Is it Time for a Getaway to Flagstaff?
By Nikki Ballin, Contributor
As the temperatures climb in Phoenix, it’s the perfect time for a getaway to Flagstaff. In just a couple hours, you can be surrounded by ponderosa pines and enjoy some cooler temperatures. Ahhhh!
Before you hit the road, make sure to grab a smoothie from one of the best smoothie places in North Phoenix: Paradise Juice.
And make sure to subscribe to our Living North Phoenix Newsletter to stay current with all things to do in North Phoenix, restaurant reviews, updates and more!
Here are a few ideas for a perfect day while you are there.
Breakfast at Forét
One of our favorite places for breakfast is Forét, located right in Downtown Flagstaff. They have delicious breakfast and lunch items — along with coffee and tea drinks and lovely pastries.
Visit here when you have some time for a leisurely meal. Since everything is made from scratch, it may take a bit to receive your food. I recently loved the homemade granola and a Thai tea matcha
Fun fact: The chef at Forét was a James Beard Award Semifinalist!
Location:
2 South Beaver Street Unit 170
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Explore Nature at Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park is a great next family-friendly stop for a walk outside in nature. They have a 2-mile loop that takes you through the whole park, which is mostly flat, making it very accessible for all fitness levels.
There is a wonderful view of Mt. Elden. If you want to go on a longer hike, head north through the park where a forest trail leads toward Dry Lake Hills and connects with the Oldham Trail.
Fun fact: Buffalo Park used to be a theme park with actual buffalo (well, technically bison) and stagecoach rides. You can even see a remnant of an old stagecoach on the trail.
Location:
2400 N Gemini Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Lunch (or Second Breakfast) at Sosta
If you’re getting hungry again after all that walking and hiking, head over to Sosta. This is a new restaurant brought to you by the owners of Pizzicletta (which is also definitely worth a visit).
They took over the beautiful space that formerly housed Brix.
They offer breakfast, coffee drinks, pastries, and lunch. I loved the kale Caesar salad (it was huge), the tomato soup (the vegan option), and an apple bar. They also offer gelato!
I love this old UPS locker that they repurposed into a phone storage space, so you can disconnect while enjoying your meal.
Fun fact: Part of this building used to be a Carriage House, and they have maintained the building’s charm.
Sosta
413 N. San Francisco St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sweet Treat at Timberline Ice Cream
If you haven’t already had gelato at Sosta and are craving a sweet treat, head over to Timberline Ice Cream. This spot is tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, so it’s a little tricky to find — but worth it!
All the ice cream is homemade. Flavors rotate regularly and they always have a dairy-free option. Regular flavors include Vanilla Bean, Mint Freckle, and Pocky Route 66. They make their own waffle cones, too.
Location:
2710 N Steves Blvd, Suite 26
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Star Gazing at Lowell Observatory
Flagstaff is a dark sky city, which means visibility is great for star gazing (when it isn’t cloudy). A visit to Lowell Observatory is worth it on a clear night. Head to the open deck observatory to view the night skies through huge telescopes. They regularly host “Meet The Astronomer” nights where you can ask all your space-related questions and learn so much.
Fun fact: Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory, and you can see the telescope that Clyde Tombaugh used to discover it.
Location:
Lowell Observatory
1400 West Mars Hill Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Enjoy your time in Northern Arizona! Can’t wait to hear what you discover.