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Arizona Festive Fall Follies – Greater Phoenix Edition

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

As a second installation to my Arizona Fall Follies story (see the first chapter on Prescott) I thought I’d turn to my own community of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the nation, so no doubt there are tons of things to do in the Valley of the Sun over the next couple of months. Here, I highlight five don’t-miss fall activities that span the city from north to south:

Fall 2009 Events in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch – North Scottsdale: Daily, October 3 – 31

Mule-drawn hayride at MacDonalds Ranch

Mule-drawn hayride at MacDonald's Ranch

This North Scottsdale mainstay offers families classic pumpkin patch experiences like horse and mule-drawn hayrides, petting zoo, hay maze and sack races. But they also offer unique activities like a gem mine and a western golf game. And the fact that they allow you to pack a picnic lunch (save $$$) and they’re open 7 days a week sets them apart from the weekends-only pumpkin patches and festivals elsewhere in the state.
MacDonald’s Ranch is located at Jomax and Scottsdale Road, just 5 miles north of the Loop 101. Click to download their Pumpkin Patch flyer, or call 480.585.0239 for details.

Mariposa Monarca at Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix/Scottsdale: Daily, September 26 – November 15

Mariposa Monarca exhibit. See www.dbg.org for more.

Mariposa Monarca exhibit. See www.dbg.org for more.

This annual event is one of the Desert Botanical Garden’s most popular exhibits and it’s no wonder why. Stroll through the Marshall Butterfly Pavillion now through November 15, 2009 and surround yourself with hundreds of live Monarch butterflies.

This engaging experience features interpretive displays about the lifecycle, migration patterns, environmental threats, and conservation efforts of the monarch butterfly.

Ongoing daily at Desert Botanical Garden 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway – (on the shared borders of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe)
Free for members and children under three. $3 for General Public with paid Garden admission.
Email monarchs@dbg.org or call 480-481-8128 for more information. www.dbg.org

Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral – Phoenix: October 25

The Annual Fall Festival at Saints Simon & Jude is a favorite community event that doesn’t get all the fanfare and spotlight of local news coverage, but certainly deserves it. This Catholic community and school’s fundraising event welcomes all who enjoy delicious foods, family-friendly games, raffles, activities and happy memories of your childhood church bazaar. Located in Central Phoenix at 6351 North 27th Avenue (27th Avenue between Maryland and Bethany Home Road), there’s ample free parking and inexpensive food and raffle tickets. Be sure to check out two special features of the festival: Sister Raphael’s Irish Tea Room and Father Clement’s Touch Down Lounge! Call the parish office at (602) 242-1300 or visit www.simonjude.org.

Arizona State Fair – State Fairgrounds: Daily/Nightly Except Mondays October 16 – November 8

Arizona State Fair - Oct 16 - Nov 8

Arizona State Fair - Oct 16 - Nov 8

A fall events post would be incomplete without the Arizona State Fair. This long-running event is an autumnal favorite and an impressive showcase of headline concerts and entertainment, delicious food, exciting rides, shows, demonstrations, exhibits and more. Be sure to try the Fair’s (in)famous adventures in fried foods, and see big, big performances by Bob Dylan, Stone Temple Pilots, The Black Crowes, and Raven-Symone.

Visit the Arizona State Fair website – www.azstatefair.com – for comprehensive information on daily discounts, parking, directions, map, hours, prices, tickets, rides, food and more.

Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms – Queen Creek: Every Thursday – Sunday in October

This is the big time when it comes to pumpkin festivals. Voted “”Arizona’s Best Family Fall Experience” by Phoenix Magazine, the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party offers hay rides, miniature golf, 4 acre Sonic Burger Maze, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races, carnival rides for children young and old, Pumpkin Launch, Witch Mountain giant slide, Arizona’s only gravity roller coaster (must be 32″ tall to ride), SRP Earthwise interactive experience, rock climbing wall, live entertainment, bonfires & marshmallow roasting (6:30pm), Lil’ Farmers play yard, Schnepf Family Museum, sweet shop, country store, gift shops, holiday gift tent and a spectacular fireworks show on Friday & Saturday nights to celebrate 68 years of farming!

The key to enjoying this huge pumpkin and food festival is to skip the tickets line and save $2 on admission by purchasing discount tickets in advance at any Fry’s Food Stores location. You’ll pay $14 per person over the age 2 versus the $16 regular price.

There’s tons of information about times, activities, food experiences, entertainment, showtimes and more on the Schnepf Farms website www.schnepffarms.com

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Verde Valley Readers Name Hilton Sedona Resort Best Hotel 2009

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

In a recent poll on VerdeNews.com, Sedona readers selected the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa for Best Hotel 2009. Readers honored the 219-room property as best in its category among other hotels in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

“It is always a great honor to be recognized by your peers,” said Edgar Lozoya, General Manager, Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. “Hilton Sedona prides its self on being a boutique resort that offers guests the world famous Hilton hospitality.”

Learn more about the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, the only Sedona-area property with a 25,000 square foot full-service spa and championship golf course on-site at their website – www.hiltonsedona.com

Congratulations to the Hilton Sedona Resort - Sedona Reader's Choice Best Hotel 2009

Congratulations to the Hilton Sedona Resort - Sedona Reader's Choice Best Hotel 2009

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All-American Scenic Byway Distinction Gives New Meaning to “Sedona Drive-In”

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

The view spreads across the Sedona drive-in screen

The view of Sedona's red rocks spreads across the scenic byway like a "drive-in screen"

When you hear the phrase “drive-in,” do you picture the movie-screen-al-fresco of yeserday? Well, Sedona’s drive-in is something of a different sort.

Recently given the distinction of the only All-American Road in Arizona by the US Department of Transportation, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is the road on which most visitors “drive in” to Sedona. When you drive Highway 179 from Interstate 17, this 7.5 mile scenic stretch gently winds through Coconino National Forest rather unassumingly…and then BAM! the view from the byway opens up into a spectacular panorama of red rock formations including Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.

Hilton Sedona Resort - Red Rock Scenic Byway Artist's Rendering

Hilton Sedona Resort - Red Rock Scenic Byway Artist's Rendering

“Visitors have always known that Sedona’s topography is truly unique,” said Edgar Lozoya, General Manager at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. “And with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official All-American Road designation, we anticipate the area will attract even more sightseers.”

The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa plays a key role in experiencing the Red Rock Scenic Byway as a “destination unto itself.”

“The designation of the Red Rock Scenic Byway as an All-American Road positions our resort as the welcoming point to Sedona,” said Lozoya.

Hilton Sedona Cascades Pool

Hilton Sedona Cascades Pool

The Hilton is Sedona’s only resort with a 25,000 square foot full service spa and championship golf course on-site, and it sits at the end of the Red Rock Scenic Byway with sweeping views of the entire area, known as the Gateway to Red Rock Country.

The 219-room boutique resort offers guests quick access to Sedona and majestic views of the red rocks. Its close proximity to the Red Rock Scenic Byway allows guests to explore miles of hiking trails through Coconino National Forest, access two of the world’s famous vortexes, and experience exceptional shopping and dining along the state’s All-American Road.

Near by Byway adventures include:
• Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding – Some of the best trails in Sedona can be accessed off the byway. Enjoy over 200 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
• Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock Vortexes – Only minutes away from the resort, both vortexes are considered strong centers of positive energy.
• Coconino National Forest – The second largest national forest in Arizona boasts diverse landscapes, including deserts, flatlands, ancient volcanic peaks and alpine tundra.
• World Class Art – Village Gallery is a show room for 40 local artists, and regularly hosts events to allow artists to display their pieces and connect with visitors.
• Film History – Sedona’s unique beauty has been used in feature films, video productions and commercials and still serves as a film destination by annually holding the Sedona Film Festival.

Read more about the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa at their website – www.hiltonsedona.com

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Review: Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival in Chino Valley Arizona

Oct 15th, 2009 by christinatoo

After my recent post about Prescott pumpkin festivals and other fall things to do, I just had to see the Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival for myself.  And boy am I glad I did!  It was so much fun, charging into the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin to take home, watching the informative Saddlebred horse demonstration, riding the little train around the perimeter of this working farm, getting up close to the sweet goats, pig, cow and sheep inside the petting zoo, and generally enjoying the glorious 72 degree sunny weather.

Here is a photo gallery and more of the story after the bump…

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

I was so happy that I got to experience this festival in its third year, which translated to not-overwhelmingly-large crowds and easy parking. However, if I am to be completely honest in my review, it was clear to me that Freeman Farms still has some kinks to work out.  We waited an hour for a hot dog and nearly missed paying for our entrance fee and pumpkin take because the ticket booth / pumpkin cashier was set back on the property so that it was not obvious that we would indeed owe an entrance fee ($3 per person.) It wasn’t until we were leaving that we realized we should really get in the (quite long) line to weigh our pumpkins and pay our entrance fee.

Suggestions for the farm for next year: Include a couple weigh-it-yourself stations with honor-system dropboxes for cash owed.  I would have gladly paid far more than the pumpkins’ price just to avoid the line and donate to the cause. Second, they need better signage at the intersection of Road 3 South off of Highway 89 (the farm’s website driving directions said look for signs but I didn’t see any and nearly missed the turn.)

If you go (and you certainly should):

  • Driving: If coming from Prescott (or any point south), start looking to turn onto Road 3 South just after the roundabout on Highway 89 entering Chino Valley.
  • Food: Bring your own. We had packed a cooler of snacks and drinks and we were glad we did… the wait for concessions was a long one.
  • Wear: Sunscreen! It was a gorgeous sunny and warm day, with not much shade to be had.  Wear long pants and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the pumpkin patch.
  • Bring: Your own cutting tool for pumpkins and maybe even a gardening glove… Many pumpkins are detached already but you’ll need hand-held lawn clippers to cut those *prickly* pumpkin stems.
  • Bring: Cash in small denominations. Food and tickets for entrance, train rides, hay rides, the corn maze and horseback riding lessons are required, and most things are affordable…priced around $3.
  • Stay: Make a weekend of it… book your hotel on Prescott.com, find restaurants, other attractions and other events and festivals nearby.

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Thanksgiving Weekend INSPIRED Event

Oct 8th, 2009 by christinatoo

Get INSPIRED this Thanksgiving

Get INSPIRED this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, get Inspired by works of fine art at the first-ever Fine Arts Exhibit & Sale at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Spanning the holiday weekend, November 27 – 28, 2009, this INSPIRED ‘09 special event invites people from the entire Sedona and Verde Valley area and visitors from around Arizona, other states or overseas to take a holiday and come enjoy this “All Sedona Arts Weekend” event and its festivities.

Bring the Family – This inaugural event also provides a unique, INSPIRING educational opportunity for parents, teachers, students and others in the field of education to visit this exhibition of multi-media arts in every imaginable form from all over the globe. What an inspiration this will be for aspiring young artists to talk directly with these artists!

The stars of this arts event are thirty-two outstanding Sedona artists. Among the best in the greater Sedona area, they have been invited to exhibit and to sell their unique array of artistic collections.  Artists’ offerings range from art works and gifts for holiday buying as well as incredible pieces suitable for collectors.

Featured artists to include: Barbara Vickers, Celesty Claudio, James Latham, Jeannette Tuscher, Shermane Frei, Nora Graf, Jan Saunders, Betty Carr, Robert Albrecht, Mariann Leahy, Clyde Ross Morgan, James Muir, Kaayla Fox, Barbara Ragalyi, Jerry Buley, Mary Dove, Beverly Copen, Philip Ponvert, Pat Kaufmann, Dennis Ott, Jan Sitts, Gene Dieckhoner, Joan Roberts, Mel Copen, Chris Navarro, Lorraine Fexas, Daniel Hochstein, Madak Kadam, Betty Kaufmann, Shirley Eichten Albrecht, Jack Durrwachter and Gretchen Lopez.

UPDATED: Art buyers and attendees will be able to preview artists’ biographies, plus one image illustrative of their work and their contact information on the Hilton’s website. There will be live demonstrations by several of the artists during the show.

Event Details:

Dates: Friday & Saturday, November 27 & 28, 2009 – All day
Admission: Free
Location: Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa’s Grand Ballroom – 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona
Information: Beverly Copen 928-284-2520
Opening Night Reception: Friday, November 27 at 5pm. Admission & entertainment is free; food & wine tickets are $25 per person and a cash bar will also be available.

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Dear Arizona Travel: Best Way to See Flagstaff’s Fall Leaves?

Sep 17th, 2009 by christinatoo

photo credit: Doug Paul

photo credit: Doug Paul

Another timely and universal question from a visitor came in to our Flagstaff hotels and visitors guide, Flagstaff.com. I know lots of people want to know exactly when to come to Flagstaff to see fiery gold, red and orange fall foliage.  Today, Jared specifically wanted to know when to visit, where to stay and where to go to see the best of Flagstaff’s fall leaves.

Dear Arizona Travel:

My wife and I are planing a trip to Flagstaff and want to go when the changing of the colors is best, when would that be this year? If we were to stay a night where would a good place be to stay that we can take a walk or something in a good forest area to look at the colors?

–Jared W.

My answer, with some really helpful links, after the bump…

Continue Reading »

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Dear Arizona Travel: Grand Canyon from Las Vegas… with Kids. Help!

Sep 16th, 2009 by christinatoo

We got an email from a visitor to theCanyon.com, our Grand Canyon tours and hotels guide, today that totally struck a chord with me. I think Diana’s question is really common and who better to answer than another mom? Check it out and see if it will help you with your Grand Canyon vacation plans.

Dear Arizona Travel:

My fiance and I are getting married in Vegas in July 2010. From Vegas we want to visit the Grand Canyon. We only plan on spending 1 day there and we will have 3 small children with us. What is better? the North, South, or West Rim? Would you suggest renting a car and driving from Vegas or taking a tour? I am totally lost at what to do. Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you so much!
–Diana R

Read on for my answer: Continue Reading »

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Arizona’s Festive Fall Follies – Prescott Edition

Aug 29th, 2009 by christinatoo

It was One Hundred Thirteen Degrees (yes, 113 degrees) here in Scottsdale today. Blech.

But, I am so super excited for fall to arrive this year – even more than usual – because there are some really cool new 2009 autumn festivities happening around the state of Arizona.  Well, they may not be new to everyone, but they’re new to me and since they weren’t part of our hugely popular Fall 2006 post, I’m gonna go ahead and assume you’d like to hear about them, too.

There’s so much going on around the state that I’m planning this as a multi-parter, starting in the city of Prescott.  Look for future posts for information on what to do in Sedona, Flagstaff and Scottsdale this fall, as well.  And if you have some terrific insight, please oh please feel free to leave a comment here so I can include your contribution in my next post!

Fall 2009 Events in Prescott, Arizona

Freeman Farms Pumpkin Festival – Chino Valley: September 26 & 27 and every weekend in October

photo credit: Freeman Farms - azpumpkins.com

photo credit: Freeman Farms - azpumpkins.com

THIS is where you must go for the Real Farm Experience.  Freeman Farms touts itself as Northern Arizona’s REAL Pumpkin Patch, and I mean, seriously – they have everything you could expect from a pumpkin patch: farm fresh pumpkins (grown on Freeman Farms); farm fresh produce; horse, animal and wildlife presentations; educational presentations; corn maze; hay rides; horseback riding lessons; petting zoo; entertainment and activities; attractions and concessions; and of course, fun for the whole family!

In case you aren’t familiar with the Prescott tri-city area, Chino Valley is located just 15 minutes north of Prescott.

  • When to go: Weekends beginning September 26 & 27 and continuing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October from 9 am to 4 pm
  • What to expect: While some pre-cut pumpkins will probably be available, the U-Pick aspect is a big part of the fun! Bring your own cutting utensil.  If you pick it, (or break a stem,) you pay for it. No dogs allowed. Average temperatures in Chino Valley for October are a high of 74.6 degrees F and a low of 56.8… ‘pertinear’ darn perfect.
  • Prices: Parking is FREE. Admission: $3 per adult;  $2 per child 2-18 years old;  infants in diapers FREE
  • For more information: www.azpumpkins.com for directions or call 928-636-5714.

Old West Oktoberfest – Saturday, October 17

photo credit: scottb211 on flickr.com

photo credit: scottb211 on flickr.com

Amber fall foliage is perfect when paired with a locally-crafted beer. In it’s ninth year, the Old West Oktoberfest promises to be bigger and better than ever! With more microbreweries participating, expanded events and more areas for whole-family fun, the downtown section of Gurley Street gets closed off so participants can wander the booths, tasting and testing ales, ambers, stouts and lagers.

  • When to go:Saturday, October 17 from 1 pm to 6 pm
  • What to expect:Large crowds. Be prepared to show valid ID proving you are age 21 or over. You’ll get a souvenir tasting glass and tickets good for five beer samples. Expect ideal fall weather in the mid -70s during the day and light layers needed as the festival comes to a close.
  • Prices: $15 per person.
  • Don’t drink and drive: Visit hotels.prescott.com to browse, compare and book a hotel room within walking distance or a short, cheap cab ride from downtown Prescott.

Lynx Lake Restaurant – Prescott National Forest: Open Tuesday through Sunday

photo credit: walkingprescott.blogspot.com

photo credit: walkingprescott.blogspot.com

A local favorite, this German restaurant overlooks Lynx Lake and shares its space with the Lynx Lake store and boat rentals.  Watch kayakers, paddle boats and trout-anglers as you enjoy a killer breakfast (served 8 am – 2pm) or dinner (served 4 pm – 8 pm) and a great German beer.  Authentic Bavarian fare, great views, and the thrill of being in on a best-kept secret are reasons enough to plan your own personal Oktoberfest and check out the Lynx Lake Cafe.

  • When to go: Not Mondays. You’ll get super slow service since they’re not open. Better go Tuesday through Sunday and you’ll get great service.
  • How to get there: Take Highway 69 to Walker Road (Look for Costco between Prescott and Prescott Valley) and turn south onto Walker Road. Go 7.6 miles on Walker Road. Right on Eagle Road. Left on Eureka Lane. 4505 E Forest Service Rd (928) 778-0720.

Trick o’ Treating on Mt. Vernon – Halloween: Saturday, October 31

photo credit: giometriks on flickr.com

photo credit: giometriks on flickr.com

Mt. Vernon street in Prescott is lined with stately and cute-as-a-button Victorian homes that get all decked out for Halloween. Each year, about 5,000 trick o’ treaters of all ages descend upon Mt. Vernon and line up at the spookily-transformed Painted Ladies to garner ghoulish goodies and marvel at the lawns-turned-graveyards and creepy decor.

  • Where to go: Mt. Vernon Street is four blocks east of Courthouse Square, and south of Gurley Street.View Map
  • When to show up: Twilight if you have little kids; later if you have older kids or you are an overgrown Power Ranger pandering for candy you could not only afford yourself but also by a sixer to go along with it.
  • What to expect: Large crowds, off-site FREE parking in the Granite Street Parking Garage at Gurley and Granite, one block west of Montezuma…and thus an easy five-block walk to Mt. Vernon Street.

Prescott is totally happening during October and November, so be sure to check out this calendar of events in Prescott to stay up-to-date on all the sweet raves and flashmobs… woops, I mean, festivals and art shows going on in town this fall in Prescott.

Got an event to add? Leave your comment here or add it to the Prescott.com community calendar – it’s Free!

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Hiking Kendrick Trail Near Flagstaff, AZ

Aug 21st, 2009 by christinatoo

Sign at the trailhead of Kendrick Trail near Flagstaff Arizona

Kendrick Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona is a great hike all around. If you are a regular hiker, this trail would be an enjoyable walk in the park with stunning flora and views along the way as well as a very satisfying 360 degree vista once you get to the top.  If you’re not a regular hiker, this is a manageable yet challenging hike that is well worth a little extra push. Let’s put it this way, I saw a couple well into their 70’s doing just fine. Albeit ,though they were in great health.

 

 

 

Looking towards Mt. Humphrey's from Kendrick TrailKendrick Trail itself is the easiest among three trails to get to the top of Kendrick Peak. The trail is narrow with many switchbacks but gradual with an elevation change of 2,780 feet and a distance totaling 8 miles in and back out. The trail climbs along the northeast slope with a clear view of Mt. Humphrey’s and the ski runs of Arizona Snowbowl about halfway up the trail.

 

View from the top of Kendrick Peak

Once you reach the top of the mountain, there is an old log cabin with two cots and sleep gear in a closed chest as well as a little book log to sign. The cabin was built in 1911 just .3 miles up to Kendrick Peak where the fire watch tower was built. The cabin was built in the early twentieth century for the watchman’s convenience. Now, there is a modern watchtower where the fire watchman can sleep on top of the world and just radio down warnings of fires as far as the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert on a clear day.

View Photos of Kendrick Trail

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

 

KENDRICK TRAIL

Highlights:

  • Breath taking views from the fire lookout on Kendrick Peak.
  • Near:Flagstaff, AZ
  • Distance: 8 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 2,780 ft
  • Hike Time: 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
  • HikeType: Out and Back

DIRECTIONS:

From Flagstaff, go northwest on US 180 to mile marker 230. Turn west on FR 245 and follow it to its end at FR 171 (3.6 miles). Turn right and go north on FR 171 for 3.1 miles to FR 190. Turn right and go east .9 miles to the trailhead. Trailhead is accessible by car, except in wet weather. This trailhead is well marked and has directional maps and a pit toilet

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Professional Bull Riders Bucking into Prescott August 22

Aug 12th, 2009 by christinatoo

Event Poster. More at worldsoldestrodeo.com

Event Poster. More at worldsoldestrodeo.com

The Professional Bull Riders are bucking into Prescott on Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM for an evening filled with rank bulls, high scores and big wrecks at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds!  This is the last scheduled professional rodeo event of the year!

The Copenhagen Challenger Tour is part of the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series, presented by Wrangler and features current and up-and-coming bull riders within the four-tiered PBR series.  The tour is designed to take the best bull riders throughout the course of the competition and use them to stock the 45-man Built Ford Tough Series roster, the tour that leads to the World Finals of professional bull riding in Las Vegas.

Tickets are $16 & $26 and can be purchased by calling 866-407-6336 or 928-445-4320, or online at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com. After the performance, head on over to the Windsock Lounge on Iron Springs Road for music, dancing and libations, featuring great company and great music.

Find overnight accommodations in Prescott (so you can party late into the night and safely cab it to your hotel.)

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