Longtime Prescottonian appreciates and cultivates its unparalleled sense of belonging and warmth … and its opportunities for getting outdoors
Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Cristina Binkley, the City of Prescott’s Tourism Manager, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it offers.
PWM: How long have you lived in Prescott, and why did you choose it as your home?
Cristina: I have had the pleasure of calling Prescott my home, on and off, since middle school. My parents originally chose this picturesque town with the intention of providing their children with a nurturing environment, a welcoming community spirit, and a quaint hometown charm. Over the years, as life took me on journeys away from Prescott, I found myself invariably drawn back to its unique allure. It is here that I have come to truly appreciate the unparalleled sense of belonging and warmth that Prescott offers. After all, there’s no place like home.
PWM: What advice would you give young women new to the city or those considering moving here?
Cristina: I wholeheartedly recommend taking up mountain biking to immerse oneself in the vibrant community. Prescott’s outdoor culture is renowned for its inclusivity and offers myriad opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Mountain biking, in particular, not only provides a thrilling way to appreciate the stunning landscapes, but also serves as a conduit for forging meaningful connections.
PWM: What is your occupation, and are there any local events or organizations that have significantly impacted your professional development?
Cristina: As the Tourism Manager for the City of Prescott, or Experience Prescott as it is fondly known, my role is inherently intertwined with the community’s vibrant events and organizations. The foundation of my career was significantly influenced by scholarships I received from the local Kiwanis Club and the Lions Club during high school, which ignited my passion for supporting community and youth development. Within my professional journey, events such as the World’s Oldest Rodeo, the various Christmas City Events and the Summer Concert Series have been instrumental in shaping my approach to tourism management. These events, among others, have provided invaluable opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, engage with residents and visitors alike, and thus innovate sustainable strategies that enhance Prescott’s appeal.
PWM: Do you have any kids, significant others, fur babies, or close family members living in the area?
Cristina: Yes, I have a strong family and personal network in the Prescott area that deeply influences my daily life and aspirations. My parents, who are esteemed local entrepreneurs, continue to reside here. Their commitment to their ventures has undoubtedly instilled the drive and tenacity that underpin my professional endeavors. Additionally, my younger brothers, who live in Arizona, remain a vital part of my support system. Moreover, my goldendoodle is the love of my life and my favorite adventure buddy.
PWM: What do you love most about living and working in this city, and how has it influenced your journey?
Cristina: Living and working in Prescott offers a unique confluence of natural beauty and community spirit that greatly enhances my personal and professional journey. One of the aspects I cherish most is the accessibility and walkability of the city, particularly the ease of reaching downtown. This proximity allows me and my goldendoodle to enjoy our daily walks, which span between two and six miles, as we explore the vibrant tapestry of local coffee shops, dog-friendly restaurants, and the serene green spaces of the Yavapai County Courthouse Square. These daily encounters enrich my lifestyle and allow me to engage intimately with the community, reinforcing my commitment to fostering connections and supporting local businesses. This harmonious blend of work, leisure, and community involvement has profoundly influenced my journey, continually inspiring me to contribute positively to the fabric of Prescott.
PWM: How has the local culture or environment influenced your personal or professional growth?
Cristina: As someone who grew up in this remarkable city, I have always been inspired by its rich natural landscapes and the community’s commitment to preserving them. This inspiration has manifested in my dedication to expanding eco-tourism opportunities, promoting leave-no-trace principles, and advocating for green initiatives that protect our open spaces. Professionally, these principles have guided my efforts to support local businesses and foster a thriving economic environment that respects and enhances Prescott’s unique character. My personal mission is to engage in place-making that honors the essence of my childhood experiences while safeguarding the qualities that make Prescott so special. Through these endeavors, I aim to contribute to a sustainable future that reflects the values and spirit of this cherished community.
PWM: How do you feel Prescott enriches the work you do and your hobbies?
Cristina: Prescott significantly enriches both my professional work and personal hobbies through its stunning natural landscapes and diverse outdoor opportunities. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and photographer, I am continually inspired by the abundance of trails and picturesque landscapes the area provides. The varied terrain, ranging from rugged mountain paths to serene forest trails, offers a dynamic backdrop for my photography, capturing the uniqueness of each season. Professionally, this natural diversity fuels my creative strategies in tourism management, allowing me to showcase Prescott as a premier destination for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. The convenience of having such a wide array of trails within a mere ten-minute drive not only enhances my personal exploration and physical well-being, but also strengthens my ability to engage authentically with the community and its visitors.
PWM: Is there anything new or exciting you are looking into doing that you’ll be working on for the upcoming year?
Cristina: In the upcoming year, I am particularly excited about the initiatives we have planned within Prescott’s Economic Development Department, following the completion of our strategic plan. As part of my role, I will be actively involved in expanding our team, which marks a significant step towards enhancing our capabilities in fostering local economic growth. My responsibilities will include setting up the new structure and deploying strategies that align with the city’s vision for sustainable economic development.
PWM: If you had the chance to contribute to something in Prescott, what would it be and why?
Cristina: If given the opportunity to contribute to Prescott, I would be deeply committed to establishing a comprehensive eco-tourism program engaging conference goers, travelers, and residents alike in sustainable community stewardship. This initiative would encompass a variety of environmentally focused activities, such as community clean-up days, tree planting programs, and trail building efforts. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and active participation, this program would enhance the natural beauty of Prescott and cultivate a sense of shared ownership and pride among participants. The eco-tourism program would serve as a catalyst for increased environmental awareness and action, promoting sustainable tourism practices while strengthening the bonds within our community. By embedding these values into the fabric of Prescott, we can ensure that our cherished landscapes and resources are preserved for future generations, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and community development.
Learn more at www.experienceprescott.com or on Instagram at @experienceprescott. Reach Cristina at [email protected]