Top Rated Attractions in Flagstaff

The Hive is a mainstay on Beaver Street. It is where locals come for the loud music and strong drinks. The venue functions as a gallery as well. Every night there is a different band on stage and if you want to buy some art while you enjoy the sound, all proceeds support local talent. The music varies from punk and pop to rockabilly and thrash metal as well as everything in-between.

Historic Beaver Street is lined with galleries, shops, breweries, restaurants and stores galore, always a nice place to come when you're in downtown Flagstaff. The Beaver Street Gallery brings a myriad of artwork, from sculpted pieces to oil on canvas, there is always something that piques the intellect and curiosity. The artists are not only locals either, in fact, some artists hail from Japan, China, the Netherlands and from elsewhere around the world.

This family-owned business isn't your typical portrait gallery, instead of family photos, Shane Knight shoots landscapes. From the Vermillion Cliffs of Northern Arizona to the farms of Eastern Kentucky, the regions as well as the objects are varied and distinctive. Many of the photos can be printed with cibachrome or silver gelatin. These beautiful landscape pictures will make a great conversation-starting addition to any room.

Most college towns have several coffeehouses and Flagstaff is no exception. Here along historic Route 66, Fireside Creek serves superb java every day of the week from dawn til' dusk. The coffee is organic, delicious and the purveyors are so successful that they also work as wholesalers to other establishments around town. The coffeehouse inside is sleek, elegant and the old-fashioned tin ceiling from the 19th century building adds an archaic touch. Firecreek also has pastries, bagels and other sundries in addition to a performing arts stage which hosts bands, comedy, etc.

Located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff this small gallery, with it's bare brick walls and contrasting stark white walls, hardwood floors, and appropriately subdued track lighting, gives one the feeling of an intimate and personal art experience. Echo Canyon Arts holds a series of events throughout the year that include first time showings for up-and-coming and well-known artists, as well as group shows and ongoing displays. Receptions, which often include local musical talent, are another regular occurrence. The gallery was conceived as a partnership between the photographers Jay Showers and Richard and Elaine Morrison. In addition to showing photography, the owners also present ceramics, raku ware, whimsical paintings, items of furniture, blown glass, fused glass, sculpture, jewelry, carved gourds, and new furniture lines. This lovely gallery is a must-see while walking through downtown Flagstaff. -Herman Sims

The Northern Arizona University Art Museum is a bright and spacious art space on the northwest corner of the Northern Arizona University campus features paintings, sculpture, prints and ceramics by local, regional and national artists. Supplemented by guest artist lectures, workshops and demonstrations year-round, the collection includes works by Diego Rivera as well as turn-of-the-century furniture.