Fete the Wild West in Prescott

Wild West Weekend in Prescott on Oct. 25-27 promises to immerse visitors in the history of the state’s territorial capital but also showcase up-to-theminute places to eat, play and stay.

The event is co-sponsored by Local First Arizona and The

Republic’s Explore Arizona team. It’s being held in conjunction with the launch of the Top 10 Explore Arizona mobile experience.

Prescott is already a favorite destination for Phoenix-area residents looking for weekend getaways or day trips.

Still, Local First’s Kimber Lanning wants to encourage even more visitors to check out in-state attractions — one of the reasons behind the Wild West Weekend and potentially similar weekends in the future. She points out that Arizonans spend about $6.5 billion annually traveling to California.

“We want to make sure folks have a unique experience, which you find through local businesses whether it’s a B&B, cool local restaurant or antique shop. Our goal is to expose folks to the superstars out there,” Lanning said.

Visitors can explore Prescott’s rich history and diverse offerings via a backcountry or museum tour, a tasting at a craft brewery, dinner at a one-of-akind restaurant or drinks at one of the many Whiskey Row bars.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, look for a night of storytelling when The

Republic’s Megan Finnerty leads a conversation about the Wild West with Sharlot Hall Museum Executive Director

John Langellier. The bash will be at the Hassayampa Inn with cocktails and appetizers. The Shady Ladies, a group of living-history performers, will dress in period outfits for photos.

Langellier said Prescott is the perfect location for this type of event because it was Arizona’s territorial capital in 1864.

“Prescott is where Arizona history really starts as we know it today,” he said. “Here you can enjoy a historical journey, a culinary journey ... an incredible music scene. You get a taste of the Old West, the New West and the Wild West.”