Most people who live in the Metro Phoenix area are not aware that Prescott is a reservoir of lake adventures. Less than 100 miles away from Downtown Phoenix is a secret land of glass lakes, mellow rivers and streams and a entirely different way to explore our backyard. The treasure that Arizona’s nature provides continues to keep giving and surprising lovers of Arizona time and time again.

Photo Credit: AZ Central

Kayaking in Prescott can be a relaxing experience or an exciting adventure. Placid lakes offer stunning views with giant boulders and  multi-colored rock walls jetting out of the smooth water; a truly humbling experience that allows nature and yourself to come to a peaceful accord. For a little more action, many of these rocks and be jumped off of. Get a group of friends, rent some kayaks, pack some drinks and sandwiches and have a picnic at the base of a rock wall do a bit of cliff diving! (Make sure to take all your trash back with you.)

Other kayaking trips in Prescott include streams with some class two rapids that have class three spots. Some people follow these streams and rivers for a few days by setting up camp on the banks at sunset after a day of water adventure followed by another great day of kayaking just after having sunrise breakfast.

Photo Credit: Sedona Adventure Tours

Summer will be here soon enough and Phoenicians will be looking for a way to take a break from the heat. There’s so much to do in Arizona – this state is truly fortunate to have so much to offer. This summer, be creative with your weekends. If you and your friends or family are looking for exciting and budget friendly things to do Arizona this summer, there’s no shortage of options here.

Here are some kayak/boat rentals and tours:

• Prescott Outdoors
• Lynx Lake – Rentals
• Water into Wine River Trip
• Paddle to Pints
• City of Prescott – Recreation Services

View Prescott Lakes – Kayaking in a larger map

The Grand Canyon State (a.k.a The Valentine State) turns 100 years on February 14, 2012, and you bet there’s a lot of celebrating going on. From parades and festivals to lectures and outdoor adventures, Arizonans are celebrating all that makes Arizona the great state that it is. With such a rich cultural history and diversity in interests, there will be no shortage of things to do.  Events are going on year round, but you won’t want to miss the official day of the Centennial Celebration.

February 14, 2012 Arizona Statehood Day!

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. (Phoenix City Hall)

Arizona Native American Sunrise Ceremony (Sunrise Is At 7:12am)

 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (begins at Phoenix City Hall)

Reenactment of Governor George W.P. Hunt’s Walk to Capitol

 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Senate & House Lawns)

Happy 100^th Birthday Arizona!

• Happy Birthday Ceremony w/ Governor Brewer (9-9:45am)
• USPS First Day Issue Ceremony (10-10:30am)
• Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest Winners & Award (1-2pm)
• Wayne Newton (2-3pm) 

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:

• USPS First Day Issue Stamp Sale & Cancellation
• Non-stop Arizona Entertainment
• Legacy Projects & Official Centennial Event EXPO
• Centennial Merchandise
• Phoenix Food Trucks
• Birthday Cake

Other upcoming events:

64^TH ANNUAL GOLD RUSH DAYS & RODEO, Wickenburg | (February 16-19,2012) Admission to: Rodeo, Melodrama, Barbeque, Family Carnival, contests, and Webb Center concerts. Free admission to arts/crafts faire, 4th largest parade in AZ on Saturday, old mining contests on Sunday. Award winning signature event celebrating Wickenburg’s mining and ranching heritage. 2012 is the 64th anniversary celebration. The event has been named twice by the Arizona Office of Tourism as the Best Rural Event in Arizona; and the Library of Congress named Gold Rush Days as one of the Legacy events.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES PARADE & FESTIVAL GOODYEAR AND AVONDALE CELEBRATE ARIZONA’S CENTENNIAL, Goodyear (February 25, 2012) | On Saturday, February 25, 2012, the cities of Goodyear and Avondale will host a joint parade through both cities. This inaugural parade and festival will be a celebration of Arizona’s Centennial which is being celebrated throughout 2012 beginning on the state’s 100th anniversary – February 14, 2012. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on February 25th on Litchfield Road, travel east on Thomas Road and end at Dysart Road. Depending on the number of entrants, the parade is expected to last anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. We are currently seeking parade entrants – floats, bands, vintage cars, horses, gymnastic troops, dance troops, or other entertaining parade entries. An outdoor, family-focused festival called Trains, Planes and Automobiles, celebrating 100 years of transportation, will take place at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) following the parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun-filled event will feature gourmet food trucks, light musical entertainment, antique car displays, arts and crafts, bouncers, a Kids Zone, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and caricature art.

ROOSEVELT’S RIDE, Apache Junction (February 24 – 26, 2012) | The project will feature a President Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor who will be the Grand Marshall for the annual Lost Dutchman Days Parade. He will be riding in an era-specific vehicle. After the parade he will drive to more locations on the historic Apache Trail where he will speak about the building of the road to carry materials for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam.

THE FOUR HIKES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, Oro Valley (TBD) | The hiking event will focus on the beauty of the natural environment and education. A celebration at the historic Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley will involve activities for all family members and will focus on the historical aspect of the property and the heritage of Arizona.

TOWN OF PAYSON MOUNTAIN HIGH GAMES, Payson  (June 3-5, 2011) | The Payson Arizona Mountain High Games are the Southwest’s largest celebration of adventure sports combined with ATV trail rides, and a massive outdoor expo. Professional and amateur athletes from all over the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest will converge upon the mountain community of Payson to compete in 9 different competitions for cash and prizes. This year’s sporting events include: Mountain Biking, 5K Trail Run, Dutch Oven Cooking Contest, Archery Competition, ATV Rodeo, ATV Trail Rides, The Sawdust Festival, and an old fashioned horse shoe tournament.

Arizona Facts:

Arizona is located in the Southwestern United States and is one of the Four Corners states. Arizona is the sixth largest state in area and all New England plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside the state.  Only 15% of the land is privately owned, while the remaining area is public forest, park land, state trust land and Native American reservations. Due to the large area of the state, Arizona has several different climates. Phoenix is known for it’s triple digit heat in the summer, but its eight plus months 60 degree to 75 degree weather keeps the city’s population growing consistently.  Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the other Mountain States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) with Mt. Humpheys in Flagstaff peaking at  a height of 12,643 feet. The main industries in Arizona can be summarized as the “Five C’s”: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton, and Climate.

For more Arizona Centennial Celebration events and information, go to http://www.az100years.org/

Fourth of July Fireworks from Tempe 4th - Presented by Kiwanis Club of Tempe

Arizona is proud to present Fourth of July 2011 events all around the state. Here’s a vibrant burst of Arizona 4th of July events, listed by region or city, exploding all over our great state:

(All events below will occur on Monday, July 4, 2011 unless otherwise noted.)

Northern Arizona

• Grand Canyon – No fireworks in or around the National Park.
• Williams – Home Town Fourth of July. The celebration on July 4th and will include a fabulous parade, local BBQ, ice cream social and family activities. Visit www.williamschamber.org.
• Flagstaff – The 15th Annual Flagstaff Fourth of July Parade and Fire-Safe Fireworks – Celebrate the most spirited community events in Flagstaff. More info, visit flagstaffarizona.org
• Sedona – No fireworks in Sedona.
• Showlow – FreedomFest 2011 – Annual 4th of July Parade, festival events & the best fireworks display on the mountain. For more, visit showlowfreedomfest.com.

Central Arizona

• Tempe – Tempe Town Lake Festival or “Tempe 4th” on Tempe Town Lake. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, this huge event at Tempe Beach Park opens at 4pm and will feature live music, family fun, a splash zone, an inflatable village, impressive food court and of course, the 60th Annual Kiwanis Club of Tempe Fireworks Spectacular – best fireworks show in the Valley – shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music and begins at 9:10pm. Get details on parking, tickets and attractions at tempe4th.com.
• Prescott – City of Prescott’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pioneer Park, located off Commerce near Willow Creek Road. All-day carnival, live music and the largest fireworks display in the tri-city area. Free admission for music and fireworks; pre-sale carnival wrist bands can be purchased for $12 or at the gate for $15. Fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm. For more information on tickets, attractions, events and parking, visit cityofprescott.net/events.
• Phoenix – Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is the largest free fireworks event in the state. Come down to Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Three stages of local entertainment, Kids’ World, classic car exhibit, food and refreshment vendors; the fun begins at 6pm. Expect large crowds and be sure to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and coolers. Even-bigger-than-before Fabulous Fireworks start sparking at approximately 9:30 pm.

Southern Arizona

• Tucson
  • ‘A’ Mountain Fireworks Show Desert Diamond/City of Tucson/Pima County fireworks show from“A” Mountain at Tucson Convention Center parking lot, with food vendors, beer garden, car show. Visit tucsonaz.gov for more information.
  • Let Freedom Sing’ Concert Arts Express celebrates America’s birthday with a concert of patriotic songs staged at Centennial Hall, University of Arizona. Visit arts-express.org for information.
  • Tucson Padres Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Tucson Padres vs Reno Aces holiday baseball game features All-American fun and food followed by a fireworks display at Kino Stadium. For information and tickets, visit web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t549
• Benson – Benson July 4th Celebration Benson will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual parade, a water fight between volunteer fire departments, and a family dance at Lions Park. See bensonvisitorcenter.com for details.
• Marana – Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Arizona Pavillions hosts Marana’s fireworks show, with children’s fun, ice cream stations, live music, and beer garden. Learn more at marana.com
• Tombstone – July 4th Celebration with Fireworks Enjoy a family-style July 4th celebration with a round robin softball tournament, food booths, and street entertainment – all starting at noon. Free admission; sponsored by Knights of Columbus and Tombstone Vigilantes. Come to Medigovich Field and Allen Street at dusk for fireworks presented by the Tombstone Fire Department. Visit tombstonechamber.com for a map and details.
• Tubac – Tubac Golf Resort’s Independence Day Extravaganza with Fireworks Tubac’s annual fireworks celebration features family activities, food vendors, kids’ face painting, DJ and live music, fireworks, and special VIP packages for guests at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa – tubacgolfresort.com.

If you have additional events to share, please feel free to post them in our comments!

The Donut Hole's retro sign

I recently stopped into the Donut Hole in Prescott Valley on my way back to the Valley. It was 11ish; I had just come out of a long morning meeting and, while not quite ready for lunch, had a yen to pick up something sweet, something in a brown paper bag,

something I could dig into somewhere between Cordes Junction and Sunset Point.

And, like a beacon from the north side of Highway 69, was the humbly retro yellow sign for…. The Donut Hole.  I have passed The Donut Hole on nearly two dozen trips back and forth to Prescott over the past couple-a years but never had the chance to stop. And, while I’m not necessarily a donut (doughnut?) junkie (I mean, I have other food vices that waaaay surpass any craving for donuts) this trip I finally had time and the insatiable inclination to exit the highway, turn onto the frontage road and park myself in front of this tiny, rust colored fixture of Prescott Valley.

I made my selection (it was so hard to choose!) of an old fashioned crumb donut and a cup of (delicious) coffee, but I lingered a bit to check out the cases of donuts and refrigerators full of cookies, breads, turnovers and even savory pastries. I eventually hopped back in my car, resuming my trip back to the Valley.

I looked at the brown paper bag on the passenger seat. Should I wait until I get to Sunset Point? Cordes Junction?  No way. I didn’t even make it to Dewey before I dug into that sweet, crumbly, cakey donut. And it was spectacular.

See for yourselves:

The Donut Hole

8582 E State Route 69
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314-8701
(928) 772-6023

Your turn: Ever been to The Donut Hole in Prescott Valley? What other dives, drive-ins and diners should I try next time I’m in Prescott or the tri-city area?

December in Scottsdale... Need we say more?

Come to Arizona this winter! Where else can you play golf and snowboard IN THE SAME DAY?!? Read on for Arizona winter vacation tips for Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott and Scottsdale, including ideas on annual events, what to do, what to pack and typical weather and temperatures for each area.

Flagstaff

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter:

• Skiing and snowboarding! From the time the first snow hits in early December through about March, the Arizona Snowbowl located above Flagstaff on Mount Humphries is abuzz with skiers and snowboarders, locals and tourists, families and individuals.
• The fewest crowds of the year at the Grand Canyon South Rim (the North Rim is closed in the winter.) Picture the Grand Canyon dusted with white – spectacularly peaceful.

What to Pack

As with any snowy destination, a warm coat, boots, hat and gloves are a safe bet. To manage the temperature swing as you move from outdoors in, be sure to wear layers you can peel off and put back on as needed. Expect high temperatures in the 40s and lows in the teens. Flagstaff receives annual snowfall of approximately 99.5 inches – truly a winter wonderland.

Area Events

Be sure to participate in the handful of area holiday events like the Holiday Lights Display at the Little America Hotels; a tour of Riordan Mansion, adorned in turn-of-the-century decor and fragrant boughs; the Grand Canyon Railway’s “Polar Express” from Williams (an easy 39 miles west of Flagstaff) and more.

Flagstaff Winter Weather

Sedona

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter

• The fewest crowds of the year, red rocks dusted with white, but very little snow on the ground in town which makes driving and other outdoor activities easily do-able.
• Sedona’s winter weather still hits relatively warm highs of the mid-50s and 60s with chilly evenings perfect for sitting at your bed & breakfast’s fireplace.
• You can golf and ski in the same day! Play golf at one of Sedona’s picturesque golf courses in the morning, and hit the slopes north of Flagstaff – just 60 minutes away – in the afternoon.

What to Pack

Pack your camera and be sure to take photos of Sedona and Oak Creek covered in ice and snow… at about 5,000 feet in elevation, Sedona is beautiful in winter. Layers are the way to go with long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, fleece pullovers or sweatshirts. You may want a light jacket as a top layer. Shoes or boots are the best choice of footwear.

Things to Do

There are relatively few visitors to Sedona in the winter months, but there’s no reason to stay away! In fact, Sedona couldn’t be better when you have the destination practically all to yourself! Do spend your holidays in Sedona… let the hosts of a quaint Sedona bed & breakfast wow you with festive decorations, food and hospitality. Be sure to participate in the handful of holiday events like the Red Rock Fantasy festival of lights, the lighting of 6,000 luminarias at Tlaquepaque, Christmas caroling, or the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Santa Claus-themed train ride (in Clarkdale; 23 easy miles southwest of Sedona) and more.

Sedona Winter Weather

Prescott

Top Reasons to Visit in Winter

• Prescott is known as Arizona’s Christmas City, so winter visitors will delight in seeing the white granite courthouse sparkling in snow and twinkling lights.
• With gentle snowfall averages of 5 – 6 inches per month in December, January and February, Prescott is an ideal winter playground. Winter visitors can anticipate average high/low temperatures of 55/22 in December, 51/21 in January and 54/24 in February.
• January and February are a great time to come to Prescott. The crowds are fewer and there are some great lodging deals to be had.

What to Pack

Be sure to pack for winter weather, including thin, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer. You’ll want boots or shoes with a decent tread to allow you to walk around downtown or even do some light hiking in safety and warmth.

Things to Do

There are plenty of days filled with sunshine and crisp temperatures, an ideal combination for hiking, mountain biking or riding your motorcycle up to Jerome and Sedona. Nearly every weekend year-round, visitors and locals delight in the incredible special events in Prescott. Prescott is becoming known as a special events city, largely due to a month’s worth of December events in Prescott, “Arizona’s Christmas City,” including a huge annual Christmas Parade, lighting the tree on Courthouse Plaza, the Acker Musical Showcase, and “Dickens of a Christmas,” and continuing weekends packed with music, art, food, cultural, and car and aeronautical festivals on Courthouse Square.

Prescott Winter Weather

Scottsdale-Phoenix

Top Reasons to Visit

• Weather! Scottsdale’s winter weather is the stuff of legends. 75 degree, sunny, perfect days are the norm – quite the welcome respite from Midwestern snow drifts and Nor’Easters.
• Signature annual events are parties such as the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Marathon, the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, the Phoenix Open and other golf tournaments, and many, many more. Participate or spectate; either way, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time and return to work with a tan

What to Pack

Locals take the winter months as an opportunity to dig out sweaters and boots, but you’ll be happy to leave those at home and pack shorts, pants, short sleeves and light layers (and don’t forget a swimsuit and coverup!). Expect crisp mornings, sunny, warm afternoons and chilly evenings that will have you adding and subtracting layers all day long. Scottsdale – though an upscale resort town – rarely requires anything more than casual “resort wear” attire.

Things to Do

In addition to the aforementioned annual events, believe it or not, you’ll probably want to log some time at your resort or hotel’s pool or (better yet) spa. Take time to stroll around Old Town Scottsdale, for kitschy souvenirs to fine art; you can spend an afternoon shopping and peeking in galleries, grabbing meals at some top-notch eateries. Check out Scottsdale Fashion Square for luxurious and upscale retail therapy, or (need we say it?) play 18 or 36 holes at one of the 100 area championship golf courses.

Scottsdale Winter Weather

Photo credit: NASA_goddard CC BY 2.0

When we were kids, my sister and I loved the 1980 PBS series Cosmos with Carl Sagan. Something about his deep, soothing voice and that gold cordoroy blazer just drew us in. Well, that, and the fact that as daughters of a NASA spokesperson and an accomplished teacher, we were reared on a steady diet of science, art and philosophy. That was me at age 5.

Now that I’m a mother, I am thrilled that there is an emerging children’s museum in Prescott, Arizona. Located inside Prescott Gateway Mall, the spot… a Child’s Museum is an “emerging” museum in the throes of its fundraising and awareness phase.

Judy Paris, president of the Children’s Museum Alliance and founder of the spot… a Child’s Museum explained, “The museum promotes STEM programs (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics so we are eager to begin our science programs. The initial method will be through Science Saturdays which are comprised of specific topics in the field of STEM presented by an expert. We expect to have these special Sci Sat programs monthly on a variety of subjects.”

the spot’s inaugural Science Saturday is this weekend, Saturday, May 22 from 10:30am until 1:00pm at their space inside the mall (next to Dillard’s.) Children will experience the theme of the event, “Exploring the Solar System” with guest speaker, Stacy DeVeau, who is the Director of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s NASA Educator Resource Center.

“Stacy was involved very early with us, even before we became a non-profit. She was excited to hear we were researching the possibility of a museum since she is a former teacher and now the NASA educator located at ERAU. We have had many chats with ERAU about partnering to bring STEM programs to young children so they are energized to follow careers in those fields. Stacy is passionate about this as well and was a member of our charrette team who developed our primary concepts for the grand vision,” said Paris.

Children will also get to participate in hands-on art and engineering activities. Because the spot is not only focused on STEM principles but also ties in all the fine arts as well as our Arizona heritage and culture, the special event’s activities will also include poetry, literature and art.

“Stacy will introduce children to basic aspects of the solar system,” Paris continued. “Children will be able to identify the planets, learn how they differ, gain knowledge about size, weight and distance. They will design their own planets, create an alien, and use solar system stamps and stencils to create a card or poster.”

Children will listen to poetry about planets by Jen Ulm, author of the children’s book, Planetary Personalities, who will be on hand to do a reading from her book and one-on-one time for literary exploration.

“It should be an out-of-this-world experience!” Paris quipped.

Dr. Sagan once wrote: I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students.

the spot… a Child’s Museum embodies the same passion for introducing children to discovery-based and inquiry-based learning early in their lives. Research shows that many children (and many adults) learn better when education includes hands-on experiences. Paris explained, “Hands-on learning is absolutely critical to young children. Sometimes it’s better to do something than to read it in a book. Children need to be active and doing things in order to learn and create those experiences in their brains that they can call upon later when they are reading books and they are doing mathematical problems, that they have those experiences to back up the principle.”

Science Saturday is an ideal way to give your child the experiences to back up the principles they’re learning in school. And it’s the first of many events at the spot in which central and northern Arizona families can support their children’s education and their community.

“This is another major step for us at the museum. It is the first in a series of science programs that we want to bring into the lives of young children. It takes energy, time and money to bring these programs to children so we may clearly demonstrate to the community the value of our museum. We continue to be a core group of volunteers who want to enhance the education of children and embrace families through unique experiences.”

Tickets are limited, so be sure to buy online before the event. Tickets are available through ShowUp.com and cost $10 (plus a $2 service fee) per 1 adult + 1 child. The event is targeted toward children ages 5 – 12.

If your 5 year old is anything like the 1980 version of me, I’m certain he or she will be fascinated by this weekend’s Science Saturday. And I’ll bet you a Milky Way bar that your child will say, “This is my spot! My place of discovery. When can we go back to the spot?”

Dear Arizona Travel.
So I’m writing because I’m looking for a family reunion location and Arizona would be a nice central location. We were going to go to a lake in Idaho, but it is too hard to get to. We need a place that is similar to [name redacted] in that it is economical and plenty to do without leaving the resort, especially for kids. The clincher, however, is that it needs to be within an hour of a main airport. We have family coming from several states and we hate to have to spend a good chunk of the weekend commuting to the destination. Any ideas in Arizona?
–Angela, Utah

Great question, Angela! Right off the bat, I can think of two incredible spots that sound just perfect for your family reunion.

Mormon Lake Lodge is near Flagstaff.  It boasts cabins and other lodging, a steakhouse and saloon, game room, petting zoo, playground, volleyball, basketball court, horseshoes and more; great for families and kids.

Mormon Lake Lodge

Plus, there is commercial air service to Flagstaff via Horizon Air (from Los Angeles LAX only) and US Airways (from Phoenix PHX only).If you can only come into Phoenix Sky Harbor, then a 1 hour limit is a toughie because you’d still basically be in the city. Stretch that driving time to 1.5 or 2 hours and that’ll get you to Prescott or Flagstaff and not take anything away from your family togetherness time.

Prescott is also serviced daily by Horizon Air from LAX and is located about 1.5 hours from Phoenix. For your reunion, try Juniper Well Ranch. Four cabins sleep a total of 22 adults. There is a winery, horseback riding and general “exploration of the woods” for the kids.

Juniper Well Ranch

Other woodsy places in Arizona include Payson and the White Mountains area towns like Pinetop, Showlow and Strawberry. A quick Google search for “family reunion” and these city names should point you in the right direction.

Hope that helps!
–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…

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.

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.

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

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.)