In early November, we went on our first trip together as a couple, and as a family! Andrew, Sage, and I spent a few days in Flagstaff and boarded Arlo at a local dog boarder. During our time there, we stayed at an amazing hotel, High Country Motor Lodge (read more here), and ate at some incredible local restaurants. In this blog post, I am sharing those spots as well as fun things we did while touring the city! I actually visited Flagstaff with my parents last year (read that blog post here), while I was still pregnant and healing from my traumatic breakup, so it was very full circle to go back with my son and new boyfriend Andrew. It was such a great trip, and I can’t wait to see where we end up going next!

What To Do

Buffalo Park

My favorite thing that we did during our trip to Flagstaff, was visiting Buffalo Park. We went in the evening during twilight just before it got dark, and the sky was so stunning, it was breathtaking! We shot some photos quickly before it got to dark and the colors are just gorgeous. It’s a popular spot in Flagstaff for trails, there were tons of people out walking while we were there, and the views of the San Francisco peaks are amazing. We had to leave before it got to cold out, but I would have loved to explore more!

Address: 2400 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Route 66 Mural

I love finding fun murals to photograph whenever I travel to a new city, a tradition I am determined to keep up with Sage! I found this mural when I was doing research for our trip, and I loved the Route 66 theme of it. It’s called the “Mother Myth of Route 66” mural, located on the back of Lumberyard Brewery right next to downtown. Flagstaff was the highest elevation stop on historic Route 66, so there is a lot of that history in the city! It’s definitely a fun mural to check out.

Address: 66 E Phoenix Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Aspen Loop

This beautiful stop on the way to Snow Bowl was absolutely gorgeous with the fall leaves on the Aspen trees when I visited with my parents last October. We visited a little too late during the fall season to see the fall colors, but it was still stunning. We picked up Arlo on our last morning there, and headed to Aspen Loop. Andrew took a few photos of Sage and I in the same spot I took photos when he was still in my belly which was really special! Afterwards, we walked down one of the trails in the area where there was snow. Arlo and Sage loved it!

Address: Arizona 86001, Humphrey’s Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Old Highway Trading Post

Andrew and I love checking out antique and thrift shops so we had fun exploring what the Old Highway Trading Post had to offer. If you love vintage clothing, unique antiques, and collectibles, then you’ll enjoy an hour or two spent exploring this spot!

Address: 98 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Historic Downtown Flagstaff is where you will find local breweries, restaurants, and shops for shopping and dining. Old Town Shops in the center of downtown is an amazing hub for boutiques selling items from local makers and artisans. There is a cool mural on almost every street and the architecture of some of the historic buildings like the Weatherford Hotel and the Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel is stunning! I definitely recommend spending a good portion of a day just exploring downtown.

Where To Eat

Atria

Atria was the fanciest restaurant we visited during our time in Flagstaff. It was absolutely fabulous with beautiful interiors and candlelit tables. Sage started melting down by the time our food arrived, so we had to box everything up and take it back to our hotel! We did get to try everything before leaving, and it was all delicious. It’s a great spot for a special date night, a cocktail, or night out with friends!

Address: 103 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Mother Road Brewing Company

If you love breweries, then I definitely recommend checking out Mother Road! The space had a really cool industrial modern vibe to it with a bar, several indoor seating areas, as well as a nice patio area outside. It was very casual and laid back which is great for family dining. Andrew really enjoyed the beer and the food was so good! I had their chili and we also ordered one of their popular tater tot dishes.

Address: 7 S Mikes Pike St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Single Speed Coffee Roasters

I loved this coffee shop, Single Speed Coffee Roasters, when my parents and I grabbed coffee here last year, so I had to take Andrew there! I only had their coffee last time, but during this visit we also tried their granola breakfast bowl and one of their pastries which were heavenly. I love their coffee, but their food was definitely worth visiting for as well. Single Speed is located in an open, industrial space but they are actually expanding next door which I’m sure will look so cool once they finish!

Address: 1000 E Butler Ave #111, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Noble Ground

We have a Noble Ground here in Chandler that I love to go to when we thrift at the Goodwill next door, but there first location was actually in Flagstaff. Andrew and I had one of their coffee flights so we got to pick out several of their drinks to try out which was super fun, and we enjoyed a few of their pastries as well. I loved the bright, open dining space, and the staff was super nice as well!

Address: 701 S Milton Rd suite 100, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Wildflower

We had breakfast at Wildflower one morning, a local bakery chain with several locations in the valley. It was our first time dining there, and I was very impressed! My vanilla latte, chocolate croissant, and avocado breakfast toast was delicious. The cafe space was really funky with bright colors, florals, and a lovely lounge area with a fireplace. It felt so cozy, and had great vibes for a brunch spot with family or friends.

Address: 530 Piccadilly Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Mix

Another spot I visited on my trip to Flagstaff last year, Mix is located in the Old Town Shops in downtown. It’s a coffee shop and gift shop with really unique gifts from local makers. Their coffee was great, but I loved the pastries we picked out which were delish! I would recommend grabbing a coffee and/or pastry to enjoy while browsing through the local boutiques in the Old Town Shops building.

Address: In the Old Town Shops, 120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Bigfoot BBQ

Another restaurant located on the basement level of Old Town Shops is Bigfoot BBQ, the perfect lunch or dinner spot before or after shopping! We had their “double wide” family meal which includes three of their smoked meats, three sides, and drinks. For our sides we chose corn bread, mac and cheese, and coleslaw and enjoyed every bite. I would definitely recommend it if you want to try a little bit of everything! It’s a great family dining spot.

Address: In the Old Town Shops, 120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Where To Stay

High Country Motor Lodge

We had the best time on our trip to Flagstaff and an amazing stay at High Country Motor Lodge! Formerly a roadside motel, the property has been renovated into a beautiful 4 star boutique hotel. It’s located minutes from downtown Flagstaff which made it really easy for us to sneak back for Sage’s naps in between exploring the city. It was the perfect hotel for our first family trip! With a unique nordic spa experience in a mountain setting, a cocktail bar & lounge, and it’s convenient location I couldn’t recommend this hotel more for your visit to this Arizona mountain town. 

XOXO