Enjoy Flagstaff

28/01/2022

New Video!! Watch, comment, like, subscribe 😎☀️❄️💚

There are so many things to love about living in Flagstaff, Arizona, but there are also some things you may not love as much! In this video I explore my top ...

24/01/2022

Arizona skies never fail. They are always brilliant, but it’s always special when the clouds do this. 💙🌤🌅

23/01/2022

Palatki Ruins in . My favorite is the shield on the right. Who knows what it represents?! Oh to transport back in time and learn the answer from the people that lived here.
Have you been here? What do you think this pictograph represents? What’s your favorite pictograph or in the ?

08/01/2022

From the transition from to is incredibly unique. Today, we are heading to Sedona for a bit of outdoor fun and wanted to share this photo of the San Francisco Peaks from the summit of Bear Mountain. Beautiful.

07/01/2022

Discover the early history of through Flagstaff, AZ and beyond! https://youtu.be/otdNTRwerkU

02/01/2022

Some more & history in the news!

“The third-biggest story in 1946 was highway 66 paving. The Arizona Highway Commission awarded bids for the construction of a stretch of new paved highway extending from Flagstaff 11 miles east to Winona.” - AZ

That would mean 20 years unpaved through Flagstaff. If you haven’t yet, head on over to the Enjoy YouTube Flagstaff page and watch our history on Route 66. 😀🚘🛣

100 years ago

01/01/2022

Celebrate the New Year with a new video! here we come: https://youtu.be/otdNTRwerkU

What’s one if your favorite Route 66 memories?

As always, keep exploring my friends!

Historic Route 66 at it's prime was one of the most traveled and loved roads in the United States! The roots of the mother road, old route 66, highway 66, US...

31/12/2021

Two Norwegian brothers, Ole and Pete Solberg, have been credited with introducing the sport of skiing to Flagstaff during the winter of 1914/1915. Ole had followed Pete to Flagstaff in 1914 to work for the Riordan-run Arizona Lumber & Timber Co.

In the early 20th century residents skied, sledded, and skated wherever they could. On big snow days the town closed down Leroux Street and thrill seekers flew down Nob Hill to Cherry Street. The more adventurous sped down the 300-foot slope of Observatory Mesa and ice skaters floated on stock tanks and across the glassy surface of Lake Mary in later years.

The more industrious skiers, and everyone in the early days, made their own skis out of hickory or other woods. Later, others opted to purchase their skis out of the Sears, Roebuck, & Co. or J.C. Penney catalogs.

Ole and Pete built a ski jump on Mars Hill to hold exhibitions and for a time there is also said to have been a ski jump and a hut on Sheep's Hill in east Flag. Skiing moved to the flanks of the San Francisco Peaks in 1938 when the first run was built on Hart Prairie. Of course, this would later develop into the Arizona Snowbowl.

Who is planning on taking advantage of today's snow with a bit of outdoor play? Stay warm out there my friends, and most importantly, have fun!

Photo: 1959 Lumberjack article feature Ole Solberg.

❄️❄️⛷⛷🏂🏂

29/12/2021

Morning friends! It’s is a gorgeous snowy morning here in Flagstaff, AZ. On this beautiful day I share our first video in 3 years!! It’s. Welcome back and introduction to what’s next. Head on over and watch.

https://youtu.be/iOTVliBcpmY

So - tell me, what videos do you want to see as we begin again on Enjoy Flagstaff?

Keep exploring my friends, see you soon!

(I’m off to shovel)

Can you believe it has been just over three years since the last video on Enjoy Flagstaff? Life has had a way of staying too busy for the passion project tha...

12/09/2021

Wonderful story!

08/10/2020

25/04/2020

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Plus a way to make a difference in our community? Enjoy a self-guided historical tour with the whole family for only $9.95 and $5 of your purchase with go to local nonprofit. We will announce the donations at the end of each month!

Visit: enjoyflagstaff.com

Can’t afford a tour, but want to experience Flagstaff history? Email us and we’ll help you access for free.

19/04/2020

Dear Beloved Flagstaff -

During these difficult times, we would like to share the gift of exploring Flagstaff history at a discounted price while supporting our community. Our driving and downtown self-guided tours are just $9.95 – only one purchase per group needed – and for each purchase $5 will be donated to local non-profits. You can either enjoy each tour from the safety of your own home, vehicle, or by social distancing around downtown. If you cannot afford a tour please email us, we will help you and your family explore for free.

Walking Tour: https://enjoyflagstaff.com/shop/self-guided-downtown-flagstaff-walking-tour/

Driving Tour: https://enjoyflagstaff.com/shop/self-guided-flagstaff-beginnings-city-tour/

Our downtown tour can especially be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home as each stop is accompanied by a video. Not in Flagstaff, but want to support our community? You can enjoy this tour anywhere in the world! The driving tour, however, allows for maximum social distancing. You can feel free to stop at each location and walk around a bit as well.

Please LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT with the local non-profit you feel is making a big difference during this time. We ❤️ you all.

19/07/2019

Where were you when the first man walked on the moon?

Tomorrow, July 20th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, and Flagstaff played a huge role in making this happen. Among the notables were: Lowell Observatory's help in mapping the moon, spacesuit and rover training for the astronauts, geology studies here and at Grand Canyon, and so much more! Here's some photos to enjoy (courtesy USGS).

If you are in Flagstaff, be sure to attend one or many of the wonderful happenings around town!!

10/07/2019

Pop Quiz! On what historic day did the very first train roll through the brand new town of Flagstaff?
Bonus Q: What happened just outside of Flagstaff earlier that year that resulted in the delay of the construction of the railroad for 6 months and also led to the railroad building a depot here?

09/07/2019

Who’s been here?! ✋🏽✋🏽

Elden Pueblo was occupied primarily through the latter period of the Sinagua tenure in and around what is today flagstaff, circa 1150-1300AD. Though some earlier occupation is evident.

The ruins saw two ‘renovations’ in the 20th century, first in the 20’s then in the 70’s/80’s, however much of this work was done under inaccurate information. Today archaeologists and volunteers not only strive to learn more about the site and the culture, but to remove some of these old ‘improvements’ and reveal the true structures underneath.

It is free to visit the Pueblo and visitors can pick up a self guided tour on site. The walk to and around the site is only a couple hundred yards, but there is much to learn in such a short distance!

08/07/2019

These tall grasses, today a cool place for a rest on a hot hike, were the draw to Flagstaff’s first white settlers. Starting with Thomas McMillan in May 1876 followed by dozens more over the span of a couple years. Ranching, sheep and cattle, remained one of Flagstaff’s most prosperous industries. In fact, it is still present today.

Learn more about Flagstaff early days on a walking or driving tour ❤️ https://enjoyflagstaff.com - promo code ENJOY5 for $5 off per guest.

01/07/2019

Macy’s is a long time favorite coffee shop and restaurant of Flagstaff locals. It is located south of the tracks in ... what’s your favorite Flagstaff coffee?!

30/06/2019

Gosh this town is beautiful! 🧡🧡💚💚

27/06/2019

Rusty sure likes summertime in Flagstaff! How about you? ☀️⛈☀️

25/06/2019

While exploring off Lake Mary Road this weekend we discovered what appears to be an old cinder mine on the flank of a volcano, one long since taken back by Mother Nature. The area was littered with cans, tools, and this cool rusty bucket. The mine is now, in turn, being taken back by the Earth.
Have you inadvertently rediscovered any history while exploring lately? Tell us in the comments!

22/06/2019

John Wesley Powell. Right now, 150 year ago exactly, him and his crew were towards the tail end of their benchmark expedition down the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. But did you know that JW Powell also spend a good amount of time Flagstaff?

Powell was known to be friends with the Riordan family here in Flagstaff. It’s even said he golfed with them on their 9 hole (really only 3 holes played 3 times) golf course. It might’ve been hard with one hand, but we know that never held him back.

JW Powell is also attributed with the naming of the youngest volcanic structure in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Sunset Crater, just outside of town. He was studying the crater and the area on a USGS expedition, and he noted the red and yellow tints on the craters rim. In his notes he named it Sunset Peak.

Do you know of any other JW Powell/Flagstaff connections? Tell us in the comments!

22/06/2019

Happy Summer Solstice from us to you! Flagstaff sure is looking beautiful right now. How will you get out and enjoy Flagstaff this weekend?

18/06/2019

The year 1926 was prosperous for Flagstaff! It was post WWI, pre-depression, and fully in the heart of the Roaring 20’s.

Among the grand openings of 1926 were those of The Monte Vista Hotel, The Tourist Home (that we saw yesterday), and the Santa Fe Depot pictured here. The paving of Route 66 was also completed through town during this year of growth.

Soon, the depression would slow things down just a bit for Flagstaff. But 1926 truly was a beginning for our mountain town, and a half century of success followed. 👍 or ❤️ if you love these 1920’s buildings!

Spread the word! Please like, comment and share with your friends

17/06/2019

This odd feature, tucked away behind The Annex and The Tourist Home in the heart of Flag’s Southside, is the remnant of a Pelota Fonton. A Basque Handball court.

This court along with The Tourist Home building were constructed by Isabelle Garcia and her son Jesus in 1926. The front building was used as a boarding home for Basque sheep herders and the Moenkopi Sandstone court was used for their unique recreation.

It’s not known exactly what year the original tourist home closed, but the building sat empty for at least 4 decades. When the dilapidated structure, that caught the eyes and imaginations of passerby, was finally purchased and renovated into what we see today.

Happy Monday, Friends!

13/06/2019

It’s almost summer and it sure is 🐝- utiful here in 😝...

12/06/2019

LuLu got hitched! We’ve been on a hiatus for a very special event. LuLu and her now hubby had a beautiful wedding at the Flagstaff Pioneer Museum. ❤️❤️

But, we’re back! Join us for walking and driving tours almost every weekend. Now through September. Space is limited so advance booking is required. Enjoyflagstaff.com

See you soon!

28/05/2019

Happy Anniversary, Lowell! Cheers to 125 more years of exploration from the dark skies of Flagstaff. 🌟💛🌟

AND SO IT BEGINS

125 years ago -on May 28, 1894- Bostonian Percival Lowell steps off the train in the frontier town of Flagstaff, Arizona, and officially opens his astronomical research facility. His goal is to unveil the mysteries of the universe and share his scientific results with the world.

Since then, a new planet, first evidence that the universe is expanding, hundreds of new asteroids and comets, some of the world’s most powerful telescopes exploring the outer reaches of space, and millions of visitors awed by the wonder of the cosmos.

Mission accomplished, Uncle Percy. May the next 125 years continue building on your legacy.