Named for one of the founders of the Cowboy Artists of America, the Phippen Museum of Western Art is one of the West’s best showcases of the genre. Set on a ridge with a sweeping view of the dramatic countryside, along with a permanent collection and rotating exhibits, the low-slung, contemporary building features a replica of George Phippen’s studio.

In the spirit of the buying season, note that each museum has a gift shop packed with perfect presents, from books and toys to a range of fine pottery and art.
Shopping and museum-hopping can work up an appetite, and the Prescott culinary scene offers everything from down-home diners to high-end eateries.

There are old favorites like the Dinner Bell (which, strangely enough, does not serve dinner) and Murphy’s. Housed in an old general store that was renovated in the mid-’80s and is now slightly dated-looking, it features a menu that combines standard Americana (the prime rib is a stand-out) with a few “Continental” ringers like escargot.

The Rose restaurant has gotten a much-welcome fresh lease on life, with owner Doug Dolan at the helm and seasoned chef John-Paul Etlinger at the stove. They offer imaginative appetizers (portobello bruschetta and foie gras with pomegranate reduction) along with ambitious takes on duck, short ribs, lamb porterhouse and seafood in a cozy yet sophisticated Victorian cottage. In clement weather, the porch is the place to be.

For sheer romantic bliss, it was back to the Peacock Dining Room. Softly lit and charmingly retro, it’s a beautiful space. The menu is nicely balanced between classics, such as filet of beef tenderloin, and Mediterranean-influenced dishes, such as the Sea Scallops Tuscany.

Adventurous diners will want to check out some relative newcomers. El Gato Azul packs a lot of bold ambience into a small space. The fare is eclectic with an emphasis on Spain and the Southwest. And Sweettart does a jammin’ lunch business, thanks to excellent sandwiches, salads and pastries. On Saturday night, it serves a bring-your-own-wine prix fixe dinner. 

Sated, rested and with more than half the people on my gift list crossed off, I was ready and raring for the holidays. And who knows? Maybe I’ll make a return trip to Arizona’s official Christmas City, with its goody bag of seasonal events and where stuffing your travel stocking is truly a breeze. We’ll see which way the wind blows.