"Upscale University Town Nearest Grand... " a Flagstaff Travel Page by atufft

I had heard that there's nothing to do in Flagstaff, but I found insted the quaint downtown worth at least a day of wandering, and during summer nights, Heritage Square is a busy people watching and sidewalk dining experience. For those rushing past on I-40--one of American's main continental thoroughfares--Flagstaff's Business Route 66 is a bit challenging. The towns off I-40 and the old Route 66 are often that way, take a left or right and the old town runs perpendicular to the hwy. But, take the drive time away from behind the wheel and relax at one of Flagstaff's many upscale quality restaurants, particularly within the newly redeveloped Heritage Square. The rest of downtown of late nineteenth and early twentieth century brick and red sandstone buildings have been mostly restored, providing maybe ten square blocks of historic architectural adventure for those interested in Route 66 towns.

Unlike much of Arizona, Flagstaff is on a high plateau of some 7,000 feet, shrouded by a pinewood forest. It's a pleasant climate during summer, and in winter, Flagstaff receives a moderate amount of snow. The air is very clean, and it was here that one of the first astronomical observatories was built. The Lowell Observatory on Mars Hill above Flagstaff is a great experience for adults and children alike.

Looking for a place to stretch our legs and relax during our first quick stop in town, I came upon a hip little latte shop with sandwiches along San Francisco Street. Downtown has a number of boutique shops, and because of town is also host to Northern Arizon University, the city has plenty of energy even downtown.