Tombstone, AZ

[Judy]

Anyone even been to Tombstone and/or the Western Film Festival?  How was it?

Judy

[jrdudas]

I have been to Tombstone several times, the most recent visit was 5 days ago.  Tombstone tends to be very "touristie" but is a fun place to visit.  If you have time be sure to visit the Cochise County Courthouse.  It's just a block east of the main street and there are signs to direct you.  There are several historic buildings to visit and a lot of shoppes with all kinds of goods.  We spent over an hour in a Native American jewelry store and enjoyed every minute of it.  There are also stagecoach rides, shootouts, walking tours, and the original Birdcage Theater.  Don't forget the office of the Epitaph.

I lived in Tucson for many years but have never been to the film festival that you mention, so I can't comment on that.  If you will be near Tombstone (it's about 25 miles south from Interstate 10) it is well worth a visit.

JR

[Angus McKechnie]

Well...

Tombstone is great! Then again, I'm prejudiced we have a house there that we go back and forth to all the time. It's definately got a flavor all its own and definately worth visiting. The Birdcage Theatre is definately worth the price of admission and you'll be amazed just how small the place actually is.. Of course, there's the usual tourist traps but overall, the ambiance is nice and you can go heeled (except in any of the bars). Big Nose Kate's and the Crystal Palace are my favorites. There's also Big Ed of San Pedro Saddlery- definately worth a visit if you're looking for some new gunleather.

IMHO, the Western Film Festival was o.k. but really not worth the money- most of the actors a third-stringers who haven't done much since the 1950s/60s. Bruce Boxleitner was cool. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Angus

[RRio]

Tombstone is a very cool place! Matter of fact, I have given serious consideration to retiring in Tombstone. I can't remember the name of the shop, but it's the location where Morgan Earp was killed, and they have a pool table set in the exact location under a skylight, where he was shot.
You'll enjoy the trip! It's worth it!

[Angus McKechnie]

BTW, if you are into horseback riding, I strongly recommend Cochise's Stronghold- it's quite a view up there and it's about 5 -10 degrees cooler than the valley floor. You can easiliy see why the Apaches were able to hold off the Army for so long. 

Angus

[Birdgun Quail]

A couple of years ago, my wife and I planned to meet some friends in Arizona for a week of vacation.  I wanted to go to Tombstone; my wife wanted to go to Sedona.  Uh...I've never been to Tombstone and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures.

P.S.  Sedona is pretty.

[jrdudas]

The difference between Sedona and Tombstone - Sedona is beautiful, red rocks and Oak Creek.  Lots of views you will recognize from western movies, but quite artsy - craftsy.  Tombstone is very different; not nearly as much natural beauty, but a lot more western folklore.  Both places are quite special, but for different reasons.

JR
 

[Nimble Fingers]

I would also recommend the Old Tucson Studio if you are interested in Western films as it has been the "home" to a lot of the John Wayne Westerns.  I am just not sure that it is always open as it has not been doing well financially.  Maybe we can get an update from one of the local pards who can let us know their status.  Well worth the trip, at least for me everytime I go visit my parents in Green Valley.

[Col. Riddles]

Old Tucson, I understand,  is only open on the weekends. It isn't the same as it was prior to the fire that burned most of it to the ground.

[Brutha Dave]

The only thing I remember about Sedona other than the red rocks was a burger, fries and a coke for $12.00.
I'll take Tombstone anytime.

                                                  Brodave

[Badlands Walker]

Went there last year for the festival & the town was packed.  I go every year to Helldarado Days & Wyatt Earp Days, but that was the first film festival I had made.  It was cool, I'm goin' again this year!