Arizona Cardinals 101: What can you do in Flagstaff when you're not watching the Cardinals practice?

Greetings From Flagstaff on an old postcard

Welcome to the training camp home of the Arizona Cardinals

First off, this article wouldn't have been possible without my resident Flagstaff hippie, Chris. Thanks Chris for giving me the best Flag has to offer and I hope I've done you (and Flagstaff) proud.

Please note: even in town you are at 7,000+ ft. and though it seems like common sense, many out-of-towners forget that high elevation provides less oxygen. There's really no need to worry, but make sure to stay hydrated (especially if you are hiking or climbing into the mountains) and if you're drinking alcohol, your limit is probably lower than you think.

And now, without further ado...

LODGING
If you're looking for peace and quiet...
The Inn at 410 Bed and Breakfast - You need to make sure not to miss Brix (see below) for lunch or dinner on your way to this place.
http://www.inn410.com/

If you have pets...
La Quinta Inn and Suites - Though ordinary by most standards, it is dog-friendly, which can be nice if you want to bring the ENTIRE family.
Map and address

If you want a real Northern Arizona ponderosa pine experience...
Mormon Lake Lodge - Also has a steakhouse (quality unknown) and an RV park and campground if you feel outdoorsy.
http://www.mormonlakelodge.com/

If you are feeling romantic...
Junipine Resort - Beautiful townhomes turned resort, you can truly unwind here.
http://www.junipine.com/

If you just want a regular, but nice hotel...
Embassy Suites - Nothing fancy, but nice and clean, has a pool, and should give you an okay breakfast for a good price.
Map and address

BREAKFAST (the most important meal of the day)
If you want the best Mexican chilaquiles in the country...
Martanne's - Also named "The House That Chilaquiles Built," if you go here, you MUST order the chilaquiles!
An Ode to Martanne's, by Flagstaff's own Hottie and the Fatso
Map and address

If you're looking for a quick and simple breakfast...
La Bellavia - Nothing fancy here, so if you're expecting more than your down-home meal, you'll be dissapointed.
Map and address

Cafe Espress - Great breakfast menu and can very busy at breakfast (but well worth the wait).
Map and address

If you just want some coffee...
Late for the Train Coffee - Their website says it all, "Love it. Live it. Dream about it. Roast it. Brew it." That is my kind of coffee place.
http://www.lateforthetrain.com/

The Campus Coffee Bean - Great coffee and even better nightly music...Great local campus vibe.
http://www.flagcampuscoffeebean.com/

LUNCH AND DINNER
If you're looking for a new take on Mexican...
Salsa Brava - Featured on the Food Networks, "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," this is Flagstaff's best Mexican restaurant.
http://www.salsabravaflagstaff.com/

If you want some great beer with your tasty meal...
Beaver Street Brewery - A local favorite, you won't have a bad meal here (well, maybe the beer has something do with it, too).
http://www.beaverstreetbrewery.com/

If you're looking for some good surf and turf...
Buster's Restaurant and Bar - Good steaks and great seafood, though it's a little nicer than some of the other restaurants, it's still Flagstaff, so you don't need to dress up.
http://www.busters-restaurant.com/

If you want to dress up...
The Cottage Place - Built inside a 1909 bungalow-style home, the setting is intimate and the wine list is exhaustive.
http://www.cottageplace.com/

Jackson's Grill at the Springs - Another great fine dining establishment, you'll pay through the nose, but you'll be happy you did.
http://www.jacksonsgrill.net/

If you want to go where the locals go...
Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar - Defined as casual fine dining, you don't have to dress up but you'll still get wonderful food and wine.
http://www.brixflagstaff.com/

If you want the best damn pad thai in Arizona...
Dara Thai Restaurant - In Chris' words, "The best damn pad thai in Arizona." And trust me, he knows good pad thai.
Map and address

If you want Italian...
Mamma Luisa - Not mind-blowing (and definitely not Flagstaff-ish), but it's Italian if you've got a craving.
Map and address

If you're drinking...
The Black Bean - "Spinnin Salsas...Twistin Phatties" reads their website...Quick, huge burritos and beer. Only in a college town.
http://www.theblackbean.net/

If you're a vegetarian...
Mountain Oasis - You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this place, but it is vegan and veggie friendly.
http://themenuplease.com/mountainoasis/

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES (kid-friendly)
If you want to take your breath away...
Skyride Chair Lift at Snow Bowl - So there's no snow...so what? These ski chair lifts will take you up to 11,500 feet (which will literally take your breath away) and on a clear day, you can see the Grand Canyon. A fun activity for a reasonable price that kids will love.
http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com/summer/skyride.php

If you want to learn something cool...
Sunset Crater Volcano - The kids might get finicky, but if they're the rare breed that behave, this is a very cool half-a-day.
http://www.nps.gov/sucr/

Lowell Observatory - Though they offer walking tours during the day, the cool stuff happens at night with the nightly telescope viewings. And FYI: Pluto was discovered here. Very cool place and well worth the trip.
http://www.lowell.edu/

Museum of Northern Arizona - Pretty self-explanatory. This isn't my first choice, but if it's raining and your kids like this kind of stuff, it's a pretty neat place.
http://www.musnaz.org/

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES (for the outdoor enthusiast)
If you feel like hiking it...
Aspen Loop at Snow Bowl - Not a very long or difficult hike, but if this is your first day or two in Flag and you are not yet acclimated to the elevation, make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2096

Lockett Meadow (Inner Basin trail) - A little longer than Aspen Loop, this hike goes into the heart of an ancient volcano. Still pretty high elevation.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/inner-basin-tr.shtml

If you want to play some Frisbee Golf...
Thorpe Park - Tons of space for kids and dogs, this park has everything from playgrounds to basketball courts to a frisbee golf course.
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=91 (scroll to the bottom of the page)

If you want to take the dog for an easy hike...
Buffalo Park (Urban Loop Trail) - This is a local classic with very easy access. The giant loop will give you and your dog some beautiful expansive views of the mountain peaks.
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=91 (scroll to the bottom of the page)

If you feel like getting out of Flagstaff, but don't want to go too far...
Sedona - Shopping, hiking, and art, Sedona is world-famous for it's spiritual energy.
http://www.visitsedona.com/

Grand Canyon - You might have heard of it...and it's not very far. Definitely doable in a full day.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/

BARS / NIGHTLIFE (not-so kid-friendly)
If you want some nightly entertainment while you drink...
Charly's Pub - Located at the beautiful Hotel Weatherford, have dinner and stay for the music - and don't forget the turtle pie!
http://www.weatherfordhotel.com/

Flagstaff Brewing Company - Known to locals as Flag Brew or FBC, hang with Flagstaff hippies and drink the night away.
http://www.flagbrew.com/

San Felipe's - If you're up here from Phoenix, you already know this fine establishment - a lot of fun.
http://www.sanfelipescantina.com/

If you want to dance...
The Green Room - Drinking and dancing...what more do you want?
http://flagstaffgreenroom.com/

If you want to shoot some pool...
Uptown Billiards - Ummm, this pretty much speaks for itself.
http://www.uptownbilliards.net/

If you want a more mellow experience...
Wine Loft - Great wine and smooth music, you can sit and talk, read, or even play a game or two.
Map and address

Hopefully, this list will be helpful if you are making your way up to Flagstaff for Cardinals training camp. And as always, if you think I've forgotten something major, leave me a comment or e-mail me.