Okay, I've got one for you, esp.if you are a birder; a little south of Tucson (Ramsey canyon) South West Arizona research station in Portal -- you can spend night and meet some naturalists or hike
Great bee and moth collections.
I
I
4
Just a couple of notes:
The Hotel Congress serves a wonderful breakfast. Worth the trip!
Mission San Xavier is beautiful. Don’t miss this.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Amazing!
HF Coors for Arizona pottery. Take a tour.
9
Thanks for this article. This NYT subscriber and former resident of Tucson always enjoys reading about how others appreciate this desert city. Please advise the author and the editors that the plural of cactus is cacti, not cactuses. Gracias.
10
@Theresa. Fellow chicagoan agrees and appreciates the comments
Correction. Tucson is in the northern Sonoran Desert, not Southern. The southern end is several hundred miles south of here.
4
You didn't even TRY to sample a vegetarian or vegan restaurant?
4
And don't forget Tucson's Food Conspiracy Co-op right across from Antigone's. Tucson is fortunate to have a good Food Co-op too. In the late '60's member-owned food buying clubs were often called "food conspiracies" Our co-op retains its original rebellious 1971 name.
5
I concur with everyone mentioning the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum - and did I just read an entire article and comments on Tucson with no one else mentioning that Mexican restaurant nonpareil, Poca Cosa?
14
Strange that among the hotels and restaurants you mention two of the best and best known are left out: Cafe Poca Cosa and The Arizona Inn. Seems like you are only focused on catering to those looking for a Brooklynesque experience with a Southwestern touch. We have a lot more to offer.
15
@D. Kohn
I think those were harsh comments about Ms. Glusac
's article. I think she did a fine job, after all she only spent a limited number of hours here. I know Ms. Glusac personally and she has traveled all over the world and knows her stuff. I would have added a few things too but hey all in all a positive article and great pictures of the city I've grown to love.
6
Ah Tucson! I lived on the NW side in the 70's and visit old friends as often as possible. The food and golf are incredible, as well as the scenery. We used to go to Gates Pass just to watch the sunset, eat at El Charro and play world class, easily accessible golf courses like Randolph Park and think nothing of how lucky we were to actually LIVE in such a beautiful city! Mi Nidito is not to be missed for authentic Sonoran Cuisine, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain and Canoa Hills in nearby Green Valley are world class tracks not to be missed. The drive up the Catalina Highway to Mt. Lemmon is beautiful and enlightening, with its progressive change from desert floor to full on alpine environments in a half hours time, Tucson is a gem!
13
great article and comments: I strongly recommend that you try Fiamme Pizza. The young chef trained in Naples, and brings the most authentic wood fired pizza napoletana anywhere in the West. He is also the world Champ in Pizza acrobatics. you could sometimes see him "practicing".
2
Another interesting feature — You can buy a spacious refinished home downtown for the price of a parking space in New York.
8
I just can’t believe that in all of these comments, no one mentioned Old Tucson. One of the oldest and most well known movie sets of all time. You really should go visit it if you have the time. And while much of it burned down many years ago, it still has so many of the original sites featured in so many movies.
7
Tuscon has an integrated system of bicycle facilities, including The Loop http://webcms.pima.gov/government/the_loop/, which circles the city and connects to restaurant, park and other venues.
Tuscon also has a large aircraft graveyard, where all sorts of no longer used aircraft are stored in the dry atmosphere.
8
Many people go to the top of Gates Pass to see the sunsets. Get they early because parking is limited.
6
Any visit to the Old Pueblo would not be complete without visits to the following places that have a true sense of place that few cities can match.
Visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac. A classic Boarderlands mission just south of downtown.
Go to the Tohono O'odham cooperative farm just west of the Mission for true Native food items like tepary beans.
Barrio Bread is by far the best bread you will ever taste.
Native Seeds carries varieties of Sonoran seeds that deserve to be saved and cultivated.
Watershed Management Group educates and demonstrates water saving and reuse ideas that can be used by many.
Visit the website for Edible Baja AZ Magazine for ideas to plan your visit. Even though the publication ended last year the info will help plan your visit to a dynamic and authentic city/region.
6
@K Hunt
barrio bread, yes, yes! Many good suggestions in your note, and I didn't realize that Edible Baja still had an online presence. Loved that magazine.
5
What a great summary! I was amazed you got to both parts of the Saguaro National Monument but not to everyone's favorite, Sabino Canyon. That's the first place we Tucsonans send everybody to hike. Next time you should visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, too. Either of those could take most of the day, though. Thirty-six hours has its limitsss.
16
You have missed the opportunity to list the Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona campus, http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/home
Curious how you could have missed this one, especially when it pertains to the surrounding culture and archaeology of Arizona.
11
Stayed at the historic Hotel Congress when visiting for the famous Mineral & Gem show. If you stay there don't intend to get too much sleep before 2 am. The bass was blaring so loudly from the nightclub, below my room, that it dinged the bell of the telephone on the desk.
2
@PM People don't usually stay there to sleep. The rooms are convenient for people who are partying all night downstairs and are too drunk to drive home.
4
We have a saying here, primarily directed at the wintering snow birds, "If you can't take the summer, you don't deserve the winter." OK, it's definitely incredibly, sometimes frighteningly hot in summer. Dry heat? Yes, but consider 4% humidity. Every bit of your body's moisture is sucked out. Oh, and it's also 105 and humid at times, thanks to why all of us who really really love Tucson love it year round: the monsoon season thunderstorms. That's when the desert truly comes to life. Lightning streaking every which way across the sky; booming thunder; buckets of rain; streets and dry creek beds suddenly full of water; mini-tornadoes call micro-bursts; brilliant sunsets; 4 inch black, flying Palo Verde bugs (beetles with amazingly large mandibles); tarantulas crawling out from their underground lairs. Looking for an extreme vacation? Tucson in summer (and even now, because it's still in the 100s) is your destination!
19
The Sonoran Desert here with the stunning mountains all around makes this place one of the most beautiful in America. Have lived here now for a couple of decades. Tucson is a very funky place, laid back, some great things to do, the best sunsets in the country with a distinctive kind of third world vibe, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad. What is tragic is I have witnessed this place becoming more like Phoenix in terms of the climate. Tucson has warmed dramatically in the past few decades and the droughts are sustained. Fortunately this summer we had a fairly decent monsoon season. Linda Ronstadt, a native of Tucson, left her home town because it got too hot for her. With global warming, I don't want to see what will happen to this magnificent desert in 50 years. I am afraid it will turn into a sand desert, not unlike some of the stark landscapes in much hotter climes.
12
This article is based purely on a tourist point of view. Next time find some native Tucsonans to show you around the real Old Pueblo. Yes many great places were showcased but Tucson is home to a diverse culture, there was no mention of the two Native American tribes, the historic San Xavier Mission, South Tucson 4th Avenue, 12th Avenue, Cushing Street, Barrio Hollywood, A Mountain, Tucson Meet Yourself and multitude of other places built by hundreds of years of generations and history. We were a small quiet college town that is now had a huge influx of tourist settling in our town, driving up housing prices and turning it in their home town. We welcome everyone but if you’re going to stay respect the history, culture and traditions of the people that were here before you.
26
We fell in love with Tucson in 2011and bought a house in 48 hours! We never get tired of riding our bikes on The Loop or downtown, watching the sunsets, hiking on handy trails, enjoying great music in many different venues (especially Monterrey Court), finding fun and funky places to eat, and nothing can top The Tucson Festival of Books every March on the campus of The University of Arizona. And the Tucson Museum of Art is a real gem!
9
@Bertie Thank you for mentioning the Loop. This is a great recent addition for biking and hiking. I like to do the latter when I am back in town.
The Festival of Books is first rate. It also brings back happy memories of my mother's many years working for the old Tucson Public Library, especially her time managing the Himmel Library at Himmel Park. That little library has been going for more than 50 years and is beloved of the surrounding Sam Hughes community.
5
@John Collinge
Hi John, I worked with your Mom and we went to New Zealand together! Charl
1
Tucson is wonderful, and 4th avenue is surely one of only a few remaining "bohemian districts" of its kind. That said, see it while you can - they are on the verge of destroying it with multi-story high rise student housing and parking garages. The same thing happened in Fayetteville (AR) - the beginning of the end was the construction of the Walton Art Center on Dixon Street (Fayetteville's 4th Ave). Now it's a generic, boring, gentrified urban street like many others. Sad... It's all about the money.
5
I'm so happy to actually live in Tucson. My favorite feature is the diversity of my Hispanic and Native neighborhood, just south of downtown, and the in the longest constantly inhabited area of the country, (at around 4000 years). My art studio alone is worth the trip. www.georgestrasburger.com
8
No mention of the Del Bac distillery?
Gates Pass
Desert Museum
The amazing drive up through varied ecological zones along the Catalina Highway
The Arizona Inn
Madera Canyon
Short(ish) drive to the Chiricahau Mountains..
I guess we all have our favorites....never lack for choices....and the sunsets....nature never ceases to amaze !
27
My thoughts exactly. Tucson is great.
2
I would also recommend the Dunbar-Spring neighborhood in Tucson to see dynamic housing and yardscape in action.
My husband and I moved to Tucson in 2000, after 25 years in Austin. As a native Texan, I had to be dragged out west kicking and screaming. But the allure was that this wonderful little town was just like Austin 10 to 15 years earlier, when it was livable.
My mother pined for us to return to Texas one day, but as I would say to her, "Mama, this place is so wonderful that you can't believe you're not in Texas!"
24
Good article, but if you don’t live near downtown (I live in Oro Valley), it’s a restaurant wasteland. Only good restaurant worth visiting is Wildflower which is a 20 minute drive. For the life of me, I don’t understand this! Why can’t Oro Valley sustain good restaurants such as Agustin or Riley’s here in the suburbs. Since moving here from Connecticut 6 years ago, there are more and more people living here full time (we were snowbirds for 15 years!)
10
@Donna L Rosenberg
There are other good restaurants in OV. What about The Keg at Oro Valley Marketplace? My personal favorite is Caffe Torino. On La Canada and Harvest is right next door. And while it’s not in OV it’s also not downtown , Wild Garlic Grill across from La Encantada is one of the best in Tucson and there are several other good restaurants in thT same area.
1
@Donna L Rosenberg
True! I live downtown, and my mother-in-law lives in Oro Valley. We go out to eat with her up there frequently, and while I enjoy the company, I do not enjoy the food!
1
Zocalo and arte de la vida for fabulous Mexican folk art and furniture. But I’m not sharing name of my favorite cafe.
15
@Susan Those are my two favorites, also!
@Susan, zocalo sadly has closed
1
(More about the Tucson of my [long ago] youth:)
For a year or two, when in elementary school, I lived directly across the street from Davis Monthan Air Force Base. At that time the "aircraft grave yard" wasl filled with obsolete B-47 bombers, predecessors to the B-52 . .
I have distinct memories of U2 flyovers, and the F4 Phantom was ubiquitous in the skies.
This being during the height of the Cold War, rather more disconcerting facets stick to my mind: the many air raid sirens, standing tall and yellow, like emaciated creatures from afar, planted all over town . . . every Saturday, at precisely 1:00pm, they all begin a mournful wail, lasting for one minute (I believe). One got used to it: a way to check your watch.
Once a year the newspaper printed a map of the air-raid shelters, and the ridiculously inaccurate inclusion of concentric circles, as in a bulls-eye target, showing the relative damage imposed by a "Hiroshima-sized 20 Kiloton bomb...'
Even at 10 yrs old knew absurdity of that: the city being then surrounded by 18 (?) Titan II ICMBs (intercontinental missiles), the USSR would rain down many megatons of destruction, rending the entire valley a smoldering crater. It was dark humor in university days (Go Wildcats!) that we only wanted advanced notice of the incoming warheads, so that we could "enjoy the show" (for less than a millisecond) . . . Only upside: I then lived in the Tucson House, and had access to the roof (16th story): the best perch of all!
7
@James I used to watch the F4s and U-2 training all the time. While an undergrad at the U of A we were serenaded by early generation B-52s and all the B-58s flying in to DMAFB to be mothballed. That would have been circa 1972.
Just after I moved to Tucson in 1967 there was a serious F4 crash. As I recall the plane suffered an engine failure. The pilot tried to make DM but his plane crashed about a half mile short hitting a supermarket on Alvernon and killing about 5 or 6 people in it.
3
For the motor heads among us, Tucson is home of a fine museum of, of all things, Franklin automobiles. Don't miss it.
8
El Charro is so over-rated. You should've mentioned from-scratch vegan cuisine at Tumerico. We aren't even vegetarians let alone vegans and we hit this place every weekend. Incredible what the chef is doing in the limited vegan spectrum.
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@J.W.
Yeah, I have to agree.
I've had some nice meals there (and some not-so-good), and recently returned because the foodie brother-in-law really wanted to go there, yet ended up sorely disappointed.
I would avoid anything other than the historic downtown location entirely.
I've had better meals at South of the Border.
3
@Michele K
I heartily disagree about El Charro being overrated. We've been eating there regularly for many years and the food is consistently good and the recipes are interesting. I would agree that the downtown location is the best of the bunch...
2
@J.W. Soooooo agree! I've eaten there, and I'm good not to again. There are so many other incredible restaurants here and they always mention El Charro.
2
GASLIGHT THEATRE
If you are a visitor looking for special memories and enjoyment to last forever.... Look no further. The Gaslight Theatre has emerged as Tucson's GEM. Fun fulfilled mellow drama shows with SKILLED actors who deserve to be in Hollywood, and some have been. Along with the Gaslight Theatre sits a genuine diner. Go right back into time by eating at Little Anthony's, my personal favorite are the MALT SHAKES!!! Makes a boy dream of the grease years. Overall the Gaslight Theatre is what makes Tucson shine a MUST GO!
11
Perhaps one could join the volunteers who place water jugs in the desert outside Tuscon to lessen the death rate of migrants passing by on their way north. Too bad several hundred still die each year in the south Sonoran desert heat hunted by heavily armed vigilantes.
Enjoy your food.
18
@RebeccaTouger Yes, people can walk out with the volunteers.... http://forms.nomoredeaths.org/en/ and still get back into town to enjoy some great food after doing some great good!
Is Pinnacle Pete's around?
3
@Baboulas HA HA! I't's Pinnacle Peak, and, yes, it's still around--on Tanque Verde Road, where it always was, surrounded by an old timey Western "village."
1
@https://www.pinnaclepeaktucson.com/
No one has mentioned Trail Dust Town. Used to be a really cool place. Haven't been there for a while.
@Baboulas
Pinnacle Peak? Yes...!
And don't forget that Tucson has more hummingbirds than anywhere else in the USA.
And:
Santa Rita Lodge
Hummingbird Market
Desert Museum
Degrazia Museum
Tohono Chul
40
What I really liked about this article is the mention of many places I didn’t know about. I can’t wait to visit them!
8
The view of the mountains and spectacular sunsets are unparalleled anywhere.
Food for the soul!
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@Mary jo Jacoby
Six surrounding mountain ranges, the lighting on them constantly changing - you're absolutely right!
11
Simply put. Tucson is an amazing hidden gem. Go. Explore!
19
The Loft Cinema is a Tucson treasure, one of the best art house theatres in the country.
37
If you're going to visit Fourth Avenue and the area around the University of Arizona, try the Fourth Avenue Deli (for quick sandwiches with a little artistry and local touches), and maybe stay at the Arizona Inn, a Tucson landmark more centrally located than the Marriott or Hacienda del Sol in the foothills (which is a wonderful place to stay). I was born in Tucson and, after almost 40 years in Scottsdale, still consider myself a Tucsonan.
15
@Scot Stirling. Ditto re the Arizona Inn. Old school, old style when I was last there in 1993. Hope to get back there someday.
1
@Scot Stirling
Wish I could afford to stay at hacienda del so -- I've eaten there too
I like West Ward hotel.
Oy. All these places to hang out, and no mention of San Xavier, an architectural gem with significant historical ties to the Spanish presence in the southwest. The Bone Yard is a weird artifact of America at war. Tohono Chul is top for a guided tour of local flora and a great place for lunch. For anyone unfamiliar with Tucson, take a Google satellite tour of San Xavier and the Bone yard, and consider this town for you next vacation. it's inexpensive and full of novel things to do.
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@az parent
I miss the old Pueblo grill and its history
I have been in Tucson for the past two months. I am still in complete awe of the beauty of the skyline, the sunsets, the monsoon, the amazing biodiversity. The outdoors in a 100 miles radius of the city are absolutely breathtaking. A car ride between Tucson and Bisbee at dusk will make your jaw drop.
Being French, I also do not joke around with food and I have not been disappointed. So many great restaurants.
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@David
But if you're not American, be sure to carry your passport when driving south of Tucson to places like Bisbee, because those border(?) guards can be pretty nasty - we were threatened with $5K fines each, and my elderly mother who was with us got quite a scare.
Unfortunately, we cannot presume that just because we cleared customs and were admitted to the country, that we can travel about it freely.
Which is extremely sad.
22
@David
Hopefully, you have discovered Ghini's Cafe - our French gem.
Tout à fait d’accord! On y mange très bien!
We stayed at Cat Mountain Lodge B & B just outside Saguaro National Park, and it was peaceful and gorgeous!
7
Well done article! And perhaps even more impressive were all the comments! Hey, what about this and what about that? So many excellent suggestions and additions from your readers!
Indeed, there are so many pros to Tucson, from the simply gorgeous desert surrounds, multiple botanical gardens, old Spanish missions, birders paradise, growing tech industry, excellent educational programs, blend of ethnicities, clean environment ... Tucson has come of age in a very good way! It is truly a unique city in America in many ways.
20
I spent about a day there last year, and was very impressed by the city. The one noticeable thing driving in at night is how dark it is- Tucson is very strict about light pollution because of the strong astronomy influence in the town. The University of Arizona has a beautiful campus with a light rail system that links downtown. The Arizona History Museum is a nice place to spend a couple of hours, along with the Photography museum at U of A. The Biosphere 2 is just outside of the city, which you can visit. Definitely take a drive and walk through Saguaro National Park when the weather is cooler.
22
@Rich Ky
Amen re dark at night -- intentionally due to kitt peak?
1
My beloved hometown. :) One thing no one has mentioned yet - if you get a chance, see if there's a show playing at the Gaslight Theater. They put on wonderful live musical shows and comedies, and the food isn't bad either.
18
I moved back to Tucson from Nogales. I've lived here off and on since the 1960s. October-May the weather can't be beat. The cost of living going up but still very reasonable for a retiree like me living mainly on SS. Even though I will always have "Georgia On My Mind", I have to admit I love Tucson also. All of my family has live here since the 1930s. Don't worry. We will NOT run out of water! The planning for the future of us having water was done years back, and this city will grow, but never be another Phoenix. For me...I love the mountains, the beautiful saguaros, the clean and arid air! It's well worth a visit with LOTS to see and do!
12
Local tips:
Drinking: St. Charles Tavern, the Buffet or Che's Lounge.
For tacos: Apson and Aqui Con El Nene
Hiking; The Yetman Trail or Pima Canyon
Lodging: The Downtown Clifton, Hotel Congress, or the brand new Hotel McCoy
Breakfast: Baja Cafe and 5 Points are your best bets for a better meal. Craving a greasy spoon? Go to Frank's or Bobo's.
Other highlights: The Tucson Museum of Art has a great permanent collection and rotating shows. The Desert Museum is worth the drive. The Degrazia Galley of the Sun is a perfect marriage of environment and space. The Etherton Gallery downtown is world class. The Pima Air and Space Museum is great as well.
Get out of downtown. Go to South 12th and just randomly pick a taco or raspado shop. Stay at a dude ranch like the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch for a few nights. Take a day trip to the Amerind Museum near Dragoon or travel to Bisbee for a night.
53
@Michael G you captured so much of what is unique and special. No mention of Tucson Botanical Gardens or Tohono Chul gardens. It's all great
8
@Michael G
Good list.
Will be back at the (original) Baja Café in 5 weeks and counting - should not be missed!
@Michael Great list. Some brought me back to my college days at University of Arizona. The Buffet is a great dive bar that pretty much is the same as it was back in the '80's. I remember being there late on the evening of my 21st birthday.
I forgot about Bobo's. Not only is it a great greasy spoon. but brings back some funny college memories.
I currently have two kids at U of A. There is nothing cooler than when one of my kids introduces us to a new place when we are down there visiting.
Also, if you are into live music, try to see a show at the Rialto Theatre downtown. It is one of those small, amazing venues that makes music you like sound better.
The Food Truck scene in Tucson is awesome, too!
25
@David Sonoran Hot Dogs!
What? No mention of the Arizona Inn? It’s one of Tucson’s top treasures when it comes to history, sophistication, gentility and an oasis of quiet. The one frustrating thing about so many restaurants here is that you can’t hear yourself think...as mentioned about Hotel Congress. Rumor has it that all the noise keeps table turn-over high. Noise may be all well and good for those umbilically tied to their smart phones, but for a superb atmosphere for good conversation try high tea in the Inn’s wood-paneled library.
59
@Wendy Sizer
We've always marvelled at how such a comparatively small city can support so many restaurants.
Not that we're complaining.
1
half a mile from Tucson by the morning light
5
One thing not mentioned is: Freedom.
I've visited all over the world, and lived across the United States, but Arizona has a very strong libertarian streak to it, do it yourself, and live your own life. I can go from great Southwest Cuisine, to skiing at Flagstaff in 3 hours. Wake up go home, go to Tuscon the next day and enjoy the Catalina foothills. If you like shooting, Arizona is ranked the best state for guns.
There is hardly any enforcement from the cops here in the nicer areas, highways are large and clean, and, generally, people are pretty friendly. Government sides with the people (landlords can you have you removed by a sheriff in 15 days, for example), and it incredibly friendly to business. Our drivers license last till you're 65 years old so you don't have to go to the DMV. Taxes are low.
Only thing that really stinks: the heat. Summers are rough. Visit Tuscon in the winter. After that, visit Phoenix and wonder why we water our lawns.....
7
Taxes are low and --weirdly-- public education is terrible.
22
@Scott
Have you travelled south of Tucson?
Not much freedom there, what with the border patrols, etc.
3
A couple more: Tucson is home to the largest military aircraft "boneyard" (where out-of-service planes are stored) in the world. You can drive by and stare through the fence or take a tour available through the Pima Air and Space Museum. In addition, the Titan Missile Museum gets high ratings from visitors for its guided tour of a Cold-War era missile silo.
28
@Nick
Also Marana Air Park has been opened to the public. It's the boneyard for old commercial jets. Delta just flew its last 747 to retire there. Marana is just NW of Tucson off of Interstate 10.
3
Just back from a stay at Madera Canyon to go birding. Hubby wanted to see Titan Museum. I reluctantly said ok and have to say it was very interesting and well worth the stop.
3
No mention Time Market or Tacos Apson?
23
I wish the Times hadn’t run this article and let out the secret to Eastcoasters.
This New Yorker has been visiting Tucson countless times for at least 45 years, from when I stopped over for a couple of days on a cross-country road trip when it was still a cowboy town to its hip current state, for all the reasons cited here – and much more.
Most Easterners winter-visit in humid Florida or the islands. Boring with limited things to do.
Tucson gets mostly Midwesterners and Canadians. NYers really stand out. But the many attractions are well worth the extra time getting there.
Just hope it is not overrun this winter.
23
@Just a thought: It's always overrun in winter.
9
Instead of staying at the ridiculously-priced AC Marriott downtown, walk across the street and stay at the Hotel Congress for a third the cost.
Not mentioned in the article are the great music clubs here -- Club Congress (in the Hotel Congress), Can's Deli, 191 Toole, the Rialto Theatre!
26
The Pima Air and Space museum. Book a bus tour over the Davis-Monthan Air Force Boneyard where hundreds of military aircraft are stored outside or await scrapping.
Saguaro at dawn and at night when life awakes.
7
I love Tucson, politically balanced, great weather except for deep summer and tons of things to do. I wanted to one day retire there from the wet and grey NW but I fear that in the not too distant future water is going to be a much fought over commodity. The aquifers are being drained and the nut plantations are acting as giant sponges not to mention the mining interests.
28
@Steve Actually, the City of Tucson Water Department is an award-winning, forward-thinking and well-managed department that takes great pride in providing excellent water while actually INCREASING aquifer water levels and utilizing an extensive reclaimed water system! https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/recharged-water
21
@Craig
Recently took my students to visit Dr Ian Pepper at the UA WEST Center water reclamation laboratories. Amazing!
1
@Craig Yes, but still no ability to remotely monitor water meters...
1
Two words about my hometown that you missed:
CARNE SECA.
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@Amy D. Two more: CHEESE CRISP
14
@Tom B:
"YES!!!" to the glorious cheese crisp! Long, long ago I found a restaurant in Phoenix that served them, but aside from that anomaly I've yet to find a single eatery offering them outside of Tucson.
2
@Amy D.not to forget margaritas, the carne seca at El Minuto, the raspados, the Sonoran Dogs at El Guero Canelo, the amazing and plentiful farmer’s markets, the democratic and inclusive lifestyle, Eegee’s, Buffalo Exchange, the Day of the Dead Procession and activities in November, the progressive politics, Coffee Depot, and so much more!
1
And, on top of everything else, Tucson detests trump! It can't get better than that.
105
Oh, god, somebody had to go there. The Resistance wants to ruin everything with politics, but Tucson is much, much better than that. Que Viva Tucson!
3
@DUDLEY
Yup.
Part of the area even went metric, with KM markings instead of mile markers on Hwy 19 (I think it is).
For this Canadian, those kinds of things helped us decide that Tucson was the place for us to winter.
And we've had no regrets since.
14
@DUDLEY +3
1
As a longtime Tucsonan, I would highly recommend the Arizona-sonora Desert Museum for a closer look at the critters that inhabit this beautiful desert. Hard to believe that they left this out.
37
As a longtime resident who has lived on the East Coast it is great to see Tucson highlighted. It is hard to get people to even imagine what an interesting, place it is. I especially appreciated the comparison with Austin, as Arizona is so frequently judged by its political life. Tucson is always liberal and votes that way! One little complaint: lots of talk about adobe architecture but no pictures of it. I live in an adobe and there are some iconic ones in town. For instance, you could have depicted the 17th C mission, or homes in the barrio. Just gives a flavor of what you are talking about.
27
My new home town. Came last winter and said this is it. Of course, my Dad lived near Sierra Vista 17 years, so I had seen the city a few times. I haven’t been to the museums mentioned here yet-thanks! If you like science and stargazing, the mirror lab is a don’t miss. Make reservations though.
7
@Kathy Piercy:
If you really want an astronomical treat, visit Kitt Peak, one of the world's premier observatories, including the planet's largest solar telescope. Plus, in the spring ladybugs create virtual carpets on the local landscape.
7
Great suggestions in the comments, but many are far outside the scope of what can be done in a concentrated area in 36 hours. Well within the area, however, is the Museum of Contemporary Art at 265 S. Church Ave. MOCA-Tucson is housed in the former fire station and displays contemporary paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations, often site-specific. There's always something interesting going on!
14
@Joanne
Yes, when I read this article about our town, I regret how little of Tucson the "36 Hours" doesn't mention.
Folks, if you don't have more than 36 hours here, at least fly the Tucson airport, TUS. It's usually not as cheap as airports in the Phoenix area, but it will save you time on the incredibly boring I-10 and also show you a lot of local culture in its restaurants and art exhibits.
(No, I don't have any connection to our airport. This is just my advice.)
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This is a great list of things to see, eat, and do in one of my favorite cities in the USA! I am especially happy to see the Center for Creative Photography included - it really is a gem, one of the most important institutions for photography in the world.
Some other favorites: Cafe Poca Cosa (one of the best meals of my life), Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Mount Lemmon, and Tohono Chul botanical gardens (which also has wonderful gift shops filled with local arts, crafts, and literature). For lodging: Westward Look Resort is very nice.
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@Emily Agree with those additions, too! I really like Westward Look when I stay there because of its extensive desert gardens and views and history (fabulous Gold restaurant is a good dinner spot). In the daytime, I always eat at Cafe Poca Cosa for authentic and creative tamales In addition to those mentioned, the university has the excellent Arizona State Museum, which offers a nice multimedia introduction to all the cultures in AZ and information on local archeology.
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@Emily:
Indeed, I am pleased that your noted the Center for Creative Photography; Ansel Adams had a direct hand in its genesis.
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@Emily
Absolutely agree that Westward Look should not be overlooked.
It was during a stay there, up on the roof at sunset that my husband and I decided we could not winter anywhere else than Tucson.
As a once and future Tucson resident who gets back as often as possible I'm delighted to see the shout outs to Tumamoc Hill, Antigone Books, El Charro, the many treasures of the U of A and other places of happy memory. I'm a bit surprised, however, to see no mention of the wonderful Arizona Desert Museum, one of the best natural history museums in the Southwest, or of Sabino Canyon which is easily accessible for hiking and very scenic.
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@John Collinge
While I agree with you, for now, people should be aware that there's an issue with the Sabino Canyon's trolley system - hopefully very soon to be resolved, because Sabino is not to be missed.
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@Michele K Yes, I know from my last visit. I never use the trolley and hope that whatever replaces it runs on clean energy. I'd just as soon get rid of the trollies but I know that they are a necessary evil.
It's good to see that the city of my alma mater has so much to offer and yet has done it in a much more thoughtful manner than the giant water sucker, Phoenix, 100 miles north. It's been 40 years since I left and this article has rekindled my urge to visit.
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My Beloved Old Pueblo (as it has long been called by true natives) . . . .
I was born at the then decidedly rustic Tucson Medical Center in 1959 . . . the city was far more a town in those days!
During early years of my youth one of the greatest joys was going to the once plentiful various outdoor movie theaters; there were at least eight that I can recall:
The Fiesta
The Cactus
The Midway
The Prince
The Biltmore-Miracle Mile
The 22nd Street
The Rodeo,
The Apache (3 screens)
I remember many of those early movies, including MARY POPPINS, TRUE GRIT, THE DIRTY DOZEN, A WEREWOLF IN LONDON and, oddly enough, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY; many, many more have vanished from my memory, as too, sadly, the theatres have too evaporated from the landscape.
Annual visits to Kitt Peak were beloved treats, thanks to my grandfather; in those days one could still drive out to Gates Pass and, especially on moonless nights, enjoy nearly inky black skies with myriad sparkling stars. (The ubiquitous motion detecting "security" lights in homes' back yards out in the desert floor are a travesty.)
One memory stands out: as a tyke I remember canoers paddling down Tucson Blvd (?!?) after summer "monsoons", as the street lacked curbs and had a distinct "bowl" curvature . .
I've now lived iout of State longer than I was there, but I still consider myself a native: Tucson, with its exquisite Mexican food ("cheese crisps!!!" -- unknown in CA), unmatched sunsets, and awesome lightning, remains HOME.
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@James I quite well remember the Cactus which was about a mile from my home and very close to the old Cactus Bowl where I bowled league in high school--Rincon. I also had many a happy time at watching Tucson Toros AAA baseball at High Corbet, a great old stadium. I'd walk there from my mother's house.
Green chili cheese crisps at El Minuteo (sp?) were and are a joy. Others have mentioned Time Market near the U of A which I make a point of stopping by for pizza when I'm in down, as I do Fronimo's (sp?) for Greek.
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@James How they got through such a thorough and detailed description of Tucson without mentioning cheese crisps is absolutely beyond me!
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@James
And speaking of Kitt Peak, what we were immediately struck by is the city's commitment to minimizing light pollution.
It take some getting used to, but the night sky is worth it!
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Cities in deserts are usually a terrible idea. Does Tucson have a sustainable water supply, or will it just become another abandoned desert ruin (its great restaurants and brew pubs won't matter much then)?
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@Matt J Watershed Management Group (please Google it because it's a great group!)hopes to restore the flow to our rivers and achieve 365 days of flowing surface water. Volunteers have been installing passive water harvesting all over town as well as rainwater tanks. Some of the upper watersheds had 200 days of flowing water in recent years. We shut many of our central wells down years ago. If we dig in the river beds, water is within feet in the monsoon season. We are one of the lowest water using cities in the Southwest.
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@Matt J People have been living and farming the land surrounding Tucson since Roman times.
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@Matt J
Not to worry; we've been storing water that Phoenix doesn't even know about
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What about the Green Dolphin... one of my haunts back in the early 70's. A pitcher of beer was $1.25. Ah, those were fun days.
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@Robert Sadly the Green Dolphin está muerto.
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@JD yup along with the 'Cat House & Bum Steer.
Looks like Tucson has lots more to offer than it did when I lived there in the 80s. Used to be strip malls, tire shops, plastic trash, and cheap sprawl surrounded by gorgeous desert hardly anyone ever saw. Maybe I'll visit my family this winter. Been avoiding it.
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@Vee.eh.en:
All I can say is that you must've not gotten out much in the 80s if that's all you saw in the beautiful gem that was, and still is, Tucson. I was born and lived there from 1958 the late 1980s, and found much more to recommend it than your superficial inventory.
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@James I fully agree. My years living in Tucson from 1967-77 were wonderful. They forged a lifetime bond to the city and to the desert even if I only get back to visit family and friends, hike and tramp around the U of A. Once my Maryland obligations permit I still harbor a dream of returning to live.
I don't remember the name of the place in Tucson, but it was the best Mexican food I've ever had. Fun city.
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@Sparky -- You don't have to remember the name. If you're not from Tucson, all the Mexican food you'll have here will be the best you've ever had.
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@Sparky Poca Cosa. And I'm surprised no one has mentioned it.
Beloved Tucson ... also has Canyon Ranch and Miraval for amazing spa experiences; the Arizona Inn, an oasis in the middle of town, founded by Arizona's first woman in Congress, Isabella Greenway (who flew her plane around the state to campaign); and among the very fine restaurants mentioned in other comments is Penca (incredible, perfect Mexico City style food) and pretty much anywhere on South Fourth Avenue (Mi Nidito is where President Clinton dined in excess, and his menu is posted on the wall). Tucson is fabulous.
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Go Devils. #ASU
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And in July - September don't go, its typically > 100 degrees!!!!
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@AL
Although I've always wanted to try out monsoon season (which I suspect is not all that different than a hot, humid Ottawa summer).
But October - now we're talking great weather - and that's when I'll next be there :)
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You can see the most beautiful lightning during monsoon season. Fantastic!
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Y'all come visit us anytime.
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Wonderful article about our amazing town. Next time stop into the Independent Distillery for some award winning Gin and amazi g cocktails. Located at
30 s. Arizona ave.
Tucson, az. 85701
Ps. Fyi, the plural of cactus is actually cacti...
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Tucson is a real gem in more ways than one. There is so much to do in the surroundings like Tombstone, Bisbee and Green Valley. Go in March or April to see the cactus in bloom. You can easily spend a week exploring all there is to see.
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@Rob:
A week hardly can scratch the surface. Three months, maaaaaybe.
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Ah, Tucson. The love of my life.
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Must every 36-hour jaunt to Up-and-coming, USA, include a visit to a brewpub?
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@RMS Yes!!
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@RMS I am in full agreement, RMS. If I wanted a brew pub (and I don't) there are dozens in Seattle. Tucson and environs have amazing hiking. I have spent several one week vacations there and have only scratched the surface.
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@RMS To be fair, it's a really great brewery (and right in the heart of downtown).
Wonderful overview! Another excellent spot is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, desertmuseum.org south of the western half of the Saguaro National Park.
Fascinating look at the plants, animals and insects of this amazing ecosystem!
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@Anne P.
I can't believe they left this out. It is the best part of Tuscon.
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I second Anne P. I can't believe you left out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Excellent combination of a modern, in many cases "cage free" zoo, a desert botanical garden amid stunning views of the landscape. Adults will find this as interesting as kids.
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You FORGOT to mention GOLF!
Try the magnificent courses at Ventana Canyon. 2 Challenging and gorgeous courses, plus Dove Mt. How about mentioning Mt Lemmon which rises to 10,000 feet and shows clearly the different terrain at different altitudes plus spectacular views.
Mention Sabine canyon National Park.
These are mostly in the north east part of Tucson , but in Michelin terms, three stars, worth a visit.
Eating is important but you make every article about food. In MY 36 hours I want to see and do and leave dining for the evening!
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@arlene cohen
"you make every article about food. In MY 36 hours I want to see and do and leave dining for the evening! “
So true. With so many beautiful natural, historical and cultural attractions in Tucson, who would want to spend an hour or two in a restaurant or bar? Get a sandwich and eat it on the way to the Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, the rodeo, the gem show, the historic, landmarked Rillito Racetrack, the old pueblo in South Tucson, or a walk along the Rillito River Wash.
We can buy tacos and from-frou meals anywhere.
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@arlene cohen something about green golf courses in an arid desert doesn't seem right...
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Nice article, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the strong military presence in the town, which hosts the sprawling Davis Monthan AFB as well as the Air National Guard's 162nd Tactical Fighter Group. Servicemembers and their families, along with many retiree "snowbirds" who show up in droves during the winter months, are an inescapable aspect of the ambience.
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@Laura Benton And college students show up in the droves in the Fall. What's your point?
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@Laura Benton It's a travel article for a weekend getaway, not Tucson's Wikipedia page. The military presence hardly seems essential for a 36 hour trip.
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@Laura Benton -- and (for people who love this sort of thing, as I do) Tucson is also home to the Pima Air & Space museum, one of the largest collections of aircraft, next to Davis Monthan Air Force Base.
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I cannot praise El Charro enough for their prior menu, especially any dish with their carne seca containing dishes. While I haven't tried the new expanded steak menu, we have made it a must on each visit, and have never been disappointed.
And we won't miss the parking lot based fry bread treats at the San Xavier Mission south of Tucson. Usually there are several vendors there and the fragrance of the mesquite fires and authentic recipes is alluring.
For good value, we've been impressed with Windmill Suites, near the University for a consistantly excellent facility. Roomy, friendly staff, easy to get to for us. A very good value.
How your reviewer missed the drive to Mount Lemmon with the various spectacular views and short hikes is troublesome. but then again they only had 36 hours, which is a shame. Otherwise they'd also have been sure to give high ratings to the Desert Museum which is top notch.
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@reid El Charro is way overrated.
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@MissEllie:
As with all things with food, that is purely a matter of taste, which is about as subjective of a topic as you can find. Just because your taste doesn't necessarily align with someone else's, be wary of making such sweeping assessments.
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@reid
I take only small exception to your push for El Charro.
Unless you love carne seca (I admittedly don't), I find them pretty pedestrian, with real hit-or-miss on various menu options.
And though I love the historic downtown location, most of the locations are to be avoided.
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The Poca Cosa Restaurant is a gem.
The Pueblo Vida Brewery is a must stop.
The summit of Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalinas is amazing.
What a great city.
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Thanks for the shout-out NYT! Tucson has really come of age over the past 3-5 years, and this article hits on many of the reasons why. Maybe it is old news, but we also have incredible ecological diversity, being surrounded by mountains that rise nearly 8,000 feet from the valley floor, and there is incredibly rich history in the Spanish Missions located south of town. For lovers of single malt, Hamilton Distillers is worth a visit, mesquite smoked barley sets their Dorado apart and the distillery tour is fun and interesting.
Salud!
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Cacti. Please.
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@rsiehl
Thank you!
@rsiehl
Amen. That is exactly what I was going to say.
@rsiehl
Right, but don’t neglect the incredible misplaced modifier that follows “cactuses”:
"cactuses reside in multi-limbed groves.”
Are the groves really multi-limbed or are the cacti?
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