This chronicle of our January trip to Arizona is long overdue...and the thing is...there's a Part 3...and maybe a 4...So, I'll do my best to be brief...but I just can't resist sharing...
We arrived in Flagstaff in the evening and checked into our hotel...a brand new
Courtyard. We decided to mention our rewards level and were lucky enough to get an upgrade to a suite. It was sweet! We had a large living room with a wet bar, couch, sitting area, and desk. The bedroom was also large with plenty of room to spread out. It was in the corner of the hotel, so we had nice, big windows...and even a little view of the San Francisco peaks.
Amy would have LOVED it! We were staying for three nights...just enough time to get Chris setttled in and to find our way around town before we headed to the Phoenix area for the last few days of our trip...and my flight home.
We quickly discovered
Macy's, an eclectic coffee shop and cafe close to NAU's campus. We went several times in the few days we were there to enjoy the food and mochas. Chris returned for lunch after I left, too. We find vegetarian restaurants so refreshing...probably the result of living in southern Oklahoma, where you can't find anything fresh or healthy within an hours drive! Macy's rocks our world. The coffee is delicious. The food is divine. One morning we shared a huge bowl of organic yogurt with homemade granola and fresh fruit with a huge mocha. Another day we stopped by for lunch.
Chris' vegetarian BLT.
Homemade vegetarian chili.
Our cousin, Hannah, suggested that we try
Brandy's Restaurant in Flagstaff, after hearing that my Uncle John saw a segment about it on
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. After a little research, we knew we couldn't miss it. Brandy's is locally known for fresh and delicious food. We were so glad that Hannah recommended it, though, because we never would have found it. It's tucked in a strip mall on the north end of town. Brandy's is a must if you are in Flagstaff. It lives up to the hype. In addition to breakfast, Brandy's serves lunch and dinner, which I am sure are amazing.
I might have eaten most of my eggs benedict, with avocado. Heaven.
And a mocha. Delicious.
Chris had a breakfast burrito, with hollandaise sauce. After commenting on its size, he ate it all. Brandy's has that kind of effect on you.
Why have something healthy as your "side dish" when you can have a huge, fluffy pancake. Yes, this came with the breakfast burrito. So good!
After filling our bellies one morning at Brandy's we headed to
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and
Wupatki National Monument, which are located just north of Flagstaff. I had been to both sites several years ago during work training. But, I was most excited to share the experience with Chris and spend more time at both sites. We spent our whole day between the two parks, which are connected by a park road. It was a long, fun day. The parks are part of the Flagstaff Area Monuments. The third monument is
Walnut Canyon, which we didn't have time to visit. Next time...
As you leave Sunset Crater and head towards Wupatki, the landscape changes...
At Wupatki, you find yourself in the past...in amongst the dwellings of prehistoric civilizations. Each "house" is beautiful and interesting. We spent hours exploring and enjoying the beautiful structures and views of the high desert landscape.
Wukoki
Wupatki Pueblo
The "Citadel"
Lomaki and Box Canyon Pueblos
