4-11-2016 Flagstaff, AZ

The scenery changed from brambles, brush and purple snow caps to red rock formations and now, 300 miles later, we are in Flagstaff, Arizona, one of our favorite places.  There is something for everybody, here.  It’s a college town, there is sunny heat, snow, a ski area, observatory, old town, a 2 to 3-hour long Fourth of July Parade and park festivities.  Oh, and it rains everyday.  Not for long, but every day.  That isn’t the good news, fyi.

Lore has it that the name “Flagstaff” developed over time based upon the stripping and whittling of a ponderosa pine to be used as a flagpole to display the US flag for the 100^th anniversary of our country on July 4, 1876.  Before this, the town was named Antelope Springs and Old Town.  It was settled on an old dirt road that lead to California and the main industries were timber and ranching.  The railroad was laid through the town and that and Route 66 put Flagstaff permanently on the map.  It is often called the “City of Seven Wonders” based upon surrounding forests, high peaks, canyons and a huge crater.  The Lowell Observatory houses the Clark Telescope.  Pluto was discovered and the moon was mapped for the Apollo missions using this telescope.  (Mickey was discovered after that.) 

Weatherford Hotel with pine cone

In 1900, John Weatherford opened the Weatherford Hotel, a historical landmark in Flagstaff.  It has been visited over the decades by the famous and the infamous, politicians to gunslingers, and is still open for business. 

You know how they lower the ball on New Year’s Eve at midnight in NYC?  Not to be outdone, in 1999, the townsfolk began the tradition of “Lowering the Pine Cone” from the roof of the Weatherford Hotel at midnight on New Year’s Eve.  We attended this event last year, agreeing that, whereas Time Square in NYC on New Year’s Eve may easily be left off the bucket list, one may not go through an entire lifetime without witnessing the “Lowering of the Pine Cone.”

"Ten... nine... eight... Happy New Year!"

New Year's Eve in Flagstaff

Finally, after having visited Flagstaff at least a half dozen times, we made it to Black Bart’s Steakhouse, Saloon and Musical Revue!  Yes, they were open, a miracle!  They serve great lamb, beef steaks and cold brews and the wait staff sings and entertains, backed up by the talented piano player.  We were seated near the huge log-burning fireplace and the evening was a really unique, cozy experience.

My Beloved had gone long enough without a pizza and was therefore on a mission.  It ended happily at Fat Olives, a seriously authentic Italian restaurant.  The centerpiece is the wood-fired oven, built in Italy by a fifth-generation Italian family from stones obtained in part from Mount Vesuvius. 

Fat Olives wood fired oven from Italy

The restaurant’s claim to fame is the certifications it carries based upon the strictest Italian standards, from the quality of the olive oil to the fineness of the flour used to make breads and crusts.  The award-winning chef makes breads, dough and cheeses fresh every morning, including mozzarella de buffala.  My quest to try unusual things I’ve never had before was once again a success.  My salad included wood-fire roasted Italian olives and artichoke hearts.  Roasted olives?  Delicious!  Lunchtime was a bonanza for us!

Wood fired pizza!

We are on our way home, now, Tuesday April 12^th.  Our internal homing devices know the way to and from Flagstaff, Arizona with our eyes closed.  What a wonderful adventure this has been.  Now, let’s see what we can dream up next!