With the Mazatzal Mountains serving as a classic Western backdrop for the 10-acre R & R Ranch, owner Samantha Walker, 35, strolls across the corral in well-worn jeans and dusty boots to greet her latest guests – five energetic boys from a Gilbert group home. The horses are the main attraction for this field trip, but human interaction and rules come first. “My students know as soon as they are here, no phones are allowed,” she said. “They have to be in the car. My No. 1 reason for bringing … [Read more...] about Horses Teaching Life Skills to Children in Foster Care
Business
Honoring National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week
The travel industry is a major pillar in Northern Arizona’s economy, and that contribution to the community is celebrated each year in May during National Travel and Tourism Week. Discover Flagstaff is putting its own spin on the May 19-25 celebration by dubbing it National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week, reflecting the important community values we want visitors to be aware of in our city. Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas with a focus on protecting and learning about those … [Read more...] about Honoring National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week
Coconino County: A Defender of the Dark
The word is out that Coconino County has some of the darkest skies and best opportunities in the country to view and explore the wonders of the universe. Knowing this, the county enacted its first dark skies lighting ordinances more than 45 years ago. This action acknowledged the importance of dark skies to generations that have been in the region for a long time – Native cultures, scientists, astronomers, explorers and dreamers. And it demonstrated a commitment to preserving and protecting dark … [Read more...] about Coconino County: A Defender of the Dark
Overland Expo West Coming to Flagstaff
The first in a series of four events celebrating overlanding is scheduled for May 17-19 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff. Overland Expo West organizers say overlanding is defined as when consumers travel by vehicle, focusing on exploration and adventure, where the journey is at the heart of the experience. Overlanding is not new. Event representatives say what has changed is its accessibility and affordability. “It is attracting a new generation of adventure-seekers to hit the open … [Read more...] about Overland Expo West Coming to Flagstaff
Wednesdays at the Weatherford
When Texas businessman John W. Weatherford opened the doors of his grand hotel, a Victorian marvel, among the shanties in downtown Flagstaff on the first day of the new year of the new century, he created volumes of interest from a cast of characters who were writing new chapters in the Arizona Territory. Presidents, scientists, artists, ranchers, lumberjacks, those who maintained the law along with some who broke it, became hotel guests playing out colorful roles in Flagstaff’s early history. … [Read more...] about Wednesdays at the Weatherford
GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has recognized Grand Canyon Railway as its Green Business of the Year. The recently presented award, now in its third year, recognizes local businesses and non-profits that reduce operational impacts on the environment. “We hear from our business community frequently about how much they’re doing to preserve our environment and keep our quality of life high here in Flagstaff,” said Julie Pastrick, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce president and … [Read more...] about GC Railway Honored as Flagstaff’s Green Business of the Year
New Hope for Pulmonary Patients
Liz Grobsmith of Flagstaff was very pleased. Master Chorale of Flagstaff had just presented Judas Maccabaeus, an oratorio in three parts composed by George Frederic Handel, in concert March 2 in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium. “I sang like a bird,” recalled Grobsmith, an alto who has sung with Master Chorale for 21 years. “I’m singing better than I have in decades. It’s really been life altering for me.” Her singing triumph was made possible by the progress she has made in … [Read more...] about New Hope for Pulmonary Patients
The Rebirth of a Beloved Burger Joint
Diced jalapenos. Sweet potato fries. Pepper jack cheese. Chipotle mayo. Pico de Gallo. Thin-mint milkshakes. Grilled onions. Root beer floats. Green chiles. Yum, and welcome to the world of Flagstaff’s beloved burger joint – Mama B’s, formerly Mama Burger. Established in 2009 and enjoying years of popularity, the restaurant re-emerged March 5 from an 18-month hiatus for a complete remodel of the restaurant’s building on North Fort Valley Road. “We had our last day in July 2022,” said … [Read more...] about The Rebirth of a Beloved Burger Joint
Realtors Navigating a Change in the Real Estate Landscape
Realtors and real estate brokers are striving to understand and prepare for the impact of the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) agreement that will change the way homes are bought and sold starting in July. Previously, sophisticated homebuyers and sellers understood the rules: Real estate agents on each side of the transaction would be paid for their work through commissions, a percentage of the sale, which would be taken out of the funds going to the home seller when the house was … [Read more...] about Realtors Navigating a Change in the Real Estate Landscape
Realtors Promote Prescott’s ‘Most Picturesque Estate’
Positioned atop the mountains in Hassayampa Prescott, an 8,639-square-foot estate is being called “the epitome of elegance” by realtors at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, with “every window offering breathtaking views, and every room exuding comfort through elegant design,” says the promotional material. “Hassayampa Masterpiece,” as it’s being called, is “the star” of the firm’s gallery of Prescott homes, priced at $4,995,000. “The epitome of refined living, Hassayampa Masterpiece is … [Read more...] about Realtors Promote Prescott’s ‘Most Picturesque Estate’