Flagstaff Travel Guide, Arizona

North of Phoenix is the small college city of Flagstaff, a city that blends the charm of the Wild West and of the Route 66. It is a cosmopolitan city, with a diverse ethnic population, a city that strikes the visitor with its atmosphere and attractive places, but also with the unusual fact that the railroad still runs right through the middle of Flagstaff. This wipes out any doubt visitors might have when they are told the railroad was once the starting point for the town’s development.

It is an easy city to explore on foot as the main attractions, restaurants, bars and shops are within easy reach and close to the center which is a lively area. The historic part of downtown along Route 66, is especially interesting and one can imagine what it was like in the past as the area has undergone renovations and quite some landmarks were preserved. Among them there are the railroad, the old brick buildings and others.

As you walk through the area you will find plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs from the many shops along the street. You can choose from some of the works of local artisans that will remind you of the city’s past or something that will remind you of Arizona’s soil. If you are not a shopper downtown it’s still worth a stroll and the many cafés and bars offer a good opportunity to relax before continuing your visit.

Further from the center is an important attraction, the best museum in the state, the Museum of Northern Arizona that you shouldn't miss if your interest is art. The museum mounts art exhibits of a quality you'd expect in a museum in a major city. It exhibits pots and rugs and documents Native American life, but among its interests is encouraging the development of Native American craft workers’ traditional and new skills.

Still connected to history is the small archaeological site called Elden Pueblo that can be visited for free and maybe you appreciate it and think about giving the archeologists a hand. It could be quite fun and the thrill of finding an old piece will worth the effort.

You can go on exploring the countryside and north of the city, the magnificent San Francisco Peaks, rising smoothly from the plains. The area hosts three national monuments two ancient Indian ruins and a landscape of volcanic cinder cones. The area is much appreciated by those coming in summer as there are miles of trails where you can hike or ride your mountain bike, but those who are not into exercising can still enjoy it by taking a ride on the chairlift for a panoramic view. Those coming in winter can have some fun skiing.

About 20 miles north of Flagstaff is the Spirit Mountain Ranch home to six white buffalo. As its name suggests, the ranch hosts sacred animals as the white buffalo are considered by Native Americans. Close by is the 1.5-mile Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail along which you can see other animals just as beautiful like elk, pronghorn antelope, or mule deer.

Flagstaff events invite you to sample what this city loves, they will make your vacation happen and you'll come back for more. There’s everything from musical and theatrical groups to touring rock, folk, and country acts. There are many clubs featuring live acts and music. One of them is Charly's Pub & Grill a popular student hangout featuring live blues and rock throughout the week another one is Museum Club, dating 1900s and one of America's classic roadhouses.

The brewpubs are also an excellent place to spend your night and among the most frequented are the Street Brewery, the Flagstaff Brewing Co., and the Mogollon Brewing Co. They are sure to make your night happen.

Flagstaff is an ideal combination of a touristy city with a wide variety of accommodation, great outdoors at close reach with three national monuments and abundant outdoor recreation possibilities.