LGBTQ+-Owned Business in Flagstaff
Traveling through the small towns along the way to the Grand Canyon can be fascinating and full of adventure. We went searching for LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Flagstaff, the largest town closest to the park. Here is a gorgeous bed and breakfast a short walk from downtown Flagstaff's best restaurants, shops and theater that's worth booking.
Owned by Gordon Watkins, this boutique bed and breakfast is housed in a home built in1894 by a wealthy banker. It’s right next door to the popular restaurant Brix, which has a wine bar and is known for its reliance on seasonal local produce in its contemporary dishes. The inn also is within walking distance to all of Flagstaff’s downtown shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s been written up over the years in Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Sunset, AAA Arizona Tour book and more.
The rooms in the inn have wonderfully creative names and reflect the theme of each room. In The Observatory, you’ll find astrophotography that emphasizes northern Arizona’s famous dark skies amid a two-bedroom suite with a kitchen and private bathroom. Sunflower Fields is a cheery one-bedroom plus bathroom decorated with sunflower wallpaper and art and surrounded by three sides of windows.
Breakfasts are served in a Continental breakfast box to your room and can be filled with delicious creations made by the inn’s chef, including fresh muffins, crustless quiche, fresh fruit compote, high-quality yogurt and more. But the afternoons are even better since there is a complimentary bar with refreshments offered between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Enjoy a glass of red wine, brandy or assorted liqueurs after a day at the park.
The inn attracts visitors from all over the world and often as repeat customers, a testament to Watkins and the amenities and customer services he’s known for. LGBTQ+ guests are eligible for discounts. He and his partner, Frank Balaszi, offer guests a number of tips for what to do in Flagstaff and beyond, including the iconic Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff to see stars like never before. In Grand Canyon National Park, Watkins’ recommends Shoshone Point Trail in Grand Canyon National Park for beautiful views.
“It’s a wonderful place to be with your partner,” he says. “Many people get married there.”
It’s actually the only place in the park that people can reserve via permit for events like weddings or family reunions. You can access it along Desert View Road — you’ll find the trailhead at an unsigned dirt parking area. After a one-mile walk to the rim through a ponderosa pine forest, you’ll see Desert View Tower and the North Rim. It’s a two-mile round trip stroll.
Back in Flagstaff, there are so many things to do and Watkins emphasizes what a welcoming community it is.
“There’s so much to do because we’re a university town from the symphony and opera to the community theater one-and-a-half blocks down the street,” Watkins says. “And Coconino County is home to one of the largest Native communities in the world. The Dine, known as Navajo, in particular are a huge part of our community.”
The Inn at 410 is located at 410 Leroux St. Learn more at www.inn410.com.