I sometimes hear that old town charm and patriotism have disappeared!? To that, I say, "not a chance!", welcome to Prescott, Arizona, everyone's hometown! Prescott graciously opens its arms to visitors near and wide with their soulful western American charm. A spirited "mile-high town" brimming with true western heritage, epic outdoor adventures, and unrivaled patriotism!!! No matter the season, Prescott offers a bevy of masterfully planned events and activities that seamlessly bring together community, family, and visitors alike. Prescott's known for its 4th of July celebration, the world's oldest rodeo, downtown's whiskey row, and Arizona's Christmas City. But that's just the tip of the proverbial spur; a multitude of outdoor recreational activities keep Prescott front and center for Mt. Bike riders, rock climbing, kayakers, and nature lovers. Keep reading and watch to find out the Best Things To Do in Prescott for first-time visitors.
Many of Prescott's oldest and historically significant buildings are around the beating heart of Prescott, the 1916 downtown courthouse. The courthouse takes an entire city block and is the unofficial meeting place for the community and many of its 100+ events.
Beyond the sprawling courthouse lawns, Old West heritage has made its mark on the streets surrounding the entire courthouse block. The surrounding streets around the courthouse are known as the Courthouse Plaza. The streets are lined with restaurants, hotels, bars, boutiques, antiques, cafes, and art galleries, providing ample opportunities for travelers to roam and have fun. Most structures around the Court House date back to the 1800s. Its shop tenants and building owners have meticulously restored these structures.
Whiskey Row is undisputedly the most famous of these streets, and it lies directly across from the courthouse to the west. Whiskey Row didn't begin with Dirks Bentley or a country song. It started over a century ago as a gathering area for miners to rest, eat, drink, vote, and indulge themselves within its many bars and brothels. Many notable individuals, from the old west, such as the Earp Brothers and Doc Holliday, frequented the bars.
Today's Whiskey Row is a western-charged street alive with restaurants, boutiques, hotels, historic bars, and Arizona's oldest saloon, The Palace Saloon. Despite its rough and tough past, It may be one of the only places where you can witness a real cowboy, yuppie, hippie, and biker harmoniously letting loose.
Each year during Frontier Days, Prescott hosts the country's oldest rodeo. Since 1888, Prescott Frontier Days, known as The World's Oldest Rodeo, has continued over the Fourth of July weekend. Throughout the week, the rodeo comprises eight incredible rodeo performances, the 4th of July parade, Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, courthouse arts and crafts festival, Whiskey Row Boot Race, and the Rodeo Dance.
While the Worlds oldest Rodeo and the 4th of July rain supreme, The City of Prescott hosts more summer events than most big cities! If you happen to be in Prescott in December, don't miss the spectacular Christmas lights, decorations that adorn the Courthouse Plaza.
Prescott is Arizona's official "Christmas City!" One visit to this lively town demonstrates why. Other notable events include the Whiskey offroad, courthouse lighting, Acker Musical Community Showcase, Prescott Bluegrass Festival, and more craft shows than you can shake a stick at!