Great Minds Drink Alike!

Arizona Beer Week is in ninety-four days (February 18-25, 2012). Events are being held all over the state, and a loooong list of restaurants are featuring a variety of specials. Here is just a quick sample:

- The whole thing kicks off on Saturday the 18th at the 12th Annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival, held at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix on February 18th. “Strong Beer” is just what you might think – the festival is all about high-alcohol content craft beers. General admission is $30 in advance, $40 at the gate, and gains you a commemorative tasting “mug” (it’s 4 ounces) and 15 drink tickets which, TRUST ME, is PLENTY.

- The Lumberyard Brewery in Flagstaff is having a beach party on the 18th as well. This amuses me, as Flagstaff in February = SNOW. But imagine hanging out on the patio on a bright winter day, bundled up and chilling (har) around the fire pit, sipping on local brews and batting around a beach ball. My idea of heaven!

Read More »

Near the Blue Ridge Reservoir in the Coconino National Forest.

Arizona may not be the immediate destination that comes to mind when thinking of places to observe the magnificently changing colors of fall foliage. Keep in mind, though, that elevations change dramatically in Arizona’s mountain ranges, and great fall scenery is just a short day trip away from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Fall foliage season generally peaks from the end of September through the beginning of October, so to assist in your planning, call the Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-354-4595 to find out where things are really popping.

The Coconino National Forest encompasses areas of Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Elevations range from 2,600′ to 12,633′, covering nearly two million acres. The best drives for fall foliage scenery include the Lake Mary-Long Valley Road, Oak Creek Canyon (be sure to check out hiking along the West Fork), and the Mogollon Rim Road. Stop by The Arboretum at Flagstaff for some great views of the San Francisco peaks.

Read More »

The Made in the Shade Beer Festival, Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Arizona’s annual Made in the Shade beer festival is being held this year on June 26th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill County Park – exit 337 off of I-17). General Admission is $40.00 in advance, $50.00 at the gate.

What does that admission fee buy you? More than 100 different craft and microbrewed beers, cool summer weather (low to mid-80′s, as opposed to the 110 degree heat of the Phoenix area), free parking, lots of food choices, live entertainment, and souvenirs. My husband and I go every year and always have a fantastic time. We always come away a bit sunburned, though, so make sure you lather up on sunblock and wear a hat with a brim. Pace yourself with the beverages, because even though the sample sizes are small (just a few ounces each), they add up over a four hour period of time! You’re supplied with plenty of sample tickets to really work up a good buzz. So be responsible and assign a designated driver.

Read More »

The Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona.

On the last weekend getaway that my husband and I took to Flagstaff, Arizona, we decided to stay at the Hotel Monte Vista. This historic hotel opened on January 1, 1927. It is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, within walking distance to much of the dining, bars, shopping, and entertainment that the mountain town has to offer. And, if you don’t feel like walking anywhere, Rendezvous and the MVLounge offer snacks, drinks, and live entertainment right on the property.

There are some things to consider about staying at the Hotel Monte Vista. It is a VERY period-centric hotel, so don’t expect top-of-the-line luxury. Our room, the very mauve Gene Tierney room on the 4th floor, had a very comfortable king bed, a table with chairs, and a dresser. There was a house phone and an alarm clock, and a flat screen television on one wall. The room’s two windows looked over the roofs of the buildings behind the hotel, but the San Francisco Peaks could be seen beyond them. The sink was located on one wall of the room, with the bathroom door right next to it. The bathroom was MAYBE six feet square, and the shower (no tub, natch) was just about the smallest one I’ve ever been in. The room was clean enough, though not what I would call pristine. The blinds on the windows definitely needed either a deep cleaning, or replacement. Still, we were comfortable enough, and amused more than inconvenienced by the hotel’s idiosyncrasies.

Read More »