Best of Bisbee

Bisbee is 90 miles southeast of Tucson, the nearest major city. The Bisbee Visitor Center (No. 2 Copper Queen Plaza on Main St.; www.discoverbisbee.com or 520/432-3554) can help with lodging and events.

Art

Belleza Fine Art Gallery. Eclectic paintings and furniture; all profits go to a local shelter for homeless women and children. 29 Main; www.bellezagallery.org or 520/432-5877.

Metalmorphosis. Gallery of metal art, sculpture, and home decor. 79 Main; www.metalmorphosis.biz or 520/432-2922.

The Tang Gallery. Contemporary paintings. Open Thu-Sun. 32 Main; www.minatangkan.com or 520/432-5824.

Dining and drinking

The Bisbee Grille. Mesquite-grilled steaks, pasta. $$; lunch and dinner daily. No. 2 Copper Queen Plaza; 520/432-6788.

Cafe Roka. Contemporary American food and the best dining in town. $$$; dinner Thu-Sat. 35 Main; 520/432-5153.

OId Bisbee Roasters. On weekends, owner Seth Appell gives away free espresso at his stand in downtown’s Peddler’s Alley, on Main; www.uniquecoffee.com or 866/432-5063.

Rosa’s Little Italy. Classic Italian. Specials include iron-planked steaks and chops. $$; dinner Wed-Sun. 7 Bisbee Rd.; 520/432-1331.

St. Elmo Bar. Bisbee’s classic dive and cultural melting pot, established 1902. Moody’s, inside, serves Mexican food ($; lunch and dinner daily). 36 Brewery Ave.; 520/432-5578.

Bedding down

Canyon Rose Suites. Quiet downtown location in a 1905 building; kitchens and suites. 6 suites from $95. 27 Subway St.; 520/432-5098.

The Copper Queen Hotel. Italian villa architecture, built in 1902 and nicely restored. Request one of the larger rooms―they’re worth the extra money. 48 rooms from $115. 11 Howell Ave.; 520/432-2216.

Shady Dell. An only-in-Bisbee overnight option: a collection of vintage aluminum travel trailers, 10 to 38 feet, with black-and-white TV and period memorabilia. Hot shower on-site. Dot’s Diner ($; breakfast and lunch Thu-Mon). 9 trailers, a yacht, and a bus from $40. 1 Old Douglas Rd., www.theshadydell.com or 520/432-3567.

Vital Stats:

Population: 6,090

Elevation: 5,300 feet

Year founded: 1880

Average July high/low: 89°/65°

Average January high/low: 57°/34°

Average annual precipitation: 16.2 inches

Average home price: $88,716

Stairs climbed in Bisbee 1000 5K run: 1,034

Keep Reading: