So Phoenix is a hot, sprawling, fascist whatever… we’ve heard it all, especially after the voting results this month. We at YabYum want to make a statement for the record: Phoenix is NOT Arizona.
In fact, Phoenix is only one place in AZ and there are many other places in the Copper State worth checking out. We want to know all of them. We want to know what art can be found there… how the music coming out of Strawberry compares to Bisbee. Everyone steaming to get out of town should check out just how much state is outside of Phoenix.
For example, just a couple weeks ago I was decidedly nostalgic for the quaint Halloween of Autumns past and yet never experienced growing up in Phoenix so I packed it up and headed for Prescott.
Sound strange? Well, it shouldn’t. Being outside the Valley of the Sun, seasonal changes occur beyond the hot and not-so-hot oscillation. The air becomes crisp, trees change color, people wear sweaters… it’s amazing. Prescott’s rich history reveals itself in picturesque Victorian-era houses decorated for the holiday, columned civic buildings, and store-front-lined streets. I felt much more in the Halloween spirit traipsing around town wishing for a warmer jacket but pleased with the chill in the air.
Quaintness, however, only takes me so far and the nature-adventures had been scheduled for the following day. I didn’t worry because I’ve passed evenings here before and one need not whittle to have fun, no matter what Phoenicians might think. Staying at St. Michael’s Hotel on the corner of Montezuma and Gurley, each direction around us held magnificent possibilities for a rockin’ night.
My fella and I walked one way and found Sundances, a great spot for those who like it live, local, and loud!
Another direction landed us at Annie’s Attic, a personal favorite for Prescott trips. Tucked into the attic of this multi-level, multi-purpose bar, Annie’s Attic features Prescott favorites as well as Valley visitors. Owner William Maloney offers a little something for everyone between the outdoor Patio stage, Cojoe’s Bar (a.k.a. Coyote Joe’s), pizza by the front, little nooks and lounges, and the Indie-hotspot atop it all in the Attic.
Halloween only got better with the rock stylings of Hot Honey, a hometown group with epic stage performances. High-energy theatrics accompany the band’s solid rocknroll base. The group is currently planning on venturing to nearby areas (like Flagstaff) to perform. Look for them in your neighborhood or catch them next time you venture into Prescott… if you’re lucky.
This town really knows how to do up Halloween. Thankfully, Bada Beans keeps late-night, big-city hours Whiskey Row was crowded with costumed carousers. Every bar was packed. Just walking down the streets, popping in and out of bars, proved an exciting time. And the party kept going well past my bed time… I know that for a fact because a music club across the street from our hotel room hosted metal bands until the late-night hours. Nothing like falling asleep in the chilled Prescott air to covers like ACDC’s “Whole Lot of Rosie.”
All-in-all, Prescott makes an exciting trip for visitors and a growing spot for rock. Locals be warned… we’re coming back often.
