6 Arizona Road Trips for Memorial Day Weekend

We never outgrow a summer vacation.  With Memorial Day approaching, summer is kicking off.  There is no need to leave Arizona for an outstanding Memorial Day Weekend experience.  Check out the following weekend activities, or plan for a get-a-way later in the summer. Either way, don’t let the summer go by without an escape.
 

Wyatt Earp Days

Check out the Wyatt Earp Days celebration in Tombstone, and support the Lions Club as they support youth activities and programs.  Street entertainment begins at 10:00 am and goes until 4:00 pm Saturday – Monday.  Sunday brings the Paul Breuer Memorial Chili Cook-off.  Cup sales start at 1:00 on Historic Allen Street between 4th and 3rd Streets. You can find more information at http://wyattearpdays.com.
 


Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale

The Phippen Museum in Prescott is offering free admission during the art show.  You can check it out from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 9 am – 3 pm on Monday.  The museum is located at the Courthouse Plaza at 120 S. Cortez Street, Prescott.  The juried art show will feature oil, watercolor, sculpture, and more types of art from more than 90 American artists.  Find out the winners at the Awards Show on the Courthouse steps on Sunday at 11 am.  Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm you can check out about 20 artists in the Quick Draw.  The artists will have 1 hour to complete a work of art.  Following the Quick Draw, created works will be auctioned off on the North steps of the Courthouse.  More information can be found at http://phippenartmuseum.org/.

 

Sips and Skies in Sierra Vista

For the adventurous early risers, the Sky Islands Summit Challenge begins at 5 am on Saturday.  This challenge includes Carr, Miller, and Scott peaks.  A double summit challenge begins at 6:15 am, and the single summit challenge begins at 7:30 am.  This event is $50-$100, and is limited to 250 people.

The Sips portion of the event includes samples from regional breweries, distilleries, and wineries from 11 am – 10 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista.  Admission is $15-$20.

More information can be found at http://visit.sierravistaaz.gov/events/sierra-vista-sips-skies-home/.

 

Taylor

Beat the heat and head up to Taylor for some old-fashioned Memorial Day Weekend fun. The town of Taylor is located about 15 miles North of Show Low on State Route 77. Saturday is chock full of events, which begin at 9 am with a flag-raising ceremony.  The Veterans Memorial Program at the LDS Stake Center begins at 10 am.  Children are invited to participate in the Soapbox Derby at 11:00.  Noon brings the beard contest. The day ends with a country music show and dance beginning at 6:30 pm.  Hayrides to tour the town’s historic towns happen on Monday at 4:00 pm.  More information can be found at http://snowflaketaylorchamber.org/.

 

Crown King 

The town of Crown King offers up its shortest Memorial Day parade beginning at noon on Sunday.  Following the parades is an old-fashioned carnival at the Crown King Fire Department.  Adult beverages are offered up at the Crown King Saloon.  More information can be found at http://www.crownkingaz.com/.

 

Flagstaff

The fun at Flagstaff happens all summer long.  Check out one of the many festivals and enter for a chance to win a prize valued up to $300.  Hikers will enjoy the trails at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, while the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course provides an adventure in agility and endurance.  The Southside of Flagstaff provides diverse options for food and drink.  For more information check out https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/


State Parks
 

The state parks offer camping options for everyone from the extreme camper to the glamper.  You can find the campground that works best for you at https://azstateparks.com/ or https://www.recreation.gov/. Not up for an overnight?  Find a park with trails, fishing, or a day beach.  Arizona State Parks offer something for just about everyone.