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Basaic Says: Near the entrance there are a few picnic tables. There are three main places in Arivaca to get food and drinks: The Arivaca Mercantile; La Gitana Cantina; and the Red Rooster Inn.
Basaic Says: The Arivaca Cienega is a wetland associated with the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. There is between 1 and 2 miles of hiking trails and several interpretive signs telling you about the area and the wildlife you may encounter.
Basaic Says: This building was built in 1879 as a hotel. During the Mexican Revolution it served as a clinic and the living quarters for the cavalry doctors stationed in town. It is now a private residence.
Arivaca Human Resources Office
Basaic Says: The Arivaca Human Resources Office is located in this building which is another home built before 1900.
Basaic Says: In the 1930s this building was called Caviglia's Cafe and was a rather wild dancehall. It is now a private residence.
Basaic Says: The building housing the Perez and Sons Tire Company was a gas station, one of the few in the area up to the 50s. One point of interest here is the old-style gas pump named "El Tejano".
Basaic Says: The schoolhouse at Arivaca was built in 1879 and is the oldest school still standing in the state. It is no longer used as a school; but it is the center of a lot of community activities. It was designed by Pedro Aguirre.
Basaic Says: There is a raised platform with some free viewers located by the biggest body of water in the cienega.
Basaic Says: The Arivaca Cienega is fed by seven springs and a number of year-round creeks. This forms a unique area for this part of Arizona. In this photo you can see a marshy area to include cattails.
Arivaca Cienega: Trail and Boardwalk
Basaic Says: A short part of the trail is paved and is wheelchair accessible. There is also a boardwalk over the wetter parts of the trail.
Basaic Says: One of my favorite things to do anywhere I go is to meet the locals. This is Regan Wendell a local artist. Isn't that a great smile? The second photo is of a nice freindly waitress at the Red Rooster Inn named Amber.
See the Ruins of the Old Saloon
Basaic Says: In the 1880s a Mexican woman named Teresa Celaya built a 12 room saloon and Inn in Arivaca. The ruins are located next to the La Gitana Cantina and are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Helpfulness
The main place to eat in Arivaca is probably the Red Rooster Inn. It is a small bar and grill located on Universal Ranch Road just south of the main part of town. It is also colocated with the Universal Ranch RV Park. They serve breakfast food like: omelets; pancakes; eggs; etc. Lunch tends toward sandwiches, burgers and other light foods. Hours are 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Friday; 8:30 AM to 8 PM on Saturday and 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Sunday. They are closed on Mondays. They also have a full bar. Say hello to Amber.
Favorite Dish: They had just started serving a soybean burger (it had not even made it onto the menu yet). I tried it and it was good.
Written Apr 14, 2008
Address: 15785 W. Universal Ranch Road
Phone: (520) 398-9200
Helpfulness
There is a bar located in town called La Gitana Cantina or the Female Gypsy Bar. It was listed in an Esquire Magazine article about the best bars in the United States. The article stated in part "there are bloodstains on the floor, bullet holes in the walls, and you might get some free dental care on the pool table from a drunk biker with pliers. Seriously.". It also has a sign declaring it the oldest bar in the oldest continuously occupied town in Arizona. (The Hopi, who have occupied Old Oraibi since around 1100 may disagree). I found the bar nice and interesting and the patrons and bartender very friendly, although they looked like they could get pretty rough if you did anything stupid. Hours are 10 AM to 10 PM. They have a pool table and WiFi. They also have a very nice patio.
Dress Code: The owner/bartender is a self-proclaimed hippie, the patrons are mostly bikers and cowboys. I'd just say very casual.
Updated Feb 29, 2008
Address: 17201 W 5th Street, Arivaca, AZ 85601
Phone: (520) 398-0810
Artists Coop: Buy Southwestern Inspired Arts and Crafts
Basaic Says: The Arivaca Artists Coop offers a wide range of locally inspired arts and crafts all by artists living in Arivaca. The coop is open 11 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday. The bumpy goose out front was listed in the book curiosities in Arizona. They are having an Art...
Arivaca Mercantile Company: Full Service General Store
Basaic Says: In 1912, the Arivaca Mercantile Company was built. It is now a full service general store with groceries, gas, snacks, some clothing, etc. It is also the place to stop to learn about area attractions and to pick up some picnic supplies. The Arivaca Mercantile Company is open...
Bill's Rock Shop: Rocks and Minerals
Basaic Says: If you are looking for some rocks and minerals, stop at Bill's Rock Shop. He is very knowledgeable and loves to talk. Check out his copper and petrified wood. Prices are pretty cheap.
Sponsored Links
Arivaca was established in the late 1800s. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) it hosted cavalry units protecting the US border towns from Pancho Villa. Arivaca has a number of old sites that......
Build your own Arivaca page
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