Escape the Phoenix heat with a road trip to Prescott

It's time for another Arizona road trip to escape the unrelenting Valley heat. This week, we're guiding you through Prescott, the former territorial capital of Arizona.

The big picture: Prescott, built around a quintessential small-town courthouse square, is known for the Western saloons of Whiskey Row.

• Distance from Phoenix: 99 miles north via Interstate 17 and State Route 69.
• Average June temperature: High of 85, low of 51.

What to do:

If you like history and nature — and alcohol — you're gonna love it here.

• 🌊 Visit Watson Lake in the beautiful Granite Dells for picnicking, kayaking or hiking.
• 🏡 Tour the Sharlot Hall Museum, home to six historic buildings, including the former governor's mansion and the oldest log cabin in Arizona.
• 🥃 Grab a drink at the Whiskey Row saloons (many of which still only accept cash) once frequented by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
• 🌇 Watch the sunset on the roof of the Raven Cafe with a glass of local wine or pint of beer.

What to eat and drink:

A mix of longtime favorites and culinary newcomers make Prescott a fun place for meals and libations.

• 🍝 Papa's Italian Restaurant boasts a huge menu of classic recipes and a rosé sauce to die for.
• 🐄 Farm Provisions rotates its menu seasonally to make use of the best local products on the market.

• 🍾 Superstition Meadery's Prescott Tasting Room offers quirky mead flavors (like the Peanut Butter Jelly Crime).
• 🍸 The Point Bar and Lounge is a swanky speakeasy with creative (and strong) cocktails.

Where to stay:

If you're anything like us, it's best you stay stumbling distance from Whiskey Row.

• The Hassayampa Inn and Hotel St. Michael are both vintage hotels in the courthouse square.
• Or, check out the list of nearby Airbnbs we compiled.

🙋🏻‍♀️ My thought bubble: I'm getting married in Prescott next April. What other spots should I recommend to guests?

You tell us: What other Arizona places should we feature in our summer road trip series?