Following the rise in popularity of short-term rentals, communities across Yavapai County have targeted various legislative policies to restrict and limit the use of private property for short-term vacation rental purposes. In early May, the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS presented the results of an Economic Impact Study on Short Term Rentals (STRs) in Yavapai County. The purpose of the study, commissioned by the Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS, examines the impact of STRs on … [Read more...] about Study Shows Short-Term Rentals Boost Yavapai County Economy
Tourism
‘A Walk in the Park’ with Bestselling Author Kevin Fedarko
Sharing stories and insights from his latest book, “A Walk in the Park,” New York Times bestselling author and outdoor adventurer Kevin Fedarko captivated the audience at the Grand Canyon Visitor Theater in late April, during an event hosted by the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC). “A Walk in The Park” is an authentically personal account of Fedarko’s challenging and at times brutal 750-mile hike through the Grand Canyon with award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Peter … [Read more...] about ‘A Walk in the Park’ with Bestselling Author Kevin Fedarko
Banking on the Grand Canyon
Businesspeople, residents and local leaders gathered in Tusayan, Wednesday, May 21, to discuss the return of banking services to the Grand Canyon. Pinnacle Bank Regional President Greg Behn and other bank representatives hosted the gathering to explore banking options with the community, including opening a branch in the rural town near the South Rim and installing ATM Live services, which would allow customers to speak with a teller virtually. The initiative aims to improve financial … [Read more...] about Banking on the Grand Canyon
Taawaiki Inn Welcomes Guests Into the Heart of Hopi Culture
Set against the vast backdrop of the high desert, Taawaiki Inn offers more than just a place to rest – it invites guests into the living traditions of the Hopi people. From the architecture and decor to future plans for cultural demonstrations and guided hikes, the inn offers a rare opportunity for visitors to experience Hopi culture in an intimate, authentic way. “Taawaiki” means “sunhouse” in the Hopi language, and the inn – adorned with Hopi artwork and built on land tied to historical … [Read more...] about Taawaiki Inn Welcomes Guests Into the Heart of Hopi Culture
A Desert Jewel in Fitness
What began as a childhood diagnosis turned into a lifelong calling for Cristy LeBlanc Rose. Prescribed exercise at age 5 to manage scoliosis, she discovered early on the transformative power of movement – a discovery that would one day inspire a thriving fitness community in Cottonwood. “I had to do these exercises every day and eventually they helped me. I kept them up until I was a teenager, and it was then that my friends and I would do Jane Fonda workout videos every day after … [Read more...] about A Desert Jewel in Fitness
The Bit Maker of Camp Verde Earns Worldwide Respect
Communication between a horse and its rider can be a challenge, but Flagstaff native Greg Scott has found a way that not only eases that barrier but has charmed clients across the nation. Although horse bits and spurs may not mean much to the average person, to an equestrian, it can make a big difference in controlling their horse. And Custom Handcrafter Bits and Rasp Spurs owner Greg Scott has horse riders from all over impressed with his craft. “The primary purpose of a horse bit is to … [Read more...] about The Bit Maker of Camp Verde Earns Worldwide Respect
Picture Perfect Scenery Draws Filmmakers to Northern Arizona
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
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
