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Prescott Arizona BEST things to do!
San Pancho or Sayulita Mexico
September 27, 2021
Soda Pop Challenge
January 19, 2022Welcome to Everyone's Hometown
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.
1. Prescott Downtown Historic Area and Courthouse should be your 1st stop!
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.
2. Explore Whisky Row
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.
3. Take in an Event! While The World's Oldest Rodeo & The 4th of July rain supreme Prescott hosts more summer events than most big cities!
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!
#4 Visit Sharlot Hall Museum
#5 Rent a kayak at Watson Lake or Goldwater lake
#6 Explore more than 100 miles of Mountain bike trails.
#7 See a massive brown bear at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary.
#8 Shop Antique Row
Prescott's Best Centrally Located Restaurants
Best Breakfast in Prescott
- The Lone Spur Cafe - Tradition American & southwestern. On Gurley St across from the courthouse.
- Dinner Bell Cafe - Tradition American, within walking distance from the courthouse
- The Local - Organic American fair, a short drive from downtown
- The Peacock Dining Room - American fair and southwest on Gurley street inside The Hassayampa Inn. Within walking distance from the courthouse
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- The Peacock Dining Room
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- The Local
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- Lone Spur Cafe
Best Coffee, Tea's & Bakery
- Cuppers Coffee House - They also have a good breakfast, but service time can vary. Within walking distance from the courthouse
- Wild Iris Coffee house and Bakery - Fantastic teas, coffee, and granola. It has a lovely covered patio within walking distance of the courthouse.
- Grandma's Bakery - Best baked goods on Whisky Row. The selection of homemade baked goods is small but mighty. They also serve specialty coffee. Take and eat only.
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- Wild Iris Iced Coffee
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- Fresh baked French croissants
Best Lunch in Prescott
- Nick's Feed Your Face - Long-time local pit stop and ultimate favorite sub destination. We prefer to take ours and eat it on the courthouse lawn. Try the nick's special with double dirt.
- The Palace Saloon - Big portions with whisky row history. Plus, the waitresses dress up, and you can often find a real cowboy at the bar.
- The Liquore Deli - Buy your liquor and enjoy a mighty fine meal on the patio. Featuring wings, wood-fired pizza, and sandwiches. 2 blocks from the courthouse.
- Ginza Sushi and Asian Cuisine - Best bento boxes and excellent lunch specials. Next to the Hsyampa Inn within walking distance to the courthouse.
- Bill's Pizza - Locals tip: Order ahead and take it across the street to the courthouse and enjoy the summer concert series. Alternatively, you can enjoy it in-house. The walnut pecan salad is my favorite with a slice of good old fashion pepperoni pizza.
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- Apple walnut salad – Bill’s Pizza
Best Dinner in Prescott
- El GAHTO AZUL -Casual, creekside cafe serving Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern tapas & entrees. Reservations are highly recomended!
- Farm Provisions - Simple food elevated like hamburgers, tacos, and surf "n" turf. We highly recommend making reservations!!!
- The Barley Hound -Casual adventurous comfort food with an excellent drink menu. The truffle french fries are delicious. Reservations recommended.
- Lazy G Brew House - Voted best brewery and restaurant in Prescott in 2021. Amazing comfort food like the Bourbon Meatloaf Sandwich and Rocky Mountain Rubin. picky kids will love the kid-friendly menu with "Kraft Mac and Cheese!'
- Tara Thai Cuisine - Features excellent American style Thai Cuisine. Kids and adults will love the tranquil Buddha waterfall that divides the restaurant with a real coy fish pond.
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- Best food in prescott
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- El Gato Azul
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- Best Dinner Prescott AZ
Best Extra Eats & Drinks
- Hungry Badger Food Truck is a food truck and catering company with drool-worthy Mexican fusion and BBQ. They have a rotating menu that's always excellent. If you see this truck at anyone of Prescott's many events, give it a try.
- Frozen Franies - Best Boba in town! It's so popular they sometimes run out, so get why you can.
- Prescott Treat Center - Best gourmet popcorn and homemade ice cream in town. Try the banana walnut ice cream.
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- The Treat Center on Whisky Row
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- Hungry Badger Catering and Food Truck
Prescott Shopping
Best Shopping
- The Clothes Hound Clotherie on Whisky Row - Just go and thank me later!
- Fancy That - cool clothes and accessories, one block from courthouse.
- Prescott Trading Company - If you need a Southwest novelty or shirt from Prescott, they have the largest selection. Located on Courthouse Plaza.
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- The Clothes Hound Prescott AZ
