FLAGSTAFF
Home to Northern Arizona University and Snowbowl Resort, and located only 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Flagstaff is a town that is perfectly situated in northern Arizona for Grand Canyon visitors to get their fill of experiences and adventure. This is a town that is in the San Francisco Mountains and is home to the state’s tallest point, Humphreys Peak, which stands 12,633 feet tall. In addition, Flagstaff is the starting point for two of the area’s most scenic drives.
But this is an arts-and-culture-related story, so let’s talk about why Flagstaff is considered one of Arizona’s finest destinations when it comes to culture.
The Downtown Flagstaff Historic District allows visitors to walk its 1890 streets while browsing clothing boutiques, outdoor gear stores, bookstores, galleries, restaurants, microbreweries and more.
Flagstaff is home to Heritage Square, a gathering spot in the heart of downtown and host to a variety of events, including “Thursday on the Square,” which is a live music series offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Also during the summer are “Movies on the Square,” popular for families, are on Friday nights. Heritage Square is also home to the Heritage Square Trust summer concert series on weekend afternoons.
The Artists Gallery is another hot spot in Flagstaff. This is a fine arts and crafts collective in historic Flagstaff that provides visitors with a rare opportunity to meet local and regional artists and to view or purchase their works of art.
Also in this great town is the Coconino Center for the Arts, which hosts rotating exhibits by regional artists in its 4,000-square-foot gallery, for viewing and for sale.
If you like the symphony, then Flagstaff delivers that too. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and its seven-concert series runs from September of April.
Flagstaff is also home to the following museums and historical sites:
Northern Arizona University Art Museum features Tozan Kiln ceramics to stained and blown glass, paintings, and sculptures from professional artists around the world.
Riordan Mansion is a 13,000-square-foot mansion built in 1904 by some lumber baron brothers from Flagstaff.
Arizona historical Society-Pioneer Museum is housed in the former Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent, and is often called the “Poor Farm” by the locals. The three-acre property includes territorial-era buildings and a steam locomotive, exhibits on early medicine, Route 66, logging, Grand Canyon and more.
Museum of Northern Arizona, celebrating its 80th year, has nine exhibit galleries that evoke the spirit of the Colorado Plateau and its diverse Native cultures, tribal lifestyles, natural sciences and ecology.
Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell and is active in research, and provides tours so visitors can enjoy the glimpses through its classic 24-inch refracting telescope that was built in 1896, and the Rotunda Museum.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff is one of the national’s largest colletions of high-country wildflowers at “America’s Mountain Garden.” Situated above 7,000 feet elevation, this is home to a 200-acre botanical garden and nature preserve that affords great views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Flagstaff is also a perfect gateway town and base camp from which to explore the following historic sites: Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki and Walnut Canyon national monuments.
SEDONA:
Sedona, located in northern Arizona, is often called “Red Rock Country.” This is a spectacularly beautiful town that is known for its culture, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and spiritual and metaphysical characteristics.
Sedona has more than 50 galleries, food emporiums, New Age metaphysical shops, specialty stores, antiques and even an outlet shopping district, with both national stores and local businesses. Sedona’s world-class galleries feature original paintings and multi-media works, jewelry, photography, sculpture, pottery, rugs, art glass, woven textiles, hand-crafted furniture and collectible kachinas and fetishes. Both seasoned and beginning collectors agree that Sedona is one of the best places in the world to buy fine art and jewelry! There are so many options for every budget.
For arts and culture, here is a sampling of what Sedona has to offer Grand Canyon visitors:
Sedona Heritage Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features pioneer history, movies made in Sedona, cowboy culture, vintage machinery, orchard industry history, and activities for kids.
Canyon Moon Theatre Company is a professional theatre that provides music, poetry, comedy and more.
PHOENIX:
Phoenix is Arizona’s capital and largest city. This is a great city from which to start your Grand Canyon vacation, particularly if you’d like to experience arts, culture and other city amenities before or after your trek to the greatest natural wonder in the country.
Phoenix is a convergence of many diverse cultures.
Start downtown at Copper Square, a large area that’s home to concerts, street fairs, live theater, professional sporting events, and more.
The Phoenix Convention Center, Chase Field, Arizona Science Center, US Airways Center, the Orpheum Theatre, the Herberger Theatre Center, Arizona Center and Heritage Square all combine to make Greater Phoenix a cultural destination.
If it’s the performing arts you’re interested in, Phoenix is the right place. With several performing arts theatres, there is always a show to enjoy. Enjoy the symphony, a play, dinner theatre, a ballet, and much more.
Shopping is phenomenal in Phoenix, where visitors will enjoy several boutiques, the best in fashion at original Southwest art on display and for sale at numerous galleries. For arts-specific browsing, be sure to attend “First Fridays“? where customers are afforded unique and intimate glimpses into artists’ studios in Downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix is also home to the following museums:
Heard Museum, in downtown Phoenix, is home to 10 exhibition galleries with ongoing changing shows, as well as the Heard Museum and Berlin Gallery of the Heard Museum shops.
SCOTTSDALE:
Scottsdale located just 18 miles northeast of Phoenix, is a city that is brimming with culture. Whether it’s smooth sounds of Jazz, international gourmet, original Southwest art or Native American culture, this is a cultural destination.
Scottsdale, home to more than 125 galleries, museums and arts events is noted across the country for being a center of Western and Native art.
Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of this city.
Other facts about Scottsdale that highlight was a great arts and culture city this is: Downtown Scottsdale is home to 125 art galleries, studios and museums. The Scottsdale ArtWalk is a popular event. From 7-9 pm, galleries open their doors to the public and show off the works of some of the Southwest?s most extraordinary artists. (There are more art galleries per capita in Scottsdale than almost any other city in the U. S.) The galleries offer a variety of art from contemporary to traditional and include a selection of Western art rivaled only by Santa Fe.
Other noteworthy art events in Scottsdale include the Fiesta Bowl Artwalk in January, Celebration of Fine Art, from Jan. 17-March 29, and the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, April 14-19.
TUCSON:
Visitors will especially enjoy Tuscon, especially 4th Avenue, a historic area that is full of unique shops and galleries.
BISBEE:
Located about 80 miles southeast of Tucson in southern Arizona, Bisbee is a town with a rich history. Founded as a copper, gold and silver mining town in the 1800s, this was one a bustling little city. Visitors will enjoy exploring the original, historic downtown? it’s a walk back into a time in the Old West.
