Driving down Highway 80, there's a break in the mountains that reveals a town that looks as old as the hills. At the right time of the day, the sun shines down on this quaint town and reflects its light off of window panes that have seen the rise, fall and rebirth of a place called Bisbee.

Down the town's main street, shops and restaurants still have the feel of a small town. Along this road you will find a fine sampling of Bisbee's best - from "Killer Bee Honey" to handmade hats by one of the last milliners in the United States. Antique stores abound with items to suit every taste, and art galleries occupy many of the historic storefronts.

A Town with a Past

Founded in 1880, Bisbee has been around awhile. By the early 1900's, this mining town had become a major stop along the travel route from San Francisco to New Orleans, with as many as 30,000 residents in its heyday (today Bisbee has a population of just under 7,000). In its height, the bustling little town boasted its own stock exchange, and miners made their marks in the mountains and on the city streets where they spent their hard earned wages.

Today, the mines are no longer operating, the train no longer stops in town, and the gambling is gone. But this little town is anything but dead and boring.

Nowadays, Bisbee boasts classic car shows, street dances, music and art festivals, annual art auctions, an Earth Day festival, bicycling events, weekly farmers' markets, 4th of July celebrations, historic home tours, concerts, and an emerging entertainment scene.

Run with a Cause

One upcoming event that you won't want to miss is the Bisbee1000, a run/walk/stroll through Bisbee's staircases. On October 20th, people from all across the United States and beyond will converge on this mountain town to run, walk or take a family stroll through nine sets of staircases located throughout the town. In addition, musicians will be playing at various locations along the route, encouraging people to "step on!"

Now in its 17th year, the event was founded by Bisbee resident Cynthia Conroy, who wanted to help save an important piece of Bisbee's past. The town features a unique system of stairways that originally followed mule paths from the town's mining days. During the Great Depression, men were hired to build steps over those paths. Time has done its damage to the stairs, and the non-profit "Save Our Stairs" was created to raise money for repairs.

"There are 351 sets of stairs here in Bisbee - they are our way to get around town," said Conroy. "It is a never ending project, but we reached our goal!" Repairs on the steps continue, but this year the event proceeds will go to another cause.

"The Run is a great weekend escape from Tucson to Bisbee. You can come and meet over a thousand of your neighbors as we raise money and awareness for this very important case, Childhood Obesity," said Conroy. "This year 100% of the proceeds will go to programs dealing with Childhood Obesity."

Conroy hopes that Tucsonans will come and visit Bisbee. She says the town has a European-feel to it. "We like to say, why go to Italy when you can visit Bisbee!"

Other Attractions

With its historical past and its budding present, Bisbee attracts people from near and far. Since Bisbee is located a mile high in the Mule Mountains, many visit to get away from the heat. Average highs in the summer range from the 80s to low 90s, and those who take the Queen Mine tour experience cool comfort by traveling deep into the earth where the temperature registers a cool 47 degrees year round.

A visit to the Copper Queen Hotel is a must. She stands perched at the top of one of Bisbee's famous stairways looking very much like she did in her early days. Or try the Hotel La More, which opened in 1917. It is furnished with beautiful quilts and antiques, many of which are original to the hotel. The Grand Hotel, Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum and St. Patrick's church that still holds Sunday services in the sanctuary that was built in 1916 are also worth a visit.

Whether it's a day trip you're looking for or a place to get away for the weekend, a visit to Bisbee will capture your heart.

If you go:

Bisbee is located about 2 hours from Tucson. From Tucson, take 1-10 East to Route 80. Take Route 80 South through Tombstone to Bisbee. Since Bisbee is located in the mountains, the air is cooler and a light jacket is useful in the evenings. For more information on the Bisbee1000, visit the event website at www.bisbee1000.org.

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