Category: Flagstaff

Steep-Leaf Lounge

I was very happy to find a tea house in Flagstaff. I stop in one evening around 9pm. Nicely decorated with tea items for sale such as mugs and tea pots. there are only a few table for seating but in the window fronts are low floor seats and tables. They have a few pre-packaged snacks for sale like cookies and scones. I ordered a cup of Jasmine Tea. It was good tea and properly steeped. They have a good selection of tea, especially herbal teas.

A very nice place to relax. They do have wifi if you are camping and want to keep in touch with family and friends.

Address: 1 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8:00am to 10:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 8:00am to 11:00pm

Category: Flagstaff

Macy’s European Coffeehouse

Macy’s is much more than a coffeehouse. They make their own baked goods like muffins and Danish. They also have a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. I have only eaten here for breakfast. The first time was back in 2005. I remember the place being much smaller then. I think they bought into the next store and expanded. Now there is a raised platform dinning area. The food was good. I had scrambled eggs with veggie and cheese. It comes with fruit and toast. I would eat here again.

Address: 14 S Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 6:00am to 6:00pm

Category: Flagstaff

Flagstaff Restaurants

Martanne's

Macy's Coffeehouse

Steep-Leaf Lounge

Dara Thai

Single Speed Cafe

Category: Flagstaff

Martanne’s

I stopped into Martanne’s for lunch one day. The restaurant is one big open room with large windows all around letting in lots of natural light. The walls have an array of paintings of all sizes and colors. Very interesting. Service was quick. I ordered “The Ramirez #49” which is pork enchilada in a green chili, topped with a red sauce with guacamole, rice and beans. It was a very large meal. I would definitely order this again.

Address: 112 Historic Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7:30am to 9:00pm

Category: Flagstaff

Arizona Trail: Aspen Corner to Bismark Lake

Alpine meadows and Aspen trees define this beautiful out and back 7 mile hike along the 800 mile Arizona Trail. Early mornings are perfect for a hike or trail run.

I started this hike at 7:00am. It was a perfect time of day. The sky was clear and the air was cool. I chose this section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail because I heard it passes through beautiful prairie and stands of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail did not disappoint!

I started at Aspen Corner. This trailhead is on SnowBowl road just before the ski resort. The altitude is 8800 feet but
fortunately most of the trail is relatively flat. You walk a .3 mile long connector trail from the roadside parking. When you reach the Arizona Trail, turn right. The trail junctions are well marked. The trail continues through Aspen, open fields and pine trees. Words can’t explain the feeling of hiking this type of countryside. It takes me to a special feeling I seldom feel these days when hiking. Maybe because I hike so much. But this scenery is new to me.

After about 3.5 miles you reach a trail junction with the Bismark Lake Trail. I opted to turn back here. The Arizona Trail continues to the north until you reach Utah. I would definitely hike this trail again as well as others like it in the area. Early morning is best to avoid the people and have a better chance of clear blue sky.