Before relocating to my current home in Prescott I often found myself traveling here for my regular vacation destination. I stayed in a couple hotels and have even stayed in a rental or two up here. No matter which location I stayed in, I always enjoyed coming up to the cooler climate and enjoying the downtown area which often was packed with events to take in.
One of the first times I found myself up in Prescott (since my childhood) was on a day I decided to "run away" from home. I had a tremendous urge to just leave town go away somewhere, anywhere. I had no idea that day where I'd go. I just grabbed a bag, packed stuff for an overnight and stuffed it into the trunk of my car. I wasn't sure if I'd be gone overnight or just a few hours so I was ready for anything. With little thought and planning I was out the door and on my way north. I drove past Anthem, New River, Black Canyon City nervous to be going out of town and alone. Worried about what I would do if my car broke down. I was worried about where I would go or what I would do but I just couldn't turn around. As worried, and as scared as I was, going home wasn't an option. The fear of disappointing myself was greater than the fear of the unknown so I pressed on.
It wasn't until I spotted a sign for Cordes Junction that I knew my destination. Prescott, I'd go to Prescott and wander the square for a few hours. Who knows perhaps I might even find an affordable hotel and stay the night. I wandered the square as planned. Looked at items I couldn't afford and as the sun began to set I thought about where I could stay. Money was tight for me that weekend and knew I only had a small amount to spare. The struggle of responsibility versus need warred strongly inside me. I knew I shouldn't really spend the money but at the same time, I still couldn't make myself go home. In the end, the need to stay away won out. I found a hotel The Hotel Vendome and was lucky enough to get a room. The hotel is a historic destination and is rumored to be haunted although I never have experienced anything while inside. My room was beautiful. It was one of the remodeled rooms with a huge tub to soak in and relax but still managed to keep the old time charm the rest of the hotel boasted. I totally enjoyed my stay, had dinner out, purchased some popcorn and ice cream at the Youngs Farm store and wandered back to the hotel. It felt wonderful to relax on the front porch in one of the rocking chairs and enjoy my ice cream.
I've since traveled up to Prescott many times before finally moving but that journey, that overnight stay was the beginning of my journey. The start of my path to moving and following a dream I'd held since high school. One I was too afraid to follow when choosing my college options, I secretly desired to attend Yavapai College but was too afraid to leave home. To me, this trip was a first for me, a chance to break out of my fear, a chance to embrace my individuality and desires. A chance to move forward to my future.
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