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
Tourism
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
Snowbowl Extends Season into April With Strategy, Snow and ‘Love of the Sport’
Arizona skiers found extra turns this spring as Arizona Snowbowl stretched its 2025-26 season to 140 days, pushing well into April through a combination of late-season storms and careful snow management. The resort opened Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, and operated daily through March 29, 2026, before extending four times in April. In a year marked by lower-than-normal snowfall and a record-breaking March heatwave that forced early closures at resorts from California to Colorado, Snowbowl’s … [Read more...] about Snowbowl Extends Season into April With Strategy, Snow and ‘Love of the Sport’
W.L. Gore & Associates Marks Milestone in I-40 Cleanup
Individuals at W. L. Gore & Associates have filled 1,200 bags with trash collected along a stretch of Interstate 40 near the company’s Kiltie Lane campus, marking a significant milestone in an ongoing highway cleanup effort. Since fall 2018, about 277 associates have contributed more than 2,200 volunteer hours to keep the corridor clean. Gore’s paid volunteer time program allows associates to participate during the workday in causes they care about while giving back to their … [Read more...] about W.L. Gore & Associates Marks Milestone in I-40 Cleanup
Delivering Generations of Service, Soda, Community Impact
From supplying local restaurants and retailers to supporting nonprofits and regional events, Nackard Pepsi has built a legacy rooted in family values, community connection and a commitment to quality that spans generations. The Founding Story Nackard Pepsi was founded in 1943 by Fred and Monica Nackard. “The original mission was to provide high quality products, hire the best people and always give back to the communities we do business in,” said Palmer Nackard, Fred and Monica’s grandson and … [Read more...] about Delivering Generations of Service, Soda, Community Impact
Looking Up for More than a Century
Combining research telescopes, interactive exhibits and historical tours, Lowell Observatory is a pioneer in American astronomy and a universal wonder. Its Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, which opened in November 2024, is a world-class attraction. The Founding Story Founded on May 28, 1894, by astronomer Percival Lowell, Lowell Observatory’s mission was twofold: to conduct cuttingedge astronomical research on the solar system and beyond, and to share the wonder of the universe … [Read more...] about Looking Up for More than a Century
Nurturing Creativity for All
For more than five decades, Theatrikos Theatre Company has enriched Flagstaff’s cultural landscape by nurturing engaging and innovative theatrical performances while creating space for local talent, audiences and arts education. The Founding Story “In 1972, Doris Harper-White and a group of her friends met in the basement of the Weatherford Hotel with the goal to create a vibrant, inclusive space where local talent could flourish and the performing arts could thrive,” said Executive Director … [Read more...] about Nurturing Creativity for All