5/24-26: Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone

Where would Tombstone be today without Wyatt Earp? The southeast Arizona community owes a great day to its former lawman and will pay tribute to him at its annual Wyatt Earp Days celebration. Here are some things to do on your next trip to Tombstone.

Eat

Big Nose Kate's Saloon is a raucous joint, packed to the rafters with Western decor and camera-toting tourists. Because it's a Tombstone establishment, raucous, tourist-pleasing action is to be expected. Live music is performed at lunchtime and in the evening. The menu covers plenty of ground but you don't need to read further than the Reuben sandwich, a towering stack of thinly sliced, perfectly spiced corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss.

Details: 417 E. Allen St. 520-457-3107, www.bignosekates.info.

Cafe Margarita has the popular culinary bases covered. There are lots of Mexican choices, including fajitas, burritos and the sloppy-good Sonoran hot dog (wrapped in bacon and topped with cheese, beans and onions). If Italian is what you want to mangia, try lasagna, penne and meatballs or chicken parmigiana. All you really want is a burger? Done. Desserts include flan, spumoni and a chocolate chimi with ice cream. Now that's a culinary melting pot.

Details: 131 S. Fifth St. 520-457-2277, www.bignosekates.info/cafe-margarita/index.html.

Play

See mock gunfights and hangings, skits in the street, and an 1880s fashion show at Wyatt Earp Days over Memorial Day weekend. Other events include a chili cookoff and a raffle for a Colt revolver.

"We have gunfighting groups coming from all over Arizona and California, as well as the local groups," said Bill Pakinkis, a spokesman for the event.

On Memorial Day, events will pause at 11 a.m. for a ceremony at American Legion Post 24, at the corner of Allen and Second streets.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Monday, May 24-26. Downtown Tombstone. Free. 520-457-3511, www.tombstonechamber.com/Wyatt-Earp-Days.

Stay

Enjoy lovely views from Tombstone Grand Hotel, a former Holiday Inn Express on the edge of town. This newer property features free Wi-Fi, a full breakfast and heated pool. It may not have the history of some of the other hotels in the region, but it's well located near all the attractions. Rooms from $98.

Details: 580 W. Randolph Way. 520-457-9507, www.tombstonegrand.com.