“Outlander” series author Diana Gabaldon has been named as the keynote speaker for Lowell Observatory’s 2024 I Heart Pluto Festival’s Night of Discovery event. Gabaldon is an award-winning author and the great-granddaughter of Stanley Sykes, a pivotal figure in Lowell’s history. The event will be at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff on Feb. 17. Gabaldon will share her insights and reflect on this unique familial connection, bridging her creative world with the scientific … [Read more...] about Diana Gabaldon to Headline Lowell Observatory’s I Heart Pluto Festival
Local News
Flagstaff Ushers in the New Year with the Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop
Fireworks lighted the night as thousands of revelers joined in singalongs and shouted out the countdown to 2024 at the Weatherford Hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve Great Pinecone Drop in historic downtown Flagstaff. “We are so honored that this event has become a Flagstaff tradition and that it brings together locals and visitors in the spirit of goodwill, joy and hope for the New Year,” said Henry Taylor, who owns the Weatherford Hotel with his wife, Pamela “Sam” Green. Weatherford Hotel Host, … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Ushers in the New Year with the Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop
CCC and Lowe’s Build Bunk Beds to Help Kids Sleep in Heavenly Peace
More than 1,000 Arizona children may have already crossed off one big item from their holiday wish list: A bed of their own. This after representatives from Coconino Community College, the Lowe’s Foundation, Lowe’s suppliers and the Sleep in Heavenly Peace non-profit organization got together in an incredibly efficient workshop that would have impressed Santa. On a single Monday in October, more than 400 people hammered out 534 bunk beds that Phoenix-area children in need are now sleeping in, … [Read more...] about CCC and Lowe’s Build Bunk Beds to Help Kids Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Jumping into the Holiday Season with Prayers Answered
Known as one of the highest cities in the United States, Flagstaff now has another hallmark that has residents jumping for joy, Levitate Adventure Park. The family-owned, 24,000-square-foot facility is a giant fun machine that offers an assortment of patented SHOCK built trampolines, a full café and food court, the largest arcade in Flagstaff and an area for hosting parties and events. The fun includes dunk-hoop basketball, a zipline, an inflatable jump house for ages 6 and under, a dodgeball … [Read more...] about Jumping into the Holiday Season with Prayers Answered
Asking for Nothing
Like Mariah Carey, Bonnie Westwater doesn’t want a lot for Christmas, either, at least not in the Flagstaff landfill. Westwater is the outreach education coordinator for The Azulita Project, a non-profit organization focused on reducing single-use plastic usage, such as cups and water bottles that get used once and tossed. In the wake of large zero-waste events this year, such as the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival celebration in April, a Flagstaff Festival of Science event in September and … [Read more...] about Asking for Nothing
Winter has Arrived at Arizona Snowbowl
On the western slope of Mount Humphreys, Arizona’s highest point and most recognizable geologic feature on the San Francisco Peaks, the Arizona Snowbowl team – along with skiers and snowboarders from around the state and beyond – have embraced the start of another winter season at Snowbowl. Arizona Snowbowl opened the 2023/2024 winter season on Friday morning, Nov. 17, with celebratory cheers on the Grand Canyon Express Chairlift and the Little Spruce Conveyor, offering access to four … [Read more...] about Winter has Arrived at Arizona Snowbowl
Collaborating to Face Northern Arizona Hospitality Industry Challenges
A combined meetup of two local hospitality organizations recently convened at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort. Members of the Northern Arizona Lodging, Tourism, & Restaurant Association and the Southwest Region of Asian American Hotel Owners Association joined forces to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges facing the Northern Arizona hospitality industry. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is the largest hotel owners association in the nation. The AAHOA Town … [Read more...] about Collaborating to Face Northern Arizona Hospitality Industry Challenges
NAU $2 Billion Master Plan Approved
Northern Arizona University intends to add up to 1,200 beds of on-campus housing, build three parking garages and expand the library under a 10-year plan recently approved by the Arizona Board of Regents. The Sustainable Smart Campus Master Plan is a flexible framework for NAU’s future infrastructure. It includes projects totaling more than $2 billion. The plan identifies planned renovations of 23 existing buildings. Those renovations would consume about one-third of the $2 billion in potential … [Read more...] about NAU $2 Billion Master Plan Approved
Women Wranglers Lead the Mule Pack at the Grand Canyon
The mules at the Xanterra Travel Collection Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations are trained for a women’s touch, because all of the trail guide wranglers at the Grand Canyon are women. Although it hasn’t been documented, this might be historic. “As far as I know, it’s the first time for an all-woman trail guide team of wranglers. It’s very unique,” said Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations Manager John Berry. “It’s also the first time I’ve been a boss of an all-woman trail guide … [Read more...] about Women Wranglers Lead the Mule Pack at the Grand Canyon
Great Pinecone to Shine with Holiday Spirit and Tradition at Weatherford Hotel
Glowing in the evenings like a festive holiday ornament, the Weatherford Hotel’s legendary Great Pinecone is in position and serving as a vision of hope, peace and prosperity above Flagstaff’s historic downtown district this holiday season. The storied Victorian hotel will host three Pinecone lowerings on New Year’s Eve, along with the grand VIP Golden Ticket evening event, where revelers will usher in the New Year in style. “This is our favorite time of year,” said Weatherford Hotel co-owner … [Read more...] about Great Pinecone to Shine with Holiday Spirit and Tradition at Weatherford Hotel