplace and some with whirlpool tub. The innkeepers pamper each guest with a personal touch that includes afternoon teas with oven-fresh cookies and award-winning breakfasts. The Inn at 410 is a perfect 'home base' for your Northern Arizona getaway.

As seen on

Our Local Expert Says:

Featured in the April 2009 issue of National Geographic's Traveler Magazine as well as in the newest 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and voted by Phoenix Magazine as one of Arizona's 'Best Weekend Adventures'!

Description:

The Inn at 410 offers guests four seasons of hospitality in a charming 1907 Craftsman home, elegantly furnished with antiques, stained glass and touches of the Southwest. Distinctive guest accommodations include five suites and five rooms, all with private baths, all with fireplace and some with whirlpool tub. The innkeepers pamper each guest with a personal touch that includes afternoon teas with oven-fresh cookies and award-winning breakfasts. The Inn at 410 is a perfect 'home base' for your Northern Arizona getaway.

As seen on

Description:

Located a short drive south of Flagstaff in a forested region of volcanic mountains and lakes, the Mormon Lake Ski Touring Center offers over 30 kilometers of groomed trail for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers. The trails crisscross the lower slopes of Mormon Mountain and border the shores of Mormon Lake, the largest natural lake in Arizona. Fees are moderate at this family style facility which also offers rentals, instruction and moonlight tours. A limited number of cabins and rooms are available at the nearby Mormon Lake Lodge. The Lodge also features a cafe, western steak house and saloon.

FACILITIES: Groomed Trails, Lodge/rest rooms, Restaurant/cafe, Rentals, Ski School, Retail shop.

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:

Located in the Hotel Monte Vista, the always classy Rendezvous is a Coffee Bar by day, A Martini Bar by night. The inviting and romantic atmosphere will charm you with it's superior service and ambience.

Our Local Expert Says:

Featured in the April 2009 issue of National Geographic's Traveler Magazine as well as in the newest 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and voted by Phoenix Magazine as one of Arizona's 'Best Weekend Adventures'!

Description:

The Inn at 410 offers guests four seasons of hospitality in a charming 1907 Craftsman home, elegantly furnished with antiques, stained glass and touches of the Southwest. Distinctive guest accommodations include five suites and five rooms, all with private baths, all with fireplace and some with whirlpool tub. The innkeepers pamper each guest with a personal touch that includes afternoon teas with oven-fresh cookies and award-winning breakfasts. The Inn at 410 is a perfect 'home base' for your Northern Arizona getaway.

As seen on

Description:

This theater company of Flagstaff continues to delight audiences. The curtain opened for the first time on a small meeting of creative minds at the Weatherford Hotel in 1972. Today, the stage is set in a dramatic 1923 red brick and sandstone building at the heart of Flagstaff's romantic Railroad District. Theatrikos offers six shows per season and plays to its capacity of 99 guests in the house. Curtain times and prices vary by production.

Description:

Rent your very own 1,000-square-foot flat in the pines. This cozy bed and breakfast inn gives visitors the entire first floor, with full kitchen, living room, and guest bedroom. Little luxuries include a king sized bed, walk-in closet, private phone line with free local calls, television, VCR and Sega Genesis with games. Best of all, you will see stunning views of the San Francisco peaks through your bedroom window. Though the inn is nestled in a quiet blanket of pines, Flagstaff's historic downtown area with restaurants, galleries and shops is only a scenic ten-minute drive away.

Description:

Ski the slopes of Northern Arizona and ski the sky itself! Rising like a winter wonderland against a stunning panoramic backdrop of ponderosa pine forests and mountain peaks, Flagstaff's Nordic Center gives visitors a new view of the world. On a clear day, skiers may see the Grand Canyon in the distance, more than 60 miles away! Skills enhancement courses and moonlight tours are available by reservation.

Description:

Located across from Heritage Square in downtown Flagstaff, Pasto's features a contemporary Italian menu that promises to deliver authentic flavors made from scratch. The proof is in the pudding, the old saying goes, and at Pasto's the proof is in the house made pastas, smoked meats, house ground sausages, and the amazing handmade chocolates and deserts. You really can't go wrong at Pasto's. Just about everything on the menu is made fresh and delicious, and the beautiful courtyard setting makes this an ideal place to bring a date or to celebrate a special occasion. Pasto's can get crowded and very lively on weekend nights, but the casual atmosphere and stand-out fare make this one of the best spots to nosh in town.

Description:

Rent your very own 1,000-square-foot flat in the pines. This cozy bed and breakfast inn gives visitors the entire first floor, with full kitchen, living room, and guest bedroom. Little luxuries include a king sized bed, walk-in closet, private phone line with free local calls, television, VCR and Sega Genesis with games. Best of all, you will see stunning views of the San Francisco peaks through your bedroom window. Though the inn is nestled in a quiet blanket of pines, Flagstaff's historic downtown area with restaurants, galleries and shops is only a scenic ten-minute drive away.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bumpy and fun if you don't get car-sick. Great rock-climbing areas along this road.

Description:

Be sure that your vehicle is in peak operating condition and that the unpaved path is in passable shape, and you're off on an exciting driving adventure! This dirt road rambles through the San Francisco Peaks and Elden Mountain range on its bisecting way between US Route 180 and US Route 89. Along the way, you'll see some of the area's most spectacular scenery from spots that are rarely trod upon by the average visitor. But remember, you'll be traveling some tough terrain, so be sure both you and your vehicle are up to the task. Contact the Flagstaff Visitor Center for more information.

Description:

Eight miles north of Flagstaff, at the end of a short spur road, the US Forest Service has marked over seventeen miles of cross-country ski trails for free visitor use. No mechanized grooming is provided but tracks are usually skied in reasonably soon after a storm. Though the trails follow gently rolling terrain for the most part, a few of them have enough gradient to add some zest. Powder-covered hillsides adjacent to the trails provide opportunities for practicing your telemark or finding a little additional downhill excitement. Both novice and experienced skiers will find plenty to enjoy at Wing Mountain.

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:

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.

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:

Don't be fooled by the quaint cottage facade: this University area restaurant specializes in upscale fine dining that may very well leave your taste buds singing. The Cottage Place is located in a bungalow-style home that dates back to 1909 and was converted into a restaurant in 1980. Since then, The Cottage Place has become a favorite date and dinner spot for Flagstaff locals and tourists who appreciate the Continental and Classic American menu, elegant and intimate atmosphere, and extensive wine list. The grilled herb salmon, charbroiled lamb chops, and almost anything off the dessert menu come highly recommended. This is the place locals choose for a reliably delicious fine dining in one of the most romantic settings in town.

Description:

Josephine's Modern American Bistro near downtown Flagstaff features an eclectic menu of Modern American fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Award-winning chef Tony Cosentino is known to vary the menu, but dishes here are reliably inventive and delicious no matter what time of year you visit. Try the Diablo Mac & Cheese, a gourmet take on a comfort food favorite. Salad-lover's will appreciate the wide selection of organic greens, including the popular Champagne Vinaigrette Salad. Lunch and dinner is served in a casual yet upscale setting inside a lovely Craftsman bungalow that is on the National Historic Register, and on warm evenings, the landscaped patio is ideal. An extensive wine and dessert menu round out the offerings at this foodie haven.