{"id":2398,"date":"2024-04-19T14:23:27","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T21:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nau.edu\/transfer-online-connections\/?p=2398"},"modified":"2024-04-19T14:43:01","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T21:43:01","slug":"spring-is-in-the-air","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legacy.nau.edu\/transfer-online-connections\/spring-is-in-the-air\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring is in the Air (Hopefully…)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Megan Greenspan, Edited by Dom Moreno, Graphics by Lorissa Olson<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that the sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the snow is finally <\/em>melting (knock on wood), I think it is safe to say that Flagstaff is experiencing the first signs of spring! With warmer temperatures, you may be seeking an escape from your dorm. Some time outside to take in the fresh air and vitamin d you\u2019ve been lacking since October. A walk or hammocking out in the quad is a great way to soak up a little bit of that goodness, but you may be wondering what else is out there for you to enjoy not only in Flagstaff, but close by as well? Well, do we at the Transfer Jacks blog have some recommendations just for you!<\/p>\n

\"flowers\"<\/p>\n

Downtown Flagstaff<\/h2>\n

Who says that retail therapy isn\u2019t real? Downtown Flagstaff is one of my favorite places to shop, eat, chill with friends, or even study! With so many different places to explore and being walkable from campus, it is the perfect place to go during a free afternoon. From studying at Late for the Train to sipping tea and chatting with friends at Steep, Downtown has something for everyone. There are also frequent events held in Heritage Square as well as musicians showing off their talent. So grab some friends and a cute tote bag and see what Downtown Flagstaff has in store for you!<\/p>\n

Flagstaff Community Markets<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning on sticking around into the summer, or joining us back in the fall, then the Flagstaff Community Markets are a must. The farmers market, which takes place every Sunday from 8am-12pm starting in May, is the perfect place to get local snacks and treats, produce, and fresh-cut flowers (my personal favorite). Starting on the second and fourth Saturdays in July through October, the Flea Market is also an amazing stop to look at a variety of treasures! From handmade soaps and spices, to artworks, vintage clothes, toys and furniture, and so much more!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hiking, Biking, and all that Outdoorsy Jazz<\/h2>\n

Flagstaff and the rest of the Coconino National Forest have so many amazing and beautiful trailheads for both the experienced and inexperienced hiker. Besides the Grand Canyon, which is located approximately an hour and a half from campus, we are surrounded by all sorts of trails! There is the opportunity to hike Humphreys Peak, a 10 mile hike to the tallest point in the entire state of Arizona! Or, if you\u2019re like me and afraid of heights, there are always trails like the Aspen Nature Loop, a 2 \u00bd mile hike which walks you through some of the best wildflowers. From lava rocks, creeks, mountain peaks, and wildflower fields, Flagstaff has it all! I strongly recommend simply searching top trails near flagstaff, and so many options will appear!<\/p>\n

\"flowers\"<\/h2>\n

Sedona and Oak Creek<\/h2>\n

Easily one of, if not my absolute favorite drive of all time, the trip between Flagstaff and Sedona is a must-see to anyone who attends NAU. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the roads are not for the faint of heart and can be very treacherous if not driven responsibly. However, the beauty of the forest, the rushing waters of Oak Creek, as well as cute little shops and stops along the way to Sedona make it all worth it. Not only is the drive beautiful, but Sedona is by far one of my favorite places I\u2019ve been to in Arizona! Between the shops in Uptown and the Tahupajapeque Arts and Shopping Village, visiting Sedona and taking the drive there has been one of my favorite things to do when the weather gets a little warmer!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slide Rock<\/h2>\n

Along the drive through Oak Creek, you will also find Slide Rock, a popular swimming hole and hiking system! Once a historic apple farm, it is now a staple of outdoor fun for the area. Plus, as the name suggests, the rocks have formed literal slides to enter the pool! The water is fed through Oak Creek, and is a very popular place for both locals and students alike to cool down on extremely hot days! There is a fee to enter, charged by the car, and the hours vary based on the time of year you attend. Make sure to do your research before making the drive, but with proper planning Oak Creek provides a wonderful experience!<\/p>\n

Overall, Flagstaff has so much to discover, and as the weather gets nicer we hope that you take advantage of all our mountain community has to offer! Put on your sunscreen and go enjoy the outdoors Lumberjacks!<\/p>\n

Further Information:<\/h2>\n

Downtown Flagstaff: https:\/\/downtownflagstaff.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n