Flagstaff, Arizona

The railroads put this town on the map, and the college  and tourism keep it there.  The younger set seems to set the vibe in this town where little, it seems, is made of its history, despite what the travel books tell you. Definitely an outdoor destination, where hiking and outdoor stores abound, and it is not uncommon to see an ATV driving down the main street!



This steam engine,  in front of the Pioneer Museum, is one of two in town, the second in front of the old railroad station which now serves as the Visitor Center.

These giant wheels were pulled by horses, and used to move logs.  

 The Northern Arizona Museum, while very nice, is not what is advertised, dealing more with the sizable Navajo and Hopi population that were here before the settlers, and whose Reservations remain today, and little of the settlers or the railroad, despite the fact that the visitor center is in the old railroad depot and displays a big steam engine.  The museum does have a great collection of ancient pottery, including the largest I have ever seen, that were discovered intact in a cave by a man flying over in a helicopter!  And the jewelry display and explanation of the differences between tribes was lovely and  interesting.  The building itself is quite old and architecturally very interesting.

After visiting the museum, we went into town and walked around the historic area, which was somewhat disappointing, with only a couple of  buildings of much distinction, and very few being marked with plaques, which we were informed they would be.  Lots of pizza places, bars, coffee houses, and places to hang out, and  stores that were mostly new age, or filled with black leather and tee shirts with skulls.    One kitchen store called my name, however, as well as a gallery full of Native American crafts.  The roads into the area are scattered with Native Americans  selling their wares from rustic shelters holding rows of tables for displays.  So tempting to stop at all of them, but we would never make it to town!

A Catholic church built in late 1800s of local lava rock, and a pepto bismo pink that does not translate here! 

The material glistening in the sun on this building, which is now on the National Register, is copper!  

Many stores roll up the carpet at 5pm, and it is dark by 6:30 at this time of year, with no daylight savings time in Arizona, so we went to the old Weatherford Hotel for dinner.  We discovered that Zane Grey actually stayed in and wrote many of his books here, right in front of the fireplace where we had dinner!  That was a fun find of the day!

The Weatherfolrd hotel, which supposedly has a couple of haunted rooms.

We are not the only ones confused about the time, having changed to Mountain time, and then  gone back to west coast time when we hit Arizona.  Although the state does not officially change the time, some of the tribes do!  I don't know how they keep track! Cross the street and change the time?