Here are our recommendations for the best things to see and do around Willcox, Arizona. Most have something to do with the area’s history or its vineyards.

Willcox is about an hour and a half east of Tucson on I-10. The town has seen better days, but fortunately the citizens have preserved many of the historic buildings. Some are pre-1920. Others were build pre-1900. So one of the best things to do around Willcox is to take the short, self-guided walking tour of historic downtown. Click HERE to identify each historic site below.

Rex Allen Museum

The main attraction in historic downtown Willcox along Railroad Avenue is the Rex Allen Museum. If you are younger than 65 as of 2012, it is unlikely you will know who Rex Allen was.

Through the 1950′s & ’60′s, Mr. Allen was a singer-songwriter, Western movie star, and narrator for many Disney nature films.

At one time, he was almost as famous as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. In all, he starred and sang in 19 Westerns, and earned a star on Hollywood Blvd.

So popular was Mr. Allen that he became a comic book character for Dell Comics. With his trademark white Stetson, he was always the good guy. In his movies, he had a sidekick for comic relief: first Buddy Ebsen (later star of Beverly Hillbillies), then Slim Pickens.

Rex Allen was known as the Arizona Cowboy. His museum exhibits a lot of memorabilia, shows some of his old Westerns, and plays his music. His statue (and his ashes) are across the street in Railroad Park.

Marty Robbins Museum

Today (2012), far more people are familiar with the Western ballads of Marty Robbins than the songs of Rex Allen. Mr. Robbins has a small museum next to Rex Allen’s. A singer-songwriter, Mr. Robbins wrote and sang such hits as “A White Sportcoat”,  “My Woman, My Wife”, “El Paso”, and “Big Iron”.

Both Frankie Lane and Elvis Presley recorded Mr. Robbins’ “You Gave Me A Mountain”.

The Academy of Country Music honored Marty Robbins by naming him Artist of the Decade (1960′s). In 1982, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Like Mr. Allen, he has a star on Hollywood Blvd. and Arizona claims him for its own.

Willcox Wine Tasting

Next to the Allen & Robbins Museums on Railroad Avenue is the Keeling Schaefer Vineyards’ Wine Tasting Room in the restored 1917 Willcox Bank & Trust building. This is a fine venue that includes an worthwhile art gallery.

Willcox Dining

In historic downtown Willcox: Big Tex BBQ. This is just around the corner from Railroad Park. The restaurant is an old railroad car. Excellent BBQ ribs.

Two miles west of Willcox: Coronado Vineyards. This is one of our favorites. Here you can taste their various wines and also enjoy dinner overlooking the vineyard.

Given its location, Willcox for us has been a gateway to 3 excellent adventures this past year. For more about things to do within an hour of Willcox, please click HERE to go to Southern Arizona Guide.

The turquoise line seen here is the path of The Presidio Trail historic walking tour through Downtown Tucson

Yesterday, I took Zippy, my 3-wheel electric scooter, downtown to photograph that urban environment. Mostly, I took pictures of modern structures. Click HERE to view them. Early Saturdays & Sundays, downtown is generally serene. Aside from a few sleepy homeless people, I only met a few joggers and dog-walkers.

Next week, I intend to begin photographing some of the more historical buildings along the Presidio Trail, a walking tour of historic downtown Tucson. You can view and download the map by clicking HERE.

Perhaps you’d like to join me. Every time I do something like this I learns something new and interesting about my hometown. For example, a guard at the old Pima County Courthouse told me that after the Dillinger gang was arrested by Tucson police in 1934, they were arraigned here. Bet you didn’t know that.

Heading east now for wine tasting in the park by the railroad tracks in Old Town Willcox. Still trying to find a Southern Arizona wine I can recommend. It’s a hard job, but someone gotta do it.

Kentucky Camp Headquarters Building Restored

More than a hundred years ago, Kentucky Camp was the headquarters for the Santa Rita Water & Mining Company, which was formed to extract placer deposits from the Greaterville Mining District in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains 9 miles NW of Sonoita.

Gold, in the form of placer, was discovered here in 1874. Placer is a mixture of gold, sand, and gravel. Separating out the gold required water. But in the Greaterville Mining District, there was no permanent surface water, and the arroyos were usually dry.

Early on, miners here had to haul their pay dirt in sacks to the few running streams in the area, or haul bladders of water to their claims on the backs of pack animals.

At first, this laborious effort was worthwhile, but by 1886 the easy pickings played out and most of the miners moved on.

A Bright Idea
In 1902, along came James Stetson, a California mining engineer who had an idea to solve the water problem. He believed it would be possible to collect seasonal runoff into a nearby reservoir, creating a permanent water source, and thus making placer mining once again profitable.

Stetson sold the idea to investors and together they formed the Santa Rita Water & Mining Company. The mining operation took place in Boston Gulch and the company built facilities in neighboring Kentucky Gulch.

From 1902, the company had their headquarters and employee residences in what became known as Kentucky Camp. By mid-1904, the company had begun hydraulic mining and success seemed assured.

One Fateful Day
However, as so often happened in these early mining ventures, fate intervened. On May 20, 1905, Mr. Stetson was in Tucson for a Board of Directors meeting. He had taken a third-floor room in the new and very prestigious Santa Rita Hotel, located at Broadway & Scott.

Around 3 o’clock that afternoon, a maid working on the 2^nd floor directly below Mr. Stetson’s room heard a thud on the windowsill of the room she was cleaning. She went to investigate. As she leaned out her window, she saw Mr. Stetson’s dead body on the concrete sidewalk below.

Why Mr. Stetson fell out of his hotel window was never determined. Was he pushed? Was he drunk? We will never know.

The remaining partners tried to keep the mining operation going, but gave up in 1906. By 1912, Kentucky Camp was abandoned.

For information about the restored buildings & overnight stays at Kentucky Camp, click HERE to go to SouthernArizonaGuide.com.

Friday August 31^st through September 3^rd

Hotel Congress HoCo Fest 2012

What? HoCo Fest 2012. Party like it’s 1979! HoCo Fest started in 2004 and is Arizona’s longest running solar-powered music festival. Beginning on Friday, August 31 and continuing through Monday, September 3, HoCo Fest 2012 will take over Hotel Congress featuring local and national music acts playing on indoor and outdoor stages, with all ages welcome.
Where? Hotel Congress – Club Congress
When? Doors open at 7 p.m.
How Much? $15
More Info: http://www.hotelcongress.com/club/

Saturday September 1^st.

What? Tucson Museum of Miniatures – FREE ADMISSION TODAY ONLY
Come celebrate their 3^rd anniversary. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, located in a 15,560 square foot, state-of-the-art museum displays an entertaining and interactive array of antique and contemporary miniatures as well as enchanting artifacts.

The Museum is a miniature time machine, by which the visitor sets off on a self-guided tour through different lands and times both real and imagined. Over 275 miniature houses, room boxes and enchanting collectibles are part of the extraordinary collection in this educational and magical environment, appealing to visitors of all ages, interests and talents.
Where?  4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85712.

What? Concert for Kids
Children from all over Tucson, and as young as 2 years old, can explore a “magical” opportunity to interact and learn from a widely-recognized and talented educator, conductor and performer.

Exploring music since his roots in Europe and now working with children through local arts organizations, László Veres of the Tucson Pops Orchestra will engage with kids and teach the musical workings of instruments and sound during Musical Magic for Kids.
Where? Town of Oro Valley’s Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Canada Dr.
When? Concerts begin at 10 a.m. -”Peter and the Wolf” on Saturday, Sept. 1 and “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Oct. 6
How Much? Free
More Info: www.saaca.org

What? Free Lecture: Wyatt Earp, Capitalist
Historian/author Garner Palenske presents this intriguing story of Wyatt Earp’s involvement in horse racing, gambling, and mining at Tombstone City Archives. Palenske is the author of the much acclaimed book, Wyatt Earp in San Diego, Life After Tombstone.

Free book given away and opportunity to meet the author immediately following at Tombstone Old West Books, 4th and Allen Streets.
Where? Tombstone City Archives 6th And Fremont Streets
When? 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

 Saturday-Sunday-Monday September 1^st – 3^rd

What? Rendezvous of the Gunfighters
Gunfighter groups from throughout the U.S. gather in Tombstone to perform. Activities include a Most-Authentic Costume Contest. Sponsored by the Tombstone Wild Bunch.
Where? Tombstone / Allen Street / OK Corral
When? The 1880’s costume parade will begin Sunday, September 2^nd at 12 noon.
More Info: www.tombstonewildbunch.com/

 Sunday September 2nd

 What? Member-Only Pancake Breakfast in Celebration of The Desert Museum’s 60^th B’day.
Where? Ironwood Terrace Restaurant in the Desert Museum
When? 8 AM – 11 AM
How Much? Members 8 and older: $12. Ages 4-7: $5. Three & under and anyone born in 1952: FREE.

What? Bisbee’s 47th Annual Brewery Gulch Daze.
Events will include a the Soiled Dove Race, Wacky Pet Parade, Kids Games, Recycled Art Auction, Silent Auction, Miz Ole’ Biz Contest & live music by Buzz & the Soul Senders.
Where? Brewery Gulch in Old Bisbee.
When? 8 AM – 5 PM.
How Much? FREE (except food & drink, of course)

What? Jeff Kashiwa & Crystal Stark in Concert
Kashiwa is one of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz. A year after leaving The Rippingtons, Kashiwa was an immediate smash on the smooth jazz charts, scoring a #1 hit for over eight weeks on the Radio & Records chart.  His sound ranges from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz – this show will have it all.  Joining Kashiwa for several numbers will be Tucson favorite, singer Crystal Stark.
Where?  Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Rd.
When?  7:30 PM
How Much? $20 – $35
More Info:  http://tucsonjazz.org/

 Throughout September

 What? Phantom of the Opera.
“Will the chorus girl Christine rise to the occasion after Diva Soprano, Carlotta, storms off the stage during dress rehearsal? Who will be seated in the mysterious Box #5…where programs disappear and ghoulish laughter echoes? Join the Gaslight artistes as they transform the stage back to post-Revolution Paris to revive The Phantom Of The Opera – a love story of musical inspiration and hidden longing, along with a palate-pleasing portion of goofy song and dance.“

Popcorn is complimentary to all theatre-goers, but there are also servers on-hand if you want to order from the menu.
Where? Gaslight Theater. 7010 E. Broadway.
When? Sundays at 3:00pm and 7:00pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:00pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00pm and 8:30pm.
How Much? $17.95/adults. $15.95/students, seniors, military. $7.95/children under 12.
More Info: http://www.thegaslighttheatre.com.

 September 5th

 What? Crosby, Stills & Nash
The music of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash is a cornerstone of rock & roll. This trio of legendary singer-songwriters has been actively collaborating since 1969, when they first harmonized in either Joni Mitchell’s living room or Mama Cass Elliot’s dining room, depending on which member you hear the story from.
Where? AVA amphitheater, 5655 West Valencia Rd
When?  8:00 p.m. Gates open 7:00 p.m.
How Much? $22 – $77
More Info: http://www.casinodelsol.com/events/crosby-stills-and-nash

What? Labor Day Jazz All-Star Celebration of Motown
The festivities will include tribute performances by an all-star jazz and R&B group, drink and dinner specials and a special resort price ($99) for guests staying overnight, followed by a Sunday brunch concert.
Where? Westin La Paloma Resort.
When? 7:30 PM.
How Much? $35 – $75.
More Info: www.azentertainmentandevents.com.

September 6^th – 9th

 What? JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show
A 4-day trade show of jewelry & gems from around the world with both wholesale & retail sales.Where? Tucson Expo Center, 3750 East Irvington Road.
When? September 6^th at 10 AM to September 9^th at 6 PM.
More Info: http://jogsshow.com

 Saturday Nights, September 8, 15, 22, & 29^th.

What? Band Concert
The Arizona Symphonic Winds, under the direction of László Veres, is Southern Arizona’s Premiere community concert band. Comprised of 65 volunteers, this musical organization presents concerts throughout the Tucson area and has been doing so for 20 years. Included in its repertoire are Broadway show tunes, orchestral transcriptions, movie themes, marches, and traditional band literature.

The Winds perform an average of sixteen concerts yearly including their outdoor series at Udall Park, a winter indoor series, and performances to the communities of SaddleBrooke and Oro Valley. The band frequently showcases both professional and amateur soloists, as well as talented young performers at its concerts, and continues the old American tradition of the free concert in the park for our community.Where? Udall Park; 7200 East Tanque Verde Road
When? 7 PM
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://www.azsymwinds.org

 Saturday September 8^th:

What? 2^nd Saturday Downtown Tucson
Downtown’s monthly family-friendly block party featuring live music, dance, & other performances.
Where: 125 E. Congress Street
When: 6 PM to 10:30 PM
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com

What? The final Blue Grass concert of the summer season
Where? Crossroads at Silverbell Park; Marana
When? 6:15 PM: Desert Bluegrass Association Member Jam; 7 PM Superstition Ridge ensemble.
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://saaca.org/Marana_Backyard_Concerts.html

 Every Saturday In September

What? San Pedro River Walk from San Pedro House.
Join docents on a two-mile interpretive walk over easy terrain along the river every Saturday morning. The San Pedro River features some of the richest wildlife habitat in the United States. Wear appropriate attire for hiking and weather conditions. Bring at least one quart of water per person.

The San Pedro Riparian area is a stretch of some 40 miles (56,000 acres) along the San Pedro River, which flows north from near Cananea, Mexico to the Gila River. This riparian habitat is rare in the desert Southwest. It’s a place where plants and animals thrive because of the availability of water, either at or near the surface of the soil. The river can be spotted from far off because of the band of cottonwood trees that grow densely along its shores, drawing migrating birds and other wildlife.

The river has long had an attraction for man as well. Evidence of prehistoric hunters of 11,000 years ago has been found at Lehner Mammoth Site and Murray Springs Clovis Site.
Where? Sierra Vista – San Pedro House 9800 E. Highway 90.
When: Saturdays 8 AM to 12 Noon.
How Much? Donations are appreciated.
More Info: http://www.discoverseaz.com/Attractions/SPRNCA.html

 Saturdays & Sundays In September

 What? Concerts: Folk Songs & Ballads
Where? Arizona Folklore Preserve. South of Sierra Vista off Ramsey Canyon Road; 56  East Folklore Trail, Hereford, Arizona  85615.
When? Matinees start at 2 PM; doors open at 1 PM.
How Much? Adults: $15. Children 17 & under: $6.
More Info: http://arizonafolklore.com

Sunday September 9th

 What? Comedy Concert: Stand Up to Stop Violence
Get ready to go to a funny place you’ve never been before, where basketball heroes and talented comedians come together for charity. The Second Annual Stand Up to Stop Violence comedy fundraiser benefits the Emerge Center to Prevent Domestic Abuse and the Blair Charity Group.
Where? Fox Theater, Downtown Tucson
When? 7:00 pm
How Much? $15 – $100
More Info: FoxTheater.com

 Saturday September 15th

What? Bisbee Blues Festival featuring Leon J, Sean Trackman, Bad News Blues, Eddie Turner, Diunna Greenleaf.
Where? Warren Ballpark
When? Gates open at Noon. Show starts around 1 PM
How Much? $20 in advance; $25 at gate
More Info: thebisbeebluesfestival.com to purchase advance tickets

 Saturday, September 22^nd

What? Oro Valley Classics Car and Truck Show
Antique automobiles, old-time rock ‘n roll, and all-American food.  Live music: with rockabilly from The Outlaw Rebels at 11 a.m. and rock and country from Good Question at 1 p.m. 
Where? Oro Valley Marketplace, on the southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road. 
When? 10 AM to 3 PM.
How Much? FREE

 Thursday Through Sunday September 20th – 23rd

 What? 37^th Annual Tucson Greek Festival
Real Greek food, beer, & wine. Live music & folk dancing. Kids’ rides & much more.
Where? St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church: 1145 E. Ft. Lowell Road. Tucson.
When? Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM. Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM. Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM. Sunday: Noon – 6 PM
How Much? Daily Pass: Admission $3; Children Under 12 Free. 4-Day Pass: $5. Active Duty Military & Seniors: Free Saturday 4 PM – 6 PM. Free Parking & Shuttle Service.
More Info: www.TucsonGreekFestival.com.

 Friday September 21st

What? Oktoberfest in Sierra Vista
Beer garden, live music, oompah bands, dancing, carnival rides, food vendors, and crafts.
Why celebrate Oktoberfest in September? In October of 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese. That year, the festivities lasted five days. But five days wasn’t enough time to enjoy all the music, singing, eating and drinking. As the years went on, the festivities lasted longer and began earlier to take advantage of Germany’s nicer weather in September. So, the 16-day celebration takes place up to and including the first Sunday in October.
Where? Veterans’ Memorial Park
When? 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15.
How Much? FREE Admission
More Info: 520-417-6960, 520-458-7922.

 Thursday September 27^th – Sunday September 30^th

What?  4^th Annual Tucson Flamenco Festival. This four-day festival features an outdoor stage with guest artists from around the world, plus Spanish wine tasting, an outdoor bar, flamenco fashion show, and a late-night Spanish Fiesta atmosphere.
Where? Casa Vicente Restaurant: 375 S. Stone – Downtown Tucson.
When? Thursday PM though Sunday PM. Thursday, September 27th: 8 pm–10 pm. Doors open 8 PM; 8:30 PM – Moda Flamenca, a flamenco fashion show featuring a dozen designers and their flamenco and flamenco-inspired couture; 9:30 PM – Guitarras Flamencas y Guitarras Espanol, Misael Barraza, Chuscales, and others.
How Much? $15 – $200. Click here for tickets: http://www.tucsonflamencofestival.com/tickets/
More Info: http://www.downtowntucson.org/event/4th-annual-tucson-flamenco-festival.

 Friday September 28th

What? Nightfall at Old Tucson.
Old Tucson becomes a haunted ghost town, with hideous beasts and monsters, ghoulish stunts, and frightening shows.Where? Old Tucson: 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735
When? Thursday through Sundays in October from 6 PM to Closing. Preview weekend is September 28-30.
How Much? Unknown at time of post.
More Info: http://oldtucson.com. Phone: 520-908-4833.

 Friday September 28^th & Saturday the 29^th

What? Desert Museum 12^th Annual Plant Sale.
Go to the ASDM digital library for images and information on many of these plants. You are encouraged to bring your empty 1 gallon nursery pots to the sale. They will reuse them next year, saving earth’s resources, landfill space, and helping us keep costs down. The gallon size is the only one they currently need.
When? Friday, Members Only: 2:00 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Open to Public: 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
How Much: Regular Admission Price
More Info: http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/index.php

What? Arizona’s Salsa Trail – SalsaFest
Arizona’s Salsa Trail celebrates the annual SalsaFest featuring the salsa challenge, Jalapeno eating competition, Chihuahua races, car show and hot air balloons. Arizona’s Sprinkled through the small Southern Arizona communities of Safford, Pima, Thatcher, Solomon, Clifton, Duncan, Willcox, and York are a dozen Mexican restaurants ready to serve up fine Mexican food.

The scenic Old West Highway connects the communities and businesses which are within a 40 mile radius of Safford – about and hour and a half east and slightly north of Tucson.

In addition to good food and friendly folks, tourists are beginning to discover the natural beauty and tucked away attractions that dot the map along the Salsa Trail®. There are over 4 million acres of National Forest and protected Wilderness lands, pristine high desert beauty, the lush Gila Valley, and towering pines on Mount Graham. Graham County is filled with so many things to do throughout its little communities, and has some of the most beautiful scenic terrain in the entire Southwest.
Where? Safford Town Square. 1111 Thatcher Blvd. (Hwy 70), Safford, AZ 85546
When? Starts Friday 5 PM on Main Street; Safford. Saturday, Hot Air Balloons take flight from the Fair Grounds at Day Break. Saturday AM Salsa Contests, live entertainment, etc. plus Car Show on Main Street.
How Much? Mostly FREE, except if you want to taste the Salsa, you have to buy chips ($4). Proceeds go to Lions Club charities.
More Info? http://www.salsatrail.com/salsafest. Phone: 928-428-2511

Friday August 31^st through September 3^rd

What? HoCo Fest 2012.
Party like it’s 1979! HoCo Fest started in 2004 and is Arizona’s longest running solar-powered music festival. Beginning on Friday, August 31 and continuing through Monday, September 3, HoCo Fest 2012 will take over Hotel Congress featuring local and national music acts playing on indoor and outdoor stages, with all ages welcome.
Where? Hotel Congress – Club Congress
When? Doors open at 7 p.m.
How Much? $15
More Info: http://www.hotelcongress.com/club/

Saturday September 1^st

What? Concert for Kids
Children from all over Tucson, and as young as 2 years old, can explore a “magical” opportunity to interact and learn from a widely-recognized and talented educator, conductor and performer.

Exploring music since his roots in Europe and now working with children through local arts organizations, László Veres of the Tucson Pops Orchestra will engage with kids and teach the musical workings of instruments and sound during Musical Magic for Kids.
Where? Town of Oro Valley’s Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Canada Dr.
When? Concerts begin at 10 a.m. -”Peter and the Wolf” on Saturday, Sept. 1 and “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Oct. 6
How Much? Free
More Info: www.saaca.org

What? Free Lecture: Wyatt Earp, Capitalist
Historian/author Garner Palenske presents this intriguing story of Wyatt Earp’s involvement in horse racing, gambling, and mining at Tombstone City Archives. Palenske is the author of the much acclaimed book, Wyatt Earp in San Diego, Life After Tombstone.
Free book given away and opportunity to meet the author immediately following at Tombstone Old West Books, 4th and Allen Streets.
Where? Tombstone City Archives 6th And Fremont Streets
When? 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Saturday-Sunday-Monday September 1^st – 3^rd

What? Rendezvous of the Gunfighters
Gunfighter groups from throughout the U.S. gather in Tombstone to perform. Activities include a Most-Authentic 1880′s Costume Contest. Sponsored by the Tombstone Wild Bunch.
Where? Tombstone / Allen Street / OK Corral
When? The 1880’s costume parade will begin Sunday, September 2^nd at 12 noon.
More Info: www.tombstonewildbunch.com/

Sunday September 2nd

What? Members’-Only Pancake Breakfast in Celebration of The Desert Museum’s 60^th B’day.
Where? Ironwood Terrace Restaurant in the Desert Museum
When? 8 AM – 11 AM
How Much? Members 8 and older: $12. Ages 4-7: $5. Three & under and anyone born in 1952: FREE.
What Else? If you’re not a member, you oughta be. Just sayin’.

What? Bisbee’s 47th Annual Brewery Gulch Daze.
Events will include a the Soiled Dove Race, Wacky Pet Parade, Kids Games, Recycled Art Auction, Silent Auction, Miz Ole’ Biz Contest & live music by Buzz & the Soul Senders.
Where? Brewery Gulch in Old Bisbee.
When? 8 AM – 5 PM.
How Much: Depends on how many beers you buy.

What? Jeff Kashiwa & Crystal Stark in Concert
Kashiwa is one of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz. A year after leaving The Rippingtons, Kashiwa was an immediate smash on the smooth jazz charts, scoring a #1 hit for over eight weeks on the Radio & Records chart.  His sound ranges from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz – this show will have it all.  Joining Kashiwa for several numbers will be Tucson favorite, singer Crystal Stark.
Where?  Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Rd.When?  7:30 PM
How Much? $20 – $35
More Info:  http://tucsonjazz.org/

I had been waiting months to return to Mescal and photograph the old place with dramatic monsoon clouds. I had photographed it in the spring, but the sky was clear and not all that interesting.

Yesterday late afternoon, Neighbor Roy & I trekked out there to meet Frank Brown, the caretaker, and see if we could get off a couple of dramatic shots.

All this past week the late afternoon sky has been dark & menacing … just what I was looking for. Yesterday … not so much. Nevertheless, here are a few shots to share. We’ll go back next week if the monsoon cooperates.

Frank Brown, the Mescal caretaker, occasionally gives tours. Totally worthwhile, not only because Frank is a great guy, but his stories about the many stars, such as Clint Eastwood, who have made Westerns here, are seriously interesting.

At the far west end of Mescal looking west into the setting sun. The buildings here are deteriorating rapidly. The owners aren’t spending any money to keep it up. Shame. If you want to photograph Mescal, we suggest you do so soon. The old town won’t last much longer.

On a related note, you can see our ghost town videos, such as Ruby, AZ, and slide shows, such as Gleeson & Pearce, at our website: SouthernArizonaGuide.com.

Tucson Presidio Cannon Fire Marks City’s 237th Birthday

Last evening, Neighbor Roy & I attended the City’s 237th birthday celebration at the Presidio. The event was very well attended. Dignitaries spoke. Native Americans chanted prayers. Flags were raised. In short, a lot of pageantry as befits the Old Pueblo.

In this photograph you can see the gray smoke and orange sparks discharged from the old Spanish cannon. From my vantage point, I was showered with gunpowder & debris from the blast. But I had seen this demonstration before and knew to wear ear protection. In the confines of the old fort, the roar is deafening.

One of the most enjoyable things about publishing Southern Arizona Guide is I get to video some of the most interesting people and places in our region. Last year, I interviewed one of the Presidio’s Spanish soldiers in costume, in character. The time was 1776 and he was complaining that the Apaches didn’t fight fair. Click here to watch this little bit of our history.

Took a few days off to re-visit several of my favorite sights around Southeastern Arizona. Here are a few photos I took along the way.

Do you know where this is?

A Street Scene In Old Bisbee.

I’ll share a few more manana.

This a a rare colorized postcard from the Donovan Durban collection. Can you tell when it was taken? Look closely, the picture provides many hints.

Donovan and I are working on a photographic project of Downtown Tucson, but I can’t complete it until the construction of the Modern Streetcar is complete.

I do have quite a bit of local history on my Southern Arizona Guide website, should you have an interest in that sort of thing.

On the third and final day of our Southeastern Arizona adventure, we started early. Deborah Mendelsohn, our Simpson Hotel B&B innkeeper in Duncan, had prepared a delicious take-along breakfast for us the night before.

Normally, we would have slept in and enjoyed breakfast with her and the other guests, but we had a lot of ground to cover if we were to see all that we wanted to explore and still get home to Tucson in time to pick up our two dogs.

Salsa Trail
Since leaving Willcox and passing through Safford on our way to Duncan, we had been on the Salsa Trail.

The Salsa Trail extends about 240 miles and unites the towns of Safford, Pima, Thatcher, Clifton, Duncan, Willcox, and York. It also unites about a dozen Mexican restaurants, a chili farm, and a tortilla factory.

You can take it any time of year to sample the best Mexican food in the area, and more particularly, many varieties of salsa. But every year, the Graham County Chamber sponsors SalsaFest, sort of a block party that extend over 3 counties: Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise.

The next SalsaFest is September 28^th & 29^th, 2012. In addition to great Mexican food, there will be a jalapeño-eating contest (not for me), the Salsa Challenge were you can help determine the winner (this I can do), hot air balloons, Chihuahua races and Best Chihuahua Costume contest, plus a classic and hot rod car show.

Clifton, AZ. Jail Carved Into Cliff.

Clifton
Leaving Duncan, we headed north to the once-vibrant mining town of Clifton. Clifton is an old copper mining town. No mine, no town. Rich copper deposits were first discovered here soon after the Civil War.

The San Francisco River runs through town. Over the last century, it has flooded and decimated Clifton several times. Now there’s a fine RV park along the river where houses used to be before the most recent flood.

While taking photographs around town, we met Marla who, with her husband, owns several historic building. She was kind enough to point out some of the more impressive features in and around Clifton, including the Potter Ranch B&B.

Potter Ranch on the San Francisco River a few miles north Of Clifton on an unpaved road.

Potter Ranch
On the National Register of Historic Homes, Potter Ranch was built in 1901 by a wealthy miner and the grandfather of the present owner and innkeeper, June Palmer.

You wouldn’t know it just by looking at it, but this lovely home was abandoned after a 1983 flood, and vandalized during the six years it sat vacant. Ms. Palmer, an acclaimed artist, reclaimed the property in 1989 after a 50-year absence, and restored the home to its original Victorian décor.

And you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful natural setting.

Old Downtown Clifton

Most of the buildings along the narrow main street that runs through what was once a thriving downtown district are boarded up now. But at the north end is the museum and offices of the Greenlee County Historical Society.

The exhibits chronicle the long history of this area, from paleo-Indians and Coronado’s  Expedition, to Apaches, and most recently miners, ranchers, and other pioneers.

There are 3 places to dine out in Clifton: PJ’s, El Corralito (Pizza & Mexican), and Tyler’s Taste of Texas BBQ. All were closed the early Sunday morning we were in town.

As for lodging, if there’s no room at the Potter Ranch, I suggest the Simpson Hotel B&B in Duncan.

Morenci' Mine

Morenci’
Today, the big copper mining activity is at Morenci’ just up the road. They say it’s the biggest open pit mine in the Western Hemisphere. But the ‘pit’ is not just a hole in the ground like the Lavender Pit Mine in Bisbee.

The mine in Morenci’ is vast, leveling whole mountains for as far as the eye can see. The Morenci’ Mine offers a tour, which undoubtedly would have been interesting, but we didn’t have time.

You may decry the wholesale destruction of the environment up here, but modern civilization depends as much on copper as it does on fossil fuels.

Much of our early Sunday morning involved taking photographs of old Clifton, and there’s a lot of old Clifton to photograph. In a few weeks, I’ll have a slide show about all this on our Southern Arizona Guide website.

Gila Box Raft Launch Site

Black Hills Country Byway
After several hours exploring Clifton and Morenci’ we headed south a ways and picked up the Black Hills Country Byway. This unpaved road was once the main thoroughfare between Safford and Clifton. Now it’s a scenic back road that takes adventurous people through rough, beautiful backcountry and across the Gila River.

Old Safford Road Bridge Over Gila River

Along the way are 2 campgrounds with ramadas, and several exceptionally fine picnic areas that we will add to our ‘Best Of’ list.

We noted several primitive side roads that beckon off-road enthusiasts. We were driving a high-clearance vehicle, but lacked both time and four-wheel drive capability. Another time, perhaps.

We strongly suggest you not tow a trailer or take a vehicle exceeding 20 feet in length on this byway.

Gila River At Old Safford Bridge

Gila Box
The Byway crosses the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area between mileposts 17 and 18. This conservation area includes 22,000 acres of scenic desert canyons and several perennial rivers and creeks.

Here you will find a 15-mile segment of Bonita Creek and 23 miles of the Gila River, including the steep-walled Gila Box. Two other perennial waterways, Eagle Creek and the San Francisco River, flow into the Gila Box. Rafting, backpacking, hiking, birding, horseback riding, photography, and camping are popular activities in the area.

Fire Agates

Rock Collecting
There’s even an area set aside for rock hounds. Here you may find fire agates, but the predominant geological feature is volcanic rock. This special rock hound area makes a great day adventure for collectors. The site is open for digging by the public without fees or permits. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks. Access is easiest from U.S. Highway 191, just east of milepost 141.

Just on the south end of the old Safford Bridge, which was built with convict labor in the ‘30’s, is were you can launch your inflatable raft or kayak and float down the Gila for miles.

Lower Eagle Creek Requires High-Clearance 4-Wheel Drive.

Lower Eagle Creek
Most of this area is BLM land, but there are several cattle ranches long the Byway, and more than a few stray cows in the road.

Little Eagle Creek Road, which you can access just above the Morenci’ Mine, is another gateway to off-road adventures.

At the south end of the Byway is Highway 191/Route 70 and the little town of Solomon, named for the gentleman who made a fortune clear-cutting the surrounding hills to make charcoal for the smelters.

By this time we were hungry, but there were no restaurants open in Solomon or on the way to Safford on this Sunday morning.

Next Stop: Manor House Restaurant and Roper Lake