Winnie Hanseth says, “If they ask me for anything, I’d do it.” “They” refers to Friends of Camp Colton, non-profit partner with the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) that operates the environmental education facility and program that has hosted 47,000 students in 52 years. Winnie and her late husband, Evan, started Beaver Street Brewery south of the tracks in Flagstaff, and later, Lumberyard Brewing. As a businessperson, she supports other causes, but has remained a staunch backer … [Read more...] about A Postcard from Camp Colton
Tourism
Federal Funding Jump-Starts EV Charging Stations in Northern Arizona
Last month, Ed Kron and his friend, Joe Caruso, decided to take a drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff in Kron’s new electric Lucid sedan. “This is the first time I’ve driven an electric car up here, and I was a little nervous,” Kron said. “They tell you one thing [about the range], but it’s another thing when you’re using the air conditioning, and you’re going uphill. And I have this heavy Italian next to me!” Kron said he was worried he and Caruso would run out of juice before they made it to … [Read more...] about Federal Funding Jump-Starts EV Charging Stations in Northern Arizona
Standing for Renewable Energy
Stretching across miles of historic grazing land, 53 wind turbines are being lifted into place on Babbitt Ranches north of Flagstaff. They are scheduled to be operating in early 2024, delivering enough wind-generated electricity to power 40,000 Arizona homes. For Babbitt Ranches Community members on a recent trip to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, standing next to the 220-foot blades was surreal. “When I think back to the enthusiasm we had about the first anemometer being set up on Babbitt … [Read more...] about Standing for Renewable Energy
Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Flagstaff’s budding restaurant scene is at a crossroads. A number of local restaurants and chefs are gaining national acclaim at the same time economic conditions — inflation, higher wages and prices — are creating headwinds for operators. “People are paying more for their food than they ever have and they’re not happy about it,” said John Conley, owner of Salsa Brava and Fat Olives. “It is the most challenging time ever,” said Conley, who started Salsa Brava 36 years ago when he left … [Read more...] about Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Fall Harvest Brings Families to Mortimer Farms
Mortimer Farms has sweet corn and 50 types of pumpkins available during its month-long Pumpkin Festival in October. While the festival is every day, there are more events on the weekends. Mortimer Farms has 54 vegetables and fruits growing at various times of the year. Mortimer also has an area where visitors can pick their own. In addition, Mortimer has a greenhouse for growing fruits and vegetables all year. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are plentiful in October. All of the events … [Read more...] about Fall Harvest Brings Families to Mortimer Farms
Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival
With the risk of a heart attack for first responders 300% higher than the average person, organizers of the Big Sting country music festival and campout are hoping to raise $200,000 so they can continue to support health screenings and patients in need through money raised at the 9th annual event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14 at Watson Lake. “We invite everyone to come on out, bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the natural beauty while listening to your favorite … [Read more...] about Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival
Clear Audio Under Dark Skies
For Greg and Janis Crosman, owners of Clear Aire Audio, Flagstaff’s extraordinary dark skies are an important part of their lives. “We built our home in 1999 specifically with the dark skies in mind,” said Greg. “We bought amber lights and shielded them to make sure they only put light on the ground.” The two, who have been together for 51 years and married for 49, have worked together on many audio productions and projects since 1976, both locally and in other parts of the country and the … [Read more...] about Clear Audio Under Dark Skies
Little America Celebrates Fifty Years in Flagstaff
"I can feel the joy of this place that started out as dirt, and it wasn’t easy dirt – it was rock,” said Bob Button of the groundbreaking and earthworks needed to construct the Little America Flagstaff during 1972 and 1973. Button, Little America’s first general manager, shared his memories in Little America’s Grand Ballroom on Aug. 18 in a 50th anniversary gala that included employees, businesspeople and dignitaries. “My dad saved as many trees as possible during construction,” reported … [Read more...] about Little America Celebrates Fifty Years in Flagstaff
Village Camp in Bellemont Offers Cabins, RV Sites and Ownership Option
As glamping continues to trend with today’s travelers, one of the most recent Northern Arizona glamorous camping resorts is Village Camp Flagstaff, which features a diverse range of accommodations. Village Camp Flagstaff offers posh cabins, spacious RV sites and opportunities to own mountain retreats. Guests or owners will have base camps with the amenities of a boutique hotel, such as a resort-style swimming pool area and bistro. “The whole concept is to promote living simply with a … [Read more...] about Village Camp in Bellemont Offers Cabins, RV Sites and Ownership Option
Camp Verde Savors Old World Flavors
A new adventure in food has arrived in Camp Verde, and locals from Prescott to Sedona are savoring the flavors. Featuring Eastern European entrees ranging from Chicken Kiev to Hungarian Goulash, Astoria International Bistro owners Levi and Svetlana Pakanaev say they have found a paradise where they are pleasing palates. “We owned an Italian bistro in north Scottsdale for 10 years, along with a banquet and catering business,” said Levi. “The area got a little too big for us and after the … [Read more...] about Camp Verde Savors Old World Flavors