After reading numerous J. A. Jance books that center around Bisbee, AZ, it has been a bucket list location to visit. This fall we went to the Big Heap recycle craft show and one of the vendors was the owner of the Shady Dell, a retro RV campground in Bisbee. Further investigation proved that the Shady Dell rents out nine retro travel trailers with the atmosphere of the park taking one back in time to the 1950's.
so the quest was on, a weekend in Bisbee staying at the Shady Dell the first weekend in April.
On the way down we stopped in Tombstone to see a 9,000 sq foot rose tree. Only saw it from afar as there was a cover charge to see it. We then explored the streets and shops of Tombstone and checked out the OK Corral.
Arriving in Bisbee we drove by the enormous Lavender Open Pit mine. Although it closed in 1974, it still is very impressive. We drove past the ghost town of Lowell on our way to The Shady Dell. Shirley, our Garmin, led us the round about way around the area to our new home for the weekend.
Upon entering the Shady Dell, we walked through a time lapse. 1950's music played over the loud speaker and our radio in our 1950 Spartanette travel trailer. Our hostess was dressed in period attire, and since it is now "1950", no web access, no TV access, and period appropriate reading material available. I found this to be very relaxing and since there was a gazebo on the premises for use, opened the wine, got out the snacks and started to unwind.
The next day, we went to the Bisbee Breakfast club and experienced the best breakfast ever. The food be outstanding, the portions ample, and atmosphere pleasant and fun. Thoughts of why this place hasn't been on Diner's Drive-in's and Dives ran through my head. The first place we visited was the Copper Queen Mine underground tour, where we donned yellow slickers, mining helmets complete with a light and safety number. Taking the miners train 1800 feet into the mine where retired miners gave a wealth of information about mining and procedures. Good thing we had the miners lamp, as that was the only illumination we had during the tour.
We then took a drive to the historic Warren Ballpark, which some say is the oldest ballpark in the US. Even the Babe himself played ball here. They were holding a retro tournament this weekend and all the teams played in period ball costumes.
Now on to downtown Bisbee, where we took at break at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company for some good beer and company. After more shopping and lunch at Santiago's Mexican restaurant, we settled in at the hotel bar to watch a basketball game. We ended the evening with a late dinner at Cafe Roka as it took two days to get reservations at this excellent and popular restaurant.
On the way home, we stopped at Kartchner Caverns for one of the last tours of the season of the Big Room. It closes for the summer for the mating of the bats. This hour and forty- five minute tour is excellent and our guide was very knowledgeable.