The Best of Prescott, Arizona

You know those cozy, small-town cities that make you feel at home even when you're just passing through? Prescott, Arizona is one of those. I spent four years attending college in Prescott, and grew to call the community home.

Whether you're settling in for who knows how long, or just passing through, below are the top things you need to make a point to enjoy!

1. Cuppers on Cortez Street.

Coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches...my dream!
My favorite is a breakfast sandwich with salsa, and they're known for their skinny pancakes...a beautiful crepe-like dish with hints of honey and cinnamon.

As far as drinks, everything is spectacular. All-time favorites include any of their house mochas. Choices include the Mayan Mocha, Monkey Mocha, Raspberry Truffle Mocha, Mocha Mint...yum! I try never to get the same thing twice in a row when it comes to their drinks since they're all delicious and never a disappointment!







2. Climb and Explore the Dells

This rock formation is absolutely breathtaking. Even if you only have 20 minutes, I would recommend walking around for a little while. For short-term exploring, theres a turn off on the right of 89 heading north, past the roundabout meeting of Willow Lakes and the 89. Its easy to miss, so be on the look out for a dirt turn off by what looks like a cliff. But you can climb it easily and it gives you a nice view of the town. For longer hikes, you can start just about anywhere you see the rocks!

View overlooking Willow Lake

3. Visit the Courthouse

This one is obvious. The center of town, the premier attraction, the courthouse is beautiful. Stroll around the square, have a picnic...you can't go wrong. Almost every weekend there is some event at the square, from Art Shows to concerts in the park. If you visit Prescott during the Christmas season, you get to see it light up, ready for Santa!

4. Slip inside the original Post Office

I discovered this gem very recently. On the corner of Cortez and...whatever street is towards the back of the courthouse (Goodwin?), is the Old Post Office. I stopped in to grab some mail for work, and noticed that the PO Boxes are all original, and gorgeous. It'll take 5 minutes to look around, but I think its well worth it. Especially if you're a history nut like me.



5. Matt's Saloon at night

I LOVE to dance, especially country line and swing dancing! Matt's Saloon has live country music almost every night after 10... and even if you're not the first one on the dance floor, its always a blast watching the locals!







6. Whiskey Row


Okay, to be honest, this isn't my cup of tea. But if you're into bar hoppin' and being immersed in the Prescott night life, this is the place to do it! Whiskey Row a known attraction, although it seems to be filling up with local shops, these days. Lyzzards, on South Cortez near the Office and Papa's (both AMAZING restaurants! See below) is quieter, and somewhat off the beaten track. Then there's Irish Pub across from St. Michaels, and Brick 'n Bones across Goodwin street.

7. Restaurants!!

I am a GIANT foodie, so I have been to as many restaurants here as I can. Rarely will I go to a chain now. My favorites include:

The Office: you MUST get their garlic fries! I survived off them my last year in Prescott!

Papas: Don't miss out on the Minestrone soup as an appetizer (homemade!); plus the Alfredo tortellini is one of my favorite dishes. But I've never been disappointed there!

Lone Spur Cafe: very country, but very good! Their breakfast burrito is to die for, and its enough for 2 breakfasts!

Iron Springs Cafe: Ordered their steak and coleslaw once...I was hooked! It's a bit out of the way, but for a hearty yet classic country bar and restaurant feel, it's totally worth it.

Prescott Brewing Company: Classic Prescott, extremely good, its where tourists and locals alike go. Their mussels are fantastic, and you can get a beer sampler to try all their home made brews!

Speeds: A little gem near Embry-Riddle, off of Sandretto Dr- HUGE sandwiches, but so worth it! Military paraphernalia all over the place! Speeds is not for the faint of heart, and it's run by an amazing woman who knows her food. Their sweet tea is a classic- only a couple bucks for a cup the size of your head!

Rosa's: an Italian place on Gurley...margarita pizza is scrumptious! You can't go wrong here either.

Taco Dons: a little hole in the wall that serves way better food than you'd ever expect!

Pasquales: Get the Greek Nachos!!!!



Method Coffee: Right next to Fry's on the North end of Willow Creek, this was my go-to coffee shop for all occasions (except when I was downtown, then I went to Cuppers). But I love method! Their WiFi password changes daily, and its normally something along the lines of GreenLantern or CupOfSoup, so just ask for it! Oh, and their blended mocha tastes like a chocolate milkshake, how can you resist? Plus they have dog treats for puppies in the drive thru that my dog loves!



So, overall, Prescott is an awesome little town with lots of little wonders that'd be a shame to miss. But overall, the thing that makes Prescott great is the people. People are genuinely nice here. Of course, I say that as a girl who grew up in LA, so nice people weren't all that common for me. But some of my best friends are in Prescott, and the most loving and genuine families I know. The food is just a plus!