Let me just say this trip is inclusive of myself & two children, one 7 & the other will turn 5 on the trip. We are splitting time (a week) between Prescott & Patagonia. We already have reservations for the Verde Canyon RR (my Son is a big train nut) & Kartchner Caverns. We also plan to visit Jerome & Sedona (in the North) as well as Tubac & some 'ghost towns' in the South as well as partake in some hiking. We'll likely hit the Saguaro Nat'l Park 'en route'. However, there is tons more out there so we are going to have to narrow things down a bit... I am listening, & thanks.

Why Prescott?

Because this is where we'll be staying - http://www.vrbo.com/251613

Nice house - why leave? (I was curious, because I don't think of Prescott as a very good tourist destination --- maybe a good jumping off point, though, or a good place to stay and take day trips).

I have spent some time in the Northern part of the state but never the South, having been to PHX for work several times. + the kids want to see some 'ghost towns'.

Supposedly the Jerome Grand Hotel is haunted. Though when I stayed there I didn't see any ghosts. Jerome is an easy drive from Prescott.

The Verde Canyon RR is a great train ride. I'm sure your train nut son will enjoy it as much as mine did. We took it one June and had a big thunderstorm. Water was pouring over the canyon walls in a hundred waterfalls. Then there was a rock slide that cut our trip short - they had to send out another engine to haul us back.

If you like Indian ruins, then I would suggest Tuzigoot and Montezuma's Well. Montezuma's Castle is also interesting, but I prefer the Well.

In the south, I would try to go to Bisbee and take the Copper Queen mine tour - a real highlight of any Arizona trip. Best to call ahead and reserve a spot on the tour, especially at spring break time
When going to Jerome, take the route that takes you over Mingus Mountain- just remember to put the car in a low gear when going down the mountain rather than ride the brakes. I forgot once and had the brakes smoking by the time I reached Jerome!

Thanks, I've been to most of the places mentioned & am quite fond of Jerome. I have been debating over the whole Tombstone/Bisbee portion of the trip. May need to take a look @ Tuzigoot, not sure I've been there...

If you do head toward Bisbee, which is very cool, You have got to see Texas Canyon, ARIZONA (yes AZ) Not Texas. I have a lot of pictures of this on my blog
http://rvingdog.blogspot.com

We stayed at the Triangle T Ranch which is in the heart of Texas Canyon. They have casita's or camping. Horseback riding through the beautiful rock formations is awesome!

It is close to a lot of "have to' see places in Southern Part of AZ.

If you go to Bisbee and enjoy mysteries, then I heartily recommend the Joanna Brady books by JA Jance

I've read most all of the JA Jance books, thanks for the suggestions.

If you ever get a chance to see JA at a book signing, be sure to do it. She gives a great talk. One of my friends was a character in her book 'Desert Claw'

ttt

http://www.theshadydell.com/

If you are going to Bisbee, check out this - and maybe have breakfast or lunch at Dot's Diner.

I hope to go someday.

There are lots of good places to hike around Prescott. Goldwater Lake is a very nice place for a picnic, plus they have canoes and kayaks to rent. We also like to hike or picnic at Watson Lake. The Peavine trail that borders it is a good hike for children, or if you have bikes, it is paved. The Prescott Heritage Zoo is small, but interesting for children. And you'll want to check out the downtown area - Whiskey Row and the courthouse. Our favorite places to eat are the Prescott Brewery, the Firehouse, Gurley Street Grill, Papa's Italian Restaurant, Bill's Pizza. There are quite a few independent restaurants in the area.

For a whole list of things to see and do around southern Arizona (clickable links included), visit my blog:

http://www.mikepintucson.blogspot.com/

Thanks guys.

Last chance, I am packing my bags... right now !!

Have a great time and enjoy the weather!!!