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Wedged into a steep canyon in the Mule Mountains of Southern Arizona, the picturesque former copper mining town of Bisbee was once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Today, it is best known for its lively arts and antique scene, as well as its LGBTQ-friendly nightlife. And while there are numerous historic hotels and Airbnbs, one spot — the Shady Dell — truly complements the city’s eccentric personality.
Quirky, Camera-Ready Shady Dell
The Shady Dell is no ordinary trailer park. It is one of the area’s most photographed sites, and for good reason. The one-of-a-kind resort, located about five minutes southeast of downtown Bisbee, comprises a collection of restored midcentury travel trailers from the 1940s and ’50s.
Thirteen fully restored vintage trailers, one vintage bus, and a 1947 Chris-Craft boat are available for overnight stays. Each is decked out with retro-kitsch decor that’s period-appropriate, including vintage martini glasses and floral curtains in shades or orange and avocado — just like Grandma used to have. Instead of a coffee maker, you get a percolator. Instead of a TV, you get a radio or a record player with midcentury vinyl. And instead of a stove or microwave, you can cook out over charcoal grills while a flock of pink plastic flamingos keeps you company.
In addition to the collection of trendy trailers, the landscape is decorated with vintage automobiles. “We want you to feel like you’ve gone back in time. That’s the rule,” says manager Brad Hardy. Each trailer has a “front yard,” complete with a patch of green Astroturf and white picket fencing. Candy-colored midcentury-style metal furnishings offer spots to sit and gab with neighbors or simply enjoy an evening cocktail.
Get On the Tiki Bus
Most trailers can sleep two guests, although this typically is in two small single beds or one double. The Tiki Bus can accommodate three, and the Knopf trailer has two double beds and can sleep up to four guests. All trailers have private toilets, and a couple — the 1950 Alma, 1955 Kropf, and 1957 Airfloat — have showers onboard. For all others, communal showers are available in a small building located between the sleeping quarters and diner. And each trailer has a space heater and electric blankets to keep you warm on cool evenings and air conditioners for those hot summer nights.
We stayed in the Tiki Bus. This 1947 Airporter is one of the oldest accommodations, the other being the 1947 Chris-Craft. Painted an eye-catching pastel blue and featuring a private deck, palapa, and outdoor bar, it’s been transformed into a Tiki-theme Polynesian Palace.
The interior of the bus is cute and elicits a lot of “Isn’t this fun!” comments. Woven palm leaf covers the walls, and palm thatch fringe hangs from the ceiling. Tropical flower print curtains hang over the windows. And plastic leis, tiki masks, and even a puffer fish light fixture — made from a real puffer fish — add to the decor’s character.
For sleep accommodations, the bus includes one full-size bed and one very narrow single cot-size bed. This is not the place to be if you’re seeking plush comfort. I’d equate it more to retro glamping.
Dining Options at the Shady Dell
There’s not much to do in the area surrounding the Shady Dell. In fact, the property backs up to a cemetery. But it’s a quick drive, or about a half-mile walk to Lowell, a small ghost town. Lowell’s well-maintained main street, Erie Street, is a colorful tourist attraction and a must-visit spot for photographers. It’s lined with vintage cars, an old Greyhound bus, and storefronts filled with classic Americana. One of the only active businesses in town, Bisbee Breakfast Club is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. Weekends see long loines, as hungry visitors queue for omelets, biscuits, burgers, and the eatery’s renowned huevos rancheros.
But you don’t need to head into Bisbee or Lowell for a good meal. The Shady Dell also is home to Dot’s Diner and Dashes Bar. Dot’s is a photo-worthy 1957 Valentine diner that serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to overnight guests. It also is open to the general public. Valentine diners were tiny prefabricated mail-order counter-serve cafes produced by Valentine Manufacturing System between the late 1940s and 1970s. They became popular sites along middle-of-nowhere stretches of highway, including Route 66, during the midcentury. On weekends, Dashes slings tiki-inspired cocktails, beer, and wine from a 1955 Airstream. Recently, The New York Times highlighted Dot’s Diner and the Shady Dell in an article about great queer-friendly destinations in conservative states.
If You Go
The Shady Dell is located about 2 miles outside of downtown Bisbee along State Route 80, just past the ghost town of Lowell. Stays start at about $105, depending on your choice of trailer and time of year. Children younger than age 15 and pets are not allowed. You can also check booking offers through Trip Advisor.
If sleeping in trailer and bathing in a communal shower aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other great spots in Bisbee in which to stay. Check out the historic — and haunted — Copper Queen Hotel or this collection of B&Bs.
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