Flagstaff and North Arizona have many natural attractions, but one of the most beautiful is the annual blaze of leaf color which arrives during the fall months of September, October and November.

First to turn are the leaves of the aspens in the higher elevations of the San Francisco Peaks. The magnificent red, orange and golden-brown show gradually descends to the streets of the city itself, but the best views are probably to be had from one of the numerous hiking trails in the mountains or the Coconino National Forest.

Hikes vary considerably in length and difficulty. Those classified as easy include the Wilson Meadow, the Buffalo Park Loop and the Red Mountain and Sunset Trails. Moderately challenging hikes include the Little Bear Trail and Bismarck Lake, while more ambitious and experienced hikers will love the Kachina Trail and the Bear Jaw Canyon Loop.

Full details of these and many more routes and trails can be found at www.flagstaffarizona.org or by visiting the Flagstaff Visitor Center, which is located in the old rail station, downtown on Route 66.

Timing Your Leaf-Viewing Trip

Leaf colors during the months of fall vary considerably depending on the species of trees, elevations, and weather conditions. So to get the most out of your view, check out the Flagstaff LEAF-ometer. This is an online visual resource which will give you a real-time idea of exactly what to expect in the favorite viewing areas around the city.    

Enjoying the Fall at Highland Village

As beautiful as the fall foliage of North Arizona is, it’s just one of many things to enjoy in the area at this time of year. And as a resident of our apartments in Flagstaff you’ll be in an ideal place to take full advantage of them.

For more information and details on our available floor plans, please contact us today. 

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1. The magic and folklore of Ireland are on display at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park on Sunday, March 13th. The annual Irish festival will feature many free, fun things to do! 

• Enjoy Celtic music and Irish dancers.
• Games and crafts for the kids.
• Pie, the Belgian draft horse, will pull a wagon offering free rides (donations are appreciated).
• Raffles featuring Irish goodies and refreshments will be available.
• Irish-themed, guided tours of the historic Riordan Mansion will take place at noon, 1:00 and 2:00 PM. The regular admission fee will apply. Reservations are recommended! Call (928) 779-4395 to reserve your tour.
• One highlight of the day is sure be the whiskey tasting! This adults-only event is $15 per person.

For more information about the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, call (928) 853-7792. The event is sponsored by the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society and the Riordan Action Network. 

2. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, join the crew at Collin’s Irish Pub in celebrating St. Paddy’s Day the Irish way!

• The well known, Flagstaff-based Celtic band, The Knockabouts will perform from 6:00 to 10:00 PM.
• Favorite Irish dishes will be served.
• And of course, plenty of green beer to go around!

Collins promises the party will last all night. For more information, call (928) 214-7363.

3. If it just isn’t St. Pat’s without a parade, then head down the road to Sedona on Saturday, March 12th! 

• The 46th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade steps off at 10:30 AM. at Jordan Historical Park and heads south on Jordan Road to Mesquite Avenue.
• The festival follows, featuring free family activities, food vendors and music too! It runs from the end of the parade until 3:00 PM.

The festivities are presented by Sedona Main Street Program, NAU Parks and Recreation Management Program and the Sedona Green Team.

4. Head to Williams on Saturday for a corned beef and cabbage dinner at the Community United Methodist Church!

• Dinner is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM or until the food's gone.
• Free donations will be accepted.

The Sisters in Spirit are sponsoring the dinner. 

Whether you’re Irish or just Irish-at-heart, there’s plenty to do in and around Flagstaff this St. Patrick’s Day.

Erin go bragh!

The post Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Flagstaff appeared first on Highland Village Apartments Blog.

Flagstaff's Best Study Spots

• Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. Computers, lounge chairs, and study desks abound at Flagstaff's top public library. Take a break from studying and check out the adjacent Wheeler Park.
• Cline Library. Seek help at Northern Arizona University's Cline Library when you're struggling with writer's block. The writing assistants who work at the Writing Commons are always happy to help you out.
• Campus Coffee Bean. If you're not a big fan of the library atmosphere, grab your textbooks and head for Campus Coffee Bean, an independently-owned coffee shop favored by NAU students.
• White Dove Coffee Shop. Quiet and peaceful, White Dove Coffee Shop is a great place to study for that next big exam—or to relax with a book after you've aced your finals.
• Flagstaff Aquaplex. The Aquaplex is best known for its huge pool and climbing wall, but the recreation center also boasts a lounge area, complete with comfy seating and a fireplace. 

Make the Most of Your Study Space

Whether you prefer the privacy of Flagstaff apartments or the friendly atmosphere of local coffee shops, you can greatly enhance your productivity by switching your phone to silent and avoiding social media. Break your studying into twenty or thirty-minute chunks and take periodic breaks for stretching your legs or grabbing a snack.

At Highland Village, we are proud to offer a peaceful, yet welcoming environment where students can enjoy the best of college life while also making the most of their academic careers. Get in touch today to learn more about our exceptional off-campus student housing.

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