This Small Town In Arizona Is Peak Southwestern Vibes
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 01, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Just 40 miles north of the Mexican border, there’s a small town you’ve probably never even heard of. Ajo – which means “garlic” in Spanish – was voted the most southwestern town in Arizona by USA Today readers a few years ago. We couldn’t agree more with the verdict and feel that it still remains true to this day. From the traditional Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to the iconic Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, this tiny town is peak Southwestern vibes.
Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Ajo is a charming small town near the Mexican border.
Ajo was actually the first copper boomtown in Arizona - a prestigious honor given how important the industry was to the state's growth and development. Although the mine has been closed for quite some time, the two-mile scenic overlook remains a popular tourist attraction.
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Many historic buildings can be seen throughout Ajo, including the former Curley School.
Ajo is the closest town to this vast, 330,000-acre national monument - the only place where the organ pipe cactus grows wild. It's also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, meaning countless species of plant and animal life make their homes here.
Despite being such a small town, Ajo has a surprisingly active food scene.
Swing by the Ajo Farmers Market & Cafe, located on Estrella Avenue, to refuel after a full day of exploring.
The farm-to-table restaurants offers traditional Southwestern fare like fry bread and Sonoran dogs, plus fresh produce and other artisan goods from local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and artists.
Have you ever been to Ajo? If so, do you agree that it’s the most southwestern town in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Make sure to check out our previous article for another town that’s so perfectly Arizona.
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