Arizonaõs Flagstaff

A renaissance has hit this Arizona mountain escape,elevating it beyond the outdoors.

- Allison Young

PERFECT DAY

The Grand Canyon celebrates its centennial as a national park this year. If you’re planning a trip, don’t write off Flagstaff as simply a gateway to the park’s South Rim. Standing at almost 7,000 feet, with Arizona’s highest peak and the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff is a destination in its own right. Outdoor adventure is never far—or a microbrewery, for that matter. Not only do world-class runners train here, but so did the men on the moon. The big ideas that pour forth from Northern Arizona University have helped elevate the vibe of this pioneer outpost. Even those who come for the peaks and the pines will be pleasantly surprised by the cultural offerings. But not to worry: The dress code remains rustic.