RSS 2.0 FeedVol. 3, No. 11, November 2007, Travel
Everybody’s Hometown
Experience the Old West charm of Prescott
If you were to draw a circle on a map of Las Vegas that stretches 250 miles in all directions, you would find that well within the range of a full tank of gas, Las Vegas residents are fortunate to have a great diversity of recreational and vacation options available to them. One of those options is a gem of a destination, Prescott, Arizona.
Located in the mountainous region of Northern Arizona and nestled in the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the world, Prescott offers a unique vacation destination with the flavor of the Old West and a favorable climate any time of the year. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway for two, a fun filled alternative to your family vacation or a recreation destination that offers camping, hiking, kayaking, world class golf and more, there is truly something for everyone in “Everybody’s Hometown.”
Founded in 1863 along Granite Creek, Prescott was designated the first capital of the newly formed Arizona Territory. At that time, President Lincoln wanted the capital located far away from the Confederate sympathizing cities to the south and populated the new capital with Northerners and Midwesterners. This landmark decision explains why Prescott homes and architecture have a decidedly more Victorian look than the more common adobe structures usually found throughout the Southwest.
Stroll the shops, galleries and restaurants in Prescott’s Old West-style Whiskey Row located in the downtown district. Then spend some time watching the town go about its business from the shady town centerpiece, the Courthouse Plaza. This lovely town park is where many of the city’s events and festivals are held.
Speaking of festivals, Prescott offers so many holiday festivities that the town has been dubbed “Arizona’s Christmas City.” The season begins Thanksgiving Day with the flip of a switch for the Valley of Lights, a sparkling and colorful display featuring millions of lights. During this time of year you can also visit the world’s largest Gingerbread Village featuring more than 100 gingerbread structures in a winter wonderland. On December 1, ring in the holiday season with the entire town and join residents for a Christmas Parade, caroling, festivities and lighting of the courthouse. And don’t miss the Create a Tree
Display at the Prescott Valley Civic Center where you and your loved ones can gaze upon the magical display of holiday trees beautifully decorated by local organizations, schools and clubs. For more holiday adventure, take an excursion to Williams, Arizona, and take a ride with the Grand Canyon Railroad aboard the Polar Express, which departs in the evenings to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole.
After a hike, bike, round of golf, competitive antique shopping or strenuous people watching, you won’t need to look at your watch to know it’s time to eat. In Prescott you’re never far from a wealth of restaurants that serve every appetite and taste. From award-winning restaurants to off-beat cafés, you’ll always find a warm welcome and unhurried dining experience no matter where you pick up a fork and don a napkin. And after dinner, you have your choice of a variety of entertainment options including live music and theatre; and of course the night sky of Northern Arizona offers its own spectacle for your viewing pleasure.
For the outdoor enthusiast who can’t take more than a few hours of city walking, there are plenty of options in store for you, including five lakes perfect for fishing and kayaking and more than 450 miles of hiking trails in nearby Prescott National Forest and Granite Mountain Wilderness. For a moderate hike, try the Thumb Butte Trail located just three miles west of town. The trail is paved and a little steep at the beginning, but the views make the short 1.75 mile loop worthwhile.
Weary from the day’s activities and anxious to get some rest? Prescott offers visitors a variety of choices to suit any price range and taste; from the quaint and rustic Apple Creek Cottages and Gurley Street Lodge to the affordable luxury of the Hassayampa Inn and the Prescott Quality Inn Suites and Conference Center, which offers full dining, an old west style saloon and an indoor pool and gym. In the words of the hotel owner, Richard Goeglein, “Prescott’s beautiful weather and wonderful environment really makes it a treasure and a truly a fascinating place to visit.”
No matter where you’re from, you’re never far from home in Prescott, Arizona, “Everybody’s Hometown.” For more information, go to: www.visit-prescott.com.
Located in the mountainous region of Northern Arizona and nestled in the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the world, Prescott offers a unique vacation destination with the flavor of the Old West and a favorable climate any time of the year. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway for two, a fun filled alternative to your family vacation or a recreation destination that offers camping, hiking, kayaking, world class golf and more, there is truly something for everyone in “Everybody’s Hometown.”
Founded in 1863 along Granite Creek, Prescott was designated the first capital of the newly formed Arizona Territory. At that time, President Lincoln wanted the capital located far away from the Confederate sympathizing cities to the south and populated the new capital with Northerners and Midwesterners. This landmark decision explains why Prescott homes and architecture have a decidedly more Victorian look than the more common adobe structures usually found throughout the Southwest.
Stroll the shops, galleries and restaurants in Prescott’s Old West-style Whiskey Row located in the downtown district. Then spend some time watching the town go about its business from the shady town centerpiece, the Courthouse Plaza. This lovely town park is where many of the city’s events and festivals are held.
Speaking of festivals, Prescott offers so many holiday festivities that the town has been dubbed “Arizona’s Christmas City.” The season begins Thanksgiving Day with the flip of a switch for the Valley of Lights, a sparkling and colorful display featuring millions of lights. During this time of year you can also visit the world’s largest Gingerbread Village featuring more than 100 gingerbread structures in a winter wonderland. On December 1, ring in the holiday season with the entire town and join residents for a Christmas Parade, caroling, festivities and lighting of the courthouse. And don’t miss the Create a Tree
Display at the Prescott Valley Civic Center where you and your loved ones can gaze upon the magical display of holiday trees beautifully decorated by local organizations, schools and clubs. For more holiday adventure, take an excursion to Williams, Arizona, and take a ride with the Grand Canyon Railroad aboard the Polar Express, which departs in the evenings to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole.
After a hike, bike, round of golf, competitive antique shopping or strenuous people watching, you won’t need to look at your watch to know it’s time to eat. In Prescott you’re never far from a wealth of restaurants that serve every appetite and taste. From award-winning restaurants to off-beat cafés, you’ll always find a warm welcome and unhurried dining experience no matter where you pick up a fork and don a napkin. And after dinner, you have your choice of a variety of entertainment options including live music and theatre; and of course the night sky of Northern Arizona offers its own spectacle for your viewing pleasure.
For the outdoor enthusiast who can’t take more than a few hours of city walking, there are plenty of options in store for you, including five lakes perfect for fishing and kayaking and more than 450 miles of hiking trails in nearby Prescott National Forest and Granite Mountain Wilderness. For a moderate hike, try the Thumb Butte Trail located just three miles west of town. The trail is paved and a little steep at the beginning, but the views make the short 1.75 mile loop worthwhile.
Weary from the day’s activities and anxious to get some rest? Prescott offers visitors a variety of choices to suit any price range and taste; from the quaint and rustic Apple Creek Cottages and Gurley Street Lodge to the affordable luxury of the Hassayampa Inn and the Prescott Quality Inn Suites and Conference Center, which offers full dining, an old west style saloon and an indoor pool and gym. In the words of the hotel owner, Richard Goeglein, “Prescott’s beautiful weather and wonderful environment really makes it a treasure and a truly a fascinating place to visit.”
No matter where you’re from, you’re never far from home in Prescott, Arizona, “Everybody’s Hometown.” For more information, go to: www.visit-prescott.com.
Please login to post your comments.