Whiskey Row’s historic buildings. The world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines. One of America’s top Western art towns. And the world’s oldest rodeo. You’ll find all of these in Prescott, nestled in the mountains of Northern Arizona, at the heart of history, tradition, natural and creative beauty.
A Picturesque Link to the Past
Founded as the territorial capital in 1864, by the turn of the century the young mining and ranching town of Prescott was bolstered by its access to the railroad and was booming. Town residents built lovely new homes that reflected Victorian-era architecture styles. On July 14, 1900, when a disastrous fire leveled almost five downtown blocks of commercial buildings, citizens vowed to replace the old wooden structures with concrete, brick and stone buildings.
Today, more than 800 of these classic commercial and lovely Victorian residential properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courthouse Plaza, the site of many outdoor events and festivals, is one of the American Planning Association’s 10 Great Public Spaces. And the town is an official Preserve America Community. The area’s Native American history is evident at the Hopi pueblo and the Smoki Museum, where you’ll see one of the top collections of Native American baskets.
Art and Adventure
The Prescott area’s striking granite boulders and red rock formations, calm blue waters of Lake Watson, dense woods of Prescott National Forest and a mild year-round climate inspire both artists and athletes. Whether you prefer biking, hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, golfing or birdwatching, Prescott offers parks, lakes and more than 450 miles of trails. The town is also the starting point for the Grand Canyon Scenic Circle Byway Tour.
Although you missed the days when Whiskey Row was home to 26 saloons, you’re sure to enjoy wandering through the historic buildings’ art galleries, bookstores, museums and restaurants, including The Palace, one of the state’s oldest restaurants and bars. And a trip to the Phippen Museum of Western Art, named after sculptor, painter and co-founder of Cowboy Artists of America George Phippen, gives you a look at the best in American Western art.
Prescott will be an active participant in the Arizona State Centennial celebrations from September 2011 through 2012. However, any year you visit you’ll find Territorial Days, Frontier Days and the rodeo, Prescott Indian Market, the Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Arts Fair and the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering. And once you get here, you’ll sure as shootin’ want to come back.
Have you visited Prescott, Arizona? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.
Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.
A Picturesque Link to the Past
Founded as the territorial capital in 1864, by the turn of the century the young mining and ranching town of Prescott was bolstered by its access to the railroad and was booming. Town residents built lovely new homes that reflected Victorian-era architecture styles. On July 14, 1900, when a disastrous fire leveled almost five downtown blocks of commercial buildings, citizens vowed to replace the old wooden structures with concrete, brick and stone buildings.
Today, more than 800 of these classic commercial and lovely Victorian residential properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courthouse Plaza, the site of many outdoor events and festivals, is one of the American Planning Association’s 10 Great Public Spaces. And the town is an official Preserve America Community. The area’s Native American history is evident at the Hopi pueblo and the Smoki Museum, where you’ll see one of the top collections of Native American baskets.
Art and Adventure
The Prescott area’s striking granite boulders and red rock formations, calm blue waters of Lake Watson, dense woods of Prescott National Forest and a mild year-round climate inspire both artists and athletes. Whether you prefer biking, hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, golfing or birdwatching, Prescott offers parks, lakes and more than 450 miles of trails. The town is also the starting point for the Grand Canyon Scenic Circle Byway Tour.
Although you missed the days when Whiskey Row was home to 26 saloons, you’re sure to enjoy wandering through the historic buildings’ art galleries, bookstores, museums and restaurants, including The Palace, one of the state’s oldest restaurants and bars. And a trip to the Phippen Museum of Western Art, named after sculptor, painter and co-founder of Cowboy Artists of America George Phippen, gives you a look at the best in American Western art.
Prescott will be an active participant in the Arizona State Centennial celebrations from September 2011 through 2012. However, any year you visit you’ll find Territorial Days, Frontier Days and the rodeo, Prescott Indian Market, the Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Arts Fair and the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering. And once you get here, you’ll sure as shootin’ want to come back.
Have you visited Prescott, Arizona? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.
Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.
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