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
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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
An Experience of a Lifetime
As dawn breaks over the canyon walls, rafters unzip sleeping bags along the banks of the Colorado River, pull on jackets against the chill and follow the scent of fresh coffee to a riverside kitchen. The rush of whitewater echoes nearby. For thousands of adventurers since 1965, that scene has marked the beginning of a Grand Canyon journey with Arizona Raft Adventures. The Flagstaff-based, third-generation family company calculates its history from the first commercial passenger trips led by Lou … [Read more...] about An Experience of a Lifetime
From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
From amusement parks to national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection’s Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Stellmack’s career has taken him all over the nation, sometimes living in remote areas surrounded by nature where most people only get to visit. “My first job was working for Knott’s Berry Farm where I worked a variety of positions in human resources, health services, security and risk management, sales specialist, several management positions and was the operations manager,” he … [Read more...] about From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
A Must-Stop on Route 66: Gateway Sandwich Co. Draws Hungry Travelers to Williams
Launching their business with the goal of creating the most delicious and satisfying sandwiches, Gateway Sandwich Co. did even better by gulping up a spot on Yelp’s list of the Top 100 sandwich shops in the nation. The Williams family-run business opened its doors in 2020 with the simple idea of making the best fresh sandwiches using the finest locally sourced produce, with quality ingredients being key. “We had no idea of our rating until a customer came in and told us,” said Greg … [Read more...] about A Must-Stop on Route 66: Gateway Sandwich Co. Draws Hungry Travelers to Williams
North Rim in Flames: Region Reels from Loss and Heartbreak
With tired legs and cherished memories, Maraka Oltrogge, vice president of philanthropy at Northern Arizona Healthcare, spent the last night of her hiking trip with her dad and friends, basking in the beauty of the mixed conifer forest and camping just outside the National Park boundary on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At 11:15 p.m., Thursday, July 10, she was awakened by a bright light and an urgent message. “A Game and Fish officer introduced himself and kindly explained that we needed … [Read more...] about North Rim in Flames: Region Reels from Loss and Heartbreak
A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
Northern Arizona holds epic opportunity for outdoor adventure – hiking, biking, camping, rafting, skiing and more – it’s all possible here and all impossibly good. Born and raised in Flagstaff, Santo Manone spends his share of time out there. From family exploits to his current summer gig as a river guide for Grand Canyon Youth, Manone is usually either on or planning the next adventure. Yet, something else is on his mind, too. “I always had some sort of bag I used to carry all of my things,” … [Read more...] about A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
‘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
A Passion for the Outdoors, Adventure, Travel
From the base camp of Mt. Everest to the floor of the Grand Canyon, Helen Ranney is doing everything she can to have fun working, traveling and spending time with her husband, world-renowned geologist and author Wayne Ranney. In addition to her many roles as wife, mother of three adult children, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother, Helen has worked for Arizona Highways as sales manager and the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) as director of marketing and associate director of philanthropy. … [Read more...] about A Passion for the Outdoors, Adventure, Travel