Meet Nancy Hann | Travel, Creativity & Lifestyle Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Hann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
When I think about “traveling with purpose” it means lifelong learning, helping others, and growing personally through meaningful travel, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many destinations around the world where I found ways to learn something new or help others when I was exploring a new place. Experiencing different cultures is a growing experience in itself. As St. Augustine said,

“The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.”

I started my “Traveling with Purpose” blog several years ago to inspire others to travel. There was also a point when I realized that for small businesses, non-profits, and independent entrepreneurs, getting the word out about their services is often the most difficult part of achieving success. It was then that I set out to share about encounters with people and places that deserve to be highlighted around the world and to encourage others to seek out meaningful travel.

I love traveling and finding those little-known gems that I can share with my readers and the community as a whole. Discovering a unique farm stay, a creative cooking class, or a volunteer program that travelers can participate in is always a goal of mine. Inspiring travelers to connect with meaningful activities is fulfilling for everyone involved and I love opening the world to those who may not have experienced it yet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I love all sorts of creativity and art in general, my biggest passion right now is writing, photography, and creating for my blog, Traveling with Purpose. My primary topics are meaningful travel destinations, but I love to throw in a recipe, do-it-yourself project, or craft along the way too.

I’ve been blogging in one way or another for over a decade, but I’ve loved inspiring others to travel since I was very young. I’ve always been the one that my friends would call when they were planning a trip and looking for ideas or tips.

I began blogging part-time as a hobby and transitioned a few years ago to writing full-time. Of course, it wasn’t long before we were deep in the pandemic and travel came to a screeching halt. Thankfully, I was able to keep plugging along to hopefully continue to inspire those who were looking forward to traveling when it was possible.

One thing I love about a blog is that the content is always available for anyone searching for inspiration and information and that’s what I hope to provide. I’ve learned over the years that I have way too many interests to be stuck in a narrow niche in my writing, so I give myself permission to wander a bit in my topics and I hope that allows my readers to get to know me better and expand their horizons a little as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re looking to see more of Arizona, the historic town of Prescott is a short drive from the Phoenix metro area. Usually only about an hour and a half, so it’s a favorite place for a quick getaway from the big city. At an elevation of over 5000 feet, Prescott also gets more rain, more snow, and averages at least 10 degrees cooler temperatures, which can make a big difference in the heat of summer.

FIRST STOP – PRESCOTT, AZ

It’s impossible to think of the original Arizona Territorial capital of Prescott without talking about the Courthouse Plaza and Whiskey Row in the historic downtown. The Plaza was mapped out in 1864 and the current courthouse was built in 1916.

This shady town center plaza is often the location for festivals and celebrations like the Prescott Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Prescott Bluegrass Festival, Arts and Crafts fairs, and many activities for Prescott Frontier Days (the oldest rodeo in the world – active since 1888). Check the Prescott calendar before planning your visit to see what’s happening.

Once you get to Prescott, start your day at the locally-owned, Wild Iris Coffeehouse and Bakery. It’s open 7 days a week from 7 am to 6 pm. An easy walk, just one block west of Courthouse Plaza on Granite Street. This breakfast and lunch spot offers an eclectic assortment of cozy seating areas and a spacious shady patio overlooking Granite Creek to fuel up for the day. Try the Caramel Brulee Latte or Black Forest Cake Latte, smoothies, iced teas, and Italian sodas any time of day. The bakery whips up an assortment of muffins, house-made granola, bagels, fresh baked cookies, cupcakes, and more desserts from scratch. Lunch might include quiche, sandwiches, or other creative dishes.

Stroll back to Goodwin Street on the south side of the plaza to Prescott Chamber’s Visitor Information Center. They’ll provide everything you need to know about things to do while you’re in town. If you’re a history-lover ask about the Prescott Heritage Trail map or see if they’re offering a guided walking tour of the downtown area.
After you explore Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza choose your next destination based on your interests. Walk a few blocks to Sharlot Hall Museum to discover four inviting acres of exhibits, galleries, gardens, and historic buildings, including the 1864 Territorial Governor’s Mansion.

If you’re an art lover, plan your visit on the 4th Friday of any month to enjoy the “4th Friday Art Walk”. Or check out one of the many art galleries downtown. One of my favorites is Van Gogh’s Ear Art Gallery on Montezuma Street. There’s always something new and unique to see there.

Hoping to get out in nature for a bit? Then drive to one of the nearby lakes. Watson and Willow Lake Parks offer fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking. You can also rent canoes and kayaks in season at Watson Lake Park. Horseshoe pits, grills, and camping are also on-site there.

Head back into town to get a glimpse of the Wild West at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon – the oldest bar in Arizona and voted one of the Top 10 Historic Bars in America by USA Today. While the original 1877 building burned down in the great fire of 1900, the patrons saved the ornately carved bar counter by dragging it out of the building and across the street to the plaza. It was reinstalled in the rebuilt saloon in 1901.

The famous Earp brothers, Wyatt, Virgil & Morgan, as well as Doc Holliday all frequented the Palace Saloon back in its heyday. Look closely and you may see bullet holes in the ceiling from those early Wild West days.

Another fun stop downtown is the Superstition Meadery Tasting Room on Gurley Street. This family-owned small business has introduced over 300 unique meads and hard ciders to Arizona and the USA since 2012. Their beverages range from dry to sweet, still to sparkling. Buy them by the glass or bottle. Flights of 10 or 12 or individual 1 ounce “tastes” of your choosing are on the menu as well. The Tasting Room also offers tapas, charcuterie, desserts, and live music for a pleasant evening.

If you’re looking for a party, wander back to any of the bars on the famous Whiskey Row to revel with the more raucous crowds.

DAY 2 – PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ

Many people pass right through this small town on their way in or out of Prescott, but there’s more to it than the nondescript row of businesses along Highway 69.

Grab breakfast at one of the local joints, like Jen’s 7th Avenue Café to sample items with a Southwestern flair, Jamie’s Waffle Express for fruit-topped waffles & breakfast treats, or stop in for coffee and fresh-baked goodness at Flour Stone Bakery.

After filling up visit the Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry and Gallery to see where limited-edition bronze sculptures as large as 20 feet tall are created. They currently work with over 40 established and emerging artists. If you’ve visited towns like Santa Fe, Sedona, and others around the Southwest you’ve likely seen the remarkable bronze Native American, Western, and Wildlife sculptures in their fine art galleries. Many of those pieces are created at this foundry.

On weekdays you can stroll the Sculpture Garden and Hall to see and shop for bronze works ranging from whimsical to lifelike, traditional to contemporary. If you’re there on Thursday, you can learn about the “lost wax” process of bronze casting. Tours are by appointment on Thursdays at 11 am for a small fee. Gallery Hours are Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM

Prescott Valley also has some wonderful parks, as well as paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails. The 2-mile Glassford Hill Summit Trail leads to a gorgeous view of the valley from over 6100 feet. The trail features interpretive signs where you’ll learn about its volcanic past, ancient indigenous villages, unique vegetation, and local culture. You may spot pronghorn antelope, eagles, or mule deer too. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables along the trail.

If you forgot your picnic and worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at Colt Grill in Prescott Valley. You can follow your nose and find it by the delicious aroma wafting from the meat smoker on the front patio. You can order at the counter from an affordable menu of smoked brisket, turkey, burgers or ribs then pick up your food when it’s ready. Visit the bar area to try a glass or flight of craft beer, bourbon, or whiskey flights (some made in AZ). This casual spot won 8 different honors in Verde Valley’s “Best Of” Awards including “Best BBQ Restaurant” and “Best Burger” in 2021.

DAY 3 – ARCOSANTI – MAYER, AZ

Now that you’ve learned about some of the history, art, and nature in the Prescott area, let’s get off the beaten path to a space that is truly one of a kind. Arcosanti is a quick 40-minute drive from the Courthouse Plaza but worlds away in experience.

Architect Paolo Soleri’s ambitious vision for Arcosanti in the late 1960s was to create a vertically dense, walkable, eco-friendly city surrounded by easy access to nature and supportive of the environment. This was in stark contrast to the sprawling vehicle-dependent urban and suburban areas that were growing around the country and the world in the mid-twentieth century. His project began to physically take shape in 1970 and over the last 50 years over 8,000 volunteers have continued to bring the dream to life.

Anyone can visit this ground-breaking community project. Guided tours are offered to the public and K-12 classes. Architectural tours are available on specific dates throughout the year. Sustainability and Archive tours are booked by appointment only. Visit their website [https://arcosanti.org/] for details. As you can imagine, even after 50 years, Arcosanti continues to influence young minds, inspiring architects, urban planners, and designers around the world.

Book your tour online before you arrive to reserve the time and date that works best. If you’re not sure about your schedule you can usually buy tickets in person if they aren’t sold out. Plan to stop in the gift shop before you leave to bring home one of Soleri’s iconic one-of-a-kind bronze or ceramic wind bells. The Café at Arcosanti offers light fare with spectacular views of the surrounding terrain and stunning sunsets.

If you want to truly immerse yourself in this spectacular architecture and community, consider booking a room for the night at Arcosanti. This also gives you access to areas that day visitors aren’t allowed to experience.

Just three days in the Prescott area can give you a small taste of the diversity that Arizona has to offer. From art and architecture to history, food, and nature, you’ll find everything you can imagine right here in the Grand Canyon state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my favorite travel partner and supporter, my husband, Terry. We began exploring the world from the time we started dating and have never stopped. He’s a lifelong learner like me, but with very different interests, so we complement each other well. Besides, he’s my designated driver when I’m trying to take pictures from the car.

In addition, so many of our adventures have included our two kids, who are now adults pursuing their own dreams. And even though there was a short time when they hated the idea of traveling, I consider it a success that they are now travel-lovers. Sharing life with them has taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be. I wouldn’t have chosen a life with anyone else.

Website: https://TravelingWithPurpose.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twp.adventures/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gowithpurpose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Travelingwithpurpose

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=iyUaUwMO0OaNR17VKGNYnw

Image Credits
Image # 6 by Amy Teegan Image # 8 by Marshall Jones All others by me