BUZZ TRIPPIN': FLAGSTAFF, AZ

A Quick Escape to the High Country!

January 16, 2025 • Est. Time to Read: 11 minutes

HIGHER GROUND

If you live in the Valley and have yet to venture up north, you’d be quite shocked that just about 65 miles up the I-17 (“the 17”), at the top of the grade, the landscape completely changes. There’s more to Arizona than just the desert!

Because my son attends Northern Arizona University (“NAU”), I’ve become a frequent visitor to Flagstaff. It’s close enough that a round-trip can be made in one day, as I often do. But, it’s also a nice place for a quick getaway, which is what I did this weekend when I took him back to school.

Before taking my first overnight trip there last spring, I consulted with an online NAU Parents’ Group (whom I’ll refer to herein as The NAU Parents) for their recommendations on both accommodations and restaurants.

GETTING THERE

I have to start this story with the drive, because this, to me, is the most unpleasant part about going to Flagstaff (and traveling anywhere by car these days). I could (and I did until I just deleted it) write a whole story about my “adventures” on the 17. It’s only 150 miles from my house to Flagstaff but it can take anywhere from 2.5-5+ hours each way depending on several factors.

Bottom line, the drive to Flagstaff is amazing if you’re lucky and is terrible with a capital “T” if you’re not.  There is usually a lot of traffic, always road construction on both the north and southbound sides, and the state of traffic flow - including total road closure - can change in an instant due to the numerous accidents that seem to occur daily on that highway. Based on my own personal experience, I would guess speed and/or impaired driving is a factor in most of them.

Pit Stops

As such, if you plan to go, limit the intake of liquids before you leave the house and stop and use the facilities along the way (even if you don’t have to go).  Because I learned the hard way, I now stop at these convenient (& clean) locations just off the freeway:

  • The Shell Station off New River Drive (hang a right off the freeway); and then again at: 

  • McDonald’s off AZ-260 E/Finnie Flat Rd in Camp Verde.

Listen to Your Mother

Also, be sure you have a full tank of gas, a few blankets, plenty of water and snacks, and good shoes for running away from your car if you have to leave it.

I can almost laugh about this now, but my son and I once got stuck in a complete road closure on the 17 for over 2 hours. We were on the side of the mountain, in the middle of a very long double-line of cars, with the smell of fire in the air and a plume of smoke heading our way.  It was also summer, and hot, and I had to keep my car running for the air conditioning. Cell service was limited, there was no wi-fi, and this is when I learned the importance of pit stops. This was also the point in my “adventure” that I changed out of my flip-flops and into my sneakers.

We later found out the closure was caused by a car & trailer on fire (burned down to the rims and still smoking by the time we drove by).  Had the wind changed directions, the situation could have been dire for those of us trapped on the road.

STAYING THERE: BUDGET vs. BOUTIQUE

If you’re still up for the adventure after all those warnings (sorry, just want you to be prepared 😅 ), here are some lodging recommendations: 

Budget-Friendly:  Comfort Inn & Suites (I-17 & I-40)

I knew I was rolling the dice on this because it was a 2-star hotel but it had excellent reviews online and was refundable all the way up until check-in time.  And, with a price of only $86, it sounded great to me! [There are 2 Comfort Inn locations in town, which is why this one has a specification location designation.]

What I Liked:

  • Affordable & really clean

  • Friendly & accommodating staff

  • Spacious rooms with windows that open (I love fresh air!)

  • Dimmable lamps, working outlets

  • Easy access to room from parking lot

  • 24/7 coffee & tea in the lobby

  • Well-stocked continental breakfast

What I Didn’t:

The room had an odd, terrible smell that never went away and I never got used to. However, the staff insisted on giving me a partial refund when I brought it to their attention when I was checking out.1  

Because of all the other positives, I would not let this stop me from staying there again. I may, however, bring an essential oil diffuser.

$pendy-Friendly: High Country Motor Lodge

If you go in the spring or summer, you may want to stay at High Country Motor Lodge.

This is marketed as a 4-star hotel but I really didn’t find the rooms to be that much nicer than Comfort Inn. High Country is more like a resort though, with a lot more going. And, the winter rates - at least right now - are a smokin’ good deal.

I stayed here in the spring. It was lovely.  It’s great in the warmer months, because they have a nice patio with fire pits and chairs that overlook a large, lush green lawn.  

They have managed to do a stellar job of renovating a “motel” into a fun, hip and happening place with a nice bar, music, and an on-site restaurant. The decor is beautiful and there are retro-details throughout. They also have a gift shop/coffee shop (part of the restaurant) with unique (and expensive) mementos, gelato and snacks.

High Country came highly recommended by The NAU Parents and I think it’s a fun place to try on for size. As for me, I’m not sure I’d stay there again.

Highlights:

  • Stylish, yet retro decor (including cassettes & a player in the room)

  • Fun, free trinkets like postcards, luggage tags & coasters

  • Cozy outdoor patio with fire pits

  • Parking right in front of the room

  • Music (there was a DJ the night I was there)

Lowlights:

  • Overpriced food (e.g., a $16 bland & sparse kale salad that left me hungry (& grouchy))

  • Noise issues (in the room) from foot traffic on the nearby outdoor staircase

  • The hotel itself is o-l-d. When I woke up in the morning and saw the ceiling above my bed - looking as if it would crack & cave in - I was glad I didn’t notice that before I went to sleep. 😬 

FLAGSTAFF EATS: A HIT & A MISS

Hit: The Toasted Owl Cafe

Famous for vegan options and creative menu options. I loved the "Build-A-Breakfast Tacos" so much, I returned the next day for more (and then craved them for weeks after my visit). Also, dog-friendly on the patio!

Tip: Do not go here if you’re in a hurry - it’s a busy spot with a wait. Keep an eye on your parking meter time too, because you’ll probably be here longer than you expect. It is worth the wait!

Miss: The Station Cafe

Despite high expectations and rave reviews from The NAU Parents, my $16 sandwich was missing key ingredients and failed to deliver - I feel I would have gotten a better sandwich & better value at Subway.  I also went because of the gluten free bread option, but they missed making mine that way. With so many other dining options (see list below), I will not be returning here.

Other Dining Options (NAU Parents Recommendations):

THINGS TO DO IN FLAGSTAFF

Snowbowl Ski Resort

Though there wasn’t much snow on my visit, Snowbowl remains a family-friendly destination.  And, their lift tickets are cheap right now and kids 12 and younger SKI FREE! 

Local Favorites (NAU Parents Recommendations):

FINAL THOUGHTS: YEAR-ROUND FUN!

Due to its higher elevation, Flagstaff is 20-30 degrees cooler on average than the Valley. Even in the summer, the temperature usually doesn’t get above 82 degrees, making it a great refuge from the heat.  

Flagstaff averages 266 days of sunshine per year and also experiences all 4 seasons! I’m marking my calendar to visit in the fall when the leaves on the Aspen trees turn gold. And, if you’re into snow, sometimes they have that too, although not so much so far this year.

It’s nice to have such a beautiful place to escape to, so close to us! If you haven’t been, I hope you visit! If you go, let me know!

Also, if you have Flagstaff favorites/recommendations, please send them my way.

Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ [email protected]

©️ 2025 The Buckeye Buzz | All content and information set forth above was created by Vanessa Kinsey for The Buckeye Buzz and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under US copyright law, including but not limited to “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

1  I would have mentioned it sooner, but the first room I was assigned smelled the same way.

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