Arizona’s Festive Fall Follies – Prescott Edition

christinatoo — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:45:23 +0000

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

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

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

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

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.