5. Lowell Observatory

Pluto Palooza at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Lowell Observatory is most famous for Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto in 1930. A visit to this small observatory isn’t necessarily a bad experience, however, just not worth the steep admission price. Basilly, I would not put it tops on your bucket list. In a town with so many budget friendly natural areas to explore, there is no reason to spend a lot of money. Save the observatories for big city trips.

The telescope used to discover Pluto in 1930.
The telescope used to discover Pluto in 1930.

While the presentations are informative and the grounds beautifully landscaped, the exhibits are a bit lacking. Lowell is an excellent place to stargaze, although so are so many others areas in town which are naturally free. Flagstaff, “the world’s first international dark skies city,” one of the world’s best places for stargazing.

The drive up to the observatory offers some nice views of the mountains

Pretty views of the mountains from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona

The annual Flagstaff Festival of Science, is a free 10 day event featuring guided stargazing hikes, telescope viewings, and presentations. In particular, the 3 day star party in Buffalo Park is an event to add to your calendar. So hold off on the Lowell and wait for this 10 day extravaganza! If you want to enjoy the night skies on your own time, just visit Buffalo park. This wide open stretch of land in the desert really is one of the top spots in the world for stargazing!

6. Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff, Arizona

The Orpheum Theater, a historic theater built by John Weatherford in 1911, is a popular entertainment venue. During the year, the Orpheum hosts various events including concerts, movies, comedy acts, and various stage productions.

After attending a winter movie screening here, I would never recommend this venue to anyone. Asides from the disorganization, there was no heat on inside during the dead of winter! The entire audience looked like a scene out on the slopes. Everyone was shivering with hats, gloves, and scarves on…a bit ridiculous for an event if you ask me!

7. Little America Holiday Brunch Buffets

Little America holiday buffet in Flagstaff, Arizona

For some reason, the holiday brunches at Flagstaffs Little America hotel are immensely popular, so much so that guests may have to wait up to 3 hours just for a seat! No reservations are accepted, so you must simply wait based on your arrival time. For the Thanksgiving Day buffet, priced more than a top Vegas buffet at $44 per person, there was a 3+ hour wait. One would think after such a wait, the food, service, and presentation would be outstanding. Not the case – the food selection was limited, bland, and dried out, service was mediocre, and a general lack of cleanliness was apparent.

Lesson learned: save the buffets for a Vegas trip and make your own holiday dinners! Little America does have one thing going for it – their beautiful (and free) holiday light display. Over a million lights cover the heavily forested grounds. As one of the bigger light displays in Northern Arizona, Little America’s Holiday Lights show is definitely worth a visit.

Little America holiday light show in Flagstaff, Arizona

8. Flagstaff Mall

Flagstaff’s mediocre shopping destination is definitely one for the skip list. With a lack of interesting stores or restaurants, and no movie theater or any entertainment, there really is no reason to spend the day shopping here. If you want you a nice shopping center, drive to Phoenix. Here you are sure to be bombarded in every direction with top end shopping and dining complexes. Let’s just say you will have more than enough options to keep you busy all day.