12 Things to do this Halloween/Fall Season in Flagstaff
2. Enjoy a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte
While you have your standard seasonal chain specialty drink offerings available at the start of each fall season, most notably Starbucks’ ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte drink, you will also find a few local businesses offering variations on this classic drink. Cultured offers a Pumpkin Spice Latte using real pumpkin, while Steep offers a delicious Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte, although it’s hard to recommend this tea shop due to the noisy atmosphere.
If you have your heart set on Starbucks, take a scenic drive down colorful Oak Creek Canyon and visit the Starbucks along Route 89 in Sedona. It’s one of the most picturesque Starbucks locations you will ever come across with a beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the red rocks. Plus, this particular location decorates nicely for Halloween.
3. Treat yourself to a seasonal dessert
Popular chains like Olive Garden roll out tasty autumn treats at the start of the season. Try out the pumpkin cheesecake – it’s fantastic! Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts both offer great pumpkin muffins. In terms of local businesses, Wildflower Bread Company and Brandy’s offer a small selection of specialty seasonal treats and pastries. Also, Rocky Mountain Candy Company, located in the historic downtown, offers a tempting selection of festive candy apples: the ultimate fall treat!
4. Explore Flagstaff’s historic downtown
Flagstaff is rumored to be one of Arizona’s most haunted towns. Many of the buildings in the downtown are supposedly haunted, especially the historic Monte Vista Hotel, built in 1926. Ghost sightings have been reported over the years and multiple guests have reported the same eerie ghostly visions in certain rooms (Room 305 was featured on Unsolved Mysteries). John Wayne, one of the many celebrity guests who frequented the hotel over the years, reported seeing a ghostly bellboy in room 210. Additionally, many other guests also reported seeing the bellboy vision.
Read more about local ghost legends at the Monte Vista on the Hotel Monte Vista website. Also be sure to take a self-guided tour of the haunted buildings downtown (Monte Vista Hotel, Weatherford Hotel, Flagstaff Public Library, and the 1926 Railroad station are a few of the most haunted locales – pick up a copy of haunted locations in Flagstaff at the visitor’s center) or sign up for a guided tour through the Flagstaff Visitor’s Center.
5. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride at Fort Tuthill
One of Flagstaff’s greatest attributes is the many trails you can enjoy anytime of year. The FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trail System) is a network of more than 50 miles of recreational paths for biking, running, and walking. These trails, which can be used for exercise or transportation, give fitness enthusiasts a safe and relatively flat surface to both get in a great workout and enjoy the scenery surrounding town.
Fort Tuthill and and Buffalo Park are 2 of the best biking options due to the mostly flat terrain and gorgeous views. At Fort Tuthill, you will be surrounded by beautiful ponderosa pines, while at Buffalo Park, you can take in gorgeous views of the San Francisco Peaks (and maybe even see a little bit of fall color on the mountains!).
Either option is perfect during the fall season due to the attractive daytime temperatures, mostly sunny skies, and fewer crowds. So, if your visit to Flagstaff falls during the fall season, make sure to get out there and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views of the pines for one of the last biking opportunities of the year.