Day 1: A cup of coffee on the patio of Macy’s(928-774-2243, macyscoffee.net) is a great way to start the day. Head to the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park(928-779-4395, azstateparks.com) to tour the 1904 houses the Riordan brothers built and connected with a “Billiard Room.” Stay in a historical state of mind by visiting the Lumberyard Brewing Company (928-779-2739, lumberyardbrewingcompany.com), housed in an 1890s building. To live in the moment, stop in at the Tinderbox Kitchen and The Annex(928-226-8400, tinderboxkitchen.com) for a limited-edition burger. On historic Route 66, The Museum Club(928-526-9434, themuseumclub.com) is a fun boot-stompin’ venue. Or, for a quiet evening, visit the Lowell Observatory (928-774-3358, lowell.edu), where Pluto was discovered in 1930.
Day 2: North of town, the Museum of Northern Arizona (928-774-5213, musnaz.org) offers exhibits on the Colorado Plateau. Continuing north, the Sunset Crater Volcano(nps.gov) loop breaks up the drive to the Grand Canyon. To approach the park from Williams, grab some barbeque from the Singing Pig(928-635-2904, thesingingpigroute66.com) and climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway(928-773-1976, thetrain.com). In the fall, the railway offers family-friendly events like the Pumpkin Patch Train and The Polar Express. Skiing is available at Arizona Snowbowl(928-779-1951, arizonasnowbowl.com) and Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area(928-814-5038, elkridgeski.com).
Day 3: South of Flagstaff, drive through Oak Creek Canyon to land amongst the red rocks of Sedona. Then, saddle up with A Day in the West(928-282-4320, adayinthewest.com) for a ride through the Verde Valley, or Valley of Grapes. Or, head out to Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery(928-649-2681, javelinaleapwinery.com) to sample the valley’s offerings. History buffs will enjoy spending time at the Fort Verde Historical Park (928-567-3275, azstateparks.com), as well as the nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument (928-567-3322, nps.gov). For a casual meal, Sedona’s Cowboy Club (928-282-4200, cowboyclub.com) iswhere the Cowboy Artists of America organized in 1965. If it’s fine dining you want, you don’t have to look far—The Silver Saddle Room at the Cowboy Club can accommodate those needs.
