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
Local News
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’
Early Culinary Training Helped Kimberly McClure Create Mama Kim’s Kitchen
Sitting on a stool in her Granny Essie’s kitchen, eyeing every move her grandmother made, was how the owner and chef of Mama Kim’s Kitchen, Kimberly McClure, fell in love with the concept of cooking. “My Granny Essie grew up on a farm in a very small town near Little Rock, Arkansas, where she learned to make everything from scratch,” she said. A native Arizonan, McClure was born in Phoenix in 1959. Through the years, she lived with her Granny Essie and would help her in the kitchen with … [Read more...] about Early Culinary Training Helped Kimberly McClure Create Mama Kim’s Kitchen
Historic Hotel Adds Lobby Bar
Heading south from Gurley Street, there’s no risk of going thirsty on Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row, which boasts a handful of lively watering holes down the block: Matt’s Saloon, The Palace, Jersey Lilly’s, 1881 Spirits, the Bird Cage, and starting with Hotel St. Michael’s Lobby Bar at the northern end on the 100 block of South Montezuma Street. The Lobby Bar is a calm, spacious room with enough easy chairs and sofas for 60 guests and still some elbow room. Quiet conversation is a virtue … [Read more...] about Historic Hotel Adds Lobby Bar
Grand Canyon Wrangler Moves Mule Trains through All Seasons
An encounter with mules on the Grand Canyon trails is like finding yourself in the middle of a Western movie. But for the wranglers, it’s the real deal and a job they wouldn’t trade for anything. Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) Animal Packer Matthew Joseph says, “I love it! I get to be in the Grand Canyon, and the mules are the best coworkers you could ever ask for.” A mule packer feeds and cares for the animals and carefully and strategically sorts out the cargo for transport in packs on … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Wrangler Moves Mule Trains through All Seasons
Flagstaff Snow Removal Impacted by Crew Shortages
While this year has not been anything like last year’s “Snowmageddon,” in early February, two feet of snow fell on Flagstaff in one day, and that was on top of around a foot-and-a-half of fresh powder that had fallen the day before. With an average annual snowfall in the Flagstaff area of 108.8 inches and a great deal of unpredictability from year to year, it’s often a tall order for those responsible for snow removal to keep up. The Streets Section of the City of Flagstaff’s Public Works … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Snow Removal Impacted by Crew Shortages