Shop Local 2023

FLAGSTAFF Shop

Live Local • Love Local • Buy Local

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

In our fast-paced, interconnected world, it’s all too easy to overlook the significance of shopping locally. The allure of online marketplaces and large retail chains often tempts us with convenience and competitive prices; however, as responsible consumers and members of a small community, it is essential to recognize the irreplaceable value that local businesses bring to our town.

proved infrastructure, schools and public services Our choices as consumers have the power to shape the future of our community and, even, the world around us

Shopping locally is not merely an act of transaction; it is a tangible demonstration of support for our neighbors, our economy and our environment When we choose to frequent local establishments, we invest in the heart and soul of Flagstaff These businesses are often the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, providing employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship and preserving the unique character that makes our home so vibrant

the character

The of shopping locally cannot be

initial purchase to

The economic impact of shopping locally cannot be overstated. Local businesses generate revenue that stays within the community, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial purchase. By supporting local merchants, we contribute to job creation, tax revenue and economic growth, ultimately leading to im-

Unlike large-scale, commercial operations, local businesses typically have shorter supply chains, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport on. Many of our local shops embrace sustainable practices, such as sourcing from local producers or artisans utilizing eco-friendly packaging and promoting recycling initiatives By opting for local products and services, we play an active role in fostering a greener, more sustainable future for our planet

typically have supply the transport as eco-friendly and initiatives By opting for local services, we a

As us remember our

As consumers, let us remember that our choices have the power to shape the world around us By prioritizing Flagstaff businesses, we not only bolster our economies but also nurture the fabric of our communities, hoping, ultimately, to center commerce on the human experience. So, let us embrace the power of shopping locally and celebrate the individuals and enterprises that make Flagstaff, Flagstaff Together, we can create a more sustainable, prosperous and interconnected future for all, and with that, please enjoy this special, Shop Local edition of the Arizona Daily Sun

KimmyCraigmile

David Stephens

BethanyGregersen

Wayne McCormick Renée Gaun

Heather Fiser

Gary Nelson

TammaraPrager Lori Zeoli

Julie Sansone

Photo: TomAlexander Photography

Flagstaff The City of SEVENWONDERS

A PLACE TO PROTECT, PLEDGE AND PLAY LOCALLY

DISCOVER FLAGSTAFF

Flagstaff takes great pride as the City of Seven Wonders and in its commitment to protect the environment through ecotourism,promoting responsible visitation,and conservation efforts Nestled in our backyard are unique natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable terrains, spectacular overlooks, historical landmarks, cultural sites,and breathtaking views across millions of acres Our seven wonders include Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks Flagstaff offers opportunities to stay and play responsibly encouraging exploration and discovery of the area’s natural wonders with the mission of learning about and ultimately protecting the areas You can actively participate in supporting community values through three outstanding initiatives: Pledge for the Wild, Flagstaff Trails Passport, and Flagstaff Local.

Protect Flagstaff’s special places with the Pledge for the Wild progr dedicated to promoting and preserving the untamed staff, ensuring that wild

e or This e is dica mo g ible visi i n amed y of places in y ing he ou e o

By taking the pledge, y efforts aimed at keeping ful, sustainable, and cle education effort informs and visitors about responsible use while hiking, biking, watching or stargazing the Wild benefits the loc profit Flagstaff Trails (FTI),which focuses on t agement. Taking part is as texting WILD4FLAG along with a donation d ing your commitment t our precious environment.

Play locally and embar gettable outdoor advent serving Flagstaff’s natu Flagstaff Trails Passpor digital passport, availabl at discoverflagstaff com, hensive listing of trails suit experience, from leisure ing challenges By accumulat you not only manage tr also unlock the oppor amazing prizes Easy tr

te trails two points and three points

The Flagt is an excellent guide to irs perfectly with Pledge biked an epic trail in the tiguous Ponderosa pine by the digital Flagstaff er an incredible day of edeem your well-earned Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. with a cold craft beer from breweries

As you wait ervescence, you notice a oaster, and its message mile to your face You feel of accomplishment and give back to our wild making a donation. By WILD4FLAG to 44321, to donate for each mile Now, after your amazing

DEBBY WOLVOS

"Flagstaffoffers opportunities to stay andplay responsibly encouraging exploration anddiscovery ofthe area’s naturalwonders withthe mission oflearning about m earni andultimately protecting the areas " a u ima ely area

ride, the local craft beer tastes even better, knowing that your donation supports the Pledge for the Wild initiative

While Pledge for the Wild is one way to make a difference there is another opportunity with Flagstaff Local – My Actions Matter This community movement provides free information and uncovers opportunities that encourage hands-on community engagement, that will truly make a difference in our 7,000-foot mountain town.Sign-up at flagstafflocal. com and take the Flagstaff Local pledge, which encourages and celebrates residents and visitors who choose to support Flagstaff in various ways, for example:

 shopping at local stores to keep our economy vibrant and healthy

 tackling trail trash and donating to Pledge for the Wild (text WILD4FLAG to 44321)

 being fire aware and staying informed about fire restrictions

 volunteering at the local food bank and preparing meal boxes

 donating closet clean-outs to local thrift shops

 dining at local restaurants to support jobs and local businesses

 reading to a class during school time

 voting for causes or elected officials

While there’s no denying Flagstaff’s leadership in sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and pledge locally, the “City of Seven Wonders,” is also a culinary mecca with award-winning chefs and breweries Flagstaff is Arizona’s leading craft beer city and a foodie destination with creative forward-thinking chefs. Featuring farm fresh American fare, Atria’s Chef Rochelle Daniel was named a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef of the Year in 2022. Nearby,Shift Kitchen + Wine Bar focuses on bold flavors with a locally driven menu with Chef Christian Lowe as a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef of the Year in 2023 Also, downtown, Proper Meats and Provisions, a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant provides hand cut, Arizona raised meats. A James Beard Award in the food world is equivalent to an Oscar in the movie world. There are more than 250 restaurants in Flagstaff and each one is special. With countless outdoor adventures, an impressive variety of things to see and do, and a summer packed with events and festivals Flagstaff truly stands as a one-of-a-kind mountain town.Encourage friends family and neighbors to join us in protecting, pledging and playing locally.

GAIL G COLLINS

he happiest diet discovery is something that is both delicious and nutritious Olive oil—it’s been around for thousands of years, and with the promise of an olive tree, which lives to be 500 years old, those who consume its fruit can also extend the quality of their lives

Olive trees originate from the Mediterranean Basin, where some of the longest living populations reside. It’s no coincidence; their diets are abundant with healthy oils, nuts and fatty fish. Packed with potent polyphenol compounds olive oil protects against chronic and degenerative diseases, boosting immunities while fighting inflammation. It can guard against certain cancers strengthen bones promote cardiovascular health and improve memory and mood. Further, olive oil can balance our blood sugar as well as the microbiome in our guts

Extra virgin olive oil is particularly packed with antioxidant properties Polyphenols combat oxidative stress that resides as deep as our DNA. A Mediterranean diet

consumes four-plus tablespoons of olive oil daily but studies by the U.S Food and Drug Administration support the claim that one-and-ahalf tablespoons can improve heart health.

It was just such hope that drove Scott McPeak to reclaim his health.

At 57, he had been diagnosed with weight-related diabetes, requiring critical lifestyle changes He ate plentiful salads and vegetables

with a desire to dress them in a nourishing way finding that in first-rate olive oils and balsamic vinegars Healthy progress spurred McPeak on to lose 80 pounds within four months That was three years ago, and alongside the change in health, came a change in business Scott McPeak and son Scotty owned an H & R Block in Nebraska but had their eyes on the West. “When the pre-

vious olive oil business went up for sale, we swooped in and bought it in 2018,” says Scotty “We sold the tax business, looking for one with expediential growth.”

The McPeak families revamped the shop, honing the product line and focusing on superiority for Olive the Best Olive Oils & Vinegars of Flagstaff So as not to diminish the essence, the oils are cold pressed and first pressed, meaning no heat is used in the extraction, and the press is cleaned between groves The McPeaks rely on University of California Davis to vet distributors

“They provide a list of the top 10 distributors and vouch for them,” says Scotty and for the McPeaks that quality is of the upmost importance.

According to Scotty, the crucial point is to stock the freshest oils at 90 days, utilizing the northern hemisphere in winter and southern hemisphere in spring. A good extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) possesses a sharp, fruity and slightly peppery taste with flavor ranging from mild to robust.

There are fused oils, augmented flavors created through simultaneous pressing, and infused oils

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW HAYDEN

to which flavors are added later and steeped. Like wine, guests can taste their way through possibilities at Olive the Best, such as wild fernleaf dill. Then, there are the balsamic vinegars for pairing Try mixing lemon EVOO with pomegranate dark balsamic or honey ginger white balsamic Use on salads, yogurt or like the celebrities, infuse your water with balsamic for an antioxidant flavor boost. Mixologists take note—add infused vinegars to your cocktail program to cut sugars and up complexity The vinegars originate in Modena, Italy and act as a natural preservative, bitter in its initial state and aged for sweetness, caramelizing in barrels If you can’t decide on a favorite, buy and try TSAfriendly sized samples If

you’re passionate, get a growler, holding six bottles for the price of four Guests can custom mix variety gift boxes, add bread dipping kits, pasta, Spanish olives and more with free shipping opportunities If you’re in Williams, check out their second location, which opened in April.

Olive the Best manufactures 100 000 handcrafted products—from barrel to vat to etched bottles—in its veteran-owned shop “COVID shifted attention to health and brought in new customers” says Scotty and referring to the shop’s quality products, he adds, “Think of it like a gym membership—buy the best olive oils to invest in your health.”

Quoting Thomas Jefferson: The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven.

bought

When the McPeak family

the shop in 2018 they focused on revamping the shop and honing the product line

“We were bemooaanninng thhe e fact thaat theerre’s s noowherre e we e caan saaffeely y eat t ouut t and how no o onne e reeallly geets glluutenn--frree e So, , we e deccidded ouur next reesttaaurannt t wooulld speecialliize e in safe fooodds s foor r those with h allllergiiees liikke us, , ”

Located inside a vintage gas s t a t i o n F l a g s t a f f Station Market and Café serves delicious, locally roasted coffee and fresh, homemade panini sandwiches, soups, waffles, and baked goods It’s taken loving care to transform this 1962 Win-Oil gas station into a beautiful market and café while preserving it’s unique details Owner Jenevieve St Jacques says she and her partner Frank Garrison opened Flagstaff Station to give both locals and tourists alike a place to e n j o y d e l ic i o u s f o o d and beverages in a clean, friendly and relaxed atmosphere “Since we totally renovated the building in June of 2020, we were able to design the café around COVID restrictions, making it possible again for our patrons to safely meet old friends and make new ones while enjoying our handcrafted food and specialty coffees,” says St Jacques Not only did they succeed, but they’re also thriving Flagstaff Station is known as the place to unwind after hiking, biking, or skiing Grab a quick breakfast or lunch on the go or pick up that last minute item on the way to the Grand Canyon

You’ll find Flagstaff Station to be a fun and comfortable place to grab a coffee freshly baked pastry, or a full meal Whether you choose dine in or take out everything at The Station is made fresh in-house

What really sets Flagstaff Station apart from other cafes is that, though there’s plenty to keep carnivores omnivores, vegan, and vegetarians happy, they specialize in gluten-free, celiac, and food allergy friendly meals and treats St Jacques says Flagstaff Station’s employees are highly trained to understand today’s myriad of dietary restrictions Each ingredient is accounted for, and a full list of

Flagstaff Station Market and Café serves

with fresh, delicious food and drink

allergens is even posted on the wall Both she and her partner are severely allergic to gluten

“We were bemoaning the fact that there’s nowhere we can safely eat out and how no one really gets gluten-free So, we decided our next restaurant would specialize in safe foods for those with allergies like us,” she said “Nothing makes you more aware of what’s in or what comes in contact with the food you eat like a food allergy” In short, they really get it. Flagstaff Station makes their own GF focaccia for paninis as well as countless gluten-free baked goods and t r e a t s Diners will be tempted by GF chocolate croissants cinnamon rolls, cakes, bars, and much more. The couple studied pastry making in Paris and many of their recipes came from those forays In fact,Garrison is headed for his Masters in the Art of Baking from Le Cordon Blue in Paris, France. They even make their own GF dog treats for their four-legged customers And cross contamination is not a problem. Safe handling procedures, separate workspaces, utensils, gloves, and even refrigerators make dining Flagstaff Station a worry-free event for those with food allergies You’ve got to try their gluten-free Belgian style waffle A light and airy masterpiece served with fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream, European butter and pure maple syrup It will make you swoon. Whether you dine inside or out on their dog friendly patio or deck, you’ll find the perfect spot to savor your meal

The Market inside of Flagstaff Station offers a wide variety of everything from your favorite beer,wine,and canned cocktails to snacks and staples And Flagstaff Station supports other locals by purchasing and selling locally produced items such as honey, coffee, body products, books, jewelry, and more Stoponinandsoonyou’ll be saying “Meet me at the Station!”

MACKENZIE CHASE ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Flagstaff Station Market Café offers the best of Belgian waffles all without the use of gluten dairy and sugar

MACKENZIE CHASE, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Frank Garrison and Jenn Cohen opened Flagstaff Station Market Café in the former location of Late for the Train on North Fort Valley Road

At High Mountain Health dispensary you are not just a customer, you are family Each person is greeted warmly upon entering the store and receives personalized service from knowledgeable and friendly staff Focused on a broad range of products produced in-house and from top-notch vendors, High Mountain Health has cultivated lasting relationships with customers as well as other members of the cannabis industry There is something for every budget and every type of cannabis consumer High Mountain Health also offers daily/weekly specials as well as discounts for students, veterans and health care professionals High Mountain Health has the most robust patient loyalty program in Flagstaff, whereby registered customers receive points with every transaction that are redeemable on future purchases Because High Mountain Health is committed to integrity and transparency in every customer interaction, they do not support product-driven staff incentives Rather, the goal of each sale is to provide well-informed product knowledge and education

Therefore, High Mountain Health customers can rest assured knowing they’re getting what’s best for them

As one of the only dispensaries in Flagstaff, High Mountain Health celebrated its 10-year anniversary in June of this year The owners of High Mountain Health have remained the same since opening the store in 2013 and are longtime residents of Flagstaff In those 10 years they have proven their investment in and love of the Flagstaff community by donating over $140 000 to local non-profit organizations through a monthly charity drive at the dispensary They also support the Last Prisoner Project – an exoneration initiative for individuals serving time for non-violent cannabis related offenses

In the first 8 years of being in business, High Mountain Health proudly served the medical marijuana community with the intent to provide a higher quality of life In January 2021, High Mountain Health began

serving both adult-use as well as medical customers, maintaining a keen focus on customer care Adultuse sales brought a good deal of change but High Mountain Health remains

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Photo: Tom Alexander Photography

EMILY GERDES

In 11 short months Mat-

thew Kent, president and CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises, transformed Planet Science from an idea in his head into a brick-and-mortar reality with its doors open to the community

Planet Science recently opened in May 2023 and is aimed at anyone who has an interest in science Located on North Leroux Street across from Heritage Square this store brings science to the center of the Flagstaff community

Although Planet Science is backed and supported by Meteor Crater Enterprises, the store carries items entirely different from what customers might find at the Meteor Crater Gift Shop

The love for science has remained a constant presence in Flagstaff through its rich traditions and history for the last 100 years Kent said when he first discovered the Flagstaff science community he immediately saw the buzz around Lowell Observatory and Meteor Crater

“I think woven into us is the natural curiosity and adventure that science brings to us,” Kent said “We wanna recapture that and we want to reconnect with that and we want to give everybody the opportunity to find that inner junior scientist in them ”

While the store does carry memorabilia for generations who have a sentimental attachment to the era of the Apollo and Artemis missions, Kent explained they have an area that caters to their younger audience as well

“We call it our junior scientist area, and it’s got low tables And we encourage kids to color these coloring pages, Kent said We ve got puzzles and toys and dinosaurs and stuff They can just hang out there while their parents look at

other stuff in the store

This area also contains flatscreen TVs, which were installed with the intent of the store be-

ing able to stream events such as eclipses and SpaceX launches and be a general meeting place for people to gather and watch these

events Kent also said there are hopes of hosting presentations and guest lectures

There is great potential for this space to be a beneficial addition to the downtown atmosphere especially when paired with Kent’s ideas, which allow the junior area to be a utilitarian space

STARS Shooting for the

“I’m sending a challenge, an invitation out,” Kent said “Festival of Science people, I want to put together a whole Festival of Science kid’s event and use the education departments of Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona and Meteor Creator, and come together and do one big event dedicated to our junior scientists and our kids, sponsored by the science attractions So I’m issuing the challenge, let’s put it together and make it happen ”

The Festival of Science is a yearly 10-day event put on for free encapsulating a variety of events surrounding that year’s theme

A portion of the revenue generated at Planet Science will be going to the Meteor Crater Educational Foundation which is dedicated to our youth, Kent said

Bringing classrooms out to Meteor Crater, creating scholarships and putting together school curriculums are some of the ways Kent said they are hoping to bring science to Northern Arizona students of all ages Kent explained this store is one part of building the foundation for those kids’ future

From the beginning, Kent said he always wanted to collaborate with other groups in Flagstaff for this store Along with the Museum of Northern Arizona and Grand Canyon Youth, Kent also reached out to Lowell Observatory

Danielle Adams, the chief marketing and revenue officer at Lowell Observatory, elaborated on the convenient location of the new downtown store

“We want any tourist who comes to Flagstaff to come on up to the observatory but sometimes they don’t have enough time,” Adams said “Perhaps if they’re wandering around downtown, they may still take something from Lowell home with them ”

Adams said this STEM-focused store makes gift-giving and science memorabilia more accessible to the community

Adams also explained how Planet Science caters to a niche section of the tourism industry called astrotourism The City of Flagstaff has already begun marketing the town as one of the central locations for astrotourism, but Planet Science will act as a physical space where science and

Planet Science proposes itself as the new science hub for the community

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW HAYDEN Planet Science is located

building on Leroux Street next to Atria

Planet Science sells NASA apparel and caters to the kids with their junior scientist area, which plays a video about Meteor Crater on the wall of TVs

people’s interest can come together.

“The store is not focused on the science research community, Adams said. “It’s more focused on the popular consumption of science and appreciation of science. I think really what it wraps into is this growing movement for astrotourism That is a special segment of the tourism industry.”

The largest draw to astrotourism is stargazing, which Flagstaff is internationally known for ever since it became an International Dark Sky City.

This is not the first time Lowell Observatory has collaborated with

Meteor Crater and engaged in this mutually beneficial partnership

Last year, the two science-oriented groups came together to put on an Arizona version of the international event, Asteroid Day Asteroid Day is an event hosted around the globe to bring awareness to the risk of asteroid impacts along with general information about the science community Kent said this one-day event allows visitors to buy a joint pass in order to spend the daytime exploring Meteor Crater then travel over to Lowell Observatory to spend the night learning about the stars.

Currently, the Lowell Observatory products located at Planet Science include T-shirts, mugs and Percival Lowell Mars globes, which, Adams added, have Percival Lowell’s drawings on them.

Kent hopes Planet Science will soon be able to sell tickets for Lowell Observatory and Meteor Crater but in the meantime, the store offers everything from clothing items to photography books

“We have telescopes that are significant and telescopes if you’re into amateur astronomy or ones hobbyists would recognize and appreciate,” Kent said “We have

microscopes, but we also have Star Wars Legos And we have key chains and we have funny alien stuff We have incredible fossils and rocks. What we’re trying to do is cover a big spectrum, but also it’s not just a spectrum of interest; it’s a spectrum of demographics.”

In the future, the products the store carries will depend on what the community wants, but Kent said the main goal, for now, is simply for Planet Science to be a hub of community science for Flagstaff Planet Science is just the start of bringing the science community to the heart of Flagstaff

Planet Science is filled with space-themed memorabilia from Legos to telescopes.

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Each office is independently owned and operated.