This day of the challenge comes at a convenient time, as we visited a new place this previous weekend!
A little history....
Bisbee, AZ is an old mining town founded in 1880. It has been named one of the most lucrative mining towns (The Copper Queen Mine) in the WORLD, once producing more than 3 million oz of gold, and 8 billion pounds of copper. In addition, they also mined silver, zinc, & lead.
Bisbee, AZ
Bisbee, AZ is an old mining town founded in 1880. It has been named one of the most lucrative mining towns (The Copper Queen Mine) in the WORLD, once producing more than 3 million oz of gold, and 8 billion pounds of copper. In addition, they also mined silver, zinc, & lead.
In the 1900's, Bisbee was one of the MOST "hopping" cities from San Francisco to El Paso -- filled with beautiful women and numerous Saloons.
The mine closed in the 1970's, and many of the employees moved elsewhere. However, the town remained his rich history and buildings have stayed strong. It is now a tourist town, populated with artsy "hippies".
Why did we chosse Bisbee.....
It's been kind of a crazy few months for us with lots of new life events going on. We wanted to just take a get-away together. However, with how erratic our schedules are -- and I am hesitant to plan anything ahead of time with my PRN job and OVH job starting...........
.....our trip had to be very list minute. So last Thursday evening at 8:30 pm, we booked our hotels for Friday & Saturday and decided to go somewhere different!
Where we stayed....
This was a trip unique to any trip we've ever been on! We stayed at very unique hotels. Friday night we stayed at "The Grand Hotel" -- which is a western-themed hotel. When we arrived, we checked in at the saloon with the bartender. She took us to our room and showed us how to work the showers, sinks, and hot-tub. Our room was decorated with John Wayne portraits.
We tried soaking in the hot-tub at the end of the evening, but we ran out of hot water. Hot water did not return by 7 am when I tried taking a shower.
Bur. Normally, I'd probably get frustrated with this. But, we laughed. It was kind of entertaining and the true labor of love. While I was in the shower, Ryan was warming up my towel with a blow dryer -- and I did the same for him. So we could get out of our ICE-COLD shower with a warm towel.
I was amused with the copper-statue staring over us while we slept....
The 2nd night we stayed at the "Jonquil Inn". This was more of a cottage-style destination. Also, very quaint & cute. Outside our room was a sweet little garden.
Things we did.....
-Went to the "Stock Exchage Bar" -- where they actually used to trade stocks back in the 1900's.
-Saw many cowboys.
-Saw some people walking through the stree barefoot
-Listened to a man & woman play Led Zeppelin on the flute & acoustic guitar....
-Toured the Queen Mine Tour (pictures below)
-Toured the "Bisbee Restoration Society" which artifacts & antiques from the 1800's, INCREDIBLE! (and I'm NOT an "antique person"
-Searched EVERY knick-knack/antique shop for a Foley Food fork....we were unsuccessful, sorry, Mom!
-Had a home cooked breakfast from the hotel owner on the patio
-Walked through the endless stairs and secret walkways embedded throughout the city
-Enjoyed each other's company
-Ate some good, hearty, delicious food!
Here are a few photos.....
The view of the city. Notice the "B" on the mountain. So, far since we've lived in AZ we have found A, B, & C mountain. Tucson has "A-Mountain" that is painted. C-Mountain is somewhere between here & California.
These walkways are ALL over the city. It's sometimes referred to as the "City of 10,000 stairs" - they even have a race!
I didn't like the metal, creaky stairs from 1920. Especially in my high-heeled boots...
The Saloon (or lobby, I guess).
One of the trains at the mine tour
Warming up by the fire after our mine tour! It was in the 40's down there!
Getting ready to go into the mine with our flashlights, coats, & hard hats!
This is the toilet they used. It even went on the track that ran throughout the mine. Can you imagine if 2 men had to go at the same time?.......Ish
One of the mine "chutes"
One of the random homes we walked by. I took this photo QUICKLY, for I fear the home-owner was hiding in the bushes dressed in flannel with his shot gun! (those are deer antler's surrounding the house...)
Anoter completely random place....
Bisbee was a cute, fun, enchanting little town! If you ever want to get away from civilization -- I recommend this place! You seriously feel like you're re-entering historic times. You walk through the town, and everyone greets you and strikes up conversation. It was a fun, sweet, and refreshing weekend! :)
Comments
What is a "foley fork"?
Hilarious that you were warming up each others towels with the blowdryer! LOL
Tom and I watched a documentary done by the history channel called, "The Story of US", so the story of the US. I think Ryan woudl like it! I didn't think I would but I really liked it. one of the episodes was about the gold boom. Kind of cool that I was learnign about it on Sat when you were staying at town where it all went down!
I can't tell you how many "antique" stores I have gleaned for foley food forks.
I have adapted to a flat whisk. Honestly, it is such a sacrifice!
I am glad you were able to get away for a little break.