Looking for cooler climes this summer? Why not travel to northern Arizona? Daytime temperatures are generally 10-15 degrees lower than Phoenix, but
morning and evening temperatures often require the donning of a light sweater or jacket. Ah!
Prescott is about 90 minutes from the Valley and 3½ hours from Tucson. The first capital of Arizona, Prescott activities often involve the Courthouse Square around the old courthouse. Prescott (pronounced PRESScut to those in the know) is touted as being one of the finest places to retire in the United States. There’s an emphasis on arts and culture – with a healthy side dose of cowboy bars as well.
Temple B’rith Shalom adds the Jewish connection, and there is also a very active Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott. (brithshalom-az.org, 928-708-0018) The Jewish communities of all of northern Arizona, including Sedona, Verde Valley, Flagstaff and surrounds, often collaborate on major events. Many Phoenix residents have second homes in Prescott. Dr. Bruce Mallin was brought up in Prescott, and he and his wife, Risa, still maintain a home there. He has fond memories of looking forward to the annual Frontier Days Parade and the rodeo, which is the world’s oldest. “Our children and grandchildren always plan to be in Prescott over the 4th of July. The flags and bunting are a sure sign that Prescott is America’s hometown.”
Judy and Marty Solomon built their Prescott home in 1998 and try to get up most weekends and for the better part of the summer. According to Judy, “We absolutely love being up there. There is something so special about the relaxing atmosphere.” The Solomons enjoy meeting and befriending some of the many artists from the area, with the Krieger-Marcusen Gallery in the Courthouse Square being one of their favorite haunts.
Some of their favorite restaurants are Papa’s Italian, Iron Spring and Prescott Station. They also enjoy the offerings from the Jewish Foundation such as performances by Itzhak Perlman and Neil Sedaka. Some families determine they’re ready to give up big city life and set down new roots in the area. Greg Raskin’s family has been in the jewelry business in Prescott for more than 50 years.Raskin Jewelry is on the square near the historic Hotel St. Michael and the Hassayampa Inn, built in 1927.
Sedona, northeast of Prescott, boasts a beautiful synagogue occupied by the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. The view of the famous red rocks from the panoramic windows is awe inspiring and helps to create a spiritual feeling as soon as one enters. The community here also has an active community foundation that brings in arts and cultural programming.
Tina and David Robbins have a home in The Village at Oak Creek, just a few miles south of Sedona. They enjoy the various hiking trails and their favorite restaurant, Red Chopsticks, which Tina asserts is “the best Chinese restaurant in the state!” They are members of the Sedona congregation and appreciate the friendly feelings of camaraderie they have there. Now that David Frazer has pretty much retired, he and his wife, Marilyn, spend a lot of time at their home in Sedona. David says the list of things to do is endless. “Great hiking, terrific galleries, Chamber Music Sedona, Red Rocks Music Festival in late August, Sedona Film Festival, some excellent restaurants and spectacular views of the famous red rocks. We are also
fortunate to have the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley led by Rabbi Alicia Magal.” jcsvv.org, 928-204-1286
For more information, visit visit-prescott.com or visitsedona.com.
