Bisbee

Bisbee has transformed from a booming mining town to a hippie haven to an arts and culture community — over only the past century or so. The result? A free-spirited Southern Arizona community with a welcoming attitude for all.

Copper Queen Mine

Here’s where things really took off in Bisbee. Mining in the Mule Mountains produced silver, gold and a high-quality Bisbee Blue turquoise. The most famous material, though, was a high-grade copper that helped meet the demands of World War I production. As quickly as things prospered here, activity reduced as mining slowed. Step back in time on a tour of the old Copper Queen Mine, where visitors descend 1,500 feet into cool caverns while wearing bright yellow slickers and hard hats. Tours are given by retired employees, who recount old mining techniques and pulse-quickening dangers.

Historic hotels

The Copper Queen Hotel is famous for its dominating presence on the hillside—and some active ghosts. Historic and themed hotels are unusually popular in Bisbee and make for a fun overnight visit. Stay in restored vintage airstream trailers, a school bus or even a boat at the Shady Dell. The 14 themed rooms at Inn at Castle Rock include nautical and Victorian-styled suites. The School House Bed & Breakfast is a converted school where rooms are themed by subject — bringing a new meaning to falling asleep in math.

Cool bars & great meals

Mingle with locals at bars that, anywhere else, might be considered holes in the wall. Cheers in front of a chalk stock board that’s frozen in time from when the market crashed at the Stock Exchange. Grab a pool cue at St Elmo’s. And squeeze into the Room 4 bar, which only has two stools to belly-up to and room for four patrons. Other visitor favorites include Screaming Banshee Pizza for dinner, Poco for lunch and Bisbee Breakfast Club for...breakfast.

Shopping

Vintage shops with unique antiques are fun to roam. Wander three floors of curiosities at Miners & Merchants Antique Center, where purchases can be as large as a leather accent chair or as small as kitchen table settings for a doll house. You’ll spot the colorful Arizona-flag patterned bomber jackets made by Classic Rock Couture all throughout Bisbee. Locals love them and celebrities do, too (Florence Pugh and Miley Cyrus are fans).

Festivals

Year-round festivals really show off Bisbee’s independent spirit. Pirates of the High Desert Weekend brings the laughs, while the Bisbee 1000 fun run brings the groans as runners pass musicians up and down 1,000 stairs. Fourth of July festivities include offbeat mining competitions and bed races.

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