Ajo's desert heart

Plaza Deli. Order a picnic lunch (try the classic Reuben) and gourmet coffee. Then stroll across the street to the Plaza and dine in the shadow of grand architecture. WHEN: Breakfast and lunch Sun-Fri. HOW MUCH: $. WHERE: 28 Plaza St.; 520/387-6434.

Ajo Historical Society Museum. Learn more about New Cornelia Mining Co.'s legacy. The eccentric outpost in a onetime Tohono O'odham mission overflows with frontier-era artifacts and mining relics. There's a great viewpoint nearby of the New Cornelia's massive, multihued mine-pit slopes. WHEN: 10-4 daily. HOW MUCH: Donation suggested. WHERE: 160 W. Mission St.; 520/387-7105.

Info: Ajo is 135 miles west of Tucson and 111 miles south of Phoenix. Contact the Ajo District Chamber of Commerce (520/387-7742).