“The first excursion train of the Verde Canyon Railroad rolled out of the Clarkdale depot on November 23, 1990. It carried neither freight nor ore, only people. They were not seeking a better way of life but the beauty of a wild river-carved canyon where eagles nest among high cliffs and wind makes music in the cottonwoods.” Those words, penned by Verde Canyon Railroad owner Linda Durbano in her 500-page book, “Tracking Down the Past,” offer a window into the richly detailed chronicle of … [Read more...] about Tracks Through Time: Verde Canyon Railroad Showcases History and Scenery
Tourism
Navajo Craft Soda: Pop Top, Fizz, Fizz
Refrigerators in modern convenience stores and travel centers have wall-to-wall beverage options. But few if any of them have their own craft sodas brewed in an on-site bottling room. That’s one of the things that makes the Navajo Blue Travel Plaza unique. It bottles eight flavors of Navajo Fizz Craft Soda. Pop the top on a refreshing Pinon Nut Root Beer, Sumac Strawberry or Cherry Lemongrass soda, the three most popular flavors, and enjoy the fizz. How about Peaches and Cream, Navajo … [Read more...] about Navajo Craft Soda: Pop Top, Fizz, Fizz
Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass Pumps $15.8 Million into Northern Arizona Economy
Clods of freshly broken ground and the steady beep-beep of trucks backing up signal progress on the Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass, now under construction on I-17, approximately 15 miles south of Flagstaff. The multi-million project, designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and restore habitat connectivity, is also injecting new energy – and dollars – into the Northern Arizona economy. “This project will pump $15.8 million into the Northern Arizona economy, between wages, material … [Read more...] about Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass Pumps $15.8 Million into Northern Arizona Economy
Local Brewers Boost Flagstaff as ‘Craft Beer City’
Flagstaff’s Lumberyard Brewing Co. recently toasted its success after winning a silver award at the 2025 World Beer Cup competition in Indianapolis. Lumberyard was recognized in May for its Railhead Red in the Extra Special Bitter Beer category. Railhead Red is known for its rich, red color with moderate hops and a full-bodied flavor. The name pays homage to Flagstaff’s railroad history. “We take immense pride in this recognition and are proud to represent Flagstaff and Arizona,” said Gene … [Read more...] about Local Brewers Boost Flagstaff as ‘Craft Beer City’
‘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
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
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
Retro Trailer Court Adds Prescott Lodging Option
In the Old West, they circled the wagons at night on pioneer trails. In Prescott, a family business has circled comfy travel trailers for overnight stays. It’s a new twist on trailer courts and vacation rentals that captures the spirit and freedom of the American road for today’s travelers. This retro camp is called Air Village, with 10 restored Avion trailers in a park-like setting along Granite Creek. It’s a block from rowdy Whiskey Row, the Courthouse Plaza and set just off Montezuma … [Read more...] about Retro Trailer Court Adds Prescott Lodging Option
‘Hoppy’ Holidays: Downtown Flagstaff Lights Up with Window Decorating Contest
Downtown Flagstaff businesses are decking the halls – and their windows – with festive flair this holiday season as they compete in the annual Downtown Flagstaff Window Decorating Contest. From beer-themed puns to tastefully designed winter wonderlands, the historic district has become a dazzling show of creativity and holiday cheer. Beaver Street Brewery has embraced the season with its playful “Hoppy Holidays” scene with multi-colored Christmas trees, while Lumberyard Brewing Company’s window … [Read more...] about ‘Hoppy’ Holidays: Downtown Flagstaff Lights Up with Window Decorating Contest
