A one-night weekend getaway to Prescott, Arizona included short trail hikes around two area lakes, shopping at Courthouse Square, and a fantastic Sunday brunch.
When we only have a one-night trip and arrive in Prescott Saturday morning, we start the day with the locals, at the Prescott Farmer’s Market. Since we left the Valley about 8 a.m., we arrived in time to stroll around the market. It’s been quite a long time since we visited the Prescott Farmer’s Market, so the winter/spring location at 930 Division Street seemed smaller and compact. The summertime market location is at the much roomier Yavapai College parking lot. Still, we were able to find many farmers and crafts people on hand selling a variety of produce, handmade goods and ready to eat foods. We opted for some whole cacao chocolates for nibbling on later.
After working up an appetite at the Farmer’s Market, it was time for lunch. One of our favorite Prescott lunch spots is Bill’s Grill. Excellent sandwiches, tacos, burgers plus a solid selection of craft brews await the hungry Prescott visitor. We arrived a bit early so we waited on the chairs in front of the restaurant.
While we sat, we realized how far apart the worlds are between Prescott and the Phoenix metro area. We’re so used to the suburban sprawl of the big city; people rely on cars, buses, light rail, etc., while people in Prescott tend to walk and ride bicycles. Maybe it’s the climate: being 10-15 degrees cooler makes a difference? Maybe the close proximity to shops, grocers, workspaces? People in Prescott seem friendlier, more hospitable and neighborly as well. At least it seems that way. Maybe it’s for tourism. Small town America? My daydreaming was interrupted when I heard the unlocking of the Bill’s Grill doors and we went in to enjoy our lunch.
After lunch we strolled around the square, window shopping mostly; there’s often a few newer shops we’ve never visited and we’d like to explore. We love to spend time in the Bashford Courts stores and the Firehouse Coffee Company.
Making our way around Courthouse Square, we’re usually aware of any weekend events taking place and this particular weekend in late April, the Whiskey Off-Road Bike Race was in full swing. But with each event, even a bike race or marathon, comes the vendors lining the streets with their canopies and tents, this time selling bike apparel, accessories, of course, food. Plus there’s live music, a beer garden and a petting zoo. Yes, a petting zoo, too.
Time to check in to our lodging. On this particular night we were able to uncover a great deal on an upgraded suite with fireplace and Jacuzzi tub at the Forest Villas Resort not too far from downtown. About 2 p.m., we find many hotels are able to check us in, so we can unload our baggage, freshen up, change clothes and head out again for an afternoon. They were able to do that this time too.
It’s been many years we’ve stopped by Watson Lake. Seeing a lot of great photographs on Instagram lately whetted our appetite for Watson Lake, so we made the decision to swing by the park. and Watson Lake didn’t disappoint. The late Saturday afternoon panorama provided a backdrop for senior prom goers and large family picnickers having their pictures taken. A short stroll around the lake trail provided us with a few good photo ops and after enjoying the views, it was time for dinner.
Our original plans for dining out fell through, so we ended up at a strip mall sushi place called Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar. We saw several people standing outside the door, and immediately assumed, “this place must be good.” The inside was packed as well. We ordered several fairly basic rolls and were well satisfied.
Back at the room, we noticed the moon coming up over the mountains. Time to spend some time on the balcony, and enjoy a glass of wine and a few pieces of the Communal Uprising Chocolate from the Farmer’s Market for dessert. Although our room loomed over the busy highway, the view of the moon over the Bradshaw Mountains more than compensated for any traffic distraction.
Early Sunday morning a walk around Lynx Lake was on the agenda. But we took advantage of our hotel room’s amenities and decided to sleep in and take our time. Coffee and continental breakfast is free in the hotel lobby so we made use of that as well. Then we loaded up and drove literally just across the highway to Lynx Lake Recreation Area for a wonderful stroll around the lake. This is a popular place with local runners and dog walkers too, completing their daily workout. Quite a few folks fishing were spotted, as well as some unusual water birds.
But the icing on the weekend was a great lunch at the Lynx Lake Cafe. Everything we’ve eaten in our past two visits here has been delicious, whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner. But the best things about the cafe have to be the sweeping views of the lake, watching hummingbirds eat their lunch outside your window and overhearing families excitedly discussing their camping, hiking and fishing experiences from their weekend. In order to prepare for the coming work week, sometimes one needs a little attitude adjustment and you can get that in Prescott.
