48 Hours in Prescott

Friday

Midday: Step back in time

At the Prescott Trading Company, shop for collectibles and Western wear. The goods range from authentic to kitschy. Exhibit A: "You're My Huckleberry" magnet, a perfect gift for the Tombstone movie fan back home. Next, mosey on over to the Grand Highland Hotel to check into your roomThe hotel was originally built in 1903 but recently enjoyed a modern facelift, complete with luxury linens and boutique amenities. Located across from Courthouse Plaza, the Grand Highland sits within steps of shops, restaurants and galleries.

Evening: Dine outside, drink your dessert

Snag a table on the patio at the colorful El Gato Azul, a quirky small-plates restaurant with dishes fit for sharing: fried avocado, tequila scallops and beef and blue cheese tacos, to name a few. Post-meal, go all in for a uniquely Arizona experience at Superstition Meadery, where meads and hard ciders grace the menu, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling.

Midday: A trip to Africa

Do lunch at Park Plaza Liquor & Deli. OK, yes—it's a liquor store. But it's one with a chef-helmed kitchen and wood-fired oven that churns out pizzas with fresh mozzarella, juicy burgers and perfect mac and cheese. It also has an outstanding selection of boutique wines, craft beers, hard-to-find spirits and imported cigars. Work off lunch calories at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Located in the nearby town of Camp Verde, this place offers exciting animal adventures: feed a tiger, zip line over lions, meet two-toed sloths.

Evening: A peacock room and a birdcage

Keep with the animal theme—in name only—when you dine at the Peacock Room at Hassayampa Inn. The Peacock Room is all about art deco décor and high-end cuisine. Start with the French onion soup, then order the surf-and-turf combo of wild-caught lobster tail and Arizona-raised sirloinAfter dinner party like a Prescott cowboy on historic Whiskey Row. This strip of businesses across from the courthouse earned its name during a gold-rush boom that, at one point, supported nearly 50 saloons on the street. Several remain, including Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Matt's Saloon and Bird Cage Saloon.

Midday: A fond farewell

The Local satisfies vegetarians and vegans with its Southwestern take on healthy fare. After your belly is full, make one more stop before departing Prescott. Visit Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery. This small winery and craft distillery sources grapes from southern Arizona and has tasting rooms all over the state. The Prescott location doubles as an art gallery.