Our family travel series continues with Valley-based boy mom and lifestyle contributor Nadine Bubeck (Mama B.). Every month, Nadine showcases a fabulous destination- providing five things about visiting the hot spot.
This month, we’re heading to an Arizona gem: Flagstaff.
Where to stay:
Little America Flagstaff is the most adorable property ever, and incredibly ideal for families.
Your family will love the cozy accommodations- a spacious bathroom, comfy bed and stunning, lush views. Explore the “foresty” grounds; the property is lined with easy walking paths. And did I mention the full-on playground? (Seriously, why doesn’t every family hotel have a playground?!?!) With a heated pool and hot tub, there’s really nothing Little America lacks.
Convenient to the town of Flagstaff, Little America boasts 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest and is the area’s only AAA approved Four Diamond hotel.
Where to play:
If you’ve had dreams of meeting Santa, Flag’s North Pole Experience is conveniently located on Little America’s 500 acres of beautiful forest, which gets decorated with over a million Christmas lights.
The North Pole Experience starts by taking families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest. Inside Santa’s famously grand workshop families, will work with Santa and his elves, as well as attend Elf University, eat cookies inside Santa’s Bakery and enjoy one-on-one time with the man in red, himself.
Bearizona is another hot spot for families who want to live on the wild side. Visitors will drive 
through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing North American animals in natural habitats when they visit (yep, plenty of bears!). More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20 acre walk-thru area, along winding paths which is more of a “zoo” type setting.
Arizona Snowbowl is the area’s attraction for everything snow sports. Depending on when the white stuff starts to fall, Snowbowl is open for business offering plenty of lifts and lessons for all levels.
And if you still need to occupy some time, take the scenic drive to the Grand Canyon (it takes less than 90 minutes). Capture picturesque photo opps of the natural wonder- it will leave you breathless.
Where to feast:
I’m all about taste paired with convenience, which is why I prefer eating on property, at Little America. The Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar serves a mix of signature favorites, innovative international dishes, and quintessential Arizona flavors. In-room dining is also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What to bring:
Will put it to you this way: Flag’s winter low is around 14 degrees, while Scottsdale’s low is approximately 42. Therefore, plan accordingly. Flagstaff is generally much cooler than the Valley, snowing, on average, 81 inches a year. Bundle up and pack those boots!
Don’t forget:
For better rates (at the hotel and North Pole Experience), book weekdays over weekends. Winter is high season considering many Arizonans want to see the snow!
Written by: Nadine Bubeck
Nadine Bubeck is a TV Personality, author, lifestyle blogger, and fashion designer, having founded Mama B. Designs: boutique apparel that benefits March of Dimes. The Valley-based parenting contributor is a blessed boy mom times three. (nadinebubeck.com)
