Southern Arizona - American Southwest - page 480

480

When the residents of Tombstone weren't shooting each other in the streets, they were
likely to be found in the saloons and bawdy houses that lined Allen Street. Most famous
was the Bird Cage Theatre, Allen and Sixth streets ( & 800/457-3423 or 520/457-
3421), so named for the cagelike cribs (what most people would think of as box seats)
suspended from the ceiling. These velvet-draped cages were used by prostitutes to ply
their trade. For old Tombstone atmosphere, this place is hard to beat. Admission is $10
for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for children 8 to 18; the theater is open daily from 8am
to 6pm.
When it's time for a cold beer, Tombstone has a couple of very lively old saloons. The
Crystal Palace Saloon, at 436 E. Allen St. ( & 520/457-3611; www.crystalpalacesaloon.
com), was built in 1879 and has been completely restored. This is one of the favorite
hangouts of the town's costumed actors and other would-be cowboys and cowgirls. Big
Nose Kate's, 417 E. Allen St. ( & 520/457-3107; www.bignosekate.com), is an equally
entertaining spot, full of Wild West character and characters.
Tombstone has long been a tourist town, and its streets are lined with souvenir shops
selling wind chimes, dream catchers, and loads of cowboy souvenirs. There are also sev-
eral small museums scattered around town. At the Rose Tree Inn Museum, at Fourth
and Toughnut streets ( & 520/457-3326 ), you can see the world's largest rose tree. Inside
are antique furnishings from Tombstone's heyday in the 1880s. The museum is open
daily from 9am to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is $5 (free for
children 13 and under).
Tombstone Courthouse State Park, 223 Toughnut St. ( & 520/457-3311; www.az
stateparks.com), is the most imposing building in town and provides a much less sensa-
tionalized version of local history. Built in 1882, the courthouse is now a state historic
park and museum containing artifacts, photos, and newspaper clippings that chronicle
Tombstone's lively past. In the courtyard, you can still see the gallows that once ended
the lives of outlaws. The courthouse is open Thursday through Monday from 9am to
5pm (closed on Christmas); the entrance fee is $4 for adults and $1 for children 7 to 13.
The Tombstone Western Heritage Museum , Fremont (Ariz. 80) and Sixth streets
( & 520/457-3800; www.thetombstonemuseum.com), a privately owned museum,
holds the town's most fascinating collection of Tombstone artifacts and ephemera and
should not be missed. Included in this impressive collection are artifacts that once
belonged to Wyatt and Virgil Earp, rare photos of the Earps and the outlaws of Tomb-
stone, and all kinds of original documents that date to the days of the shootout at the
O.K. Corral. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday
from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 12:30 to 6pm; admission is $5 for adults and $3 for
children 12 to 18 ($13 for families).
WHERE TO STAY
Holiday Inn Express Tombstone On the northern outskirts of Tombstone, right
next door to the older but slightly nicer Best Western, this is the newest hotel in Tomb-
stone. The decor draws on a bit of Southwestern and Spanish colonial styling, but basi-
cally this is just a modern chain motel.
580 W. Randolph Way, Tombstone, AZ 85638. & 888/465-4329 or 520/457-9507. Fax [phone].
www.hitombstone.com. 60 units. $104-$124 double. Rates include continental breakfast. Children 17
and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Outdoor pool; Jacuzzi; Wi-Fi. In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, Internet.

14