Halloween at the Haunted Gadsden Hotel
October 31 – November 1, 2024
$459 (Double Occupancy) +$62 (Single Supplement)

Day One: We’re traveling south to Tombstone—The Town Too Tough To Die—where we’ll enjoy lunch on self, with plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Later back in the Transits, we’ll head for Douglas, Arizona. Just a few miles north of the Mexican border, Douglas, a once remote ranching town is home to the infamous Gadsden Hotel. Built in 1902, then destroyed by fire, the Gadsden was rebuilt in 1929 in the Art Nouveau style, offering a magnificent Tiffany stained glass window overlooking the lobby, and a sweeping Italian marble staircase, up which Pancho Villa reportedly rode his horse. The hotel provided gracious hospitality to the growing business brought in by the mining industry and the settling of the Arizona Territory. The lobby of the Gadsden, “the living room,” hosted cattlemen, ranchers, copper mining executives and businessmen. For all of the Gadsden’s rich history, the hotel also had a dark side—catering to gamblers, and notable lawless characters of the American West. Famously haunted, guests and staff members have reported paranormal encounters on every floor, with the third floor seemingly the epicenter. The basement of the Gadsden is beyond fascinating—a 7,000 square foot labyrinth of twenty rooms—which secretly housed bootleg whiskey tunnels, brothels and a notorious speakeasy. We’ll check into our beautifully renovated rooms, and after a refresh we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner, served buffet-style with a glass of beer or wine, included. After dinner, we’ll explore the Gadsden, beginning on the third floor, winding our way down into the basement, with guides recounting the darker history that arose from the underbelly of the hotel. Afterwards we’ll wrap up the evening with a nightcap in the Saddle and Spur Tavern. First round’s on us, with an opportunity to purchase additional cocktails on self.

Day Two: A continental breakfast is included at the hotel. Later, back in the Transits, we’ll hit the road for the Slaughter Ranch. Civil War veteran, Texas Ranger, trail-driver, cattle-king, sheriff, Arizona state representative and professional gambler—John Slaughter, more than anyone else—brought law and order to the Arizona Territory. With his six-shooter, repeating shotgun and Henry rifle, he was admired by Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and Pat Garret, just to name a few. To visit Slaughter Ranch is to truly take a step back in time. Originally known as San Bernardino Ranch, the atmosphere seems untouched since John Slaughter’s time. We’ll enjoy the spectacular scenery and wild-life, surrounding the old adobe ranch house, ice house, wash house, granary, commissary and more. Slaughter Ranch offers a glimpse of what life was like when John Slaughter rode. Later we’ll travel to Bisbee, in Southern Arizo-na’s scenic Mule Mountains. Founded in 1880, Bisbee was one of the most cultured cities in the American West—the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Downtown Bisbee still retains much of its cosmopolitan charm, but its mining camp roots are also fully on display. We’ll enjoy lunch, on self, in the rollicking Brewery Gulch district—once home to 50 saloons and several brothels. Today Brewery Gulch is home to interesting shops, galleries, antique stores and more. Later, back in the Transits, we’ll visit some of Bisbee’s most historic and significant sites before setting sail for home, a relaxing journey through the rolling grasslands of Southern Arizona, with plenty of great stops along the way. Join us for this Kindred Tours Classic!

Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.

Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.