A Good Weekend Kilted in Flagstaff, Arizona - X Marks the Scot

Riverkilt · #1 07-09-2006, 06:38 PM

My little town is only 7,800 population...so the nearest "big city" is Flagstaff, Arizona with about 60,000 folks. Made a run down there this weekend to rendezvous with my lady, have a little fun, do some big city shopping...

Yesterday in my tan Utilikilts Survival II, on the streets of downtown Flagstaff a high school age kid wearing what I think they call "punk" (raggy clothes, a lot of metal stuff, and multi-colored Mohawk spiked hair said, "That's a RADICAL kilt man!" I thanked him and said, "Nice hair." He thanked me. I marvel at the intergenerational communication between strangers.

Then I stopped over at the sporting goods store. As soon as I crossed the threshold a college age clerk shouted, "BodyGlide!!" at me. Then he said, "We've moved it." And showed me where it was. I stop in about once every six months and stock up...he remembered me in a heart beat.

After breakfast this morning at Little America we're browsing the gift shop and a guy in his 40s, dressed Sunday morning church/preppy, says, "Its good to see a man in a kilt." Was wearing my Gordon Modern Casual from USA Kilts.

Maybe there's more awareness because the Highland Games are next weekend in Flagstaff and there are a lot of flyers out and lightpole banners downtown.

Nary a smirk, only compliments and the usual double takes and sneak peeks.

Ron

Frank McGrath · #2 07-09-2006, 07:03 PM

It's good to hear positive things about being Kilted. My wife and I just got back from a concert in town (free concert, bad band) and as we were walking in, the cop directing traffic said, "Now that's class, you just don't see too many men in kilts." I of course, thanked him and went on in and sat down. Just looking around the crowd, you see one person looking at you and then they tug on their companions arm and they both turn to gawk. I really would like to hear these comments. It was too bad the band really sucked, because it was such a beautiful evening to sit outside and listen to a concert. Well maybe next sunday the band will be a better one. Bigg Cam and the Lifters. late 50's and early 60's. Just my style.

GMan · #3 07-09-2006, 07:31 PM

I always thought that Flagstaff would be a neat town to be Kilted in. Good thing you were wearing your "radical Kilt"

Sciuropterus · #4 07-09-2006, 07:42 PM

I was in Flagstaff a few years ago, and really enjoyed the tour of Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was discovered). I'll definitely go back next visit to that area (in-laws are in Kingman and I own some land in Cedar City, UT)

I always try to have a vacation include a visit to an observatory, I have always been fascinated with telescopes.

Riverkilt · #5 07-09-2006, 07:53 PM

When you come you'd best bring some BROWN Nightstalker sporrans....PULEEZE.....??

I really enjoy downtown Flagstaff. They really did it up well. A fun place to walk and shop and hang out. Does get a little besotted and rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights though....

Would be a good excuse for you to come to the Flagstaff Highland Games too. Business trip of course...harrump harrump...

Ron

pbpersson · #6 07-09-2006, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Maybe there's more awareness because the Highland Games are next weekend in Flagstaff and there are a lot of flyers out and lightpole banners downtown.
Ron

Strange.....I was thinking of going to Flagstaff next Saturday. I was mostly looking forward to a cool walk at night in my kilt. When I go to bed here it is still 105 degrees outside and a breeze at that temperature just isn't very refreshing.

I don't want to spend the weekend there, just a day trip. The traffic coming back into the Valley on Sunday night can be murder. Anyway, it was just a thought.

It seems I promised someone I would do something with them on Saturday the 15th but now I can't remember what it was... :confused:

Riverkilt · #7 07-09-2006, 09:46 PM

Hey PB,

Check Weather Underground, you'll see Flagstaff is cool during the day too.

If you happen to be in the East Valley why not drive to Flagstaff via Rt. 87 up to Payson. Take Forest Service 2 just a hair past Clint's Wells for a beautiful drive past Mormon Lake and Lake Mary...beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks. Good road, even though its forest service...asphault..

Then return down I-17....or do it in reverse...

The Flagstaff games were very well done last year. Lots of vendors including Utilikilts. Guessing it'll be even better this year since it went to two days.

The Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society folks that put it on are cool...who else sells the "Regimental Validator?"

And, as mentioned, Flagstaff is a very kilt friendly town. On a previous visit I was walking downtown and a guy hollared out of his car, "Nice Utilikilt!" He knew it by name.

If you get there on Saturday you might also wanna check out Aradia Bookstore...just off Beaver Street by the Flagstaff Brewery. The lady that owns it is a piper and carries a LOT of Celtic books, bumper stickers, decals, et.al.

Ron

cajunscot · #8 07-10-2006, 04:41 AM

Nice to see Little America is still open, Ron. I wondered if it has closed down. It's been years since I've been to Flag. I like Lowell Observatory as well, and the Riordan Mansion -- always thought it would be fun to work there as a ranger -- but my favourite place near flag is Sunset Crater National Monument. A visit there back in 1989 inspired me to be a ranger. It is a great park.

Payson is nice too; I love the drive over to Payson from Camp Verde.

Cheers,

Todd