What if you could not only visit a location significant to the midcentury era, but stay in a vintage trailer at the same time? Well, you’re in luck. The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court is in Bisbee, Arizona, along the historic Highway 80, and has housed trailer travelers since 1927.
Historic Highway
Highway 80 started as a trail through Arizona in 1846, and became known as U.S. 80 in 1925. It followed the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, and was paved between 1920–1939. Much like the more famous Route 66, Highway 80 became more obsolete as interstates appeared, but the road has remained a beloved route for vacationers and travelers.
If you’re looking to vacation like a midcentury family, there’s plenty to do in the area. You can tour an old mine underground or the various locations in Bisbee that have seen ghostly activity. You can enjoy a glass of wine at the local winery, or go hiking and fishing in the nearby wildlife area.
Trailer Travelers
Shady Dell is home to 10 different places to stay, including trailers, buses and even a boat. The spaces are all vintage restored, and range from 1947–1959. Most sleep 1–2 people, with the exception of the 1947 Tiki bus, which can fit 3 people.
The interiors all stay true to their MCM roots, and many have vintage memorabilia and decor as well. Some of the spaces have themed interiors, such as the 1947 Tiki bus, the 1955 Airstream with its Southwest vintage decor, and the 1957 Airfloat, with a Las Vegas interior.
To see more of the interiors, check out this video.
Winter Wonderland
Even though Arizona is known for its deserts, Bisbee does experience some cold during the winter, though snow is more rare. The average temperatures in January–March range between lows of 35° F and highs of 55–60° F. If you’re looking to escape the winter weather, check out some of our other snowbird Atomic Getaways, but if you don’t mind mildly wintery weather, Shady Dell might be just the ticket.
To book a reservation, click here.
