Arizona Official State Travel Guide - Arizona 2024-25
Shop Small-Town Main Streets
2024-09-05 07:46:14
Tranquil surroundings, historic charm and independent boutiques line the streets of Arizona’s small-town retail and entertainment districts. Discover history, culture and plenty of one-of-a-kind wares to bring home.
Prescott’s Montezuma Street is a treasure trove of art galleries, Western fashion boutiques and plenty of places to eat and drink — fitting, considering this street also comprises historic Whiskey Row, named for its abundance of saloons during the Gold Rush era. Amidst the red-brick buildings, discover pieces of the past at antique stores, consignment shops and old-fashioned treats at places like Fite and Son’s Mercantile and Ice Cream.
Old Town Scottsdale, with its Southwestern-style buildings and cowboy statues, blends Old West charm with modern sophistication. Colorful cantinas and modern restaurant concepts nestle beside art galleries, designer clothing stores and maker spaces like The Merchantile, which showcases handcrafted goods by more than 100 vendors. Relax with a fancy cocktail at the DJ-driven AZ/88 or tropical HULA’s Modern Tiki.
Sedona’s red rock landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for its funky, eclectic downtown, which features outdoor retail plazas and clusters of shops. In the picturesque Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village, explore high-end boutiques, art galleries and outposts with American Indian weavings and jewelry. Or peruse the works of local and regional artists at the Sedona Arts Center. Along the way, stop into wine bars, healthy cafes and farm-to-table eateries with scenic patios.
A small town nestled in the pine forests of Northern Arizona, Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon and is a stop along the legendary Route 66. Antique stores brim with relics from the past, while nostalgic diners serve up American classics. Relive the golden age of American roadside culture at Cruiser’s Route 66 Café before picking up a souvenir at Route 66 Museum and Gift Shop.
The high-desert artists’ enclave of Tubac boasts a thriving cultural community against a backdrop of sun-washed adobe buildings. Browse galleries showcasing works by local painters, sculptors, leatherworkers, crafters and jewelers. Don’t miss the margaritas, moles and tacos of all kinds at the many Mexican eateries in the area, such as Elvira’s Restaurant.
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