An imagined gathering of five personalities who helped shape Tombstone’s history. From left: Ed Schieffelin, Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday. How a prospector’s discovery brought fortune seekers, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday to southeastern Arizona. Tombstone’s story began with silver. In 1877, prospector Ed Schieffelin discovered rich silver deposits in southeastern Arizona Territory, setting in motion the gr

Discover the performers, personalities and remarkable history behind the Bird Cage Theater—and the book that brings their stories back to life. Imagine arriving in Tombstone in the 1880s. Beyond the mining claims and dusty streets, an evening’s entertainment awaits: orchestra music, singers, dancers, comedy and acts extraordinary enough to make you wonder how they found their way to this Arizona boomtown. Welcome to the Bird Cage Theater. Opened in 1881, the Bird Cage offered

Doc Holliday began his working life as a dentist—and so did Dr. Jay. Raised on a farm in New York’s Hudson River Valley, Jay grew up watching Westerns and imagining adventures on the frontier. After a career as a dental surgeon and forensic dentist in New Hampshire, he retired early in 1991 and headed west to follow that childhood fascination. Along the way, he found another calling: bringing history to life. His love of theater led to years of staged Western gunfight perfor

Come to Tombstone for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the O.K. Corral. Stay a little longer, and you’ll discover another story worth knowing: the people who make this legendary town their home. Behind the stagecoach rides, Western performances, handmade saddles, and irresistible fudge are families, craftspeople, and small-business owners whose work gives visitors a reason to linger. Their livelihoods are woven into the experience of Tombstone—and meeting them can be as memorabl

A child sees a new possibility on Arizona PBS. A question about our state gets a thoughtful answer on KJZZ. A familiar piece of music comes on KBACH, and the drive home feels a little different. These moments are easy to take for granted. The people behind them are telling Arizona’s stories, making room for conversation, bringing learning into our homes and keeping music in our lives. At XO from Arizona, we love introducing people to the makers, merchants and communities that

There’s So Much Worth Protecting It takes many hands—and many generations—to care for something this grand. The Grand Canyon is far more than a breathtaking destination. It is a sacred homeland, a living landscape, a vital watershed, a wildlife refuge and an irreplaceable part of our shared natural and cultural heritage. Behind the views we know and love is an extraordinary network of Tribal families, conservationists, scientists, river guides, educators, historians, young pe

Five unforgettable ways to experience the wonder The Grand Canyon is more than a view—it is a world unto itself. Look up into one of America’s darkest night skies. Walk along the rim. Travel through billions of years of geologic history. Follow the landscape east toward Desert View. Then, if you are prepared, step below the rim and into the canyon itself. Here are five extraordinary ways to experience the Grand Canyon outdoors. Stargaze Under a Dark Desert Sky When daylight f

In Williams, Sheridan House Inn trades neon and nostalgia for ponderosa pines, cool mountain air and a little grown-up luxury. Recently named one one the best bed-and-breakfasts in the country. (2026 Travelers Choice Awards choice from TripAdvisor) Route 66 turns 100 this year, and there may be no better excuse to rediscover the road that helped define the American road trip. In Williams, the Mother Road still runs straight through town, complete with neon signs, diners, stor

The millionaire who understood that before you can save a beautiful place, you have to make people fall in love with it. Stand at Mather Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and it is easy to understand why millions of people come here. What most visitors don’t know is who Mather was — or why one of the Grand Canyon’s most magnificent overlooks bears his name. Stephen Tyng Mather was a wealthy businessman, a passionate outdoorsman and one of the great champions of Ameri

Why museums and galleries may be the workout your mind has been missing We know what happens when we exercise our bodies. We become stronger, more flexible, more resilient. But what about our senses? There’s a compelling idea that visiting a museum or art gallery may be the cultural equivalent of going to the gym — a workout for the eyes, the imagination and the mind. When you stand in front of a painting, study a piece of sculpture, wander through a photography exhibition or

Long before Arizona became the 48th state, it was home to vibrant Tribal Nations whose cultures, traditions, and deep connection to the land have shaped this remarkable place for thousands of years. Today, 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations continue to call Arizona home, each with its own language, history, art, cuisine, and traditions. From the iconic red mesas of the Navajo Nation and the ancient villages of the Hopi Tribe, to the soaring canyon landscapes of the Hualap

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with its own language, history, traditions, and deep connection to the land. From the sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon to the ancient villages of Hopi and the spectacular vistas of Monument Valley, some of Arizona's most unforgettable places are also among its most sacred. One of the most meaningful ways to experience these places is by choosing a Native-owned or Native-operated guide service. A Native guide do