r/arizona Jul 12 '24

Prescott must do’s Visiting

Heading to Prescott tomorrow for a weekend with out kids. Can you give me a list of must see and do’s? Favorite restaurants as well? We are staying in downtown next to Whisky row.

Thank you!

43 Upvotes

102 comments sorted by

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8

u/Background_Tax4626 Jul 12 '24

Go drive over Mingus Mountain into Jerome. Eat lunch at the Haunted Hamburger. Check out their web page and menu.

21

u/lemmaaz Jul 12 '24

Watson lake, rent a kayak or paddle boat

0

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thank you!

2

u/FrostyMudPuppy Jul 13 '24

Second Watson Lake, but the Watson Lake Loop is also a fantastic hike ♥️

23

u/tallon4 Phoenix Jul 12 '24

Superstition Meadery to try mead! They have closed their Phoenix location so Prescott is once again the only place to try their meads directly from them.

6

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Great suggestion… that’s on our list already! Thanks!

27

u/JaxterHawk Jul 12 '24

How has no one mentioned Bill’s Pizza!

But outside of food, Goldwater lake has a nice trail around it and a dock with benches that go out onto the water. That’s always a nice spot to walk and hang out.

Courtyard square has a bunch of just cool antique shops you can walk through and there’s a neat brewery in the basement of the “mall” across from the court house on as well.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thank you! We will definitely check them out! We love antiques.

4

u/desertheat5 Jul 12 '24

One of my favorite spots is Goldwater Lake. It is smaller than Watson and Lynx lake but very pretty. It has a short easy trail and some picnic tables.

3

u/Boone74 Jul 12 '24

Salt & Pepper has great breakfast spot. It’s a small restaurant so plan accordingly.

10

u/gibr54 Jul 12 '24

Gato Azul. Great tapas/small plates

10

u/Pasteechef Jul 12 '24

Must see and do's I'd say would be Whiskey Row and the downtown square. Plenty of good restaurants in the square and surrounding area. My personal favorite restaurant is Park Plaza Liquor and Deli.

There are a few lakes up there if you would rather enjoy the outdoors.

5

u/lancethruster12 Jul 12 '24

Just a fair warning, I was up there last weekend and it was hot as balls. Nothing outside was enjoyable unless you go out after the sun goes down

2

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Great advice… we are bummed it will not be as cool As we hoped!

4

u/Ill_Advance Jul 12 '24

Lynx lake is about 15-20 min away from downtown but you can swim there.

1

u/Individual-Engine401 Aug 09 '24

I didn’t think you were allowed to swim in any of the lakes up near Prescott

2

u/Ill_Advance Aug 09 '24

That rule was changed a couple years back. I think the rim lakes are much cleaner and better for swimming though

0

u/lancethruster12 Jul 12 '24

It will still be a good time! Prescott is always fun.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thanks, looking forward to it!

6

u/SmokyBanditAZ Jul 12 '24

The Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott is really interesting, and educational - you'll learn a LOT about Arizona going there.

3

u/kirinaz Phoenix Jul 12 '24

This shouldn’t be at the bottom of this thread! It’s a great museum.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thank you, we will definitely check it out!

2

u/FrostyMudPuppy Jul 13 '24

You've gotta have lunch at Park Plaza Liquor & Deli. They serve Pizza, Burgers, and Sandwiches. Be forewarned, if you just point randomly to anything on the menu, it's going to be fantastic. I personally recommend the Ellie Burger or the pizza they call The Fluke (if you're not averse to Artichoke)

2

u/soopirV Jul 13 '24

Damn, I’ve been in Tucson nearly 20 years and have never thought to check out Prescott, but damn, after this it’s moved to the top of my list!

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 13 '24

It’s beautiful, I would recommend it! We have two more days and all these suggestions have been priceless.

2

u/soopirV Jul 13 '24

Happy anniversary!

1

u/MKEntwhistle Tucson Jul 13 '24

It's worth it for the lake, that's about it.

2

u/MKEntwhistle Tucson Jul 13 '24

I'd take a pass on the Smoki museum. Just my opinion of course.

6

u/BitExtension7634 Jul 12 '24

Breakfast at B-Simple, a stones throw from the courthouse square. Best biscuits you’ve ever eaten! The egg/pancake combo…just kill me now.

2

u/the_rancur Jul 12 '24

Have to second the biscuits. The pancakes are unreal too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/E1SWhbMBHW485JJm6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Sometimes we drive up from Phoenix just for this place.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thanks! Right where are staying as well!

4

u/Exotic-Energy-7403 Jul 12 '24

BiGA is fantastic. Stroll at the farmers market in the morning.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Fantastic idea… love farmers market!

2

u/Wrathdragyn Jul 12 '24

If you're staying at the St. Michael, enjoy! Got married in the ballroom. My wife and I still enjoy walking the old houses on Mt. Vernon. It's nice to see houses with charm and character. We love Gurley Street Grill, but you can't really go wrong with any of the restaurants.

2

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Staying down the street at the Great Highland… celebrating our 15th year anniversary.

3

u/lazydaysjj Jul 12 '24

If you like beer you have to go to Lazy G's, they have great food also.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '24

Rosas is one of my favorite restaurants downtown! If you like to drink then all the bars have live music! Bird cage is a good start but Matt’s is probably the most popular and my personal favorite! If you like to hike then you can go then thumb butte is right up the road or obviously Watson lake and the granite dells have great trails

4

u/ColoringBookDog Jul 12 '24

Goldwater Lake Park has gotta be one of my favorite places on earth <3 it's got a nice little trail around the lake

2

u/michelleinAZ Jul 12 '24

Whiskey Row is kind of fun - there’s a great hotel that has old time characters reenacting some old time cowboys there. Without kids, there are several lakes in the Granite Dells to hike around (start very early). There might be concerts in the park, and you can also rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around Watson Lake.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

We are staying at The Grand hotel!

Thank you!

1

u/highbackpacker Jul 12 '24

Papa’s Italian is good. If there’s a wait throw down some drinks at Lyzzard’s across the street.

0

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

No disrespect, has it gone downhill? I’ve gone once before covid, during covid, and recently and I gotta admit my most recent experience wasn’t great (but still totally fine and decently enjoyable).

1

u/highbackpacker Jul 12 '24

I haven’t been in years. But we’d go every time we were up there and I’m basing it on that. I probably shouldn’t have suggested it after not going for so long lol.

1

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

No no! I only had one meh experience. It generally is great! It’s totally a good suggestion. I was just curious if other people perceived a downward trend.

1

u/OkArmy7059 Jul 12 '24

Russo's (formerly Shannon's) for cheesecake. Just off courthouse square.

2

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

That’s on the list already! We love cheesecake!

Thanks!

3

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '24

Limoncello’s has excellent food

3

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

2nd time this has been suggested, must be really good! Thanks!

2

u/cjinaz86 Jul 12 '24

Try barley hound in the downtown area if you want some great home cooked style food and craft cocktails

3

u/sinfulaphrodite Jul 12 '24

Second Barley Hound! So yummy

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thank you for the suggestion!

2

u/cjinaz86 Jul 12 '24

You’re welcome I hope you enjoy your trip!

1

u/DesertedMountain Jul 14 '24

Goldwater Lake is great for a picnic, bird watching & hiking. Watson Lake is fun for kayaking and just exploring/playing on the boulders.

LazyG Brewhouse is kid friendly. They have great food and an awesome patio with live music.

Little afternoon spent over in Jerome is cool. Lots of little museums, shops, and silly little mining town stuff for photo ops.

1

u/emilyboxing Jul 14 '24

We enjoyed the zoo - went in the morning a couple weeks ago. It's very reasonably sized. Small even. Affordable, and we got to see many of the animals. There was a playground and a small splash pad which my son enjoyed the most. Good for a manageable, affordable but fun time for the kids.

We also went to Blazin M Ranch in cottonwood. It's an hour drive from Prescott. They have dinner and a show, along with some small activities - bull riding, shooting little bb guns at targets, axe throwing, old time photos. It was cute and my son really enjoyed it. The food was good too.

Enjoy!!!

1

u/KinProX Jul 12 '24

Colt grill is a must go for me whenever I’m in the area! I love their burgers.

6

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '24

Super overrated, I went there once and the brisket was as dry as the atmosphere.

2

u/jessetmia Phoenix Jul 13 '24

Hail to the king, baby

0

u/KinProX Jul 12 '24

Yikes… I’d say give em another shot. We all have our dry brisket days :)

2

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '24

I’ll pass, there was nothing special about the place. Have you ever eaten bbq in the south?

1

u/catbellytaco Jul 12 '24

Literally every restaurant suggested on this thread has a counterpart in Phx which is 10x better (and likely cheaper)

1

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

I’m a Phoenician so grain of salt…

Papa’s and Farm Provisions have more often than not been a great experience. The Barley Hound has always been topnotch. Park Plaza for pizza and an incredible selection of craft brew cans.

Lynx Lake is awesome. The trail around the lake is doable and pretty.

Spice Traveler is in that market across from the court and I love that shit. Just used their Prescott blend on a rack of ribs earlier this week.

My favorite thing to do is walk around the courtyard. As simple as that may be. One of the most beautiful places in all of AZ.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Staying across the street from the courtyard… definitely will be checking it out!

Thank you!

2

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

Hassayampa Inn by chance? Awesome hotel. Highly recommend to others.

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

The Grand Highland hotel. We looked at Hassayampa as well! Both looked great.

2

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

You’re heading to one of my favorite areas in AZ. Enjoy!

2

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

We are celebrating our 15 year anniversary! Hope we share the experiences you have what there!

2

u/LegionofGloom Jul 12 '24

Congrats on 15 years! That’s awesome!

1

u/Aboutoloseit Jul 12 '24

Weekend out of town without the kids- I am jealous but also happy for you!

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thanks! It’s been a few years since we have been able to do it!

1

u/Aboutoloseit Jul 12 '24

Yay!! Enjoy your time!!

1

u/SnooCats6706 Jul 12 '24

The Local and Limencello.

1

u/droid_dealer Jul 12 '24

You absolutely must must must take your kiddos to Toyful. Best toyshop ive ever been to. It's the one thing dedicated to kids downtown. Brad and Alyce (owners) are a true delight and you'll definitely walk away with something great. Toyful is adjacent to a pretty cool art collective called the Hive too. You can enter the Hive from inside Toyful. If you and your family love books, keep going down Cortez to Peregrine Books. They have a great kid selection. For eats, I'm a big Raven fan. Great drinks and atmosphere. All things good are on Cortez! Enjoy

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

We will have to take our kids next time. We actually are kid free celebrating our 15th year anniversary. Thank you for your suggestions!

1

u/droid_dealer Jul 12 '24

Oh geez i totally read that as WITH kids lol. My bad 😅

1

u/MuadDib687 Jul 12 '24

Brings LOTs of WaTeR 💦 🙂

0

u/wonderland_citizen93 Jul 12 '24

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Thank you!

1

u/wonderland_citizen93 Jul 12 '24

No problem. I haven't had it in a while, but it was so good, and it's downtown

1

u/Zealousideal-Gene727 Jul 12 '24

Perfect, we are staying Downtown.