BISBEE
Hunt for Art and Treasures
The picturesque town of Bisbee has a deep history, and no visit is complete without a tour of the old Queen Mine. But another draw is the lively art and antique scene. Start with the funky Broadway Stairs Gallery off of Brewery Gulch, and move on to Main Street, home to a smattering of antique shops and more than a dozen galleries. Visit ArtBisbee.com for more details.
Bisbee also is known for its boisterous bar scene; make sure to have a toast at St. Elmo Bar. And check DiscoverBisbee.com for a calendar of events, including a Pride festival, garden tour and more.
SCENIC CANYONS
Discover Extensive Species in Canyons of Southeastern Arizona
Southeastern Arizona is home to several birding hotspots, attracting people from around the world wielding binoculars and telephoto lenses.
One is Ramsey Canyon, south of Sierra Vista and uniquely situated at the ecological nexus of the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. It’s famous for its biological diversity and known as the “hummingbird capital of the country.”
Madera Canyon, 25 miles southeast of Tucson in the Santa Rita Mountains, is also a migratory bird haven. It’s home to 250 species, including 15 hummingbird species.
Birders prize both areas for spotting exotic and/or elusive avians such as the Elegant Trogon, Elf Owl and more. Visit FriendsOfMaderaCanyon.org for more information.
SONOITA/ELGIN
Toast to the Origin of Arizona Wine
Soil expert Gordon Dutt (who passed away at age 91 in 2021) planted the state’s first modern-day vines in Sonoita in 1978. The state’s wine industry has matured dramatically since then. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre gained popularity in the 2000s. Winemakers have recently experimented with Spanish and Italian grapes, such as Graciano and Sangiovese.
So, where to go? Sonoita Vineyards, Arizona’s oldest commercial vineyard and winery, dates from 1983, and its winemaker, Lori Reynolds, is Dutt’s granddaughter. Callaghan Vineyards’ founder Kent Callaghan turns out award-winning vintages that range from crisp whites to bold red blends and a crowd-pleasing dessert wine.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks is also highly regarded, and winemakers Todd Bostock and Callaghan host a series of online education courses. See DosCabezas.com for details and go to SonoitaElginChamber.org/wineries for a list of area tasting rooms.
