Travel in Arizona can often be an adventure. Now thanks to the simple minded legislators and the ex Governor (Janet Napolitano, good riddance) a new wrinkle has been added. PHOTO RADAR and it is everywhere. They gave this new toy to the DPS (State Police) and they are putting up cameras wherever they think they can trap you. In addition they have Vans equipped with cameras they can move around.
In truth they are nothing more than a new wrinkle to the old fashion Speed Traps of our Grandparents days and for the same reason, to harvest money.
Photo radar does not promote safety on our roads, they do not prevent accidents, they have no sense of smell so no help in driving while impaired, They do not take speeders off our roads, No, none of the above. They exist to raise money nothing else. And we are talking Millions!
But take heart my friends there are some ways around this money grab. First off, they are border line legal as in America we have the right to face our accuser, which in this case is a camera and a letter in the mail. But I will leave that one to the legal profession.
But do know this, if you are a visitor to The State of Arizona and you have a license plate from another state they will not pursue you - your home free. Likewise if you have a company car. Plus - know this the cameras will not trigger unless you are going a full 11 miles per hour over the posted limit.
Enjoy your visit.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Saturday, March 29, 2008
GOLF IN ARIZONA
Golf in Arizona
Arizona is a golfer’s paradise. Throughout the state north to south east to west golf courses abound. Trouble is Arizona golf is expensive, especially in the winter months when people from the north seek relief from the winter snows and $200 to $300 greens fees are not uncommon.
But the savvy traveler can enjoy Arizona’s golf with out breaking his or her pocket book by planning the golfing trip by the calendar. Think of April 15 to May 15 when golf courses drop their fees as the Snow Birds flee the south for their homes elsewhere. This is a marvelous time to book your trip the weather is still moderate (remember 80 or 90 degrees in the dry climate is ok) and the courses are not crowded. The same is true of October and November. The winter folk have not yet arrived and prices are reasonable.
Look into buying the Southwest PGA card, it’s around $100 per person but when presented gives 50% discount Monday - Thursday and 25% discount Friday- Sunday. It can be purchased at any participating course. Two or three rounds and you have retrieved the cost plus the card is good for 12 months Nov 1 through October 31. And a good many courses honor it.
Another tip and you can ignore it if you wish but some of the most over priced courses and overrated are the ones you see on TV or read about in the Magazines. Sure they cater to the Pro’s but how about you? I’ll name some names, TPC Scottsdale (The Phoenix Open) Troon, Greyhawk, and Wildfire are among them. Play them once if you must but look for other options. These and others have arrangements with the big resorts who funnel players to them a exorbitant prices (They do not honor the PGA Card). If your staying at one of these resorts ask them for other options they’ll have them.
And finally consider the summer time. Prices are low, low, low and remember Arizonan’s play year around and enjoy it. Sure you’ll be tired and sweaty when the round is over but that’s what swimming pools and cool drinks are for.
Arizona is a golfer’s paradise. Throughout the state north to south east to west golf courses abound. Trouble is Arizona golf is expensive, especially in the winter months when people from the north seek relief from the winter snows and $200 to $300 greens fees are not uncommon.
But the savvy traveler can enjoy Arizona’s golf with out breaking his or her pocket book by planning the golfing trip by the calendar. Think of April 15 to May 15 when golf courses drop their fees as the Snow Birds flee the south for their homes elsewhere. This is a marvelous time to book your trip the weather is still moderate (remember 80 or 90 degrees in the dry climate is ok) and the courses are not crowded. The same is true of October and November. The winter folk have not yet arrived and prices are reasonable.
Look into buying the Southwest PGA card, it’s around $100 per person but when presented gives 50% discount Monday - Thursday and 25% discount Friday- Sunday. It can be purchased at any participating course. Two or three rounds and you have retrieved the cost plus the card is good for 12 months Nov 1 through October 31. And a good many courses honor it.
Another tip and you can ignore it if you wish but some of the most over priced courses and overrated are the ones you see on TV or read about in the Magazines. Sure they cater to the Pro’s but how about you? I’ll name some names, TPC Scottsdale (The Phoenix Open) Troon, Greyhawk, and Wildfire are among them. Play them once if you must but look for other options. These and others have arrangements with the big resorts who funnel players to them a exorbitant prices (They do not honor the PGA Card). If your staying at one of these resorts ask them for other options they’ll have them.
And finally consider the summer time. Prices are low, low, low and remember Arizonan’s play year around and enjoy it. Sure you’ll be tired and sweaty when the round is over but that’s what swimming pools and cool drinks are for.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Greasewood Flat
GREASEWOOD FLAT - for some special moments
I just received a check in the mail from the administrator for the settlement of a class action suit against American Express for over charging for something back in the nineties. It is for $1.39 which is my share. I don’t know about you but I am very tired of attorneys using my name among others to line their own pockets with dollars. I sent mine back so they have the opportunity to place it somewhere the sun don’t shine.
But on to Greasewood Flat, it is a venerable watering hole located in the Reatta Pass area of the McDowell Mountains just north of Phoenix. Located on Alma School Road between Happy Valley Road and Dynamite Road it is an easy half hour drive from almost anywhere in the area. Look for a hard to see weather beaten sign at the road and drive down the quarter mile dirt driveway (hey who cares it’s a rental car) and you will find one of Arizona’s treasures, a ramshackle group of buildings surround a courtyard full of beat out picnic type tables filled with people from all sorts lifestyles, Businessmen in their Jeans, Bikers out on a ride, families, College kids, Seniors, you name it. The tables are usually filled with empty and half full beer bottles and plastic drink cups because you serve yourself from the bars in the buildings and hardly ever are the tables cleared. Music plays and people dance in the middle around a kind of May Pole on the concrete dance floor. They have, to die for, Hamburgers and Chicken Sandwiches which you order in the bar and wait to get when your number is called. All this and prices that are reminiscent of the 1950’s. It sometimes gets cold in the evenings so there are half metal drums strategically placed around and stacks of firewood so you can start your own warming fire.
If you want to go, plan it soon because the owner is now in his nineties and this place which used to be out in the middle of nowhere has become surrounded by million dollar homes and a toney four seasons resort just across the road. No guarantee that his heirs will be able to resist the millions the land will bring.
I just received a check in the mail from the administrator for the settlement of a class action suit against American Express for over charging for something back in the nineties. It is for $1.39 which is my share. I don’t know about you but I am very tired of attorneys using my name among others to line their own pockets with dollars. I sent mine back so they have the opportunity to place it somewhere the sun don’t shine.
But on to Greasewood Flat, it is a venerable watering hole located in the Reatta Pass area of the McDowell Mountains just north of Phoenix. Located on Alma School Road between Happy Valley Road and Dynamite Road it is an easy half hour drive from almost anywhere in the area. Look for a hard to see weather beaten sign at the road and drive down the quarter mile dirt driveway (hey who cares it’s a rental car) and you will find one of Arizona’s treasures, a ramshackle group of buildings surround a courtyard full of beat out picnic type tables filled with people from all sorts lifestyles, Businessmen in their Jeans, Bikers out on a ride, families, College kids, Seniors, you name it. The tables are usually filled with empty and half full beer bottles and plastic drink cups because you serve yourself from the bars in the buildings and hardly ever are the tables cleared. Music plays and people dance in the middle around a kind of May Pole on the concrete dance floor. They have, to die for, Hamburgers and Chicken Sandwiches which you order in the bar and wait to get when your number is called. All this and prices that are reminiscent of the 1950’s. It sometimes gets cold in the evenings so there are half metal drums strategically placed around and stacks of firewood so you can start your own warming fire.
If you want to go, plan it soon because the owner is now in his nineties and this place which used to be out in the middle of nowhere has become surrounded by million dollar homes and a toney four seasons resort just across the road. No guarantee that his heirs will be able to resist the millions the land will bring.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Carefree & Cave Creek
CAREFREE & CAVE CREEK
If you are planning on visiting the Phoenix area you might want to consider taking a day trip or two about 20 miles north of Scottsdale proper and visit these two towns. Wrapped deliciously around Black Mountain these towns couldn’t be more different and yet with a great deal of sameness At an altitude of 2568 ft they are cooler than Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale ( that is if you think 105 degrees is better than 110 in the summer) and are adjacent to each other. It is easy to get there as 3 major roads head north from Hwy 101 and end in the towns, Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale Road and Pima Road.
CAREFREE, with 2 world class resorts and Spas, The Boulders Resort and The Carefree Resort, has beauty, boulders and the mountain as a backdrop of its opulence. Long a haven of wealth both winter residence and full time retirees this city fights to maintain exclusiveness by passing many restrictive laws and regulations about speed, noise and general behavior.
But yet they want your dollar as visitors and so The Sundial Plaza, home of a giant Sundial which serves no real purpose and The Spanish Village next to it have many shops and restaurants mainly of Southwestern flavor, Art and Treasures. Many art festivals on weekends as well as a Farmers Market also lead to a pleasant day of browsing.
CAVE CREEK on the other hand can be the anti-carefree, originally mostly a cowboy and horse fancier town that attracted bikers from all over who really pissed off the Carefreers as they ride through that staid town with their noise and wild attire. Cave Creek has some legendary saloons including, Harold’s, The Buffalo Chip, The Satisfied Frog and The Horny Toad all reflecting the old visions of the wild west in their particular way. Shopping can be an adventure too as old west treasures and artifacts can be found in stores such as The Town Dump, The Lazy Lizard and Buffalo Bill’s.
But do it now if you want to see the fabled Cowboy Town in all it’s glory for the town is changing as newcomers move in with million dollar homes and attitudes more like the Carefreer’s. Fancy 4 Star Restaurants have popped up that get glowing reviews in the Phoenix Papers: Binkley’s, Cartwright’s The Cave Creek Coffee Co. to name a few. As they are with everything the times they are a changing!
If you are planning on visiting the Phoenix area you might want to consider taking a day trip or two about 20 miles north of Scottsdale proper and visit these two towns. Wrapped deliciously around Black Mountain these towns couldn’t be more different and yet with a great deal of sameness At an altitude of 2568 ft they are cooler than Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale ( that is if you think 105 degrees is better than 110 in the summer) and are adjacent to each other. It is easy to get there as 3 major roads head north from Hwy 101 and end in the towns, Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale Road and Pima Road.
CAREFREE, with 2 world class resorts and Spas, The Boulders Resort and The Carefree Resort, has beauty, boulders and the mountain as a backdrop of its opulence. Long a haven of wealth both winter residence and full time retirees this city fights to maintain exclusiveness by passing many restrictive laws and regulations about speed, noise and general behavior.
But yet they want your dollar as visitors and so The Sundial Plaza, home of a giant Sundial which serves no real purpose and The Spanish Village next to it have many shops and restaurants mainly of Southwestern flavor, Art and Treasures. Many art festivals on weekends as well as a Farmers Market also lead to a pleasant day of browsing.
CAVE CREEK on the other hand can be the anti-carefree, originally mostly a cowboy and horse fancier town that attracted bikers from all over who really pissed off the Carefreers as they ride through that staid town with their noise and wild attire. Cave Creek has some legendary saloons including, Harold’s, The Buffalo Chip, The Satisfied Frog and The Horny Toad all reflecting the old visions of the wild west in their particular way. Shopping can be an adventure too as old west treasures and artifacts can be found in stores such as The Town Dump, The Lazy Lizard and Buffalo Bill’s.
But do it now if you want to see the fabled Cowboy Town in all it’s glory for the town is changing as newcomers move in with million dollar homes and attitudes more like the Carefreer’s. Fancy 4 Star Restaurants have popped up that get glowing reviews in the Phoenix Papers: Binkley’s, Cartwright’s The Cave Creek Coffee Co. to name a few. As they are with everything the times they are a changing!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
San Miguel de Allende, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa
Thoughts on San Miguel de Allende, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa Mexico
Feb 27 2008
Just returned from a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with 2 quick observations
1. That no one under the age of 40 should ever be allowed to buy spray paint cans. Graffiti ugh. 2. That US Customs in almost all airports is on their own crusade to make all who pass through their portals walk or jog for miles exercise whether they want to or not. Have you ever walked longer to get out of an airport - those people a masochists!
Went to San Miguel de Allende to see if it might be a affordable alternative to Phoenix in the summer time. After all it is in the central highlands of Mexico where the temps in the summer remain relatively moderate and is home to many Gringos (Americans) some as snowbirds and some year around. The figure I kept hearing was about 4000 people. Nice town, picturesque, friendly, and clean. Also low key no high rise hotels or big deal Spas in the city proper. Some deluxe small boutique hotels and many fine B&B’s at reasonable prices. But inexpensive it is not, prices for long term rentals or to buy are about the same as in Arizona, which means expensive for Mexico. Seems the Gringo influence has spread inflation. I also discovered that summer is the rainy season and not all that pleasant. So I guess I would be better off to stay in Arizona go to the mountains and save all the travel expense.
The beach town of Zihuatanejo, (Zay-wha-ten-aho) is delightful and very similar to what Puerto Vallarta was 40 years ago, a former fishing village become tourist town but no High Rise Chain Hotels, no Cruise Ship pier (a few ships do anchor in the harbor and launch people in) nice little town to browse, chat, shop and nice restaurants. The beaches are many, white sand and not overly crowded.
Ixtapa, 4 kilometers to the north and entirely separate is another story, like Cancun the Mexican Government developed a previously deserted area of land and beach, invited the big hotels of the world to come and built an Airport which serves both cities. If you must see it get a taxi and spend 45 minutes looking around and immediately go back to Zihuatanejo.
Feb 27 2008
Just returned from a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with 2 quick observations
1. That no one under the age of 40 should ever be allowed to buy spray paint cans. Graffiti ugh. 2. That US Customs in almost all airports is on their own crusade to make all who pass through their portals walk or jog for miles exercise whether they want to or not. Have you ever walked longer to get out of an airport - those people a masochists!
Went to San Miguel de Allende to see if it might be a affordable alternative to Phoenix in the summer time. After all it is in the central highlands of Mexico where the temps in the summer remain relatively moderate and is home to many Gringos (Americans) some as snowbirds and some year around. The figure I kept hearing was about 4000 people. Nice town, picturesque, friendly, and clean. Also low key no high rise hotels or big deal Spas in the city proper. Some deluxe small boutique hotels and many fine B&B’s at reasonable prices. But inexpensive it is not, prices for long term rentals or to buy are about the same as in Arizona, which means expensive for Mexico. Seems the Gringo influence has spread inflation. I also discovered that summer is the rainy season and not all that pleasant. So I guess I would be better off to stay in Arizona go to the mountains and save all the travel expense.
The beach town of Zihuatanejo, (Zay-wha-ten-aho) is delightful and very similar to what Puerto Vallarta was 40 years ago, a former fishing village become tourist town but no High Rise Chain Hotels, no Cruise Ship pier (a few ships do anchor in the harbor and launch people in) nice little town to browse, chat, shop and nice restaurants. The beaches are many, white sand and not overly crowded.
Ixtapa, 4 kilometers to the north and entirely separate is another story, like Cancun the Mexican Government developed a previously deserted area of land and beach, invited the big hotels of the world to come and built an Airport which serves both cities. If you must see it get a taxi and spend 45 minutes looking around and immediately go back to Zihuatanejo.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Super Bowl
SUPER BOWL IN ARIZONA RIP OFFS
For heaven sakes stay away from traveling to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area from January 26 through February 3.
Price gouging has been carried to a SUPER level by some of the so called friendly people of Phoenix. The Super Bowl is actually in Glendale AZ but unless you simply can’t bear to miss it stay home, go to the local sports bar have a cool one and watch it, you can’t get a ticket anyway. Always remember this game isn’t for the fans. It is a big corporate party for all those sponsors, Corporate bigwigs, B list actors, rappers and assorted hangers on. Most VIP Parties are by invite only and many nightspots have space only at $1000.00 and up.
Who wants to be there anyway!
Example prices:
Car Rental (Economy from Dollar) - 4 days $432.00 one week later 3 days $99.00
Lodging (4 Night minimum at Hyatt Scottsdale) $2800.00 next week 199.00 per night
Limo (6 hr minimum) $575 one week later $325
And lastly and our first entry into Gary’s Hall of Shame, Phoenix based
US AIRWAYS - ROUND TRIP TICKET from BOSTON 1/31 returning 2/4 $2700.00
For days later 2/8 returning 2/11 - $363.00
So folks I’m sure you get it -- Arizona is a great place to visit but not that week
For heaven sakes stay away from traveling to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area from January 26 through February 3.
Price gouging has been carried to a SUPER level by some of the so called friendly people of Phoenix. The Super Bowl is actually in Glendale AZ but unless you simply can’t bear to miss it stay home, go to the local sports bar have a cool one and watch it, you can’t get a ticket anyway. Always remember this game isn’t for the fans. It is a big corporate party for all those sponsors, Corporate bigwigs, B list actors, rappers and assorted hangers on. Most VIP Parties are by invite only and many nightspots have space only at $1000.00 and up.
Who wants to be there anyway!
Example prices:
Car Rental (Economy from Dollar) - 4 days $432.00 one week later 3 days $99.00
Lodging (4 Night minimum at Hyatt Scottsdale) $2800.00 next week 199.00 per night
Limo (6 hr minimum) $575 one week later $325
And lastly and our first entry into Gary’s Hall of Shame, Phoenix based
US AIRWAYS - ROUND TRIP TICKET from BOSTON 1/31 returning 2/4 $2700.00
For days later 2/8 returning 2/11 - $363.00
So folks I’m sure you get it -- Arizona is a great place to visit but not that week
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Superstition Mountains & the Apache Trail
Phoenix is all excited about Super Bowl XLII to be played here February 3. But for a real experience think about visiting the mysterious and legendary Superstition Mountains, a quick drive southeast on US 60 towards the Town of Apache Junction, the foreboding and majestic mountain range famous in history for legends of Apache Massacres, Mexican Gold fortunes, The Lost Dutchman Mine, and many murders.
This 160,000 acre wilderness offers something for everybody from stark rocky peaks, rolling pine covered hills; narrow spooky canyons to open desert plateaus. But best of all it contains some 180 miles of trails making it wonderful for a day hike, rock climbing or a week of camping and backpacking. Horseback riding is also available either with riding stables or to trailer in your own horse.
But you don’t have to be a macho hiker or horse rider either as the Apache Trail is for everyone. Traveling east on US 60 turn left at the Idaho road exit and travel about 2 miles to the junction with The Apache Trail (State Rd 88) turn right and head off on a wonderful road trip for cars or bikers. The road is paved most of the way. First on the right is the Superstition Mountain Museum with books and trail maps and the usual museum exhibits of histories and events. On farther to the left is The old ghost town of Goldfield, a tourist trap, but as with most tourist traps has some interesting things for visitors to see, I recommend the live snake and scorpion exhibit If the curator is there as he is vary enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The mine tour is also good even though it is not real it gives a better in site to what they were like than most of the real ones and an upscale model of an old time bordello Best of all entrance to Goldfield is free. Across the street from Goldfield is the Blue bird Snack and Gift Shop. Not much except for a scene in the movie “Raising Arizona” which was shot there.
Driving on ½ mile you come to the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park which features Camping, Hiking and great views of the Superstitions. Next up on the right is the Weavers Needle Vista and a splendid view of the spire which figures in so many tales of the Dutchman’s lost gold mine.
At this point the roads begins winding up the mountain with awe inspiring views of peaks and desert flora and fauna until suddenly with no warning your car rounds a bend and you are looking at one of the coolest, bluest bodies of water you can imagine. What in the world is it doing here in the middle of the desert? Hard to tell but it sure is a welcome sight. It is Canyon Lake one of a series of lakes formed by the Roosevelt Dam. If you have time the lake features a paddle boat ride on“The Dolly” which is a pleasant change of pace.
On past Canyon Lake a couple of miles is Tortilla Flat once a stage stop and overnight rest for travelers and freight wagons, today Tortilla Flat a fine old time restaurant that features Killer Chili, huge ½ lb Burgers and home-cooked Mexican Food. I recommend it.
Just across the street is another campground which features many Trailheads.
Tortilla Flat is a good spot to end the trip and head back down the mountain as the pavement ends just 5 miles beyond. But if you wish it is possible to continue on past Apache Lake, the Roosevelt Dam, and by turning right on Hwy 188 (paved) circle back through the towns of Globe and Miami to Apache Junction.
Phoenix is all excited about Super Bowl XLII to be played here February 3. But for a real experience think about visiting the mysterious and legendary Superstition Mountains, a quick drive southeast on US 60 towards the Town of Apache Junction, the foreboding and majestic mountain range famous in history for legends of Apache Massacres, Mexican Gold fortunes, The Lost Dutchman Mine, and many murders.
This 160,000 acre wilderness offers something for everybody from stark rocky peaks, rolling pine covered hills; narrow spooky canyons to open desert plateaus. But best of all it contains some 180 miles of trails making it wonderful for a day hike, rock climbing or a week of camping and backpacking. Horseback riding is also available either with riding stables or to trailer in your own horse.
But you don’t have to be a macho hiker or horse rider either as the Apache Trail is for everyone. Traveling east on US 60 turn left at the Idaho road exit and travel about 2 miles to the junction with The Apache Trail (State Rd 88) turn right and head off on a wonderful road trip for cars or bikers. The road is paved most of the way. First on the right is the Superstition Mountain Museum with books and trail maps and the usual museum exhibits of histories and events. On farther to the left is The old ghost town of Goldfield, a tourist trap, but as with most tourist traps has some interesting things for visitors to see, I recommend the live snake and scorpion exhibit If the curator is there as he is vary enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The mine tour is also good even though it is not real it gives a better in site to what they were like than most of the real ones and an upscale model of an old time bordello Best of all entrance to Goldfield is free. Across the street from Goldfield is the Blue bird Snack and Gift Shop. Not much except for a scene in the movie “Raising Arizona” which was shot there.
Driving on ½ mile you come to the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park which features Camping, Hiking and great views of the Superstitions. Next up on the right is the Weavers Needle Vista and a splendid view of the spire which figures in so many tales of the Dutchman’s lost gold mine.
At this point the roads begins winding up the mountain with awe inspiring views of peaks and desert flora and fauna until suddenly with no warning your car rounds a bend and you are looking at one of the coolest, bluest bodies of water you can imagine. What in the world is it doing here in the middle of the desert? Hard to tell but it sure is a welcome sight. It is Canyon Lake one of a series of lakes formed by the Roosevelt Dam. If you have time the lake features a paddle boat ride on“The Dolly” which is a pleasant change of pace.
On past Canyon Lake a couple of miles is Tortilla Flat once a stage stop and overnight rest for travelers and freight wagons, today Tortilla Flat a fine old time restaurant that features Killer Chili, huge ½ lb Burgers and home-cooked Mexican Food. I recommend it.
Just across the street is another campground which features many Trailheads.
Tortilla Flat is a good spot to end the trip and head back down the mountain as the pavement ends just 5 miles beyond. But if you wish it is possible to continue on past Apache Lake, the Roosevelt Dam, and by turning right on Hwy 188 (paved) circle back through the towns of Globe and Miami to Apache Junction.
Tombstone
Tombstone Arizona, what a name, it is a real town located in Southern Arizona south of Tucson and bills itself as “The Town To Tough To Die” The name came from its founder, Ed Schieffelin, who as a lonely prospector was told by a US Army Officer that his search for silver was futile and all he would find was his tombstone. Well, Ed found silver and named his mine and the town Tombstone.
Make no mistake about it Tombstone while a real town with schools, a government, et al is an out and out Tourist Trap it exists for you to visit and see. Tourist trap or not I recommend it if you want to see what a real mining, cowboy town looked like in the late 1800’s. Walk the streets, talk to the people all of whom will be eager to give you their versions of life in the town that made it famous. And famous it is, made so by Hollywood, Book and Magazine Publishers in the Twentieth Century. The movies, books and articles made the people and events of the town household words. Let them roll off your tongue Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, The OK Corral, Boot Hill, The Tombstone Epitaph, these were real people and places that existed in Tombstone in the 1880’s.
The Bird Cage, a gambling and prostitution establishment, The OK Corral, The Epitaph’s offices and Boot Hill are not to be missed places, and for a cool one stop in at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, (named after Doc Holliday’s girl friend).
For 10 years, roughly 1880 to 1890, Tombstone was probably the most famous town in Arizona. Money flowed from the mines and people wealthy and famous from the eastern cities and even European Royalty flocked to visit this wonderful place. But it was to be short lived as disaster struck in 1889 and ground water flooded the mines and try as they might they never overcame the problem.
Wyatt Earp by the way had moved on by this time. He met and fell in love with an entertainer passing through and performing at the Bird Cage. Her name was Sadie Marcus they married and stayed together the rest of their lives.
Sadie Marcus was one of the heirs of the Department Store Neiman Marcus.
Make no mistake about it Tombstone while a real town with schools, a government, et al is an out and out Tourist Trap it exists for you to visit and see. Tourist trap or not I recommend it if you want to see what a real mining, cowboy town looked like in the late 1800’s. Walk the streets, talk to the people all of whom will be eager to give you their versions of life in the town that made it famous. And famous it is, made so by Hollywood, Book and Magazine Publishers in the Twentieth Century. The movies, books and articles made the people and events of the town household words. Let them roll off your tongue Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, The OK Corral, Boot Hill, The Tombstone Epitaph, these were real people and places that existed in Tombstone in the 1880’s.
The Bird Cage, a gambling and prostitution establishment, The OK Corral, The Epitaph’s offices and Boot Hill are not to be missed places, and for a cool one stop in at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, (named after Doc Holliday’s girl friend).
For 10 years, roughly 1880 to 1890, Tombstone was probably the most famous town in Arizona. Money flowed from the mines and people wealthy and famous from the eastern cities and even European Royalty flocked to visit this wonderful place. But it was to be short lived as disaster struck in 1889 and ground water flooded the mines and try as they might they never overcame the problem.
Wyatt Earp by the way had moved on by this time. He met and fell in love with an entertainer passing through and performing at the Bird Cage. Her name was Sadie Marcus they married and stayed together the rest of their lives.
Sadie Marcus was one of the heirs of the Department Store Neiman Marcus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
