While the temperatures continue to climb in the Valley, there is some relief to be found in Arizona’s high country. One of the (many) great things about this state is our ability to drive a few hours and be in a cooler climate.

Prescott is no exception. With a quick 2-2 ½ hour journey, you will find yourself in a charming, cooler city with plenty to do. If you’re up for a weekend getaway to Prescott sometime this summer, here are some of our top picks for how to spend your trip.

Where to Stay:

While there are many great places to stay during your time in Prescott, we recommend the Hassayampa Inn for the perfect blend of history and accessibility.

It’s in the center of town at 122 E. Gurley St., making it the perfect location. Plus, we absolutely love the charm and sophistication of the place.

Friday

Assuming you drive up north after work lets out on Friday, we suggest that you hit the town square and the infamous Whiskey Row. The historic street features many bars and saloons to hang out and unwind at after the work week.

You can’t go wrong at any place you stop at, but we highly recommend The Palace – opened in 1877 and one of the top ten historic bars in America. Friday hours are 11am-11pm.

#FrayLife Tip: In the same historic building, venture to Jersey Lilly Saloon upstairs to experience a great bar vibe and balcony overlooking the square. Fridays they’re open from 12pm-2am, so it’s the perfect place to hit after The Palace itself.

Saturday

We highly recommend breakfast at the Waffle Iron (open 7 days a week, 6:30am-1: 30 pm). Who doesn’t love homey restaurants…and who doesn’t love waffles? You can get more than waffles here, obviously – but come on. It’s kind of their specialty.  

For a mid-day activity, we suggest packing a lunch and taking a drive to Watson Lake. The lake features stunning geography in the form of granite dells that make for a great photo op. Plus, you can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and more while taking in the scenery.

After a day spent in the sun, you’ll want a good dinner somewhere. Venture back to the town square and park yourself at the Prescott Brewing Company.

If you didn’t go here while you were vesting Prescott, did you even really go to Prescott?  We don’t even know what to recommend for food because it’s all so good, but we do suggest ordering a beer flight to sample some of the local brews. The Achocolypse Porter is what they are most known for, but honestly, all choices are great. Hours are 11am-10pm Sunday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are 11am-11pm.

Sunday

If you’re needing a cup of joe to get going in the morning, look no further than Wild Iris Coffeehouse overlooking Granite Creek.

With plenty of seating indoors and out, it’s the perfect local stop to relax and enjoy great handcrafted beverages.

Looking to get your fill of history before you leave? The Sharlot Hall Museum is a great stop for anyone visiting Prescott. Learn all about the local folklore of Yavapai County while touring 11 exhibit buildings that feature many interesting artifacts and documents. They’re open Sundays from 12pm-4pm.

Grab a treat from Frozen Frannie’s before hitting the road. We couldn’t write a guide to Prescott without including a place to get a sweet treat – from do it yourself yogurt to hand-scooped ice cream, you have plenty of choices here.

This weekend guide was just a taste of what Prescott has to offer and experience. We highly recommend checking out the Calendar of Events on their website, as often they host festivals and events that you can stop by during your trip as well.

Let us know if you tried any of our recommendations, what some of your favorites were, and tag us using #FrayLife so we can live through your experiences too!

Willing to travel outside of Phoenix for your fun? These 5 outdoor adventures are a must!

View More Articles By Emily Holloway

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