Blissful Day in Bisbee

view along main street in Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee, Arizona is a town located in Cochise County in the southeastern part of the state. The area was first settled in the mid-1800s and was officially incorporated as a town in 1902. Bisbee has a long and colorful history as a copper mining town. In the early 1900s, the surrounding area was the largest copper producer in the US. During the height of the copper mining boom, Bisbee was home to over 20,000 people. The town reached its peak of population and prosperity in the late 1920s. The decline of the copper industry in the 1930s caused a sharp decline in the population and economy of Bisbee. After WWII, the town slowly began to redevelop as an artist and tourist attraction. In the 1970s, Bisbee was declared a National Historic Landmark and is now known for its galleries, festivals, and live music.

Copper, Copper, and More Copper

Bisbee, Arizona has a long and rich history with copper mining. Bisbee was founded in 1880 as a mining camp after large deposits of copper were discovered in the Mule Mountains. The copper industry quickly flourished, and by the early 1900s Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. The Copper Queen Mine was the largest and most productive mine in Bisbee, producing over 8 billion pounds of copper ore between 1880 and 1975. The copper industry in Bisbee created a strong economy and provided employment for thousands of people. Copper mining in Bisbee continued until the late 1970s when the last mine closed. The copper industry left a lasting impact on the city of Bisbee, and the area is now known as the 'Queen of the Copper Mines'.

View of an old copper min in Bisbee

What to Eat in Bisbee

The local eateries in Bisbee are a great place to immerse yourself with the local culture and meet some quirky local residents. For breakfast, Bathtub Coffee is a unique place to grab a cup of joe along with some tasty bites. Be sure to snap a selfie of yourself chillin in their bathtub (but please keep your clothes on).

cup of coffee

For lunch, Bisbee Breakfast Club hits all the right spots. You can't go wrong with their classic take on biscuits and gravy, with warm homemade biscuits smothered in a creamy susage gravy seasoned perfectly. Also, try their mile high Erie Street Club sandwich stacked with bacon, lettuce, tomato, chiles, cheese, and roast beef on a sourdough bun. They also have mouthwatering burgers to choose from that will leave you full and satisfied.

Vintage sign reading 'I Love Biscuits and Gravy'

Another must try lunch spot in Bisbee is Dot's Diner. Originally opened in 1957, this old school diner now offers eclectic American fare. Enjoy their burgers and shakes or opt in for breakfast for lunch. Be sure to enjoy their outside seating amongst the vintage airstream trailer court.

View of Dot's Diner restaurant

The new hot spot and number one dinner ticket in town is The Copper Pig. Although this newly minted, nine table dinner spot is only open Sunday through Wednesday, the restaurant has been packed since opening in 2014. Savory staples such as fried chicken and dumplings have been popular choices early on, but so have alternative choices such as jambalaya (with shrimp, chicken and house-made andouille sausage) and jägerschnitzel (a pork loin cutlet breaded with house-made bread crumbs, then finished with a mushroom cabernet sauce). The regular menu is accompanied by seasonal specials — October, for example, featured sauerbraten, potato pancakes and other German delicacies. There are dessert specials, too, such as lemon bread pudding and gluten-free chocolate cake.

outline of a pig

Stroll Downtown Bisbee

Shopping in downtown Bisbee is an enjoyable experience for all involved. Nestled in the historic city of Bisbee, AZ, the downtown area is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. From vintage clothing to locally crafted jewelry and home decor, you can find something special to take home with you. There are several independent stores that offer an eclectic mix of items, from art pieces to vintage furniture. Whether you are searching for the perfect souvenir or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, downtown Bisbee is the ideal place to find it.

Downtown Bisbee

Where to Stay in Bisbee

Bisbee is a great place to stay if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful setting with plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. The town is home to quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, and some of the best outdoor adventure activities in the region. The main attraction of Bisbee is its history, with many historic buildings and landmarks to explore. There's something for everyone in Bisbee, whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just want to get away from it all. If you're looking for a hotel stay in Bisbee, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can find bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, and even some quaint hotels. No matter what type of accommodation you're looking for, you're sure to find something to suit your needs in Bisbee. So come and experience the charm of Bisbee and enjoy a relaxing and memorable stay.

silhouette of Arizona desert landscape