Cochise

It almost seems as though time has decided to stand still in the Cochise County area. Called “The Land of Legends,” you can relive the Old West in Tombstone, descend into the cool Queen Mine in Bisbee, learn the history of the Buffalo Soldiers in Sierra Vista or slip down into Mexico for a day of bartering. The Amerind Foundation, located in Dragoon, boasts one of the most elegant collections of Native American artifacts anywhere. Fort Bowie was an Army post at the heart of the conflict with the Chiracahua Apaches. Both Cochise and Geronimo surrendered in this southeastern corner of Arizona.

Hikers and birders will be delighted with the trails of the Chiracahua National Monument near Willcox. In fact, Southern Arizona is known as a birders’ haven, attracting hundreds of species of birds to its temperate climate and varied topography. In January, Willcox celebrates its huge population of sandhill cranes with the annual “Wings Over Willcox” event.

Just south of Sierra Vista is the Palominas Observatory, which charges no admission. Bisbee is a cultural gem, with Victorian architecture, antique shops, art galleries and a growing reputation for its diverse cuisine.

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