Prescott Arizona Information

Did you know that Prescott, Arizona was rated as having the cleanest air in the United States by the American Heart & Lung Association? It's true, Prescott is one of the best kept secrets in small-town living in America. With no large manufacturing plants or commercial industry, Prescott is perfectly suited for those wishing to escape the big-city lifestyle and settle down into mile-high, four-season living. With miles of hiking trails, wilderness areas, 7 lakes, and the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in the lower U.S., Prescott is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Prescott is not only a great place to retire, but is one of the best cities to raise a family. Outdoor lakes, hiking, boating, fishing, etc, make Prescott a wonderful town to settle down.

Prescott, Arizona community Events and activities

There's always something going on in Prescott, AZ. Each season brings a plethora of activities to downtown Prescott. Let's start with summer and work our way back around.
July/August - Along with fireworks, Prescott offers a festive day at Pioneer Park with free concerts, games, food and more. It's easy to play your whole day around the 4th of July celebrations. Bring your cooler full of snacks and drinks and your blanket to lay on the grassy fields as the fireworks burst overhead. Downtown Prescott is also bustling with Frontier Days! It's the time of year for the World's Oldest Rodeo at the Fairgrounds and historic presentations in and around the Square. The Courthouse is normally lined with food booths and vendors of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Often there are street dances and parties commencing all around the block as businesses pay homage to the spirit of the old west. Don't be surprised if you see Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp walking around slinging their pistols. Back in the day, the city of Prescott hosted a mock jail on the sidewalk of Gurley St in front of the Courthouse. One could find their way behind bars if the constable caught you not wearing an item with "western" flair. The fee was $1 to escape!

September/October - As the summer draws to a close and the months of August slip into September, typically visitors enjoy the arts & crafts shows and the popular classic car shows lining Gurley Street along the Courthouse Square. Late August-early September is also the time kids are returning to school. As a result, more concerts, theater shows, and art-walks are happening all around town. Several nights each week host various entertainment downtown at the Courthouse stage. Concerts, amateur singing nights, Jazz night at the square, and more can be enjoyed by all. Grab a plate of food from any of the local restaurants and head down to the Square with your lawn-chair! Autumn in Prescott is nothing short of gorgeous. When people imagine Arizona, they think of desert. However, Prescott is known for its trees of many colors. Visit Granite Creek Park to see some of the color pictured above. Next to July, autumn in Prescott is the most populous time of year for visitors. Real Estate is booming and folks love to walk the historic streets of Mount Vernon and Park Avenue. Many of Prescott's outdoor concerts are in full swing as people enjoy the balmy weather under the canopy of fall colors.

November/December - Prescott has been dubbed with the honor of being Arizona's Christmas City. The mile high elevation and its location, settled in the high mountains and pines, are the perfect formula for a snowy holiday. With exception to higher elevation cities, like Flagstaff, Arizona does not receive much snow. However, once or twice a year Prescott will see its fair share...and before you know it, it's gone. Locals who've lived in Prescott for any length of time can tell you that snow, no matter how deep, quickly melts away in Prescott. Although no one can predict the weather, Prescott's award-winning clean air assures potent sunshine almost 300 days a year. As a result, Prescott is truly a four-season city.

Just after Thanksgiving Day, Prescott begins its transformation into Arizona's Christmas City. There's plenty to do around town during the holidays. To kick off the festivities, Prescott hosts its annual Holiday Parade around the Courthouse. Shortly after is the Annual lighting of the Courthouse. Join thousands of residents under the trees as everyone joins along in a traditional reading of Luke, Chapter 2, followed by local children's choirs singing Christmas Carols. Each year residents hope for snowfall during this time, and occasionally, like magic, the skies open up to give the locals a taste of things to come.
Enjoy a night of singing and socializing with the locals during the Acker Musical Showcase. Although not a traditional festival, "Acker night", as locals refer to it, showcases the talents of local musicians and bands in intimate settings such as coffee shops, cafes, salons, bookstores, and antique stores. Shop owners all around the Courthouse Square (and several adjoining streets) open their doors after dark for an evening of caroling and goodies...FREE to the public. During the holiday season, Prescott's Elk's Theater hosts many plays and live concerts. Be sure to check the calendar of events on our main page for more information.

January/February - Prescott has been dubbed with the honor of being Arizona's Christmas City. The mile high elevation and its location, settled in the high mountains and pines, are the perfect formula for a snowy holiday. With exception to higher elevation cities, like Flagstaff, Arizona does not receive much snow. However, once or twice a year Prescott will see its fair share...and before you know it, it's gone. Locals who've lived in Prescott for any length of time can tell you that snow, no matter how deep, quickly melts away in Prescott. Although no one can predict the weather, Prescott's award-winning clean air assures potent sunshine almost 300 days a year. As a result, Prescott is truly a four-season city.

Prescott Area Schools and Colleges

If you're thinking about moving to Prescott, AZ, and you have children still in school, this information may come in handy.

Prescott has several elementary schools. Abia Judd is located on the west side of Prescott. Taylor Hicks is considered the north-side. Lincoln Elementary is considered the south-side. Prescott also has one high school, Prescott High School, located on Ruth Street just off Whipple St. There are numerous charter schools like BASIS and private schools. Prescott is also home to Yavapai Community College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott College, and North Central University. NAU also has an extension campus in Prescott Valley.

 

Abia Judd Elementary School is home of the Jaguars and is located off Williamson Valley Road in west Prescott. Surrounded by boulders and pine trees, Abia Judd is the only AAA elementary school in Prescott. For more information about Abia Judd, click here.

Taylor Hicks Elementary School is home of the Bobcats and is located in central Prescott off Cambell Ave. Taylor Hicks has a stellar arts program and athletics program. For more information about Taylor Hicks Elementary School, click here.

Lincoln Elementary School is home of the Lions and can be located on Park Avenue, a historic district off Gurley St. Lincoln Elementary is a traditional school with many historic ties, and the school located nearest to downtown Prescott. For more information about Lincoln Elementary School, click here.

Yavapai Community College is quickly becoming one of THE go-to schools in northern Arizona. Along with its state-of-the-art performance hall, Yavapai College also brings a vast campus with student housing and a competative sports program.

Prescott AZ Restaurants

Prescott is an ever-changing culinary landscape. Some of Prescott's more "seasoned" and popular dining options are Murphy's and Labruzza's. Both restaurants have existed in Prescott for many years. Murphy's is one of only a few "fine-dining" experiences in Prescott. Located near downtown, Murphy's hosts a great atmosphere in the Lounge and a great happy hour. Just across the street on Cortez is The Raven, a local pub which serves organic food. The Raven also has live music on ocassion and an outdoor balcony overlooking parts of downtown. Moving up the same street, Prescott residents will find The Office, sort of Tex-Mex meets pub-grille. Directly across the street is Papa's Italian Restaurant, another fine-dining establishment. Other popular destinations include the Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, Tara Thai, The Peacock Room at Hassayampa Inn, the Barley Hound with its loads of outdoor patio seating, Prescott Crush, Prescott Station, Mob Burger, Brown Bag Burger, Cafe St. Michael, The Greek Pita, El Charro, Bill's Pizza, and the ever famous The Palace Bar & Grill. There are many more restaurants around downtown Prescott to enjoy as well. During the summer season, one of the more popular dining options is the Plaza Deli & Liquor Store and Thaifoon. Grab some grub to go - head down to the Courthouse Plaza and enjoy some Jazz on the Square!

Hiking and Biking in Prescott AZ

Prescott AZ is a hiking and biking paradise! Prescott has been lauded by many popular magazines such as Time and Money for being on of the best retirement destinations. As a result, doctors and hospitals are often at capacity and rarely accept new patients. Many forget that Prescott, AZ is a hidden gem with huge family atmosphere. Health is of primary importance to us all, which is why Prescott is such a great place to live - young and old alike. Boasting the cleanest air in the continental U.S. Prescott hosts miles of hiking and biking trails from Granite Mountain in the west to Mingus Mountain to the East and everything in between. Jump on the flat Iron King Trail in Prescott Valley and bike all the way through the volcanic red rocks of Granite Dells into Prescott itself along the blue shores of Watson Lake. The trek will land bikers and hikers at the head of the Peavine Trail. If your fancy is bird watching, head west to the iconic Thumb Butte Park hiking trail system. Here, you'll be able to walk to the "saddle" of the peak where the Peregrine Falcon nests. The Thumb Butte Loop road system also serves as one of Prescott premiere bike races, The Whiskey Off Road. For 3 days at the tail-end of April, contestants can choose between a 10, 15, and 50 mile option. For a map of the Whiskey Off Road race, click here. Shortly after the epic bike race, comes the Whiskey Row Marathon in early May.

Prescott area Parks

Various parks have been set aside in the Prescott area for family enjoyment. One of Prescott's oldest and most well known parks is located off 6th Street, near what used to be Prescott's most popular destination for young people "Skate Town USA". Today, Granite Creek Park can be accessed from the parking lot at the Depot Plaza, or from across the street at the parking lot. Granite Creek Park hosts many summer activities and is a great spot for family BBQ's. Another popular park is Ken Lindley Field. Mostly known for its summer time softball tournaments, Ken Lindley Field has long been at the heart of Prescott's focus on sports. Equipped with Prescott's only Skate Park, Ken Lindley Field field also hosts a playground and several ball fields. Ken Lindley Field is also located next to another Prescott monument, the Armory. Now an activity center with basketball and volleyball, the original Armory houses one of Arizona's first National Guard Units.

The inscription on the Armory plaque reads: "Prescott was one of the first towns in Arizona to have a National Guard Unit. Companies B and C of the First Territorial Rifles were organized in Prescott in 1865 and Company M of the First Arizona Infantry was organized in 1910. Company M of the 158th Infantry of the National Guard of Arizona received Federal recognition February 3, 1930. This Company originally used a church on South Montezuma Street as their Armory, but it was described as "totally inadequate". The Prescott National Guard Armory, one of the largest and most prominent buildings on East Gurley Street, was designed by architect Orville A. Bell and was constructed on land donated to the State of Arizona by the City of Prescott. This was a portion of the property preciously donated to the City by Mr. & Mrs. Charles T. Joslin. A Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.P) project, construction of the Armory was begun on March 5, 1936 and completed in November, 1939. The Armory was designed as a vernacular structure with elements of Richardsonian Romanesque style in the decorative detail. The building is constructed of reinforced concrete with native ashlar granite facing and sandstone trim, red or black extruded mortar joints and a Lamelia truss roof. It was described at the time of completion as "fortress-like". In July of 1980 the Armory, no longer needed by the Arizona National Guard, was deeded to the City of Prescott. Today it is used as a multi-use City Parks and Recreation facility. The Prescott National Guard Armory is listed in the National Register of Historic Places."

Prescott also has several small community parks such as Acker Park, Badger Park, Honor Island Park, Flinn Park, Strickland Park, Whipple Park, Thumb Butte Park, Granite Basin Lake Park, Goldwater Lake Park, Watson Lake Park, Pioneer Park, Willow Lake Park, Heritage Park, Lynx Lake Park, and of course the Courthouse Plaza. Large parks such as Whipple, Pioneer, and Heritage Parks offer softball fields and other gaming services. Pioneer Park has an active outdoor inline hockey arena along with sand volleyball pits and hiking trails. Heritage Park offers views of the red rocks of Granite Dells and Willow Lake. Heritage also offers Prescott's award winning dog park and the Heritage Zoo, Prescott's only zoo. Both Willow and Watson Lake Parks offer hiking and biking trails along the shoreline. Watson Lake offers the Peavine trail system with miles of biking potential.

Things to do in Downtown Prescott, AZ

Prescott is notorious for Whisky Row. However, there's more to "the square" than a street full of dimly-lit taverns. Prescott is also known for it family atmosphere hosting events such as the Christmas Courthouse annual lighting, Acker Music Night, and Prescott Idol. Several nights a week are dedicated to variety of entertainment in downtown Prescott. Jazz night has become a popular attraction as well as Square Dancing. Prescott Idol evening allows amateur singers to hit the stage and strut their talent to the community. Think you have what it takes to be Prescott's next star? Chalk It Up has also become popular in recent years, described as "a free, family-friendly, community-centered, artistic endeavor intended to cultivate and support the creativity in people of all ages and abilities. Gather friends, bring your imagination and pick up a piece of chalk. Artists will create a weekend museum of pavement chalk art!" From the Spring-time all the way through to Autumn, Prescott hosts art fairs, art walks, classic car shows, and special musical guests. Because Prescott was Arizona's first territorial capital, many politicians also stop off in Prescott to deliver their speeches on the steps of the county courthouse.
Many events center around the Plaza downtown, but other events during the year move out to Pioneer Park such as the annual 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza. The park fills up with all sorts of interesting activities and carnival style rides. As the evening progresses, live music takes over and families lay on blankets and sit in lawn chairs to enjoy the firework show.

The other sides of Prescott, AZ

Downtown Prescott may be what people talk about when they think of Prescott, Arizona. However, other popular districts also bustle with energy. The Gateway Mall area of town is also a popular destination for shopping, hotels, and restaurants. With Trader Joe's moving into town, the Gateway Mall district is also the doorway to the Lynx Lake recreation area, making the destination a perfect place to stay for visitors interested in boating, fishing, hiking, and still wanting the nearby amenities such as Costco, Olive Garden, In-N-Out Burger, Red Robin Burger, Texas Roadhouse, Cost-Plus World Market, the Gateway Mall, Trader Joe's, 5-Guys Restaurant, and one of Prescott's favorite dining destinations, Wildflower Bread Company.

As folks head to the opposite side of town into the tall pines of west Prescott, visitors will find more trail systems heading up into the two prominent peaks, Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain. The intersection of Iron Springs Road and Gail Gardner Way has also become one of Prescott's busiest intersections in regard to shopping and dining. This side of town hosts a few of Prescott's highly rated restaurants: Labruzza's, the Iron Springs Cafe, and Esoji Teppan Steak & Seafood, Sushi Bar. Of course Denny's is always a great stop for some cheap eats and fast service. If you need to grab some water and gear before heading out into the wilderness, Wal-Mart is always a good place to stock up before heading out. Just follow either Iron Springs Road or Gail Gardner and you can't miss it.

The various towns around Prescott, AZ

Residents of Prescott are familiar with the surrounding areas; but if you're from out of town you may not realize Prescott is just one city nestled in the midst of other farming and industrious communities. Prescott Valley has recently taken over as the most populous town in the area, barely edging out Prescott finally. With the larger and more level tracts of land for building communities, Prescott Valley in the last 20 years has seen tremendous growth with the addition of Granville, Stoneridge, Pronghorn Ranch and the Viewpoint. Prescott Valley tends to cater to younger crowds in regard to housing and activities. Prescott Valley's new town center is ever expanding with projects such as the Library and the County building. The huge Prescott Valley Event Center almost seems a bit out of place for a town the size of PV, with seating capacity 1/8th the population of Prescott Valley! However, residents love the concerts and sports events, and as a result, the event center continues to see success filling the seats.

Chino Valley and Paulden are rural, farming and ranching communities to the north of Prescott. Chino Valley has seen growth in recent years and continues to be a stable housing market with little to no downturns. Horse-lovers flock to the area for the large parcels of land, level lots for building custom houses, and the huge, open views reminiscent of the old west.