Meteor Crater - Winslow, Arizona

A Meteor Crater - Just a big hole right?  Well, kinda...but it's one interesting and bigger than life hole that has a great story to tell!

"50,000 years ago a fiery giant meteor mass weighing several hundred thousand tons hurtled through space and impacted earth. Today, Meteor Crater is nearly one mile across, 2.4 miles in circumference and more than 550 feet deep "

The Meteor Crater in Winslow Arizona is the worlds best preserved Meteor site any where on Earth!  For price of admission you can tour the Visitors Center that has interactive videos, movies, pictures and interesting facts like; who first found the crater, what historical figures thought the crater was and what scientist have done over the years to learn more about the crater.  One man even thought the Meteor was still below the surface and spent his entire lifetime and earnings to dig under ground in search for one.  You will also be able to see and touch an actual piece of the crater that hit the Earth 50,000 years ago!  They have no need to strap it down, this small piece of Meteor weighs more than any man could ever lift.

Be sure to take the walking tour to the edge of the crater.  From the visitors center you'd think you can't get any closer, but the view from the rim is even more amazing, and it's FREE!  Tours run hourly between 9:15am and 2:15pm, just be there on time, because they don't wait (I learned the hard way)!

If you plan to visit the Meteor Crater it is $15.00 for adults, Seniors $14.00, $8.00 (age 6 through 17 years) and 5 and under are free. ShareThis

Marriott Residence Inn - Flagstaff, AZ

When I arrived to the Marriott Residence the lobby appeared typical of a family hotel, but I was pleasantly surprised at the size of my room.  It was a big room for one person on a solo trip.  The studio room had a full "L shaped" couch, Fireplace, standard TV, nice little kitchen and desk area for working.  I could have comfortably fit a family of four.  The weather outside in February was absolutely FREEZING so I didn't go in search for the pool facilities and my trip had me there for other reasons than play. 

My first morning I woke up and took a quick little walk over to the Lobby where a full, hot breakfast was available to guests.  This was not just a couple grab and go items, but they had cereal, fresh oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, all sorts of breads, fruits and a buffet with hot sausage, eggs, etc.  To wash it down there was hot coffee, milk and assorted juices.  Plenty of nice seating and as I watched a few families gather in the dining area, it made me miss my family. 

I drove around town and spent a day in Winslow, AZ and a trip to the Meteor Crater (blog coming soon on that one) and several other natural sites that I found very interesting and fun!  I also realized how close I was to the Grand Canyon and had I taken the trip as a family we could of easily spent the day there and returned to the hotel in Flagstaff.

If your needing a nice hotel for you or your family, the Marriott Residence is a good place to stay for the price.  There's nothing fancy about it, but it covers the basics if your wanting a full kitchen, breakfast provided and a nice staff.  I had even forgot my shaver and toothpaste and they happily brought me some.

TIP: The hotel is laid out "Condo style", one room up and one down.  If you'd rather not do Stairs, request a downstairs room and it's much nicer.  The parking is also great and right in front of your room...no walking! 

Activities and lodging for kids around Grand Canyon on Trekaroo:

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