A Little South of Flagstaff- Sedona

Finals week is next week, and instead of studying how about trying to escape the snow and take a little day-cation over the weekend. I’ve briefly talked about Sedona before, but there’s no reason why not everybody that goes to NAU hasn’t at least ventured down there before. Sedona is located about 25 minutes south of Flagstaff and hosts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If that’s not a stress reliever the weekend before finals, I don’t know what is. Whether it’s hiking, shopping, eating, or just exploring overall; Sedona will surely have something that you will want to do. If I could make a couple recommendations, I would say check out Oak Creek Brewery and the airport overlook. Whenever people tell me that they are heading to Sedona, the first thing I mention to them is the airport overlook, which people aren’t really sure of. It’s a short drive up the road to the airport, which features a breathtaking view of all of Sedona and the red rocks. What better way to kick off finals week with a little stress relieving, beautiful views, and good beer.

A photo I took at the airport overlook in Sedona, AZ

Snorkeling Australia

I recently wrote a story for my travel writing class about my skydiving adventure over the Reef, as well as just the general idea of me traveling to Australia. With this blog, however, I’m going to expand on probably the coolest thing I did during the whole three weeks I was in Australia; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. Obviously the Great Barrier Reef is the big one in Australia, and the snorkeling adventure I went on was nothing short of spectacular. However, i believe that there is another hidden gem off the coast of Brisbane, Australia that not a lot of people know about. Moreton Island is a short boat ride away from Brisbane, and features a man-made reef of wrecked ships. This is a man-made reef that, although isn’t as spectacular as the Great Barrier Reef, is unique in its own way. Swimming around the mass schools of fish that congregate around these ships is an amazing sight, and the diversity of fish that call these wrecked vessels home is unique as well. Snorkeling there you won’t see the colorful coral, the clown fish swimming in anemone, or giant clams; but you will see a unique artificial reef that kind of separates it. Seeing these old wrecked ships are a sight to see, but snorkeling them isn’t the only thing to do on this particular island.

Moreton Island is a sand island, that features some pretty big dunes if you want to take up sand-boarding. I went with a group so we kind of did everything there was to do on the island, which included snorkeling, sand-boarding, and whale watching. When we went over summer (Australia’s winter) we saw Blue Whales off the coast of this island jumping out of the water, so that was a spectacular sight as well. Another fun fact is that during their winter months, the areas surrounding the island are home to a Tiger shark breeding ground, so be careful not to venture outside of the reef. I’m really just writing this post to show that there are other things to do in Australia, and other places to snorkel that are well worth the day trip instead of the Great Barrier Reef (although the Reef is amazing as well).

(Driving up to the Snorkel Area)(A closer look at one of the sunken ships)

 

 

(A lagoon located inland on Moreton Island)

Weekend Eats

My favorite restaurant in Flagstaff, personally, is the Lumberyard Brewing Co. Why you may ask? I love the atmosphere and the more than fair food prices. The portions are good and the beer isn’t as expensive as I’ve had in some breweries. If someone were to ask me where to eat in Flagstaff I would promptly send them this way, and tell them to get the Lava Burger. The Lava Burger is a 1/4 lb patty topped with cream cheese, sriracha sauce and jalepenos. 

Also, rumor has it that the Lumberyard features the best Bloody Mary in Flagstaff. The search for a perfect Bloody Mary can be a daunting task, some are too spicy, some aren’t spicy enough, and some are just plain boring. Well ladies and gentlemen, I present to you…The best Bloody Mary I have had anywhere, and I’ve been a lot of places. The Bloody Mary at the Lumberyard is spiced perfectly, and comes with a slice of pepper jack cheese, a pickle, a piece of bacon, an olive, celery, and lastly lemon and a lime. I would encourage almost anybody that loves Bloody Mary’s to give this one a try, you might start coming back just for the drinks.

The Bloody Mary’s at the Lumberyard are like a meal in itself.

What to do This Weekend

With Autumn being upon us already, there’s only so much more time to enjoy the outdoors before it gets unbearably cold outside. Flagstaff is an outdoorsy place as it is, but if you’re having trouble thinking of something to do that involves the outdoors, my advice to you is to just get out and explore. When I first moved into my apartment complex I noticed there was a small trail that leads into the forest behind the complex, which as it turns out is a pretty popular trail in Flagstaff. Getting outside and enjoying this beautiful weather are something that can make your weekend fulfilling and fun. Whether you’re going to a trail that you know very well or go exploring around where you live, there’s sure to be something that you didn’t know was there.

Ideas to do:

Devil’s Bridge Sedona- It’s an easy hike with a rewarding ending. A natural bridge formation in the Red Rocks of Sedona is definitely a relaxing way to spend your weekend.

 

Westfork Trail Sedona- It’s known as one of the easiest hikes in the Sedona area, and it truly is. It’s a longer hike, but you can turn around whenever you want really. With the Fall season coming up, it gets crowded so plan on getting there early.

 

Explore outside- There’s beauty in Flagstaff wherever you are, so even if you want to just go exploring around your neighborhood there’s sure to be something worth taking a picture of.

48 Hours in Flagstaff

 

48 Hours in Flagstaff: Downtown Flagstaff and South of the Tracks

 

Along historic highway Route 66 sits the downtown area of Flagstaff Arizona, which is renowned for it’s variety of restaurants, shops, and maybe even the sight of a ghost or two. What you’ll find while exploring downtown Flagstaff is a beautiful clash of old buildings with a new age feel to them. Although Flagstaff is an old city, the culture that surrounds it has a youthful energy obvious by Northern Arizona University that is right down the road. Downtown Flagstaff is a unique blend of old buildings with 21^st century culture. Enjoy a stroll down San Francisco Street or grab a drink at one of the local breweries, there’s not a shortage of things to do.

 

8 a.m.

1.No More Starbucks

 

Let’s face it, everyone’s had Starbucks at one point or another; but while in Flagstaff it’s important to stay away from the major business chains to get a grasp on what this city really has to offer. What better way to start your day off with a cup of coffee and a small breakfast at Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery? You’ll find the locals here catching up with friends and colleagues, or enjoying the fantastic weather outside (provided it’s not winter) and enjoying a steaming cup of coffee. Prices range from $1.50 to around $5 for coffee and not that much more for other items there.

 

11:30 a.m.

 2. “All Aboard!”

 

Although the occasional passenger train comes through Flagstaff, the city really got its start by being on a major rail hub for freight trains. The Flagstaff Visitor Center is located right along the tracks downtown and even features an old locomotive that is no longer in use.  Whether you want to pop in the visitor center for more things to do around the Flagstaff area, or get lost in the beautiful history of he railroad, the Visitor Center/Railroad District is a must visit.

 

5 p.m.

3. Where’s Bigfoot?

 

The real Bigfoot might be a myth, but the restaurant named after this legend certainly exists. Located in the Basement Marketplace in the middle of the downtown area, Bigfoot Bar-B-Q serves up hefty helpings of Bar-B-Q as well as other comfort foods. It’s a funky building located in a basement with more than interesting décor. Bigfoot cutouts line the walls, as well as old beer memorabilia. Reasonably priced, the Junkyard Dawg (a ¼ pound Spicy Hotlink topped with pulled pork and coleslaw) and an ice cold beer ran about $16 with tip.

 

9 p.m.

4. Ghost Stories

 

Away from the college packed bars that line the streets of downtown on weekend nights, the Cocktail Lounge at the Hotel Monte Vista is a way to end your night not being harassed by college kids looking to party the night away. The old décor, as well as live entertainment on weekends and Karaoke on Tuesday nights make this a laid back place to grab a few drinks and maybe even dance a little bit. Before you get too comfortable though, you might need to be warned that another interesting tidbit about this hotel is that it’s haunted. Dancing with ghosts and having a cold one is an alluring and possibly frightening way to end your night.

 

11 a.m.

5. It’s All About the “Altitude”

 

Opening in 1994, the Lumberyard has been known to have some of the best food and drinks in Flagstaff. The open space as well as the outdoor seating gives this bar a  “Flagstaff” feeling. On a warm sunny day the locals even sit outside with their canine companions. Located south of the tracks, beers run about $5 for a pint and the types of food range all the way from sandwiches to ribs. Definitely try their homemade Mac and Cheese.

 

2 p.m.

6. Sudsy Souvenir

 

Flagstaff Soap Shop is an unusual store right in the heart of downtown, but it’s also a place that’s unique to Flagstaff. All the soap is handcrafted by the shop owners in house and is even worth the stop in for the smell alone. From tropical beach themed soaps to seasonal soaps it’s easy to find a soap that suits your fancy.

 

5 p.m.

Dining With the Devil

 

Almost hidden on the North side of Heritage Square is a place that some locals will tell you is the best burger in town. Using as many local ingredients as possible, Diablo Burger is a healthy choice for the burger lovers. The cows the beef is used from are free-range cattle north of Flagstaff, and they try to keep everything local. It’s a small space so seating may be somewhat of an issue, and don’t forget to bring cash because it’s also cash only.

 

9 p.m.

Unwind With a View

 

From Wednesday to Saturday night Leroux Street is usually packed with college kids unwinding after a long weekend making this street of bars more crowded than usual. However, most of the college students stick to three bars and forget all about Charly’s Pub and Grill. Right across the popular Collins Irish Pub, Charly’s offers balcony with a stunning view of Flagstaff. This older bar with multiple stories offers an escape from getting continuously bumped by college students.

 

Quick Links

1. Macy’s European Coffee House http://macyscoffee.net/
2. Flagstaff Visitor’s Center http://www.flagstaffarizona.org/
3. Bigfoot Bar-B-Q http://bigfootbbq.com/
4. Hotel Monte Vista http://www.hotelmontevista.com/index.php
5. Lumberyard Brewing Co. http://www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com/
6. Flagstaff Soap Shop http://www.flagstaffsoap.com/
7. Diablo Burger http://www.diabloburger.com/index.php/site/page/view/locationOverlay
8. Charly’s Pub and Grill http://www.weatherfordhotel.com/