We have been out very little in our quarantined world here in Southern Arizona. We are fortunate to have moved from Burbank, CA years ago to this beautiful place where every day is a blessing whether you go out or not. There is a lot of space here which is what is needed right now. But people need more. We are social beings. That said, I have been making a list of things we want to see and do when all is well again, or mostly so.

Historic Farms and Ranches Redux

While on my “HoneyDo” vacation this week, I came across a book, A Guide to Southern Arizona’s Historic Farms & Ranches: Rustic Southwest Retreats. It was written in 2012 and much has changed since then, with new owners, renovations, etc. For instance, Aravaipa Farms has changed hands as did Ranch de la Osa, now in the hands of the owners of the White Stallion Ranch. We did find many ranches in this book we have yet to visit. 5 of them in Oracle alone!

We wrote an article about some of these Historic Ranches before we even knew about this book. There are many more described in this book that we have yet to visit and some we have visited that are not in this book.

Copper Queen Hotel

The once Majestic Copper Queen Hotel is seeing new life, a new owner and manager, and a careful remodel bringing the old dame back to its former opulence with modern amenities and comfort. Rooms are bigger now and more comfortable, 48 instead of 72. Can’t miss it.
11 Howell St. Bisbee, AZ

New Sonoita Wineries & Brews

There are a couple of new wineries on our list we have not been to, as well as a brewery or two.

Copper Hop Ranch
We passed this on our way from Parker Canyon Lake a couple of months ago. Open hours are currently limited to this new hop farm and brewery. We are told not to rely on Google for open hour information but to see their Facebook page for updates on visiting hours. We can wait.
5 Fairview Ln, Elgin, AZ 85611

Copper Brothel Brewery
Apparently, according to friends, this is a popular place and a newcomer to the Sonoita area even in a pandemic. Home Brew and food. We look forward to going there someday. They are open for business at a reduced capacity.
3112 AZ-83, Sonoita, AZ 85637

Four Tails Vineyard
Actually, we were already here but it was a festival, not really relaxing in a pandemic. We prefer to have a taste and get to know the owners. We did like the Tempranillo, and our friends liked the Petite Sirah. All the reds were good. There are not too many good whites from Southern Arizona.
274 E Pearce Road, Pearce, AZ 85625

The Meading Room
Another great addition to the area, Ciders, Mead, fruit Wines. They are open for business and it looks like outdoor seating is plentiful for a warm day.
3470 Highway 82
Sonoita, AZ 85637

Back to Duncan, AZ

We have been trying to get back to Duncan, AZ since Deborah, the innkeeper at the Simpson Hotel announced to us the advent of a new Wildlife and Birding Trail along the Gila River. Deborah, if you are reading this, let us know when we can visit you again. We are ready for a field trip. And while we are there we will find the historic Cold Creek Ranch near Clifton.

Route 66 and beyond

Before Jim’s last back surgery we had planned a trip roughly following Route 66 around Arizona. After that came the pandemic. Oatman, AZ is on the list. It was named after Olive Oatman, captured by Apaches near there. On our bucket list is a helicopter to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, since neither of us may survive a mule ride. the last time we were in Jerome, the old hospital was gutted. It is now the Jerome Grand Hotel. The Verde Canyon Train in the fall is on our list. The train is currently booking for their Magical Christmas Journey, (Covid protocol required).

Ms. Rosemary and I are still looking forward to a long horseback ride in the wide open country at the Double R Guest Ranch north of Benson. We will definitely go when the weather warms up.

OH, the places we will go. Where do you want to go? Send us your ideas.