Mileposts/Events

MILEPOSTS Bisbee's Museum Gem

One of the attractions that gave Bisbee new life after Phelps Dodge closed its copper mining operations in the mid1970s was the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Located just below the Copper Queen Hotel in the heart of the historic district and occupying what was once the PD general offices, the museum houses some of the state's finest exhibits and archives on mining, geology, urbanization, and immigration. Visitors are treated to beautiful photo displays, historical dioramas, and artifacts, along with a fascinating exhibit dedicated to the pioneer women of Bisbee. And don't miss the tiny gift shop - it's packed with great souvenirs and gift items.

The museum is open daily except Christmas and New Year's Day, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is $3. To inquire further, contact the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum is open daily except Christmas and New Year's Day, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Admission is $3. To inquire further, contact the Bisbee Mining and Historical

Ollie the Trolley

Visitors can explore Scottsdale in style by hopping aboard the town's colorful airconditioned trolleys. The line, called Ollie the Trolley, shuttles between many of the area's resorts, art districts, and shopping meccas, including The Borgata, Scottsdale Fashion Park, and Fifth Avenue. In summer trolleys run Monday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. The cost in the downtown Scottsdale area is $1; it's $3 for all-day passes that cover outlying areas. For more information, telephone (602) 9708130.

Indian Event Calendar

To receive a free quarterly calendar of Indian powwows, rodeos, and other Native American celebrations held in the U.S. each year, send a priority mail $3 self-addressed stamped 9-inch by 12-inch envelope to Indian Calendar, P.O. Box 1000, San Carlos, AZ 855501000. (Postage for overseas requests is $9 U.S. funds). For more information, call Fred Synder, North American Indian Information Center, (520) 622-4900.

B&B Guide

To obtain a free guide to bed and breakfasts in Arizona, write or call the Arizona Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns, P.O. Box 7186, Phoenix, AZ 85011; (602) 277-0775.

Lake Cruises

Boating at speeds that plaster a permanent smile on your face is fun for some, but if your idea of water recreation is going slowly enough to relax and enjoy the scenery, Arizona Steamboat Cruises has got your ticket. The outfit offers excursions aboard its replica of an old paddleboat, Dolly's Steamboat, which plies Canyon Lake (at the east end of Apache Junction along the Apache Trail). The cruises provide a close-up look at the desert lake's canyons, wildlife, and plants. Twilight Dinner Cruises offer all that plus a menu that boasts Italian and Mexican food, ribs, chicken, steak, and more.

For a current schedule, contact Arizona Steamboat Cruises,

Getting to Know the Grand Canyon

Nothing beats just sitting and contemplating the great chasm or hiking down into it, but both experiences can be enhanced by participating in one of the interactive classes put on by the Grand Canyon Field Institute. GCFI has rounded up experienced professionals to help visitors explore the Canyon's geology, biology, and ecosystems in ways that seem more like fun than "education." The curriculum includes photography workshops, archaeology field trips, river rafting on the gentle San Juan or the more challenging Colorado River, and outings especially for women. Classes are offered April through November, fees vary from about $65 for a one-day workshop to $645 for a four-day river trip.

For a schedule and more information, contact Grand Canyon Field Institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; (520) 638-2485.

St. David's Surprise

Travelers who wouldn't think of checking out the attractions of a monastic community miss a lot by skipping Holy Trinity Monastery, a tranquil oasis nestled along the San Pedro River at St. David, south of Benson. Visitors are welcome to explore the monastery's grounds, hike the bird sanctuary trail, watch the swans in Spirit Lake,meditate in the church, pick up souvenirs in the gift shop, and explore the museum, which houses an almost unbelievable array of exhibits from around the world, including an antique Bible collection, carved Nativity scenes, artifacts from the days of the Civil War, and the Southwest Indian Culture Room.

Sister Susan Baker asks that people call before visiting, and those who want to linger should ask about guest accommodations.

For more information, write Holy Trinity Monastery, P.O. Box 298, Highway 80 Mile Marker 303, St. David, AZ 85630; or call (520) 720-4016.

'International' B & B

There's a bed and breakfast inn in Tucson that will have world travelers experiencing déjà vu. The SunCatcher Bed and Breakfast inn, owned by globe-trotting attorney David A. Williams III, encompasses four rooms named, designed, and styled after a room in one of his favorite hotels around the world: the Oriental room recalls the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok; the Connaught, its London namesake; the Regent, its Hong Kong counterpart; and the Four Seasons, its "twin" in Chicago. The inn pampers its guests with a morning newspaper outside their door, terry robes, gourmet breakfasts, and fresh-cut roses in each room. To inquire, write The SunCatcher, 105 N. Avenida Javelina, Tucson, AZ 85748; (520) 835-8012. Ron Butler

Ruff Reading

Prescott's own Budge Ruffner is at it again. Giving full rein to his Western wit, old-timer's insight, and flat-out sense of fun, he's produced another book: Ruff Country Tales West by Southwest. Bound to be a nighttable staple - unless you can't put it down and read it straight through Ruff Country serves up a passel of essays that introduce the reader to such unforgettable characters as Adeline, the gun-totin' free spirit who lived in a pickup camper up near the Vermilion Cliffs; Endicott Peabody, Tombstone's prize-fighting preacher; and Capt. John Hance, one of the best liars in Arizona "who never got into politics." The book, says former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, a man known for telling it like it is, is "vintage Ruffner." For longtime Ruffner fans, that's all they need to know; for fans to be, it's an invitation to add to the old bookshelf.

The 195-page paperback costs $14.95 plus shipping and handling. To order call the magazine toll-free at (800) 543-5432; or in the Phoenix area and outside the U.S., (602) 258-1000.

EVENTS Mountain Arts Festival

July 1-2; Pine This hideaway hamlet in the cool country below the Mogollon Rim brings together dozens of Rim country artists at the Pine/Strawberry Mountain Arts and Crafts Festival, a juried show that offers highcountry friendliness along with a variety of crafts: everything from custom-made knives to egg-tempera paintings. A big country breakfast, served from 6 to 10 A.M., will provide all the fuel you need to make it through the crafts booths. Free admission. Information: (520) 476-4567.

Indian Arts Festival

July 1-August 13; Flagstaff If you need another reason to check out the Coconino Center for the Arts, the Festival of Native American Arts is a good one. This annual Indian event showcases invitational and juried traditional and contemporary works created by artists from the Four Corners area. Special for July Fourth only: an outdoor Indian market and performances of traditional dancing and singing and art workshops and demonstrations. Free admission. Information: (520) 779-6921.

Pioneer Days

July 20-22; Snowflake Every year folks turn out to honor the Mormon pioneers who founded this conservative settlement on Silver Creek. Enjoy the activities - a parade, a 10K, a two-mile run, kids' games, a barbecue, a rodeo, and a dramatic performance but be sure to wander, respectfully, around town to savor the legacy of those long-ago settlers: treelined streets, historic homes, backyard gardens. (Watch for roadside stands selling local vegetables.) Information: (520) 536-4331.

Old-time Fiddlers Contest

July 22-23; Globe Toe-tapping tunes and $2,000 in prizes are the payoffs at the annual Copper Country Oldtime Fiddlers Contest. (The event gets its name from Globe's history as a copper-mining center; you can see ruins of the Old Dominion Mine as well as buildings dating from the early 1900s.) If you like gospel tunes, be there Sunday from 10 to 11 A.M. for the special singalong. Admission is $3 and $4. Information: (520) 473-2560.

Old Town Arts & Crafts

July 22-23; Prescott The mile-high town's picture-postcard Courthouse Plaza hosts the annual Old Town Square Arts and Crafts Festival, which features a whopping 180 crafts booths plus live entertainment and food booths where you can consume enough calories to have the energy to carry all your purchases to your car. Free admission. Information: (520) 636-0973.

White Mountain Indian Fest and Market

July 22-23; Pinetop-Lakeside Native American dancing, traditional foods, arts and crafts demonstrations, and children's activities highlight the annual White Mountain Native American Art Festival & Indian Market held in this get-awayfrom-the-desert-heat resort mecca in a countryside dotted with lakes. There will be an admission charged. Information: (520) 367-4290.

Mighty Mud Mania

July 28; Scottsdale Falling in the mud and acting like a prize pig is the whole idea at this kids' event held every year at Chaparral Park. Children seven to 13 can participate in the "The Original Mud Obstacle Course" while younger kids tackle the "mini mud course." Other activities include puddle pools for tots, giant waterslides, sand-castle building, and misted areas. Shoes and shirts are a must! Some Valley media types will take part to inspire the kids (the last we heard, the editor of Arizona Highways said his mom wouldn't let him wallow in mud but we're working on 'im). After all the fun, the fire department sprays the kids off, and they're free to jump into the swimming pool. Free admission. Information: (602) 994-2771.

puddle pools for tots, giant waterslides, sand-castle building, and misted areas. Shoes and shirts are a must! Some Valley media types will take part to inspire the kids (the last we heard, the editor of Arizona Highways said his mom wouldn't let him wallow in mud but we're working on 'im). After all the fun, the fire department sprays the kids off, and they're free to jump into the swimming pool. Free admission. Information: (602) 994-2771.

Archaeology Day

July 29; Near Winslow With the archaeological field season ending, Homolovi Ruins State Park puts on tours of the sites that have been excavated. It was in this 14th-century pueblo that the ancestors of the Hopis lived before they came to their present homes on the mesas. Park admission is $3 per car. Information: (520) 289-4106.

JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS

Fireworks, picnics, parades, and other activities highlight Independence Day festivities in the cities and towns around the state. To savor the flavor of a small town celebration, head for someplace like Show Low in the White Mountains or Patagonia; for a dazzling big city extravaganza look no further than the Fabulous Phoenix Fourth at the state capitol. For details about specific events, call the Arizona Office of Tourism, (800) 842-8257.