Unique Towns in Arizona
Uniqueness isn’t always a good thing, but in Arizona, it has its charm. With a witty twist, many towns here stand out, not because of creepy locals or eerie vibes, but for their playful eccentricities. Think gunfights, “energy vortexes,” vibrant pink pots, bedrock houses, and quirks that delight tourists. Let’s explore some of these fascinating spots in this AM-Az-ing state.
Tombstone
Tombstone feels like walking into a grand theatrical production about cowboys and outlaws. Sure, about 1,300 people actually live there, but it’s the backdrop for around 500,000 tourists a year. Daily reenactments bring history to life, with notable figures like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday relived in staged shootouts at the famous OK Corral. According to Smithsonian, it’s not odd to spot a crowd of 150 Wyatt Earp impersonators, complete with long frock coats and enjoying wild west-themed drinks. This enchanting throwback to the Old West peaks each October during a festival that celebrates it all.
Sedona
Sedona, nestled in red rock country, boasts a stunning backdrop that has starred in numerous films, notably Westerns like the 1950 classic Broken Arrow. Known informally as “Little Hollywood,” Sedona also carries the quirky title of “The Capital of the New Age.” The town attracts those seeking out energy vortexes or supernatural experiences, with local tours guiding visitors through sacred sites like Kachina Woman Rock and the eye-catching Chapel of the Holy Cross. Feeling overwhelmed by oddities? You can chill at a unique McDonald’s here, famous for its teal arches that complement the pastel landscape.
Kayenta
Over in Kayenta, a Navajo town in northeastern Arizona, you’ll find more than just stunning landscapes. It features a Burger King that doubles as a mini museum. While you wait for your Whopper, you can learn about the Navajo Code Talkers who played a vital role in World War II. After filling up, a short drive takes you to the breathtaking Monument Valley, often seen gracing the silver screen. Kayenta is conveniently located, making it a practical base for exploring this iconic region.
Valle
Jerome
Jerome, a once-bustling mining town from the late 1800s, now leans toward ghost-town status but has somehow transformed into a draw for tourists with around one million visitors annually. Noteworthy attractions include the Slide Prison, reputed to have sunk 225 feet into the mountainside, and the historic Douglas Mansion. If hunger strikes after exploring this almost-gone town, make your way to the ghostly burger spot nearby.
Autman
The name Autman stands out on its own, and when you combine it with mining relics and the Wild West vibe, it’s even more intriguing. Visitors can check out an old prison while the town showcases various artifacts in its shops, ranging from indigenous items to whimsical figurines. And don’t forget the local donkeys—locally known as “burros”—that often outnumber the human residents, roaming freely and eagerly awaiting snacks from kind-hearted tourists.
Bisbee
Bisbee has a playful spirit that draws attention. Comedian Doug Stanhope even claimed it as his personal haven. The town is home to the historic Copper Queen Hotel with a flair for celebrity-themed decor and unique attractions like the “Shady Dell,” where old trailers have been turned into trendy accommodations. Navigating Bisbee can involve climbing its famous stairs, which follow its hilly layout. If you happen to visit in April, the town holds an event that turns it into a bustling hub of creativity and chaos, featuring everything from cosplay parades to whimsical tea parties.
Arizona undoubtedly has its share of quirky spots to explore. Instead of searching for gold or silver as past prospectors did, why not discover historic gunfights in Sedona or Tombstone, the Burger King Museum in Kayenta, or the whimsical world of Flintstones in Valle? With attractions like Slide Penalty Prison in Jerome, Autman’s wild donkeys, and Bisbee’s vibrant community, the real question is—where will you head first?
