As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, communities across the country are reflecting on the highway’s cultural legacy. In Flagstaff, that means a new generation of businesses is keeping the spirit of the Mother Road alive, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Take it Easy in a Retro Revival After several years of renovations that kicked off slowly during the COVID pandemic, the iconic Whispering Winds Motor Hotel along Route 66 is set to reopen later this month. Newly designated as a … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Businesses Lean into the Sweet Nostalgia of Route 66
Sedona
Suzy Bean Offers a Market Built on Local Connections, Healthy Living
A welcoming surprise in Sedona has nothing to do with the majestic red rocks, but a locally owned natural foods store that depends primarily on Northern Arizona suppliers and offers an array of specialized products. “Our emphasis is buying from small, local vendors as much as possible,” said Interdependence Foods owner Suzy Bean. “We also stock products not found at bigger stores such as our raw herbal and flower infused botanical vinegars that are grown in South Africa. They are alkalizing to … [Read more...] about Suzy Bean Offers a Market Built on Local Connections, Healthy Living
Beyond the Grand Canyon: Adventure Across Northern Arizona Fuels the Economy
Northern Arizona’s reputation as an adventure destination often begins – and ends – with Grand Canyon National Park. But across the region, a network of places offers experiences that are more varied, more accessible and, in many cases, more personal. Together, they form a landscape where visitors don’t just pass through – they stay, explore and often extend their time in Flagstaff. In Flagstaff alone, tourism generates more than half a billion dollars annually and supports nearly 8,000 jobs, … [Read more...] about Beyond the Grand Canyon: Adventure Across Northern Arizona Fuels the Economy
Historic Steam Engines Fired Up for Busy Season
The arriving whistles and chuffing sounds of the Grand Canyon Railway Steam Train bring excitement to listening ears as it enters the South Rim depot. “The Grand Canyon Railway steam train is one of those truly special experiences that captures everything people love about the American West,” said Xanterra President and CEO Andrew Todd. “This year we're celebrating an incredible milestone—125 years since that first train pulled into the Grand Canyon South Rim depot on Sept. 17, 1901. We're … [Read more...] about Historic Steam Engines Fired Up for Busy Season
No roughing it at The Outpost Grand Canyon
To camp or glamp. That is the question. Glamorous camping or glamping has opened up options for travelers who like campfires and stargazing but want to sleep in a comfy bed with other amenities and comfort far beyond a sleeping bag on a foam mat. The Outpost at Grand Canyon might be the answer. The Outpost has a dozen Airstream trailers, ranging in size from a 19-foot Bambi to much larger models that sleep up to six guests. All have their own private hot tub. Wood fencing provides some privacy … [Read more...] about No roughing it at The Outpost Grand Canyon
A Tough Nut, A Growing Business
Since the first pecan crop was planted in 1927, the proliferation of pecan trees in Camp Verde has generated a pecan festival, a stretch of highway called Pecan Lane and a love for this nutritious nut. Pecan trees cover an estimated 200 acres in Camp Verde and according to Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director Christian Green, Camp Verde produces roughly 300,000 pounds of pecans annually. “From my research, I’ve found that for every pound of pecans (in-shell) there are approximately … [Read more...] about A Tough Nut, A Growing Business
Heartland Ranch to Host Fundraising Event to Help Children Who Have Been Trafficked
Heartland Ranch works to help children who have suffered from trafficking and abuse. Currently, the nonprofit organization is calling on the community for support in the form of event sponsors, donations for live and silent auctions and table sponsors as it plans the 2nd Annual Hope for Little Hearts Fundraiser, 4-8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Heartland Ranch in Mayer. Heartland Ranch is a sanctuary dedicated to restoring safety, dignity and hope for children who have endured unimaginable … [Read more...] about Heartland Ranch to Host Fundraising Event to Help Children Who Have Been Trafficked
Arizona Traveling Museum Visiting Flagstaff
The Arizona Traveling Museum commemorating America’s 250th anniversary will stop in Flagstaff from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday, April 6, at the Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E. Route 66. The event, presented by the Arizona America250 Commission, is free and open to the public. The mobile tour of all 15 Arizona counties began Feb. 14 in Prescott. The Arizona Traveling Museum is designed to generate enthusiasm and civic pride in celebration of the 250th milestone, bringing history, storytelling and … [Read more...] about Arizona Traveling Museum Visiting Flagstaff
A Return to the Rim
When Fabienne Swann’s grandfather accepted a position at the Grand Canyon as an engineer for Fred Harvey in the early 1960s, it was a move that eventually stirred interest in the family to purchase property on the outskirts of this world-renowned chasm. The private land on the southwestern outskirts of the Grand Canyon has been in the family for more than 50 years and was home to Fabienne until she was 18. She attended Grand Canyon School and enjoyed life around the South Rim village. After … [Read more...] about A Return to the Rim
Uncorking History in Cornville
Entering his third decade of winemaking, Eric Glomski, founder of Page Springs Vineyards and Cellars, has partnered with his long-time friend Robert Leopardi to establish an exclusive corkscrew museum located at his winery. The Wineleopard Corkscrew Gallery is an impressive and dramatic display of corkscrews from all around the globe and from just about every era. Highlighted in groups of collections with descriptive notations and elusive tales, some corkscrews date back to the 1700s. “There … [Read more...] about Uncorking History in Cornville