Prescott, Arizona: If you want to get close to Arizona's Old West soul, there's no better place to start than Prescott. The former territorial capital and mining town has retained more than its share of the culture, architecture and spirit of its past, with more than 600 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including countless Victorian-era homes and public buildings open for tours. History aside, it's also a fun, funky small town where you can catch a great concert, browse local art, have a fabulous gourmet meal then cowboy up for a local rodeo all in one day.
No visit to Prescott is complete without spending some time on Whiskey Row, an historic strip of turn-of-the-century saloons and store fronts that at one time hosted more than 40 saloons. Old West lore runs rampant here, with nearly every establishment boasting of the legendary figures that drank, shot, or got shot on the premises. Unique galleries and boutiques are snuggled in next to beloved watering holes, and the place is hopping nearly 24-7.
Across the street is Courthouse Plaza, the serene urban counterpart to the rowdy Row, with its shady squares surrounding the old classical revival courthouse. The plaza is frequently host to arts and crafts fairs, scheduled and impromptu musical performances, picnicking families and even the occasional soap-box orator. All this makes it the perfect place to relax, cool down with a lemonade, and people-watch on a sunny afternoon.
Outdoor recreation is what draws many of Prescott's visitors to the area, with 450 miles of scenic trails in the surrounding Prescott National Forest for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Prescott Peavine Trail begins right in town, following old railroad tracks, and is a very easy way to access the unique geology and habitat of the area. Thumb Butte is just 3 miles west of downtown and the trail to the top offers a fantastic view of the area. There are also several top-quality golf courses, some with very reasonable greens fees, which become particularly popular when Prescott is easily 20 degrees cooler than cities to the south.
