From Flagstaff to Prescott; June 21, 2018

In Prescott we stayed in the Grand Highland Hotel from 1903, nicely refurbished and right in the center of Prescott. Prescott the county seat of Yavapai County. In 1864 Prescott was designated as the capital of the Arizona Territory, replacing the temporary capital at Fort Whipple. The Territorial Capital was moved to Tucson in 1867. Prescott again became the Territorial Capital in 1877, until Phoenix became the capital in 1889. This was the last day of our trip. The next day (June 22), we went back from Phoenix, Colorado, a very big busy town in the desert, to Colebrook, Connecticut.

Old train in Flagstaff

Planning the day at Weatherford Hotel Flagstaff.

Red Rock State Park. The banks of Oak Creek.

Red Rock State Park. On nature experience of the day was the Red Rock State Park. We had a short hike through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock.

Grand Highland Hotel The legendary fire of 1900 destroyed Historic Whiskey Row and much of the rest of Downtown Prescott. The two-story Grand Saloon & Hotel building opened in 1903. One hundred ten years later, a second fire in May 2012, led to the rebirth of The Grand Highland Hotel.

Grand Highland Hotel. The hotel, includes 16 guest rooms, 3 shared bathrooms, and a manager’s apartment.

The Palace is the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona and the most well-known and historic restaurant and saloon in the state. In the late 1870s Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were patrons of the Palace.

The Courthouse Plaza is perfect for a little relaxing after walking around Prescott’s downtown for a day of shopping, historic sightseeing, and eating local fare.

We had our dinner at the Palace Saloon. Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were patrons of the early Palace. On July 14th, 1900, The Palace was destroyed by the Whiskey Row fire. The ornately carved 1880s Brunswick Bar, which is still in use, was carried to safety across the street to the plaza by patrons.

Today's Palace owners have done extensive remodeling to restore the Palace to its grandeur of 1901. Although still a frontier saloon, the addition of dining makes The Palace the gathering place it once was.

By 1901, The Palace Hotel and Bar, complete with Chinese restaurant and barber shop was back in business after the Palace was destroyed by the Whiskey Row fire on July 14th, 1900.

In the heart of downtown Prescott, the Courthouse Plaza is a historic jewel. It’s served as a city center for casual gatherings and celebrations for more than 140 years. With the famous Whiskey Row right next door, the area stays lively morning and night. The plaza is a testament to Prescott’s early city planning, as the city placed it as a centerpiece of the commercial district and the local businesses of Whiskey Row. This placement continues to serve residents and visitors well over a hundred years later. Though a fire in 1900 burned down most of downtown, including Whiskey Row, the area was rebuilt and still stands strong today. The granite, Neo-Classic Revival courthouse and 11 other brick buildings are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding a historic ambiance to the area. We caught a special event at the courthouse, which hosts several dances, outdoor movies, concerts, and special events each year. And when you’re ready for a nightcap, you’ll have a direct route to Whiskey Row’s saloons and honkytonks that keep the fun rolling all night long.

Buckey O'Neill statue at the Courthouse in Prescott. The Bucky O'Neill Monument, also known as the Rough Rider Monument, was created by Solon Borglum and is an equestrian sculpture of Buckey O'Neill and honors a group of men who gallantly served their country during the Spanish-American War in 1898. It is located at Courthouse Plaza, Prescott, Arizona.