Great Reasons to Travel to Flagstaff AZ

I love to visit Flagstaff, both for business and pleasure. Read on and discover why I think this place is so happening and a travel destination to consider for your next trip.

I'm Delighted Crystal Magic in Flagstaff Now Sells Colors of Joy!

Flagstaff, AZ (elevation 7,000 ft.) is in northern Arizona and is the gateway to the highest mountain in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak (12,633 feet). Flag is an hour and a half drive to the Grand Canyon and on the way to the Four Corners region, the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and spectacular scenery in every direction. This small city of 68,000 people is a haven for outdoor types, foodies, college students, couch potatoes, coffee or micro-brewery devotees, and everyone in between.

Crystal Magic in Flagstaff is at the corner of N. San Francisco St. and Route 66

I traveled to Flagstaff primarily to open new markets for the woman's self-care journal, Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss. 

I was happy to learn that the weekend I was there coincided with the annual Folk Festival. This special event takes place among the beautiful ponderosa pines on the grounds of the Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum.

Some of the best folk and acoustic music in Arizona is performed during this festival, with over 100 acts on five stages, workshops, jams, and food.

An overcast sky and temps in the mid-80's, seemed like an ideal time to take a break from work and to visit the festival. As I sat on a bench, and inhaled the soothing aroma of the pine forest, I joined into the party at the Flagstaff Folk Festival 2017.

Before I go any further, I'll explain that the Flagstaff Railroad Station (on Route 66) is at the heart of this city. Of all the railroad stations I've seen in Northern AZ, the Flagstaff Railroad Station is tops. Freight trains whiz by often, and bench-sitting and people-watching are relaxing pastimes after time spent prospecting for book business on N. San Francisco Street. It’s fun to observe who gets on or off the Amtrak train, after it pulls into the station. Get sightseeing information and coupons at the Flagstaff Visitor Center in the railroad station building and see Route 66 railroad addition and historic district in Flagstaff.

Me Across the Street from the RR Station in Flag

Shops, bookstores, restaurants, government buildings, and a hotel or two line the streets and alleys in downtown Flagstaff. Visitors and locals enjoy the convenience and pleasure of local shopping, and take advantage of various work and play opportunities, dining, and entertainment diversions found in this area. 

One shop made me reminisce about days gone by, as I spotted the candy shop window with its' jelly apple display. Another made me smile as I admired the craftsmanship of artists with items displayed in the Artists’ Gallery (A Contemporary Fine Art and Craft Cooperative) window. Other shops carry handmade and one-of-a-kind merchandise too. Of those shops I sampled, I found that each proprietor and his or her staff go out of their way to be helpful. Isn't that a switch from Internet or big box store shopping?

After I picked up my morning coffee, I went walking in Flagstaff and saw this.

Two popular sights in Flagstaff are the Lowell Observatory and the new Flagstaff Movie Theater at 4751 E. on Marketplace Drive - Just East of Flagstaff Mall. 

Since there was a monsoon one of the nights we were there, we were rained out of an observatory trip and chose to go to a riveting movie, "Beatriz at Dinner” instead. I recommend this film, starring Selma Hayek. She gives what I felt was an Academy Award Performance. The rest of the cast is excellent too. I don't care for how the picture ended, but life and art can be that way at times.

This is the sixth or seventh time I've been to Flagstaff, and I like to stay at different hotels each time. If you’re a light sleeper, even though most hotels are sound proof, I suggest you book accommodations that are away from the station. The trains speed by 24-7 and do make vibrations.

There are ample accommodations for every category room, except for an ultra-deluxe hotel chain. Flagstaff does have RV parks, campgrounds, B and B’s, and rentals galore. It's smack in the middle of the Coconino Recreation Camping and Cabins Grounds.

Summertime is peak season to vacation in Flagstaff, as people from neighboring desert climes like Phoenix at 115° F and Las Vegas at 111° F, come here to cool off. Many activities go on during each weekend. While I was there, it was also orientation weekend for NAU and Pride Weekend. 

Reserve your room early and plan ahead. This small city is a magnet for tourists and business people, as its’ at the intersection of US Interstate 40 and US Interstate 17, making it a hub for transport in the Northern Arizona area. For additional restaurant, lodging, and tips for travelers see this.

It was good to see many bicycle riders and eco-friendly buses there. For those who are interested in public transportation, here’s a link for Bus Information and one for Amtrak Information.

Electric Bus with Drury Inn in Background

When you travel to Flagstaff, take time to enjoy the sights, scenic views, and mild summer temperatures as you work and play in this laid-back northern Arizona city.

If you're not traveling to Flagstaff soon to get a copy  of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss at the Crystal Magic Shop, please pick up your copy of Colors of Joy right now from My Website, These Fine Shops, or on Amazon Books.  

Journal writing is a fun way to improve your relationship with yourself and others and free the joy inside.

Have you ever traveled to Flagstaff? Did you enjoy my travelogue? I welcome comments in the section below. If you're new to commenting, please don't forget to click the publish button, after you enter your comment in th space provided below.

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