Northern Arizona offers escape from heat, adventures for the entire family each summer

There is nothing like the Valley this time of the year.

We kid. We kid.

Ever consider escaping to Flagstaff during the dog days of summer? While 110-plus here nearly daily, up north the temperatures rarely exceed the 80s, and in the evenings, there is even a cool breeze. And while the Ponderosa pine tree-covered region is best-known for its winter adventures, there are more seasonal options for fun, exploration, and epicurean expedition up north right now than ever before.

Where to eat

Flagstaff is one of the sneaky-best culinary cities in the Southwest. Just last year, Rochelle Daniel — beloved in the Valley for her work at Zinc Bistro and Fat Ox — was nominated for a James Beard award for her eatery in downtown Flagstaff, Atria. Opened in 2021, the fine dining concept of the highest caliber boasts a Modern American menu but with global influences.

There are even some foraged ingredients. If visiting for the first time, splurge on Daniel’s eight-course tasting menu, which is a dizzyingly delightful combination of clever plating, whimsy, big flavors, and perfect wine or cocktail pairings.

Atria Mole Mussels (Courtesy Debby Wolvos)

Not to be outdone, in 2022, THAT Place Projects — a homegrown group of eateries and bars in the area that includes the beloved Tinderbox Kitchen, Annex, and Tourist Home All Day Café — launched Teatro Italian Food & Wine just a block or so from Atria. Over-delivering on even their lofty promises of bringing authentic northern Italian recipes, handmade pastas, caviar service and a steak menu that would make even a New York restaurant jealous, Teatro is taking the entire state by storm. Atria and Teatro are joined by a host of fellow fine dining options as well, notably Shift Kitchen and Bar, Pizzicletta, Brix Restaurant, Silver Pine Restaurant, and Josephine’s.

Nightcap? Flagstaff has couples covered there as well.

Consider Oneo Wine Lounge, also downtown, which allows guests to explore local, regional, and exotic beers and wines in an intimate environment. There is also FLG Terroir. This wine bar and bistro, which is hidden by design on the second floor of a historic building, excels at indulgent desserts and old-world wines. Grand Canyon Brewing Company is another must as it offers a slate of local craft beers as well as a full line-up of distilled Arizona spirits for samples, and any trip should include at least one visit to Flagstaff Chocolate Company or Sweet Shoppe Candy Store to sample sweets with the sweeties.

What to do

Each summer, Arizona Snowbowl offers scenic gondola rides that soar more than 11,000 feet in the air, allowing for bird’s eye views of Sedona’s Red Rocks, the cinder cone volcanic field, and — weather permitting — the Grand Canyon.

There are also several national monuments directly in or just a short drive from the area in Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. Looking to visit all three? Invest in a Flagstaff Area National Monuments Pass, which costs $45 for the entire year and allows access of one vehicle to all three monuments.

If up for something a little more outside-of-the-box, consider a self-guided Haunted Flagstaff Walking Tour, which is free to download from Discover Flagstaff. Those looking for a guide are also in luck thanks to Freaky Foot Tours. The aptly named entity offers private, custom offerings as well as four regular tour options most days of the week.

Another outside-of-the-box must: Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. Located at Fort Tuthill, it is equal parts ropes course, zip lining adventure, obstacle course and American Ninja Warrior training ground.

Flagstaff also features some pretty cool hosted freebies each summer. There is a community farmers market every Sunday now through late October in the City Hall parking lot from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are also free family friendly Movies on the Square on Saturdays at Heritage Square.

Little America Lobby (courtesy Discover Flagstaff)

Accommodations

This year is a special one in Flagstaff as its marks Little America’s 50th anniversary serving the region. Since 1973, the sprawling hotel has been ideal for families and couples alike. To start, it is nestled into 500 acres of protected forest with Ponderosa pine trees as far as the eye can see.

Conveniently, there are multiple trails across property, as well as a reception team who can point outdoor enthusiasts to the best nearby mountain terrain and biking trails nearby. Visiting with kids? Not only is there a lively outdoor pool and hot tub, but also a full-scale playground with slides, swings, and more. Each of the nearly 250 rooms on property have floor to ceiling windows, allowing for optimal nature and wildlife viewing from the comfort of bed, and there are a handful of stunning suites, including a two-bedroom apartment-style living space made with family in mind.

If looking for romance, opt for the other out-of-this-world room on property in the 1,420-square-foot presidential suite, which is a two-story marvel complete with a fireplace, kitchen, and two bathrooms. Little America also has one of the sneaky best eateries in northern Arizona right on site in Silver Pine Restaurant & Bar.

In addition to the beloved hotel icon, Flagstaff also boasts a slew of new hotel options. High Country Motor Lodge opened just last summer. Part bespoke boutique hotel, part mixology bar and part curated artisan market, this stunning property features 123 rooms and is designed with a retro vibe in mind. It also boasts Arizona’s first-ever Nordic spa.

Joining High Country in the newbie club is Americana Motor Hotel, a re-imagining of a long-time roadside retreat for a whole new generation. Opened earlier this summer, it is a visual stunner, drawing inspiration from Flagstaff’s deep ties to astronomy. It is limited to just 89 rooms, each with vibrant colors throughout and cheeky touches like in-room disco balls as décor. Americana offers experiences on property ranging from outdoor games and free bike rentals to dive-in movies in a heated pool and color-changing art installations.

For more, visit www.discoverflagstaff.com.

Editor’s Note: Alison Bailin Batz is a freelance journalist and public relations professional based in the Phoenix area.