7 minute read

Flagstaff The City of SEVENWONDERS A PLACE TO PROTECT, PLEDGE AND PLAY LOCALLY

DISCOVER FLAGSTAFF

Advertisement

Flagstaff takes great pride as the City of Seven Wonders and in its commitment to protect the environment through ecotourism,promoting responsible visitation,and conservation efforts Nestled in our backyard are unique natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable terrains, spectacular overlooks, historical landmarks, cultural sites,and breathtaking views across millions of acres Our seven wonders include Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks Flagstaff offers opportunities to stay and play responsibly encouraging exploration and discovery of the area’s natural wonders with the mission of learning about and ultimately protecting the areas You can actively participate in supporting community values through three outstanding initiatives: Pledge for the Wild, Flagstaff Trails Passport, and Flagstaff Local.

Protect Flagstaff’s special places with the Pledge for the Wild progr dedicated to promoting and preserving the untamed staff, ensuring that wild e or This e is dica mo g ible visi i n amed y of places in y ing he ou e o

By taking the pledge, y efforts aimed at keeping ful, sustainable, and cle education effort informs and visitors about responsible use while hiking, biking, watching or stargazing the Wild benefits the loc profit Flagstaff Trails (FTI),which focuses on t agement. Taking part is as texting WILD4FLAG along with a donation d ing your commitment t our precious environment.

Play locally and embar gettable outdoor advent serving Flagstaff’s natu Flagstaff Trails Passpor digital passport, availabl at discoverflagstaff com, hensive listing of trails suit experience, from leisure ing challenges By accumulat you not only manage tr also unlock the oppor amazing prizes Easy tr te trails two points and three points

The Flagt is an excellent guide to irs perfectly with Pledge biked an epic trail in the tiguous Ponderosa pine by the digital Flagstaff er an incredible day of edeem your well-earned Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. with a cold craft beer from breweries

As you wait ervescence, you notice a oaster, and its message mile to your face You feel of accomplishment and give back to our wild making a donation. By WILD4FLAG to 44321, to donate for each mile Now, after your amazing ride, the local craft beer tastes even better, knowing that your donation supports the Pledge for the Wild initiative

While Pledge for the Wild is one way to make a difference there is another opportunity with Flagstaff Local – My Actions Matter This community movement provides free information and uncovers opportunities that encourage hands-on community engagement, that will truly make a difference in our 7,000-foot mountain town.Sign-up at flagstafflocal. com and take the Flagstaff Local pledge, which encourages and celebrates residents and visitors who choose to support Flagstaff in various ways, for example:

 shopping at local stores to keep our economy vibrant and healthy

 tackling trail trash and donating to Pledge for the Wild (text WILD4FLAG to 44321)

 being fire aware and staying informed about fire restrictions

 volunteering at the local food bank and preparing meal boxes

 donating closet clean-outs to local thrift shops

 dining at local restaurants to support jobs and local businesses

 reading to a class during school time

 voting for causes or elected officials

While there’s no denying Flagstaff’s leadership in sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and pledge locally, the “City of Seven Wonders,” is also a culinary mecca with award-winning chefs and breweries Flagstaff is Arizona’s leading craft beer city and a foodie destination with creative forward-thinking chefs. Featuring farm fresh American fare, Atria’s Chef Rochelle Daniel was named a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef of the Year in 2022. Nearby,Shift Kitchen + Wine Bar focuses on bold flavors with a locally driven menu with Chef Christian Lowe as a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef of the Year in 2023 Also, downtown, Proper Meats and Provisions, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant provides hand cut, Arizona raised meats. A James Beard Award in the food world is equivalent to an Oscar in the movie world. There are more than 250 restaurants in Flagstaff and each one is special. With countless outdoor adventures, an impressive variety of things to see and do, and a summer packed with events and festivals Flagstaff truly stands as a one-of-a-kind mountain town.Encourage friends family and neighbors to join us in protecting, pledging and playing locally.

GAIL G COLLINS he happiest diet discovery is something that is both delicious and nutritious Olive oil—it’s been around for thousands of years, and with the promise of an olive tree, which lives to be 500 years old, those who consume its fruit can also extend the quality of their lives

Olive trees originate from the Mediterranean Basin, where some of the longest living populations reside. It’s no coincidence; their diets are abundant with healthy oils, nuts and fatty fish. Packed with potent polyphenol compounds olive oil protects against chronic and degenerative diseases, boosting immunities while fighting inflammation. It can guard against certain cancers strengthen bones promote cardiovascular health and improve memory and mood. Further, olive oil can balance our blood sugar as well as the microbiome in our guts

Extra virgin olive oil is particularly packed with antioxidant properties Polyphenols combat oxidative stress that resides as deep as our DNA. A Mediterranean diet consumes four-plus tablespoons of olive oil daily but studies by the U.S Food and Drug Administration support the claim that one-and-ahalf tablespoons can improve heart health.

It was just such hope that drove Scott McPeak to reclaim his health.

At 57, he had been diagnosed with weight-related diabetes, requiring critical lifestyle changes He ate plentiful salads and vegetables with a desire to dress them in a nourishing way finding that in first-rate olive oils and balsamic vinegars Healthy progress spurred McPeak on to lose 80 pounds within four months That was three years ago, and alongside the change in health, came a change in business Scott McPeak and son Scotty owned an H & R Block in Nebraska but had their eyes on the West. “When the pre- vious olive oil business went up for sale, we swooped in and bought it in 2018,” says Scotty “We sold the tax business, looking for one with expediential growth.”

The McPeak families revamped the shop, honing the product line and focusing on superiority for Olive the Best Olive Oils & Vinegars of Flagstaff So as not to diminish the essence, the oils are cold pressed and first pressed, meaning no heat is used in the extraction, and the press is cleaned between groves The McPeaks rely on University of California Davis to vet distributors

“They provide a list of the top 10 distributors and vouch for them,” says Scotty and for the McPeaks that quality is of the upmost importance.

According to Scotty, the crucial point is to stock the freshest oils at 90 days, utilizing the northern hemisphere in winter and southern hemisphere in spring. A good extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) possesses a sharp, fruity and slightly peppery taste with flavor ranging from mild to robust.

There are fused oils, augmented flavors created through simultaneous pressing, and infused oils to which flavors are added later and steeped. Like wine, guests can taste their way through possibilities at Olive the Best, such as wild fernleaf dill. Then, there are the balsamic vinegars for pairing Try mixing lemon EVOO with pomegranate dark balsamic or honey ginger white balsamic Use on salads, yogurt or like the celebrities, infuse your water with balsamic for an antioxidant flavor boost. Mixologists take note—add infused vinegars to your cocktail program to cut sugars and up complexity The vinegars originate in Modena, Italy and act as a natural preservative, bitter in its initial state and aged for sweetness, caramelizing in barrels If you can’t decide on a favorite, buy and try TSAfriendly sized samples If you’re passionate, get a growler, holding six bottles for the price of four Guests can custom mix variety gift boxes, add bread dipping kits, pasta, Spanish olives and more with free shipping opportunities If you’re in Williams, check out their second location, which opened in April.

Olive the Best manufactures 100 000 handcrafted products—from barrel to vat to etched bottles—in its veteran-owned shop “COVID shifted attention to health and brought in new customers” says Scotty and referring to the shop’s quality products, he adds, “Think of it like a gym membership—buy the best olive oils to invest in your health.” bought

Quoting Thomas Jefferson: The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven.

“We were bemooaanninng thhe e fact thaat theerre’s s noowherre e we e caan saaffeely y eat t ouut t and how no o onne e reeallly geets glluutenn--frree e So, , we e deccidded ouur next reesttaaurannt t wooulld speecialliize e in safe fooodds s foor r those with h allllergiiees liikke us, , ”

Located inside a vintage gas s t a t i o n F l a g s t a f f Station Market and Café serves delicious, locally roasted coffee and fresh, homemade panini sandwiches, soups, waffles, and baked goods It’s taken loving care to transform this 1962 Win-Oil gas station into a beautiful market and café while preserving it’s unique details Owner Jenevieve St Jacques says she and her partner Frank Garrison opened Flagstaff Station to give both locals and tourists alike a place to e n j o y d e l ic i o u s f o o d and beverages in a clean, friendly and relaxed atmosphere “Since we totally renovated the building in June of 2020, we were able to design the café around COVID restrictions, making it possible again for our patrons to safely meet old friends and make new ones while enjoying our handcrafted food and specialty coffees,” says St Jacques Not only did they succeed, but they’re also thriving Flagstaff Station is known as the place to unwind after hiking, biking, or skiing Grab a quick breakfast or lunch on the go or pick up that last minute item on the way to the Grand Canyon

You’ll find Flagstaff Station to be a fun and comfortable place to grab a coffee freshly baked pastry, or a full meal Whether you choose dine in or take out everything at The Station is made fresh in-house

What really sets Flagstaff Station apart from other cafes is that, though there’s plenty to keep carnivores omnivores, vegan, and vegetarians happy, they specialize in gluten-free, celiac, and food allergy friendly meals and treats St Jacques says Flagstaff Station’s employees are highly trained to understand today’s myriad of dietary restrictions Each ingredient is accounted for, and a full list of

This article is from: