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View over
Flagstaff from Snow bowl |
Fun in Flagstaff
By A.M. Melfa
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Sedona.biz
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Come on a virtual journey with me
to Flagstaff. There is much to do and see, so let's gas up the car and get on
the road!
It's an early October morning as we head out of Sedona going north on the 89A
along the majestic tree lined Oak Creek Canyon. Here the sun conspires with
the trees to present a show of filtered and shifting patterns of light and
dark.
After winding our way up and out of Oak Creek Canyon, we stop
at Oak Creek Vista, a scenic area at the summit, to take in the spectacular view opening out behind us. A shimmering haze swims across our vision, casting a violet
patina across the landscape.
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Oak Creek
Canyon |
Now we head further up the 89A towards Flagstaff. The crisp Fall day bathes
us in a temperature approximately 15 degrees lower than Sedona, so we stop
along the road to don our sweaters and take a few moments to amble among the
Ponderosa Pines.
Bodies now warmed by the addition of outer garments and
minds cleared by the aroma of conifers, we make our way in to Flagstaff.
All this fresh air and sunshine has peaked our appetites. We stop at the
downtown historic district just off Route 66 going north through town and
set out in search of an eatery.
The options are numerous and varied, but in the end we opt for the Mountain
Oasis International Restaurant at 11 East Aspen Street, a vegan-friendly
restaurant.
The energetic
decor featuring works of local artists and vaulted ceilings lend a spacious,
generous ambience to this bistro.
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Mountain
Oasis International Restaurant |
An appetizer of Shitake Mushroom Spring Rolls pleases both the eyes and the
palate. For an entree I select the best Gyro to be had this side of New York
City, and for you, it's a pesto chicken breast sandwich to gratify our
demanding stomachs without demanding too much of our wallets.
Happily sated, we venture north along Route 180 out of town towards the Grand
Canyon for a stop by the Museum of Northern Arizona (www.musnaz.org;
928-774-5213). The exhibition entitled "Trappings of the American West"
featuring the work of 74 artists from 14 Western states is currently running. In addition to the vast artistic offerings
available, the MNA also boasts sections on Anthropology, Biology, Geology
and more.
We could easily spend the whole day here but we want to hit the Snow
bowl at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks before the sun dips below the
horizon.
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Aspens |
A hike through the surreal beauty of the autumnal Aspen trees provides a
perfect end to a relaxing day.
As we stroll past these pillars of pristine
white bark with jewel colored, shimmering leaves, we gaze up for a
moment to watch as a storm cloud crowning Humphrey's Peak dusts the apex
with a glittering coat of new born snow. The sight prompts us to promise a
return trip as soon as the snow base permits for a day of skiing and
snowboarding.
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Snow on
Humphrey's Peak, the highest point in
Arizona and 11 miles north of Flagstaff |
On the return trip back to Sedona we converse about our next visit to Flagstaff.
Maybe we'll go to the historic Riordan Mansion (928-779-4395) or perhaps the
Arboretum at Flagstaff Botanical Gardens (928-774-1442) by day, and by night
we could stop by the Lowell Observatory (928-774-3358); then take in some
music with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra (928-522-5661).
We are not decided yet, as there are so many enjoyable things to see and do
in Flagstaff, a wonderful day trip just a short 40 minute drive north from Sedona.
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