HARK!
I hear…the call of the north…
With the Valley weather gradually heating up, from the low-simmer of April to the full boil of June/July/August, it’s hard not to answer that call.
And, though not quite as musical to its neighbor to the north, the comparatively gigantic Flagstaff, little Prescott has a flourishing local music scene. Perhaps your impression of Prescott is a getaway for the Silver Sneakers crowd, with antique shops and small-town charm.
Indeed, at times it feels like you’re walking through the 1950s–perhaps you’ll look over your shoulder, expecting to see Michael J. Fox skateboarding ‘round the Prescott Square, or James Dean leaning against a Courthouse wall, with that languid sneer…
Only the prices have changed at places like The Palace, Wyatt Earp’s old cards-and-booze saloon that is the anchor of Whiskey Row, and cowboy-breakfast slinger the Lone Spur Cafe.
And yet…dig a little dipper, and you’ll find Prescott has a hip side, with a flourishing little arts and entertainment scene. There are plenty of small galleries sprinkled around the walkable downtown, from the Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery to the cheeky Van Gogh’s Ear.
Got mead?
Prescott is the home of the extraordinary Superstition Meadery, a literally-underground operation that recreates mead recipes from centuries past.
The Raven has it all: excellent variety of craft beers on tap, a nice kitchen and varied live music, with jazz, blues and folk bands.
The Palace and some of its neighbors along Whiskey Row like Matt’s Saloon and The Bird Cage Saloon have rock bands–local and from “down south” in the Valley–most weekends.
Younger crowds gather at the skatepark/cafe/punk-metal venue The Den.
A music collective puts on shows every weekend, with “live music, live skits, and an espresso bar” just off downtown on the Yavapai College Campus, Building 19 Room 147, 1100 E. Sheldon St.
The Hassayampa is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem. As a hotel, it has comfortable rooms at reasonable rates that belie its elegant/historic look. As its website aptly puts it, “The Hassayampa Inn was known as The Jewel of the County when it was built in 1927. Featuring an eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial Revival, Italianate features, details like the hand-painted wood ceilings, etched glass and embossed copper panels designed by Southwest architect Henry Trost…”
Even if you’re not staying here, you can pop into the Gurley Street-fronting bar and airy lobby to enjoy free, live music.
If you go for a weekend, there’s almost always a big festival in the courthouse park. Upcoming events include:
May 28-30, 2022 | Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale
June July & August | Prescott Downtown Partnership – Summer Concert Series
June 11-12, 2022 | Prescott Chamber of Commerce -Territorial Days
June 25-26, 2022 | Prescott Chamber of Commerce – Prescott Bluegrass Festival
July 2-4, 2022 | Prescott Downtown Partnership – Prescott Rodeo Days