Say what you will about hippies. The free spirits that emerged in the 1960s from the Beat movement made a lasting impact on American culture and you’ll still find traces of their lifestyle 50 years later all around the country. In fact, Arizona has several cities and towns known for their hippie communities, there is one town that certainly stands out.
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Bisbee is often considered the hippie-est town in Arizona. While there are certainly plenty of other contenders—looking at you, Flagstaff—Bisbee’s rich history, small town atmosphere, art community, and food selections make this the perfect selection.
Mr.TinDC/Flickr
Bisbee’s history stems from mining in the late-19th century and, at one point, the town was at high risk of becoming a fading ghost town. However, it was actually artists and hippies in the 1960s who helped save the town and many of its historic buildings.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
One example is the Copper Queen Hotel, one of the town’s premier inns. In the 1970s, the hotel had definitely seen better days and artist Stephen Hutchinson bought it for a steal: one whole dollar paid to the Phelps Dodge Corporation. From there, the hotel was renovated back to its Victorian charm and traded hands several times.
Barb Mayer/Flickr
These days, you’ll still find the town rife with evidence of those first hippies and their 21st-century incarnates.
Bre LaRow/Flickr
Take, for example, all those decorated cars you’ll find around town. Some are simply painted with some pretty wacky designs or cartoons while others somehow manage to drive down the street with an owl collection on top.
zombieite/Flickr
Or, as another example, this car turned mobile greenhouse.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
You’ll find public art via murals and sculptures all around town, with the art occasionally seeming questionable.
Graeme Maclean/Flickr
And, at other times, appearing bold, whimsical, and unapologetic.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Need a quick break from all that hippie-ness? Try visiting the Queen Mine, where you can tour the town’s old mine on an actual mine cart with a retired miner!
David Leicken/Flickr
Grab a bite to eat at one of Bisbee’s unique restaurants, like Thuy’s Noodle Shop. Not only will you find tasty food but also a menu that feels exotic and even has a few vegan options.
Thuy’s Noodle Shop/Facebook
Then, to round out your trip, book a stay at one of Bisbee’s hotels! You can stay at the aforementioned Copper Queen Hotel or the Bisbee Grand Hotel. Both feature beautiful architecture and cozy accommodations.
TjfromAZ/Flickr
Prefer to visit a town that’s very thoroughly Western? You’ll want to check out Wickenburg, which you can read about in The One Arizona Town That’s So Perfectly Western.
Mr.TinDC/Flickr
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Barb Mayer/Flickr
Bre LaRow/Flickr
zombieite/Flickr
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Graeme Maclean/Flickr
David Leicken/Flickr
Thuy’s Noodle Shop/Facebook
TjfromAZ/Flickr
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