Cultural Hubs:

Austin, TX  |  Ann Arbor, MI  |  Flagstaff, AZ  |  Knoxville, TN 

 Provo-Orem, UT  |  Tuscaloosa, AL 

Flagstaff, Arizona:

Population: 61,185

Median Home Price: $298,250

Your Hangout: Maloney's Tavern (+1 928 214 9519)

The Scene: A mountain retreat for Phoenix's gentry and a haven for eco-conscious students at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff is an alpine sanctuary in the middle of the Southwest's finest desert landscapes. The Grand Canyon is 90 minutes north; Sedona's red rocks are an hour south.

OPTIONS: The tower of the Mace at Sedona's red rocks to the south, the Anasazi ruins of Wupatki National Monument to the east, the San Francisco Mountains to west the Grand Canyon to the north—the adventure compass is spinning itself dizzy. It's the ultimate city for climbing, riding, rafting, hiking, camping etcetera, etcetera. In love yet? Astronauts of the Apollo trained for their moonwalk in nearby but otherworldy Sunset Crater.

OUTFITTERS: Battle white waters of the Colorado on a raft through the Grand Canyon with Arizona Raft Adventures (800 786 7238).

GOOD EATS: Don't miss Macy's for the Southwest's best cup of coffee (+1 928 774 2243).

30 More Places to Live and Play:

Boise or Bust!

Outdoor Meccas  |  Adventure Cities  |  Small Towns

Cultural Hubs  |  Beach Towns  

Adventure's September 2006 issue features 31 amazing adventure towns; chaos at the top of Mount Everest; an inside look at surfing California's Lost Coast; 11 fall weekend getaways near you; the best high-tech footwear, world class adventure travel; hiking the Alps, and more!