Travel & Adventure

Just A Spell Away!

Welcome to Just a Spell Away! I bring you the magic of adventure on your travels and help make your travel dreams come true … the way you want.

During the annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival March 19–20, Camp Verde celebrates its homegrown agricultural heritage by showcasing two delectable items that create an irresistible pairing: wine and nuts.

Lighting Up the Holiday Season

Phoenix ZooLights is celebrating its 30th anniversary this holiday season with special events and displays, and it’s easier than ever to experience with the new “Cruise ZooLights” option to drive through instead of walking.

The Hotel Experience, On Your Terms

There’s a saying that one size fits all. However, in the hotel business that can never be the case; hospitality professionals cater to the preferences of our guests. When you travel, you have your choice of brands from luxury to budget. You can choose the type of guest room that fits your needs (two double beds if you’re traveling with the family or one king-size bed for a couple, for example). If you thought there was only one way to check-in, think again. All of that is changing and the two Marriott-branded hotels in Prescott (SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn) are leading the way in deploying technology to give our guests more choice and control over their travel.

Ready for a Scare?

This year’s attraction focuses on a single classic carnival theme featuring a midway, fun house, circus tent, six-foot-tall Jack in the Box, and of course, some creepy clowns and freaks.

Sharing a World of Discovery

Flagstaff Festival of Science, September 17–26, spreads STEM passion By Joanna Dodder Nellans Flagstaff's storied history of science dates back to 1894 with the establishment of Lowell Observatory, and that foundation spawned a plethora of like-minded institutions. So...

A Modern, Efficient, and Relaxing Way to Travel

In April 2021, Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) opened its much-anticipated new terminal to the public, offering exciting and efficient amenities that are certain to place Prescott as both a destination and an easy way for locals to start their much-needed post-COVID vacations.

The Return of Summer Travel

During most of 2020, SpringHill Suites by Marriott in downtown Prescott underwent a massive top-to-bottom renovation including all guestrooms and public spaces. Also during 2020, Residence Inn by Marriott in Prescott (across from Trader Joe’s), installed four Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, offering free charging to anyone 24/7. Non-guests can charge for free while they relax in patio or lobby areas.

Feeling the heat? Jump in the lake!

For decades, all the lakes on the Prescott National Forest (PNF) were closed to swimming. Then the PNF suddenly announced on Aug. 28, 2020, that it was opening all four lakes on the forest to swimming: Lynx and Granite Basin near Prescott; Mingus on Mingus Mountain between Prescott Valley and Jerome; and Horsethief Basin near Crown King. The news release said the PNF found no current health and safety concerns but provided no further explanation.

Meet the NAZ Wranglers’ Mustangs Dance Team!

The NAZ Wranglers, Prescott Valley’s professional indoor football team, are excited to introduce the Mustangs Dance Team, a dynamic group comprising local dancers and headed up by Prescottonian and owner of Lessons by Lexie Dance Studio, Lexe Niekamp.

Yukon 2020ne™: The Adventure of a Lifetime

Fingers and toes crossed that by May 24, 2021, I’ll be in the middle of the Klondike, dropped off by a floatplane. The drop-off marks the start of an epic expedition known as Yukon 2020ne™. It’s a record-setting, 60-day, self-supported canoe adventure along all 2,000 miles of the Yukon River from the Canadian Rockies to the Bering Sea in Alaska.

Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival features in-person and virtual tours this year

Pandemic restrictions took hold in Arizona last year shortly before the annual Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival occurred, so the Friends of the Verde River really had to scramble to offer even just a few virtual events.

This year’s festival on April 22-25 is still limited by the pandemic, but organizers have had plenty of time to expand the virtual offerings while also reviving some limited in-person birding excursions, including a new tour at the Alcantara Vineyards in Camp Verde.