I would like to recommend visiting the town of Flagstaff. It is one of those small towns that rarely get noticed because it is just a pass through for visitors on their way to the Grand Canyon.

For those who visit the state of Arizona, you may just wheel right through the main streets and not notice the beautiful Northern Arizona University campus, the turn off to Snow Bowl Ski Resort, or even the quaint coffee and bagel shops in the downtown area. Flagstaff is known by most in Arizona to be the heart of mom and pop storefronts – some of which have been owned for generations.

Flagstaff became a town in 1894 and incorporated as a city in 1928. It rests at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and is surrounded by one of the largest pine forests on earth. A very tall pine tree was made into a flagpole in 1876 to celebrate our nation’s centennial. This is how Flagstaff got its name. At 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is also one of the highest elevation cities in the United States.

I recommend taking the time to experience Flagstaff when you pass through on your way to see the Grand Canyon!

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