What do gold mines, golf courses with one single hole, and a 100-year-old saloon have in common? They all can be found in the tiny mountain town of Crown King. See the quirkiness for yourself:
Hiding in the craggy Bradshaw Mountains, this unincorporated community has less than 150 residents. Once a successful gold mining mecca, tourism has been the town’s primary source of income since the 1950s.
Flickr/immeemz
Crown King Saloon is one of the only buildings still standing, an impressive feat considering it dates back more than 100 years. It’s the city’s center of activity, serving as a hotel, restaurant, and bar.
TripAdvisor/Niteriders
Stepping inside is like traveling through a portal back to the Old West. Locals are decked out in full cowboy attire, and bartenders slide sarsaparillas to thirsty patrons just like they did during the days of Bonnie & Clyde.
TripAdvisor/mrhackerott
Be prepared to stay awhile and shoot the breeze with friendly natives. They definitely know how to tell a good story, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of Crown King’s history than you bargained for.
TripAdvisor/Niteriders
It might be a small town, but only the biggest flavors are served here. Big, juicy burgers so thick you’ll have to unhinge your jaw and fries cooked to crispy perfection dominate the saloon’s menu.
Facebook/Crown King Saloon & Cafe
Nearby is the general store, whose architecture pays homage to small towns everywhere. Don’t be surprised if you see horses tied to a hitching post outside, as that’s simply how things are done in this town stuck in yesteryear.
Flickr/arancidamoeba
Inside the store is Crown King’s post office, which was established in 1888. It’s still operational despite not seeing much activity coming or going, and its old-fashioned mailboxes and service window provide a hefty dose of nostalgia.
Flickr/arancidamoeba
So what makes Crown King funky? Visit close to a holiday and you’ll quickly find out. Events like “The World’s Shortest Memorial Day Parade,” the “Crown King One-Hole Golf Tournament,” and the “Annual Fall Corn Hole Showdown,” give the town a lighthearted vibe and give citizens something to laugh about.
Flickr/curtis4x5
Have you ever visited Crown King? What was your favorite thing about it? Are there any other offbeat towns in Arizona that everyone should check out? This is one of our favorites.
Flickr/immeemz
TripAdvisor/Niteriders
TripAdvisor/mrhackerott
Facebook/Crown King Saloon & Cafe
Flickr/arancidamoeba
Flickr/curtis4x5
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