One need not be a cinephile to know Hollywood loves Arizona. Producers, directors, actors and film crews have traveled a well-worn path to Arizona for a century to capture the natural beauty of the state’s spectacular landscapes. The film productions spotlight familiar Northern Arizona scenery with a healthy spinoff, bringing jobs and significant spending to Flagstaff. “Flagstaff rolls out the red carpet,” said P.J. Connolly, founder of Flagstaff-based Locations Southwest and Production … [Read more...] about Picture Perfect Scenery Draws Filmmakers to Northern Arizona
Tourism
Henry Taylor Marks 50 Years Since Saving the Weatherford Hotel From Demolition
The traveler, Milan Horacek, wandered the halls of the Weatherford Hotel, hungrily absorbing details of the historic building and filled with emotion about visiting the place where Western author Zane Grey stayed and wrote. Grey’s novels fed young Czech boys’ and girls’ imaginations with the spirit of freedom and tales of adventure in the wide-open West. “My country is crazy about the American West,” he said, noting that Grey’s books were available, even under Communist rule. “As a person who … [Read more...] about Henry Taylor Marks 50 Years Since Saving the Weatherford Hotel From Demolition
Original Artwork and Culinary Creations Celebrated at Palette to Palate
Janet Yazzie, who hails from a long line of weavers and sheepherders, represents the first generation of her Diné family to bring artwork to shows. At Coconino Community College’s 20th annual Palette to Palate, Yazzie, adorned in traditional turquoise and silver jewelry, was as comfortable painting on display as she was in the warmth of her family’s hogan as a child, surrounded by family and love. Drawing inspiration from her Native roots, Yazzie floods her canvases with vibrant contemporary … [Read more...] about Original Artwork and Culinary Creations Celebrated at Palette to Palate
Volunteers Cut, Split, Deliver Firewood to Tribal Communities
When the Kayenta and Black Mesa coal mines closed, many Hopi and Navajo families lost a key source of fuel for home heating. With coal no longer available, some turned to gathering firewood – an effort complicated by land-use restrictions and limited resources. On the Navajo Nation, firewood collection is often restricted to designated clan lands, and removing wood from another’s allotment is not tolerated. While some Hopi mesas have forested areas, wood is often scarce, and cutting live trees … [Read more...] about Volunteers Cut, Split, Deliver Firewood to Tribal Communities
Wine, Food, Festivities to Flow at Verde Valley Wine Festival
Wine lovers and festivalgoers will once again flock to Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park this spring as the Verde Valley Wine Festival makes its highly anticipated return 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 10. Now in its seventh year, the popular event will bring together more than 20 wineries from across the Verde Valley and beyond. Attendees can sip their way through some of Arizona’s finest wine selections while enjoying craft beer, spirits, food from local eateries, live music and artisan shopping … [Read more...] about Wine, Food, Festivities to Flow at Verde Valley Wine Festival
Seven Surprising Ways Tourism Benefits Everyone in Flagstaff
National Travel and Tourism Week is May 4-10, giving communities the opportunity to reflect on the important role visitation plays across the country. In Flagstaff, the celebration is nuanced, with the city celebrating National Travel and Eco-Tourism, which is a hat-tip to this high-elevation mountain community’s commitment to responsible visitation. With approximately five million visitors to the city annually, travel is vital to Flagstaff and serves as the foundation for the city’s … [Read more...] about Seven Surprising Ways Tourism Benefits Everyone in Flagstaff
All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Future passengers on Grand Canyon Railway will arrive at the South Rim with little fanfare or noise, as a battery-powered electric locomotive is added to the fleet. The Williams-based railway announced in late 2024 that it was awarded a $3.4 million federal grant to convert one of its diesel locomotives to a zero-emission battery-electric locomotive. Xanterra, the parent company of GCR, will pay 20% of the conversion cost under the U.S. Department of Transportation grant agreement. “This … [Read more...] about All Aboard for Sustainability: Grand Canyon Railway to Debut Battery-Powered Train in 2027
Kickstand Kafé Introduces Coffee-Inspired Happy Hour in Downtown Flagstaff
Kickstand Kafé, a longtime local hangout for Flagstaff’s coffee lovers, is now offering a fresh reason to linger a little longer in the afternoons: a new happy hour menu featuring coffee-inspired cocktails, local brews and a variety of small bites. The expansion comes on the heels of the café receiving its liquor license last October, with happy hour launching around the holidays. Co-owner Catherine Chabot said the new offerings are a response to customer feedback and an effort to boost … [Read more...] about Kickstand Kafé Introduces Coffee-Inspired Happy Hour in Downtown Flagstaff
Paws 4 Hope Fundraising Event for Cancer Patients Offers Pet-Friendly Fun
Cancer Support Community Arizona is hosting its annual Paws 4 Hope charity event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at Bushmaster Park in Flagstaff. The fun-filled, free community festival, presented by Purina and Warner’s Nursery, is designed to bring together pet lovers, their furry companions and the community for a day of fitness, fun and fundraising, all to support Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona. Cancer Support Community Arizona uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by … [Read more...] about Paws 4 Hope Fundraising Event for Cancer Patients Offers Pet-Friendly Fun
Flagstaff Celebrates International Dark Sky Week with Stargazing, Music, Commemorative Brew
Mars and Jupiter are set to shine during International Dark Sky Week in Flagstaff, the world’s first and largest International Dark Sky City, with a full week of events, April 21-27. Organized by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition (FDSC) and its partners, the celebration highlights the region’s commitment to preserving natural night skies through nightly stargazing events, the arts and community gatherings. As a warm-up to the official week, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is offering a … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Celebrates International Dark Sky Week with Stargazing, Music, Commemorative Brew
