B Active Bisbee - Past & Present Adventures in Southern Arizona
Hi friends! This week I am so excited to share a spot that has some pretty special history for Nate and me. Many decades ago Nate’s grandpa (quite the rockhound) moved from Tombstone, Arizona to the historic border-town of Bisbee, where he opened up and ran a gem & jewelry store on Main Street. Nate spent his summers running up & down the Bisbee sidewalks & helping his grandfather, “Papa Ben,” in his shop. One of the first Arizona trips Nate took me on was to Bisbee to visit the shop (where his old baseball and truck still sat in the front window display), and we always returned home with beautiful finds from the shop! A few years ago (after Papa Ben had passed away) the shop finally closed its doors...but we recently discovered the building was purchased by a great company that I’m so excited to share with you today. Join me on a wonderful southern Arizona adventure with B Active Bisbee.
B Active storefront in Old Bisbee in 2023
Nate in front of Gloria’s Jewelry & Gemstones in 2004
Nate & his grandfather in the 1980s
B Active Bisbee Establishment
B Active Bisbee was formed by Steve and Bonnie Ball, Bisbee locals. As Steve tells us:
“Our home is located in a high traffic area of Old Bisbee, and we would frequently meet visitors who would ask, ‘What is there to do in Bisbee?’ We would make suggestions to explore, which would lead to more questions. We realized that Bisbee is this gorgeous town with so many small and hidden gems, it needed something to help show it off. That led to us opening the store, with a focus on getting out beyond Main Street to explore the area.”
B Active Bisbees’ mission is to help their guests have an amazing time on their visit to this remarkable corner of Arizona...and they do an incredible job helping visitors access many local highlights as they connect guests with each other and the wonderful outdoors — all while sharing the history and beauty Bisbee has to offer.
Standing on Castle Rock along the OK Walk Tour
Fred Albert artwork along the OK Walk Tour
Ben Dale sculptures & iron work along the OK Walk Tour
Old brick road and map mural by Judy Perry along the OK Walk Tour
The “OK” Walk Tour
On our most recent visit to Bisbee, Nate and I scheduled a guided tour with B Active called The “OK” Walk, which is a fun and informative 60-90 minute Bisbee walking tour. We met our wonderful guide, John, and after a brief introduction we set off on our adventure. We began by heading up Bisbee’s famous 1,000 steps, and while we certainly didn’t do the whole course, it was a great taste of the famous annual Bisbee “Great Stair Climb”.
Next we stopped at Castle Rock, the origin site of Bisbee. John shared all about the history here and even gave me some wonderful insider tips for scrambling all around this rock – and even up on top! Without giving away the whole tour, I’m thrilled to say that I learned information and visited spots that I was unaware of, even after visiting this place over a decade! Both Nate and I saw the character and charm of Bisbee in a new light as we learned more about the talented artists and the incredible architecture you can enjoy throughout this town.
Riding a B Active E-bike through Bisbee
Riding a B Active E-bike through Bisbee
E-Bike Rentals
After our tour, Nate and I headed back to the B Active Bisbee shop, which is stocked with apparel and gear for hiking, biking, and camping...they even have a section of goodies for your four-legged family members. There we grabbed some snacks and water before our next adventure of the day, riding E-bikes! Nate convinced me to give E-biking a try...now, if you know me, you’re aware I do NOT bike, but with Bisbee’s mile high hills I was willing to give it a go! After a an E-bike introduction and safety briefing, we were on our way. When I tell you I had the time of my life, I am not exaggerating! Not only is riding an E-bike much easier than a regular bike (in my opinion), this was the absolute best way to explore Bisbee. The bikes could go just about anywhere, and it was so easy and fast to get from point A to point B, even with the hilly terrain and elevation change. This is a 10/10 must-do Bisbee activity. In fact, Nate and I decided on our next visit we want to take the guided E-bike tour together, and then rent them for the day to explore more. As a girl who doesn’t like biking, well I just might be asking “Santa” for my own E-bike this year!
Touring Bisbee using B Active E-bikes
Panoramic Bisbee views from Castle Rock along the OK Walk Tour
B Active Bisbee tours & activities
B Active Offerings
B Active offers a wide variety of experiences for guests to enjoy in and around Bisbee. The most popular is a City Tour...and with 3 options, there’s something for everyone! You can ride on a safe golf cart to learn about the history, art, and architecture of Bisbee. You can take a walking tour that shows off often missed gems while getting your steps in. B active also offers the thrill of riding an E-bike with a tour guide, using a 2-way headset as you explore the reaches of Old Bisbee.
Other highlights for guests who want to explore the area around Bisbee include: exploring Arizona wine country on a memorable Wine Tasting Tour, taking a guided hike in the Mule Mountains surrounding Bisbee, and, for a real adventure, taking a chauffeured van ride out to the spectacular Chiricahua or Huachuca Mountains for a full day guided adventure.
Custom Group Experiences are also offered here, including team building, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and birthdays. B Active can create unique experiences that leave lifelong memories...they even offer Pickleball lessons for individuals, couples or groups.
Inside the B Active Bisbee shop
Inside the B Active Bisbee shop
Contact & Booking Information
B Active Bisbee is conveniently located along Main Street in the historic district of Bisbee. Drop-ins are certainly welcome, but I highly recommend booking your adventures in advance online or giving them a call. Make sure to connect with them on Instagram and Facebook as well and give them some love.
86 Main Street, Old Bisbee
(520) 352-9696
bactivebisbee.com
IG: @bactivebisbee
FB: @bactivebisbee
B Active on Main Street in 2023
Gloria’s Jewelry & Gemstones on Main Street in 1992
In Summary & Post Sponsors
Thank you so much for joining me this week for an adventure with B Active Bisbee. It’s such a special experience to see a place that Nate and I have long loved now reborn into a new and vibrant way that so many others can enjoy. For additional information (and to plan your own adventure!), visit B Active Bisbee online at bactivebisbee.com, or @bactivebisbee on Facebook or Instagram.
For a virtual visit, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or you can watch it on YouTube here. For everything you need to know to make the most of your Bisbee trip, make sure to visit DiscoverBisbee.com for details on this town’s fantastic attractions, events, food, shops and where to stay.
I love the historic town of Bisbee and I can’t wait to share more about it with you, so stay tuned for more Bisbee blog posts in the near future. Until next week, I hope you find adventure & encouragement wherever you go!
Main Street in Old Bisbee
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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