Flagstaff

Immerse yourself in the college atmosphere of laid-back Flagstaff. Visiting Flagstaff is perfect for getting outside and exploring historic sites. The city is equally well-known for recharging at local festivals and breweries.

Discover the history of Flagstaff

Abutting Northern Arizona University, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park features a 1904 Arts and Crafts home owned by the Riordan brothers, from a prominent Arizona logging family. Flagstaff is the world’s first international dark sky community — and home to Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered — which makes it ideal for exploring the night sky. Another otherworldly sight to see in Flagstaff is the cinder cone at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which shook the earth around 1085. Before the volcano erupted, native Sinagua people lived there, but after their farmland was buried, some of them moved to nearby Walnut Canyon and Wupatki, where visitors can view cliff dwellings and ancient pueblos. Sinagua descendants, including Arizona’s Hopi and Zuni tribes, are represented at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Fresh-air fun

Arizona Snowbowl, a ski resort north of the city, offers both downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding in winter months and family-friendly activities in the summer. Closer to town, the Flagstaff Urban Trail System traverses more than 50 miles along nonmotorized shared-use pathways. Zipline, climb nets and balance on suspended bridges at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, or meander around The Arboretum at Flagstaff, which sits on 200 acres within Coconino National Forest.

Mark your calendar

For music and tunes in autumn, join the fun at Pickin’ in the Pines for bluegrass music and Oktoberfest for beer, brats and polka. The monthly First Friday ArtWalk is when Flagstaff galleries, restaurants and businesses stay open late for special exhibits, performances and live music. In December, journey through Santa’s workshop at the North Pole Experience and ring in the New Year at the historic Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop.

Raise a glass

In Flagstaff, February is officially known as “Craft Beer Month.” Look for new flavors and events around town, but of course you can sample the suds from local brew pubs any time of year. Download the Flagstaff Brewery Trail passport, and once it’s filled with stamps, receive a free pint glass. Come summer, enjoy Flag’s 80-degree weather and the annual Blues & Brews event, with live music and kegs of the good stuff.

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