Tourism

Born from pandemic ingenuity, the Nutcracker Snowglobe Experience is returning to Prescott for the sixth year, 6-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19 and 20, at Lessons by Lexe Dance Studio in the Pine Ridge Marketplace. A Pivot and a Pop Up When COVID-19 caused much of the world to shut down in 2020, holiday magic seemed to disappear with it. For dance instructor and studio owner Alexes “Lexe” Niekamp, whose Lessons by Lexe Dance Studio traditionally filled December with parades, senior-home … [Read more...] about Nutcracker Snowglobe Experience Returns to Inspire Joy and Hope

About 30 years ago, a family from Europe stood on a hilltop in Prescott with the hope of building a hotel that characterizes the beauty of the Mediterranean. Their dream came to life with Forest Villas Hotel. Inspired by the Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Forest Villas Hotel continues to be family-owned, handed down to the next generation.  “We built this boutique hotel in 1995 when there was nothing around it. My parents stood on this hill and decided this is where they wanted to build, said Fred … [Read more...] about Visitors and Locals Escape to the Mediterranean at Forest Villas Hotel

Marriott TownePlace Suites Prescott Valley is now open for business. In a news release, InterMountain Management states that the 93-suite hotel showcases upscale, stylish décor that offers flexibility, while creating a unique environment. “TownePlace Suites is built for travelers looking for a welcoming place where they can settle in, maintain their routine, and easily connect to the area.” “The Fain and Beck families are proud to continue investing in the growth and success of the Prescott … [Read more...] about New TownePlace Hotel Welcomes Guests to Prescott Valley

When Donna Werking experienced the Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop in Flagstaff as a student at Northern Arizona University in the mid-2000s, she thought her hometown needed a New Year’s celebration of its own. That inspiration would later ignite one of Prescott’s most beloved NYE events, the Whiskey Row Boot Drop, now heading into its 15th year with two drops on Dec. 31, on downtown’s Whiskey Row.  After NAU, Werking joined the Arizona Sundogs Hockey Club organization in Prescott … [Read more...] about From Bootstraps to Boot Drop

After serving as vice president of culinary operations at the Urth Caffé in Los Angeles, Chef Andrew Raab moved his family to Sedona, seeking a slower pace. “We had four Urth Caffés to start and ended up with 10 locations,” he said, noting the business is now international.    Born in Maryland, Raab ran three successful restaurants for 10 years before moving to the West. Upon landing in Sedona, he served as chef at René at Tlaquepaque for two years. “Andy did me a big favor coming to work … [Read more...] about Chef Andrew Raab Brings Big-City Experience to Camp Verde’s Bullpen Grill

Since its roots in ancient Mesoamerica, chocolate arguably has been the queen of decadent desserts. And now, Shari Flam, owner of Living Chocolate in Sedona, is exposing cacao, the natural form of chocolate, as a vital nutrient. “Cacao in its natural state is a superfood and new studies have shown it can prevent dementia, stimulate stem cell growth and, combined with vitamin D3 and K2, can move calcium out of the arteries and build up bones,” she said. Flam explained the importance of keeping … [Read more...] about Where Chocolate Comes to Life