Flagstaff, Arizona, began as a logging and ranching town in the late 1800s, later shaped by the railroad and Route 66. Today it’s a gateway for travelers visiting the Grand Canyon, nearby national parks, and those chasing Route 66 nostalgia ahead of the 2026 centennial. Set amid the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff offers four seasons of adventure, with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, a ski resort, and more than 200 restaurants including eight award-winning craft breweries. Downtown centers on Heritage Square, where community markets, musical performances, and special events bring locals together, from Christmas tree lightings to the finish line of the 250-mile Cocodona race. Flagstaff also shines with unique celebrations like the Great Pinecone Drop on New Year’s Eve, drawing crowds of 10,000, and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial in 2026. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Flagstaff Urban Trails System, the surrounding forests, and winter skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, while river rafters often overnight here before heading down the Colorado. Historic downtown is full of independent shops, outdoor gear stores, and James Beard-nominated restaurants. Cultural highlights include nearby Native American heritage sites and the Museum of Northern Arizona, while the Lowell Observatory and Flagstaff’s status as the first International Dark Sky City make it a destination for stargazers and science lovers alike. #AmericasFavoriteSmallTowns
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Flagstaff
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