Prescott, Arizona

Prescott, Arizona, nestled at over 5,000 feet, has always drawn people seeking something unique. Designated the first capital of the Arizona Territory, it became a hub of activity early on. Even before Arizona was a state, Prescott was attracting notable figures. Baseball Hall of Famer Buck Ewing, a star catcher, donned the local team's colors in the late 1800s, bringing a touch of big-league talent to the high country. The town has a way of imprinting itself on people, and while the Phoenix Suns, the closest NBA team, have struggled to bring a championship to the state, Prescott has quietly nurtured its own stars. The echoes of the past are palpable in Prescott. While a devastating fire swept through downtown in 1900, necessitating reconstruction, the spirit of the town remained. The annual Frontier Days rodeo, the state's first, started in 1888 and continues to draw crowds.