Uniquely Arizona

In the scorching desert, where cacti stand stoic in the wind and rays of sun paint the landscape in a fiery palette, there exists some of the most unique places you’ll ever encounter. From Bisbee and Tubac to Jerome and Holbrook, the unexpected is embraced and the ordinary takes a backseat to the extraordinary. Prepare to be inspired as you discover the colorful tapestry of Arizona’s most unique towns.

Nestled in the Mule Mountains in the far reaches of southern Arizona is a haven for creative souls and free spirits. Charming and picturesque, Bisbee is where those seeking creative inspiration or
yearning for a tranquil escape go to enjoy history, art, natural beauty and a warm community spirit.

Bisbee is steeped in history thanks to its rich mining heritage. In the late 19th century, vast copper deposits were discovered, transforming the town into a booming mining center. While the mine shut down in 1975, remnants of Bisbee’s once thriving mining operations can still be explored through guided tours that take visitors deep into the underground tunnels.

The town’s history also lives on in Old Bisbee, where well-preserved Victorian architecture transports visitors back in time. Here, you’ll find charming antique shops and unique boutiques housed in vintage buildings, as well as art galleries and spaces that, in recent years, have catapulted Bisbee into a must-visit art destination. Throughout town, you’ll discover artistic works, from public art murals and sculptures. There’s even an open-air art gallery located alongside a set of stairs in historic Brewery Gulch.

Bisbee’s quirky and creative culture is celebrated at various events throughout the year, including the Return of the Turkey Vultures in March, when the town marks the migration of these unique birds known for their featherless heads and superb aerialist qualities; and the Pirates of the High Desert, a three-day event celebrating all things seafaring with pub crawls, costume contests and magic shows.

For a true spectacle, Bisbee hosts the B.R.A.T.S. Parade in October. Created by the Bisbee Rolling Arts Transportation Society, the parade features a fun-loving posse of creatives who build gravity-powered art carts that roll through the streets of Bisbee.

Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, overlooking the beautiful Verde Valley, Jerome is often referred to as the Vertical City due to its dramatic hillside location and winding streets. Once a booming mining town in the late 19th century, Jerome thrived as a copper mining hub, attracting not only miners and entrepreneurs, but also artists and creatives who felt inspired by the stunning surrounding scenery.

Today, the town’s historic district is a treasure trove of well-preserved buildings protected by the Jerome Historical Society. From the mine museum and gift shop, to the New State Motor Building and the former J.C. Penney building, Jerome’s historic buildings give visitors the opportunity to step back in time and get a glimpse into life of the early days of Arizona.

While certainly charming, the Victorian-era architecture and narrow alleyways lend themselves to creating a goosebump-inducing vibe. In fact, the town earned the nickname “The Wickedest Town in the West” due to some unfortunate events that occurred during Jerome’s early days. Over the years, there have been several accounts of ghost sightings in the town’s historic buildings and neighborhoods. Evening ghost tours and walks are common, especially in the mid to late fall.

Jerome has long attracted creative types and today, it’s known for its vibrant arts scene. Art galleries and studios abound, and the town’s former high school now houses the Jerome Art Center, where artists rent studio space.

That artistic spirit continues in a variety of events held in Jerome, including the Jerome Art & Wine Walk (weekly), Art in the Park (spring), Jerome Music & Arts Festival (summer) and the Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival (fall).

It may not have been by design, but the village of Tubac in southwestern Arizona was destined to become an arts town. Located 45 minutes south of Tucson in Santa Cruz County, it’s known as a place “where history meets art.”

Situated in the picturesque Santa Cruz River Valley, Tubac is recognized as one of Arizona’s oldest European settlements, with a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries. The town traces its roots to 1752 when it was established by Spanish colonists who built San Ignacio de Tubac, a post-military presidio to keep local rebels at bay.

Today, Tubac’s historic district is a captivating blend of preserved adobe buildings, charming courtyards and art galleries. In fact, the village includes a walkable footprint with more than 100 galleries, studios and shops showcasing the diverse works of painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, furniture makers, potters and mixed media artists.

But what most certainly solidifies the town’s standing as a destination for serious art collectors and connoisseurs is the Tubac Festival of the Arts. Held each February, the fine art celebration attracts between 8,000 to 10,000 people daily during the five-day juried event. It is the longest running outdoor arts gathering of its kind in Arizona.

For history enthusiasts, there are several sites that provide insight into the region’s past. The most notable is Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, where the remains of the original Spanish presidio can be seen. Featuring exhibits on the history of Tubac and the Santa Cruz Valley, the park also hosts reenactments, demonstrations and cultural events that bring the history to life.

Located in northeastern Arizona, Holbrook offers a captivating combination of geological wonders, Route 66 nostalgia and cultural heritage.

One reason Holbrook is a popular destination is its proximity to the Petrified Forest National Park, home to an extraordinary collection of petrified wood, ancient fossils and stunning geological formations. Visitors can explore otherworldly landscapes, hike along the colorful badlands, and witness the remarkable petrified logs that date back millions of years. The park’s Painted Desert, with its vibrant hues and vast vistas, offers a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Holbrook also holds a significant place in the history of Route 66, the iconic highway that once connected Chicago to Los Angeles. The town still retains its Route 66 charm with vintage diners, shops and motels, most notably the historic Wigwam Motel. Built in 1937, the property offers tepee-shaped rooms with vintage cars parked outside to add to the retro appeal.

For those interested in Arizona’s “Wild West” history, a self-guided walking tour map is available at the visitor’s center inside Holbrook’s historic courthouse. Take a stroll and encounter such historical sites as the Bucket of Blood Saloon and the Blevins House, the site of the famous shootout between the sheriff and local gangsters.

Old West nostalgia continues with the Hashknife Pony Express, the oldest officially sanctioned pony express in the world. Beginning in Holbrook, the horseback mail route covers 200 miles from the Mogollon Rim to Scottsdale.