Plein-air adventure
Granite mountains, picturesque lakes, meandering streams and sweeping meadows rife with wildlife surround this high-country hamlet, which was the state’s territorial capital until 1889 and is home to a plethora of historical landmarks. Whether you want to soak in the great outdoors or the history of the Old West, Prescott perfectly harmonizes Arizona’s past and present.
How To Get There
Take the I-17 North toward Flagstaff, continue onto State Route 69 North and follow signs for Prescott.
Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, Summer and Fall
Itinerary
-> Carb up for a day of adventuring at Lynx Lake Café overlooking the marina. After your meal, you can rent a rowboat or stock up on beer, snacks and fish bait – the lake is periodically stocked with rainbow trout. 4505 E. Forest Service Rd., 928-778-0720, lynxlakestore.com
-> Rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard through Prescott Outdoors to explore Watson Lake, a recreational reservoir where visitors can also rock-climb, fish, picnic and camp. 3128 Watson Lake Park Rd., 928-925-1410, prescottoutdoors.com
-> Experience some wildlife at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. This expansive nature preserve was once a 1,000-acre forest filled with cottonwood and willow trees, but decades of livestock grazing and illegal dumping led to its degradation. It has since been protected and restored, providing a sanctuary for native wildlife and human visitors alike. 1500 Industrial Way, 928-910-6704, prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/watson-woods-riparian-preserve
-> If you didn’t luck out at Lynx Lake, try the fish at Eagle’s Nest Restaurant at Prescott Resort – where the rainbow trout is paired with wild forest mushrooms and sweet potato orzo amandine. Sweeping views of the Sierra Prieta mountain range make the restaurant’s Southwest-inspired cuisine that much tastier. 1500 E. State Route 69, 928-227-2313, prescottresort.com
-> Prescott’s downtown area boasts a plethora of singular antique shops where visitors can hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage goodies such as authentic turquoise jewelry, Wild West ephemera and midcentury memorabilia. PATiNA is a hidden gem for browsing or bringing home a squash blossom necklace or Native American art. 209 W. Gurley St., 928-515-3062, prescottpatina.com
-> Spend some time perusing, exploring or otherwise wandering Prescott’s world-renowned Whiskey Row, where refurbished saloons from the Gold Rush era will have you watching the batwing doors for Doc Holliday to saunter in. Superstition Meadery around the corner is a must-visit for a sweet night cap. 120 W. Gurley St., 928-458-4256, superstitionmeadery.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Prescott lays claim to the tallest single-family home in North America. At 124 feet tall and nestled on the slope of Thumb Butte, the residence is referred to as Falcon Nest.
Overnight Options
Prescott Pines Inn B&B
Built in the 19th century as a family ranch, the inn features 11 comfortable guestrooms, plus a detached, multi-room lodge suited for families, a gazebo, meditation garden and fire pit perfect for after-dinner s’mores roasts. 901 White Spar Rd., 928-445-7270, prescottpinesinn.com
The Grand Highland Hotel
Set directly across the street from Courthouse Square in the heart of Prescott, the boutique, 12-room Highland’s Old West mystique and tangible comfort make the place a standout. 154 S. Montezuma St., 928-776-9963, grandhighlandhotel.com
The Barn House
Book this rustic house that melds Old West whimsy with modern creature comforts on Airbnb. Relax by the fire pit or play chess on the residence’s game table. Then retire to one of three bedrooms stocked with brand-new mattresses and resort-caliber bedding. 147 Josephine St., 928-533-5663, airbnb.com
Wild Card
The Phippen Museum highlights the art and heritage of the American West through an intimate gallery with a focus on cowboy- and Native American-themed paintings, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, mixed media works and more. The space is named after George Phippen, co-founder and first president of the Cowboy Artists of America. 4701 AZ-89, 928-778-1385, phippenartmuseum.org
