Downtown Flagstaff — Attraction in Flagstaff

I really love driving around and walking through the Downtown Area of Flagstaff. It is always a treat seeing the trees, lights, and colorful businesses that are everywhere. The Downtown area is filled with mostly good people and mostly friendly faces. I say mostly because there can be an occasional drunk walking about and maybe one or two homeless people that may ask for change. They are not all over the place however. They can be in sight but for long. I just say this as advice just in case you want to bring your kids with you. You can always bring your kids here just keep a good eye on the surrounding around you and a close eye on them. Also, if you are bringing kids watch out for traffic as there are tons of cars passing by the sidewalks of this area. In addition, you have to pay for parking which is something not a lot of tourist groups in flagstaff talk about. I as a local will adress it for everyone to hear. YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR PARKING. The parking prices are cheap but still why we pay ??? Anyways, back to the positives !! The shops here have affordable prices galore. A good example of said prices is Run Flagstaff as they have many good prices that are soothing to your wallet. Sweet Shoppe Candy Store is another shop with clean prices. I have come here many times and not once was I disappointed in the prices. The Downtown Area has always kept its good looks it is not an ugly area infact it is quite beautiful. You will never feel out of place, rather you would feel right at home. Honestly, this place is far from 5 stars as it lost its touch over the years. Especially, with the questionable parking payments. Like why we need this ?!?!?!? However, it is far from 1 star as well. It has many good points like I just mentioned.Yet, till things start to improve I am standing on this review of three stars. I recommend this place for sure but, be aware of some of the glaring problems...

Let’s talk about the sneaky surcharge from 4% to up to 12% on your bill at many restaurants and hotels in Flagstaff. This is the surcharge for the “honor” of going to Flagstaff I guess. This extra tax on your bill does not go to the servers it goes directly to the owners of these establishments to offset “costs”. This surcharge is ,you the captive audience, paying to help keep them flush with cash as more people spend less going out to eat during a time when inflation is not only effecting your pocket but also theirs as well. I understand economics, and inflation falls on everyone. But the sneaky way this is being done is criminal. When inflation goes down will they get rid of this surcharge? Lower prices? I think not. Flagstaff will be another gentrified city, where only the ultra rich tourists and residents of AZ will be able to afford to go and eat and stay.

The hotels are crappy and outdated, homeless drunks everywhere, yet they raised the minimum wage when the profits of businesses and the economy can’t support it. This is another example of a liberal college town that has ZERO understanding of economics. Businesses are already shutting down and it won’t be long before it’s a mini California in the middle of AZ. I love Flagstaff and the surrounding areas but I will not be tipping anyone anything and I will only spend my money at businesses that do not charge this insane surcharge or chain restaurants. Sorry but facts...

Flagstaff is the perfect escape for those from the Phoenix area and a best kept secret to the rest of the world. A visitors center in an authentic train depot, quirky shops and restaurants scattered across the historic downtown, and then an evening lit by every star in the sky. It's enough to make you start to use run-on sentences and brings your inner kid to the surface.

Perhaps the best way to get there is by driving through Oak Creek Canyon from nearby Sedona and marveling at the incredible sights along the drive. Or simply drive past the majestic Ponderosa pines along I-17 with idyllic clearings where a rancher has left their brand. Either way the drive from the south is one filled with great views preparing you for a great getaway from the bustle of the city. At over 6,000 feet, Flagstaff was 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix so we enjoyed the break from the...