Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee is an interesting eclectic town southwest of Tombstone.  This was a copper mining community and the old town is located in a canyon.  The temperature during the day averages around 75 F with cooler evenings.

There is a vibrant arts community and the town shops reflects this influence.  Shopping in town would be an interesting afternoon experience.  There are several good restaurants available.  On Monday there is less choice as several establishments were closed when we visited.  We ended up eating at the Table Restaurant located near the Bisbee Coffee Company.  The menu had an excellent variety of American cuisine. Bill had French onion soup and pork ribs, I choose a hamburger.  We both enjoyed our meals and the service was excellent.

If you come to Bisbee you need to visit the Queen Mine.  This copper mine has been closed for several years but now provides tours for visitors.  The guides are former mine employees and are very knowledgeable.  Before entering the mine visitors are dressed in yellow rain coats, hard hats and miners lamps.  Then straddling a narrow gage train car to descend into the mine.  During the tour you learn about the different methods used over the years to mine copper.  You also get an understanding of what it would have been like to work in the mine and how different tasks were completed, like thee use of dynamite to blast rock.  The tour is an excellent introduction to coal mining.  Just around the corner from the Queen Mine you can see the Lavender open pit mine.  This is a huge area that was dug to access the copper.  The pit mine is closed and there has been no restoration. 

If you are interested in birding you can drive southeast to Douglas where there is the San Bernadino National Wildlife Refuge,where the white cranes winter.  To the west is Sierra Vista with numerous canyons that provide excellent bird viewing.  If you are in the area March to June you will be able to see up to 15 species of Hummingbirds in Ramsey Canyon and don't forget to visit the conservatory.

Did you know that Arizona has a growing wine industry?   You can find vineyards located around Elgin and Wilcox.  Most wineries are open for wine tasting on Friday and Saturdays.  Make sure that you have picked up a Sierra Vista Official Visitors Guide to assist in finding the wineries.  Some wineries require reservations.

This area is easily accessed by driving south from Phoenix on the I-10 for about 2-3 hours.  We choose to stay in a charming bed and breakfast called the School House in old town Bisbee.  Check out the reviews on Trip Advisory.  We stayed in the Reading Room and found the accommodation very quiet.  The host is an interesting character and has been doing this for over nine years.