One man is going the distance to help Peyton Manning decide not to take his talents to South Beach. Arizona Cardinals fan Steve Sasman is offering up his Flagstaff Rental Cabin for the Manning family to use during Cardinals Training camp. The camp is held annually at the NAU campus in beautiful Flagstaff Arizona.

“I knew Peyton would have a tough decision.  While throwing to Larry Fitzgerald is enticing, we all know Peyton’s main criteria for his big decision is finding good Training Camp lodging.”

Peyton obviously "determined to find a great Cabin in Flagstaff" (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The Flagstaff Rental Cabin was tailor made for the Manning family. It has a huge King size fully adjustable bed with massage in the master bedroom for Peyton and his wife Ashley.  The adjustable bed will come in handy as Peyton rests his injury prone neck.  The second bedroom could even be used for his mother and NFL QB father Archie, and the downstairs bedroom has two queen beds for their twin children.

The Cabin that made Peyton a Cardinal

Knowing that this offer will seal the deal for the Cardinals, Sasman refused to take all the credit.  ”Look, I’m not going to take credit for single handedly revitalizing the Arizona economy and improving the emotional well being of every Cardinals fan. Even though by bringing Peyton here I’ve probably done more for Arizona sports than Jerry Colangelo, I remain humble”, said Sasman through his press secretary.

While the Flagstaff vacation rental won’t be avialable for the public to enjoy during training camp 2012, it’s a small price to pay to land the 4 time MVP.  However, Cardinals fans will rejoice in the fact that all future renters at the Flagstaff Rental Cabin will receive a “We’re Number 1″  Foam Finger autographed by Peyton’s daughter.

CBS 5 Interview – Bringing Peyton to Arizona

In 2010 we have added a new Dishwasher and a new Clothes Dryer to the Cabin.  Both the older units had lived long and productive lives.  May they rest in peace!  However, having modern and efficient appliances is something that we know our renters appreciate so I was happy to upgrade.

I was lucky enough to get  a very nice $1000 Dryer at Home Depot in Flagstaff for MUCH less since it was  a floor model and had a scratch on the side that will never even be seen. I do have to give the local Home Depot a lot of credit.  Even though it is a big chain store, at least in Flagstaff, the staff is amazingly helpful.  Not just once but I have been there dozens of times making both small and large improvements to the Flagstaff Vacation Cabin over the years and have always had great help from many different employees.

I think the attitude of  the Flagstaff Home Depot is a credit to the small town Flagstaff atmosphere.  People are friendlier, the pace is slower, and the smiles are quicker than in the big city.  Just one of the reasons Flagstaff is the perfect get-a-way.  Need more reasons?  Visit our previous post about Why Flagstaff?

Let me tell you, Flagstaff as a destination has a lot to offer. Especially if you live in Phoenix or Tucson, you will really appreciate how much different Flagstaff is, even though it’s just a 2 hour drive from Phoenix. The desert southwest has two seasons, hot and hotter. Go north my friends and you will see a full bouquet of seasons. Flagstaff is about 30 degrees cooler in the summer, and can have tons of snow in the winter. Plus the clean fresh smell of Pine trees is not something you will soon forget.  Flag, as the locals call it, is a big change of pace, and a whole different attitude.

(Photo courtesy of searchnetmedia)

Flagstaff is a small, charming city. It’s the home of Northern Arizona University, so it’s got a youthful energy with lots of friendly people.  Do you like to shop for interesting art or one-of-a-kind items? It’s got you covered there. Me personally, I am more into interesting food!  Luckily, Flagstaff has some great local restaurants like Karma Sushi, Beaver Street Brewery, and Josephine’s. I know what you are thinking.  Flagstaff for sushi? Yes, Karma has sushi that rivals any in Phoenix, it’s amazing!  The Downtown Diner or The Place are perfect for some good ole breakfast.

The outdoor activities are amazing in Flagstaff. In the summer, you have mountain biking, fishing, hiking galore, and much more. In the winter, you have the best skiing and snowboarding in the state at Snow Bowl, which is just a few miles outside of town.  Are you like some in Phoenix who just want to see some snow for once?  Flagstaff is your place!  The winter of 2009 had 3 and 5 foot drifts of snow several times last year. Additionally, for the really skilled outdoor enthusiasts, there are several sledding hills!  There is even one near the entrance of Kachina Village and almost within sight of the Flagstaff Rental Cabin if it were not for all the trees.

Nearby Flagstaff you have beautiful Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.  And to the north, there is that little attraction called the Grand Canyon.  It’s a short 90 minute drive from Flagstaff.  Heck, just driving to Flagstaff from Phoenix through Sedona is pure visual bliss.  If you haven’t been to Flagstaff, you are missing out on one of Arizona’s best kept vacation secret.