Driving into Historic Downtown Prescott, Arizona.

Remember how I mentioned that my husband and I were planning on heading to Payson for the weekend? Well, that plan was put on hold in favor of visiting Prescott instead. We headed up on Saturday afternoon, and as soon as we crossed over Prescott Valley and into historic downtown Prescott, I was in love.

Officially incorporated in 1883, Prescott served as the capital of Arizona Territory until Phoenix took over that distinction. As such, the town has a rich history that is peppered with tales of outlaws, brothels, mining, and whiskey. The infamous Whiskey Row boasts a succession of saloons that have existed since the town’s inception. It is said that during the great fire of 1900, which destroyed much of Whiskey Row, saloon patrons simply took their drinks across the street to the Town Square and watched the buildings burn. Now THAT is my kind of town.

I want to live in a town that has a Town Square. A real Town Square, lined with trees and monuments and centered by the Courthouse. With nary a Jack in the Box in sight. Where the locals go to sit and watch the world go by, and everyone extends a friendly hand to strange out-of-towners. Because we did notice how friendly the locals were, and when we mentioned we’d come up for the day from the Valley, they were quick to point out that tourism is what makes the town of Prescott thrive.

Read More »

Kanab Utah Main Street

Many people call Kanab, Utah the Gateway. Kanab sits in Southern Utah along route 89 about seven miles north of the Arizona border and subsequently gets visitors on their way to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park among many others. Summer finds the town packed with RVs towing boats and wave runners on their way to Lake Powell and family vehicles bursting at the seams with camping and hiking equipment. The winters in Kanab are not quite as busy but still full from people going to ski at

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Brianhead Ski Resort and snow tubing at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The beauty to be found in Kanab and the surrounding area is breathtaking and you usually take a little bit home with you in the form of the red dirt that Kanab is famous for.

Kanab’s population is small, about 3,500, and the residents rely heavily on tourists as the largest source of income for the city. The slow-paced small town feel is a nice change from the crowded attractions and parks and the people are friendly as you walk down Main Street to check out the stores. Frontier Movie Town is a short walk away from downtown where you’ll see authentic movie sets and memorabilia from some great western movies made there. They also have the Pioneer Museum with classic western and pioneer artifacts. Read More »