Though just a tiny town, Fredonia (pop. 1,220) is the largest community on the Arizona Strip. Mormon polygamists, seeking refuge from federal agents, settled here in 1885. They first called the place Hardscrabble but later chose the name Fredonia, perhaps a contraction of the words "freedom" and "doņa" (Spanish for wife).
The town's modest motels lie along Main Street (US 89A). Grand Canyon Motel (175 S. Main St., 928/643-7646, $30-35 d) stays open year-round; there's no extra charge for tax or kitchenettes. Lying across the street from each other are the tiny Ship Rock Motel (337 S. Main St., 928/643-7355, $30-37 d) and Blue Sage Motel & RV (330 S. Main St., 928/643-7125, $35-40 d, $15 RV w/hookups); both places close in winter. Pine furnishings decorate rooms of the Crazy Jug Motel (465 S. Main St., 928/643-7752, $40-50 d); RV spaces cost $15 and include showers; tenters can stay here for $4.35/person.
For Mexican and American food, dine at Nedra's Cafe (165 N. Main St., 928/643-7591, daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in summer, then closed Mon. the rest of the year, $6-13); popular entrees include carnitas (roast pork) and chicken chimichangas with white creamy jalapeņo sauce. Crazy Jug Restaurant (467 S. Main St., 928/643-7712, daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, closed in winter, $5-15) serves American food. A couple of convenience stores in town offer groceries.
The post office (85 N. Main St.) is in the center of town. A city park on 2nd East has picnic tables, a playground, and a pool; turn east three blocks on Brown or Hortt from Main Street. The public library (130 N. Main St., 928/643-7137) has Internet computers.
Fredonia Welcome Center (900 N. Main St., P.O. Box 217, Fredonia, AZ 86022, 928/643-7777, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., closed winter) offers information about area attractions and services; there's a rest area here also.
Folks at the North Kaibab Ranger District office (430 S. Main St., P.O. Box 248, Fredonia, AZ 86022, 928/643-7395, www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai) will tell you about hiking, Grand Canyon viewpoints, and the back roads of the national forest north of the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab National Forest map (North Kaibab Ranger District) sold here is a must for exploring the Kaibab Plateau. Hours run Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and you can pick up information at other times inside the vestibule.