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
Williams
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
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
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
A Wondrous Roadside Stop
About 53 miles north of Flagstaff, at the southern boundary of the Navajo Nation, travelers stop for gas, food, lodging and the famous Cameron Trading Post. The Founding Story Established in 1916, the trading post offers a vast variety of Native American arts and crafts, including rugs, pottery, blankets, jewelry, dolls, baskets and clothing. Brothers Hubert and C.D. Richardson claimed 112 acres on the south side of the Little Colorado River and built a shack to serve as a trading post. At … [Read more...] about A Wondrous Roadside Stop
Governor Recognizing Healthcare Worker Crisis with Proclamation
In response to concerns related to Arizona’s future, Governor Katie Hobbs declared this Wednesday Healthcare Workforce Wellbeing Day. A proclamation will be read on the house floor at 1:15 p.m. Arizona’s Wellbeing Collaborative will recognize Hobbs and several lawmakers at an event from 11-1:00 p.m. in the Arizona State Capitol, Basement Room. The state is facing a critical need to hire and retain healthcare workers. In 2025 and 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs proclaimed March 18 as Health … [Read more...] about Governor Recognizing Healthcare Worker Crisis with Proclamation
Major Excavation Clears Way for New Flagstaff RV Development
Nearly 18 million tons of red rock were excavated and repurposed within about a mile of historic downtown Flagstaff as part of the development of the new Flagstaff Mountain RV & Campground. The four-acre hospitality project sits below the southwest edge of McMillan Mesa along historic Route 66. 108 Excavating and Highland Excavating removed the material and reused it entirely on site, primarily for backfill supporting campground pads, road loops and landscaping. According to project … [Read more...] about Major Excavation Clears Way for New Flagstaff RV Development
Flagstaff Gears up to Celebrate One Hundred Years of Route 66
Flagstaff has much to celebrate this year. The nation’s birthday cake has 250 candles. It’s been 150 years since pioneers on July 4 raised the stars and stripes here on a stripped pine tree for the American centennial of 1876. Plus, don’t forget Winona and the Route 66 Centennial. The year-long Centennial will be celebrated across Arizona and seven other states the Mother Road bisected on the 2,448-mile road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. These celebrations include car rallies, street … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Gears up to Celebrate One Hundred Years of Route 66