Destination Tucson 2024

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Earth’s Healing

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WELCOME TO

Contents

T

ucson is a place where opposites meet; the city is metropolitan yet familiar, pristinely wild yet deeply cultural, lively yet solitudinous. And while you might be a visitor, nobody is a stranger. Tucked between sprawling mountains, and peppered with saguaro cactus, Tucson invites you into its serene nature, flourishing entertainment scene, storied history, and, among other culinary innovations, the famous Sonoran hot dog.

Destination Tucson is your one-stop guide to everything Southern Arizona.

These pages, filled with the best of the best that Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills have to offer, and complete with day trip destinations that you can experience on a single tank of gas, will see to it that you don’t miss out on everything that makes Tucson… Well, Tucson.

So, peruse this publication for whatever suits your needs and interest, whether that be a walk in Sabino Canyon, a unique bite or brew, or a place to get that mole checked out. Comprehensive maps of the area will make sure you wander but are not lost, which might be especially helpful should you choose to visit the cannabis section.

We encourage you to enjoy the city in all of its Sonoran glory. And whether you’re a winter visitor, bird enthusiast, enthusiastic visitor, in town for a day or a decade, Tucson welcomes you into its warm, sunny embrace.

About this publication Cover design by Stephanie Torres Maps by Emily Filener

Destination Tucson is produced by Tucson Local Media For reprint authorization contact: Tucson Local Media 3275 N. Ina Road, Suite 160 Tucson, AZ 85741 (520) 797-4384 • christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com tlmsales@tucsonlocalmedia.com www.tucsonlocalmedia.com

Discover Pima County Discover Tucson Discover Dining Discover Maps Discover Tubac Discover Downtown Discover Foothills Discover Marana Discover Oro Valley Discover Oracle Discover Bisbee Discover Arts Discover Breweries Discover Cannabis Discover Calendar

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Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Writers: Hayden Dobb, Ethan Gold, Jack Miessner, Karen Schaffner Business Office: Claudine Sowards Advertising: Tyler Vondrak, Laura Meehan, Kristin Chester, Zac Reynolds Production Manager: Courtney Oldham Graphic Designer: Stephanie Torres

Times Media Group © 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of material contained in this magazine without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement.

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ExplorE

Experience the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Santa Catalina Mountains in Oro Valley, Arizona. Whether your pleasure is hiking, golfing, swimming, cycling, shopping or relaxing at a spa, you’ll find it here. Round off your perfect day at one of our hotels, with a front row seat to some of the most stunning desert sunsets on Earth.

Visit OroValleyAZ.gov 11000 N. La Cañada Drive Oro Valley, Arizona 85737 Destination Tucson 2024_Ad Page&Cover.indd 5

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Discover Pima County

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amed after the Akimel O’odham Native Americans, later referred to by the Englishspeaking world as the “Pima” people, Pima County is home to more than 1 million residents.

Pima is a border county spanning 9,200 square miles, sharing much of its southern line with the Mexican state of Sonora.

The vast majority of Pima County residents reside within the greater Tucson metro area, which includes the incorporated municipalities of the towns of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita and the cities of Tucson and South Tucson.

The region is also home to the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation and the San Xavier Indian Reservation and part of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Founded in 1984, two years after the formation of the state, Pima County is home to the University of Arizona — one of the top research universities in the nation — as well as a growing cluster of tech and commercial industries.

From the beautiful mountain ranges to the national parks and 120plus miles of paved walking paths and bike lanes running throughout the region, Pima County offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor excitement in the Sonoran Desert. And when the sun sets, the Tucson area is home to its fair share of exciting events and nightlife.

The quickest way to get up to speed on the local flora and fauna is a visit to the world-famous ArizonaSonora Desert Museum.

Part zoo, part museum and part botanical garden, this institution is all about the native plants, people and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Whether you’ve lived in the region your whole life or have never visited Tucson before, this is

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a must-see experience.

The 98-acre site 14 miles to the west of Tucson features outdoor walking paths, gardens, animal enclosures, an aquarium, a museum, and educational presentations and activities every day.

Since its formation nearly 70 years ago, the museum has been dedicated to informing the public about the unique Sonoran Desert and its natural inhabitants.

Visitors get an entertaining chance to learn about 1,200 plant species and 230 native animals, like fan-favorite javelinas and coyotes. There is also an impressive mineral collection and full art gallery focused on environmental conservation.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located at 2021 N. Kinney Road. For more information, visit www. desertmuseum.org or call 520-883-1380.

Pima County has quite the reputation as a haven for cyclists, boasting the popular annual Tour de Tucson, plenty of bike lanes, fabulous mountain biking in places like Tucson Mountain Park, and fairly good weather yearround for riding.

Residents and guests can explore Pima County on two wheels thanks to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a system of more than 120 miles of interconnected paved multiuse and bike paths, which connect the region’s various river parks with several natural environments.

The Loop runs through unincorporated parts of the county, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson and South Tucson, and is a complete circuit of 53.9 miles. With multiple access points, riders can easily choose how long or short their ride will be.

To learn more about The Loop, including a map of all the places you can hop on, visit www.pima.gov or contact the county’s Parks and Recreation Department

at 520-724-5000.

If you want a completely different environment — or you want to escape the heat — consider a drive up Mount Lemmon, a “sky island” atop the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Mount Lemmon, inside the Coronado National Forest, is home to aspen, alder and maple trees, as well as a thriving population of animals and birds. With a wide variety of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, campgrounds, cabins, restaurants and shopping within the small community of Summerhaven, there’s enough activities to fill up a whole weekend or make for a full day trip.

It is not uncommon for Mount Lemmon to get snow in the winter months, and many people hit Ski Valley for skiing and sledding. It can be about 20 degrees colder in Mount Lemmon than the valley floor below.

Make sure to stop by the popular Cookie Cabin for lunch and treats when you reach Summerhaven.

Other interesting locales on the mountain include the University of Arizona’s Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, which includes a massive telescope dedicated to public edification and is home to stargazing opportunities throughout the year. Make sure to book a reservation ahead of time as spots fill fast.

To get to Mount Lemmon, follow the Catalina Highway on Tucson’s east side, or just head to 9800 E. Ski Run Road.

Pima County is also home to what is largely considered the oldest, intact church in the state.

The San Xavier del Bac Mission was established in 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit preacher who’s credited with a chain of Spanish missions established throughout the Sonoran Desert. Construction of the first mission church began in 1700.

Though the original church was destroyed roughly 70 years later, the current building was constructed by 1797 under the direction of Spanish Franciscans, who took over the mission after the Jesuits were expelled 30 years prior.

Employing iconic white stucco inspired by Baroque architecture, San Xavier del Bac comprises two towers on either end housing chapels, complete with domes, arches and traditional frescos in the style of the world’s historic places of worship.

Services still occur in the church, and the building is open to the public with free docent tours when the church is not in use.

The San Xavier del Bac Mission is located at 1950 W. San Xavier Road. For more information, visit www. sanxaviermission.org or call 520-294-2624.

Cinephiles can check out Old Tucson, which is west of the city. Hundreds of classic Western films and TV shows starring John Wayne, James Stewart, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood, among others, have been filmed here.

Aviation buffs will want to visit the Pima Air & Space Museum. Home to more than 350 historical aircrafts throughout six hangers, the space highlights the nation’s aeronautical history.

Though the museum has humble beginnings, it has grown into one of the world’s largest privately funded aviation and space museums.

Within their massive collection are World War II planes, reconnaissance aircraft, a Wright Flyer and the world’s smallest biplane.

The museum also documents space travel with a gallery on the Apollo missions, lunar samples and plenty more from the final frontier.

The museum offers tram CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 tours of the collection Thursday through Sundays in the outdoor display area of 80 acres.

The Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Road.

Southern Arizona is a destination for birders seeking to spot the roughly 550 different species that live throughout the state.

Pima County has a multitude of birding locales where visitors can check a number of species off their lists.

One of the most popular spots is the Sweetwater Wetlands Park, an environment created through the city of Tucson’s water reclamation system.

Hundreds of bird species and other animals of the Southwest have been cataloged around the basin’s surfaces.

Mount Lemmon also offers

up a good environment for birds across several types of forest growth.

The mountain has dozens of trails, camping and picnic grounds to comfortably sit with binoculars. Word around the birding community is you can see Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers and Duskycapped Flycatchers easily at Bear Canyon.

Just south of Tucson in the Santa Rita Mountains is Madera Canyon. The cool mountains here include desert environments along with aspen and pine forests higher up. It is one of the most-sough-out birding destinations in the U.S., home to more than 200 species of birds.

Favorites include the large and chatty Mexican blue jays, quick hummingbirds and rare Flammulated and Spotted Owls. To get there, take Exit 63 Off Interstate 19 and

head to the Nogales Ranger Station.

For guides and maps to get you started on a birding adventure, contact the Tucson Audubon Society at www.tucsonaudubon.org.

Southern Arizona has a number of active cave systems, and one of the most spectacular is Colossal Cave, a large system near Vail.

The cave has a unique history as a refuge for Indigenous peoples, a hideout for train robbers and for having a never-ending supply of guano, or bat droppings.

There are many tours to explore the nearly 3.5 miles of explored passages filled with massive crystalline structures and otherworldly twists and turns.

Depending on the tour, guests can expect to spend about an hour six stories beneath the surface. The

most popular tour is the Classic Cave Tour, which is about a half-mile long.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

While the cave itself is a unique experience all its own, Colossal Cave Mountain Park includes a ranch museum, butterfly garden, plenty of trails, and spots to camp and picnic.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located at 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail.

A visit to the county would not be complete without hiking and exploring the various types of desert environments that can be found here.

From the popular hike up Tumamoc Hill, just west of A Mountain, to Sabino Canyon Recreational Area’s pools of water, there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation with a backdrop of mountains and Saguaros.

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E

ven though Arizona joined the Union in 1912 as the 48th state, evidence of human habitation dates back more than 12,000 years in the Tucson Valley, marking it as one of the oldest settlements in the United States.

The region played host to early agricultural settlements along the Santa Cruz River, as well as the Hohokam civilization (the forerunners of the modernday Pima and Tohono O’odham). The first signs of the modern development of the region came in 1699 when Father Francisco Kino established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, and the Tucson Presidio was

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established in 1775 by Hugo O’Conor. Tucson officially became part of the United States with the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, and was the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 until 1877.

Originally a Native American village called “Stook-zone” or “water at the foot of the mountain,” the city now lovingly called the Old Pueblo has taken strides to preserve its heritage while continually focusing on developing its image as an emerging metropolitan region.

As the Tucson Valley has played host to a variety of cultures and groups over time, the region’s cultural heritage centers around

a melting pot of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo roots. This culture can be seen in the Hispanic barrios, historical and contemporary American architecture and the prehistoric Native American remnants scattered throughout the area.

The scenery is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit the Old Pueblo each year. With five mountain ranges surrounding the city and outlying areas, Tucson lives within its own valley in the greater Sonoran Desert landscape, but also boasts mountaintop altitudes higher than 9,000 feet.

Tucson is also home to Ski Valley on Mount Lemmon,

the southernmost ski site in the continental United States.

Known for nearly yearround gorgeous weather, Tucson is the perfect place for any fitness or outdoor enthusiasts; the city contains a multitude of biking trails, walking paths, golf courses and recreation sites, including the award-winning Chuck Huckelberry Loop that runs along Tucson’s typically dry riverbeds (except during heavy rains, when the washes fill with water).

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 to internationally known bicycling events like the El Tour de Tucson. The city has also been ranked by Bicycling magazine as one of the top cycling cities in the U.S. for several years.

When not peddling down a path or roadway, visitors and residents alike also take great advantage of the multitude of golf courses and walking paths, the former of which draws regional, national and international tournaments every year.

The seat of Pima County, Tucson is the secondlargest city in Arizona.

Major employers include the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Banner-University Medical Center. Surrounding the city are the incorporated suburbs of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita.

While population estimates put the city at around 540,000 residents, the Tucson Metro region is home to more than 1 million.

Tucson was once referred to as a “mini mecca for the arts” by the Wall Street Journal, and in 2009 was ranked No. 20 of the Top 25 Arts Destinations by American Style Magazine.

The city takes that recognition seriously, as Tucson is one of a select few cities with its own ballet company, professional theater, symphony and opera company. Home to more than 200 art groups and dozens of galleries scattered throughout town, Tucson is a surefire destination for anyone looking to indulge in the best of contemporary (and classic) artwork and cultural performances.

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Discover Tucson CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

PLAY LEARN

The city is home to many unique shopping centers.

The open-air Mercado San Agustin, on the western edge of the redeveloping downtown, features a companion village of shipping containers known as the MSA Annex. There, you can catch a bite at Beaut Burger, home to all plant-based food, or support local artists at Petroglyphs a self-proclaimed Tucson emporium.

In the central part of the city, you’ll find another unique shopping center, Metal Arts Village, which is home to not only metal artists but those who work in other media as well — including Haunted Hands, one of Tucson’s finest tattoo shops, in case you’re thinking about taking home a permanent souvenir.

If you love unique mediums art, consider a visit to Chris Bubany Tableware. Bubany creates her artwork directly on plates and other tableware.

Or if you’re looking for something antique for your home, check out Midtown Mercantile Merchants, where you’ll find midcenturymodern designs and more.

The city is a repository of scientific knowledge. The University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab has been

a key player in the space program from its dawn in the 1950s to 2023 where not only science is pursued, but the art of it as well. The Art of Planetary Science is a free annual exhibit where the public can view hundreds of pieces of art from scientists and artists alike. For information on when the event will be held and other inquiries, visit www.lpl.arizona.edu or call 520-621-6963.

If telescopes are your thing, visit the UA’s Flandrau Planetarium or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the UA Mirror Lab, where the massive mirrors for the world’s largest telescopes are crafted beneath the UA Football Stadium.

Resorts such as Loews Ventana Canyon, Marriott Starr Pass, the RitzCarlton Dove Mountain and Westward Look are nestled in the outskirts of the metro area, while Midtown’s Arizona Inn remains Tucson’s finest family-owned independent lodging. In Downtown, numerous new hotels have opened as part of an ongoing renaissance.

For a boutique, minivacation experience, check out Tucson’s own Hotel McCoy, an “art hotel.” Both murals and photographs adorn the walls of the Hotel, and even the bedrooms themselves are filled with

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Discover Tucson 13

art. Local artists working with Hotel McCoy can even “adopt” rooms and design the interiors, so every room has its own unique feel. The lobby doubles as a gallery, the patios double as venues, and there is local craft beer and food aplenty.

Maintaining its original ’60s aesthetic, the 93-room hotel boasts it has “Vintage Vibes” with “Modern Perks.”

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If you need to get away from it all while you’re here, consider a visit to Cloud Nine Flotation and Relaxation Center, where you can sink into a warm, salty tank of water and close off the outside world altogether. No demanding calls, no annoying texts, no email to check — just quality time with you and you alone.

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Discover Dining 15

S

outhern Arizona is the home of majestic saguaro cactus, picturesque sunsets, and 23 miles of the best Mexican food this side of the border.

But Tucson’s culinary scene doesn’t stop there.

Designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, the Old Pueblo not only celebrates a vibrant and diverse selection of restaurants but honors the tradition of being the longest continually cultivated region in the country.

Since receiving the designation, Tucson’s chefs and restaurateurs have stepped up their game with new bars, restaurants, breweries, chocolate shops and more.

Tucson is home to 23 Miles of the Best Mexican Food, an annual summer celebration of the region’s signature cuisine that ranges from oldschool Sonoran-style tacos and enchiladas to all manner of fusion and adaptation.

If you want to sample classic Sonoran-style Mexican food, El Molinito should be on your menu. It serves up tacos, burritos, tamales and the all the standbys, along with specialty plates with fajitas, seafood and the like. With four locations across the Valley, the family restaurant is easy to find.

Looking for authentic Mexican food in a more casual environment?

Eat where the locals eat, at

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Rollies Mexican Patio, which keeps it simple but delicious with tacos, burros, enchiladas and the usual sides, but also gets creative with fusions such as birria ramen.

Another hidden gem: Taqueria Pico de Gallo, located on South Sixth Avenue in colorful South Tucson. The restaurant is family owned and has probably the best taco plate

you can find for under $15.

Karichimaka on the corner of Irvington and Mission is another family joint that has been offering classic Mexican dishes since 1949. Green or red, the chile con carne is always a hit there.

Elsewhere on Tucson’s southside, especially along South Fourth Avenue, you’ll find a family-owned eatery such named El Torero,

Guermillo’s Double L. For seafood, try Taco Fish on 12th Avenue, especially on taco Tuesday.

If you find yourself in Midtown and need a quesadilla fix, check out The Quesadillas on Craycroft Road. As the name suggests, it is known for its delicious, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 overstuffed quesadillas and is home to the best rib-eye taco in the Old Pueblo. If you’ve done any reading about Tucson’s food scene, you have probably heard of El Guero Canelo. Winner of a James Beard award in 2018, this is the Mecca of Sonoran hot dog joints. What could be better than a hot dog wrapped in bacon in a bolillo bun with beans, mayo, ketchup and mustard? You haven’t really eaten in Tucson until you’ve had a Sonoran dog.

One new local Latin vegan/ vegetarian standout that you must try: Tumerico, east of the University of Arizona on Sixth Street, which features a new spin on Mexican food made with fresh and local ingredients. The chalkboardwritten menu changes regularly but includes likes of huevos rancheros, jackfruit

tacos, calabitas enchiladas, and other delicious and healthy fare. While it’s only been around for a few years, it’s already one of Tucson’s favorite spots.

El Charro Cafe, with locations in Downtown, Oro Valley and the Sabino Canyon area, claims to be the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, as well as the inventor of the chimichanga. All claims aside, this is one place you don’t want to miss. You can’t go wrong with their carne seca platter or the tamale temptation plate. If it’s a cool night, sip a margarita on the patio before you chow down.

Be sure to save room for flan.

If you happen to be on Tucson’s west side, check out Sonoran Sno Cone at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 Come and relax in our beautiful oasis, with its exotic birds, wildlife sanctuary, koi pond, waterfalls & fountains.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Mercado San Agustin. Try sweet and sour combinations over shaved ice or indulge in a Macedonia, which includes fruit, nuts, condensed milk and a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream.

On that note: The Mercado is a treasure trove for those exploring Tucson. Ranging from formal dinners to tacos to coffee to dessert, you might end up thinking the patio has everything needed for a happy life.

One of the Mercado’s most popular restaurants is Seis Kitchen and Catering.

Originally a food truck, Seis has a full menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Swing by in the morning for a huge breakfast burrito and relax on the patio until lunch, and then grab some tacos on the way out.

Besides its Mexican food,

Tucson is famous for Eegees.

With over 30 locations and spreading to Phoenix, the Tucson-founded chain is known by virtually any Tucsonan for its grinders, colorful aesthetic and eegees, the eponymous frozen treat that has a new featured flavor every month.

Presta Coffee Roasters are always brewing something good from around the world, and you can’t go wrong with the handmade fresh tortillas or baked goods from La Estrella Bakery.

If that doesn’t wet your whistle, down the street is the MSA Annex. Built from repurposed shipping containers, the annex adds even more culinary delights including vegan restaurant Beaut Burger, libations at Westbound, hand-made ramen at Kukai Fresh Japanese Kitchen, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Jan 25 - Feb 6

LATIN KITCHEN&BAR

“It’s all about food, serving the community by healing through food. Food is home. Food is family.”

Tumerico on 4th Ave. 402 E. 4th St. Corner of 4th Ave. & 4th St. 520-392-0224

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Tumerico Cafe 6th St. location 2526 E. 6th Street 520-240-6947

La Chaiteria 1002 W. Congress St. Open Daily for Takeout & Delivery 520-400-7127

www.tumerico.com www.lachaiteria.com

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Polish Cottage RESTAURANT

We offer

Authentic Polish Cuisine

bringing you recipes from our family and providing a diverse selection of popular Polish meals.

We have integrated options for first timers that are within their comfort to allow for everyone to enjoy the experience.

Midstar Plaza 4520 E Broadway Blvd.

Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 777-5407 www.Polishcottage.com Closed Mondays Sunday - Thursday - 11am to 8pm Friday - Saturday - 11am to 9pm

HAPPY HOUR 3PM TO 6PM

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Discover Dining CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 several local-centric shops guaranteed to have that special souvenir for that special someone.

Speaking of Japanese food, you’ll find some of Tucson’s best sushi at Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which serves dozens of sushi options alongside other Japanese standards such as teriyaki chicken, done so well at a price that’s not going to break your wallet. Dine in or take out.

If you want a gorgeous view with your meal, head up to the north end of Campbell Avenue, where you’ll find Vivace Italian Restaurant, which serves fantastic northern Italian fare like grilled chicken with eggplant and mushrooms or chicken Marsala alongside a gorgeous panorama of the Tucson

COME TRY OUR WIDE VARIETY OF WINES!

Since 1938 520.624.5765 | 434 N. 4TH AVE WWW.CARUSOITALIAN.COM

Destination Tucson 2024_Dining.indd 20

valley.

If you’re in the Campbell and River neighborhood, make sure to check out St. Philip’s Plaza. A haven located just off a major road, this open-air mall hosts weekend farmers markets as well as a collection of restaurants and boutiques. Bicyclists riding on The Loop can pull in at Ren Coffeehouse for a cold-brew coffee or a warm panini.

A bit south on Campbell Avenue, you can find Blue Willow, a long-standing Tucson favorite for brunch, lunch and dinner. Featuring one of Tucson’s most charming patios, Blue Willow serves evolved comfort food with Sonoran flair. Plus, while you’re waiting for your food, you can browse the whimsical gift shop stocked with desert-themed gifts, socks, jewelry, magnets and more at the jam-packed gift shop on your way out.

Thank You for Voting us Best Hot Dog

(520) 882-8977 www.elguerocanelo.com 2480 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705

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Discover Dining 21 Just down the street on Campbell Avenue, you’ll find India Oven, where entrees are served in traditional karahi bowls, which is where curry got its name.

The korma, saag and tikka masala are sure to knock your socks off. Another traditional element of this family restaurant is the spice levels. Mild is recommended for those not up for a good challenge. India Oven specializes in Northern Indian and Punjabi cuisine and offers a lunch buffet and dinner service daily.

If you really love eggs Benedict, you’ll want to check out one of Baja Cafe’s three locations. The breakfast-and-lunch joint serves up nearly a dozen variations, including versions topped with sweet potatoes, Hatch green chiles, mac and cheese, pulled pork or chorizo? Look no further.

It even has a “monsoon” eggs Benedict with avocado, smoked bacon and grilled tomatoes. On the sweet side, it does a snickerdoodle pancake that will send your blood sugar skyrocketing.

A box of toys will keep the little ones entertained while you sip your coffee and start your day.

Want the rustic charm of ranch life while in an upscale environment? Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is where you want to be.

Once a girls school, it’s now one of Tucson’s finest resorts, boasting natural desert grounds, luxurious accommodations and multiple dining options. With fine dining and a selection of more than 700 wines, you might not even need to leave the resort.

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Miss aigon Vietnamese Cuisine

Voted Best Vietnamese Food for 17 Years!

Downtown 47 N. 6th Ave 520.884.4778 Speedway - U of A 1072 N. Campbell Ave. 520.320.9511 Midtown 250 S. Craycroft Rd. 520.269.6899

www.misssaigontucson.com Destination Tucson 2024_Dining.indd 21

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Discover Dining CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 in midtown is Graze Premium Burgers, made with locally sourced beef, hand-cut French fries, all-natural sodas and a vast array of dipping sauces (don’t miss out on the curry ketchup). Top off your meal with a birthday cake milkshake. Graze now has two locations to serve you at Speedway and Broadway boulevards. If you lean more toward the vegetarian side, you can pick from multiple options of refreshing salads or go rogue and completely create your own at Choice Greens located on Speedway down the street from Graze.

This local spot is taking the salad bar up a notch. It also offers paninis, sandwiches and grain bowls along with customizable mac and cheese.

It’s no surprise that the

University of Arizona is surrounded by great dining options, particularly along University Boulevard west of the UA. Frog & Firkin is an off-campus institution, serving fresh salads, sturdy sandwiches and a variety of burgers, including one topped with mac ’n’ cheese. It also bakes extravagant pizzas, grills a mean steak, and has plenty of cold beer and bigscreen TVs. Next door, No Anchovies has mammoth slices of pizza.

Across the street, Gentle Ben’s serves the usual pub far alongside craft beer.

Snakes & Lattes is a coffee shop that invites you to spend some time playing board games.

Hungry for wings? Flaps and Racks on East Valencia is sure to delight. Having opened during the pandemic, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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ITALIAN + SONORAN * TRATTORIA + CANTINA LUNCH + DINNER + CUSTOM MENU CATERING 6502 E. TANQUE VERDE ROAD 520-888-4242

ziopeppeaz.com

Real Italian food made in a classic way, using traditional family recipes and the finest quality ingredients. open 7 days a week 11-8 fri/Sat til 9

Voted Best of the Northwest 6+ years!

8330 N. Thornydale Rd. #170 Tucson, AZ 85741 | 520.744.2002

www.dominicksrealitalian.com

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Discover Dining CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 the family-owned restaurant promises a place not only for great wings and ribs but a place for community. Having come from Puerto Rico, the owners made sure to add their own spin to their classic American cuisine.

Family-owned Kiss of Smoke BBQ and Catering is the go-to place for barbecue lovers in Pima County. What started as an award-winning barbeque team has turned into an award-winning BBQ joint, serving up tasty brisket, pulled pork, chicken and sausage to the masses. Make sure to arrive early, as it often sells out of its daily stock before closing time.

Love baked goods but gluten got you down?

The Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery and Bistro will satisfy whatever your culinary craving may be, minus gluten.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the bistro is known for its pancakes, baked goods and delicious gluten-free sandwiches. P.S. The chickenfried steak with homemade sausage gravy is out of this world.

Get a taste of the windy city at Rocco’s Little Chicago on Broadway Boulevard. Serving favorites such as deep-dish pizza, wings, and Old Style Beer in the can, Rocco’s is one of the most-acclaimed pizza joints in town. Not going to be in Midtown? With two locations on the north side, one to the east and one to the west, you can easily grab a slice or some spaghetti and meatballs at Rosati’s Pizza. Not in the mood to go out tonight? Rosati’s also delivers!

Got a taste for a ginormous bowl of Chinese noodles? Make your way to Noodleholics on Grant Road. Different from pho, different from ramen, these traditional Guilin-style

A Tucson favorite since 1982 • Voted Best of Tucson

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520-298-4250

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Discover Dining 25 noodles are a delicious mix that really hit the spot. While there, check out the dumplings that come in sets of six, either steamed or fried. Hidden in a shopping center with only a small sign, you’ll have to keep your eye out for this modern eatery, but the noodles with 2,000 years of culinary history are well worth it.

Along with new restaurants and cafes, Tucson has also become home to more and more breweries over recent years. While Downtown Tucson is a brewery hotspot, there are many hidden throughout the surrounding areas as well.

One of Tucson’s original breweries, Barrio Brewing, is located just south of Downtown and is one of the few breweries that have a full-service restaurant as well.

Barrio is the perfect place to sample some beer and get a bite to eat. Also fun? Watching the trains rumble by on the tracks just a stone’s throw

away from your table.

While in East Tucson, check out the Eclectic Café, which does indeed have an eclectic menu that mixes Mexican favorites with diner food. Or drop in to Shish Kebab House for excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. With a large menu ranging from Mediterranean to Jordanian food, you are sure to find something tasty on the menu. Relax with a cocktail or Turkish beer at Shish Kebab House, open for lunch and dinner.

If after all those options you still can’t decide where to eat, make your way to American Eat Company. This food hall has 10 different establishments so you can decide what you want when you get there. Plus, if one person wants a Nashvillestyle fried chicken sandwich, another wants ribs and yet a third wants Mexican street food, you can all be satisfied at Tucson’s famous food hall.

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5266 S. 12th Ave. 520-741-0656

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Catalina 77

Mount Lem

Oro Valley

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Casa Adobes

Catalina Foo

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San Xavier del Bac Mission

286 86

Kitt Peak

Sahuarita

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Green Valley 286

Amado

Tubac Destination Tucson 2024_Dining.indd 26

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San Manuel

Oracle Biosphere 2

Mount Lemmon

alley Sabino Canyon

alina Foothills

Wilcox

Saguaro National Park

Cochise Dragoon

Vail

Benson

Sunsites

St. David

alley

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Wine Country

Sonita

Whestone Huachuca City

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Tombstone

Tombstone

Bisbee 1/23/24 1:33 PM

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Discover Tubac

C

alled “a destination you don’t want to miss” by Condé Nast Traveler, the artistic oasis of Tubac is roughly an hour’s drive south of Tucson.

The small outpost off Interstate 19 near the Mexican border features an array of art galleries, restaurants and stores, nestled around the Presidio in the middle of the town. In fact, it is the perfect combination of shopping and history.

Begin the Tubac experience with lunch at Elvira’s Restaurant, an upscale eatery where the interior is as interesting as the food it serves. Long, colored glass teardrops hang over diners while a center table dense with candles adds atmosphere to the darkish interior. Try the guacamole made with pumpkin seeds and garnished with bright red pomegranate seeds. Dinner is also served at Elvira’s, but reservations are recommended.

Those who crave something a little more informal should try El Barrio Kitchen, where the carne asada is the best.

Both restaurants are part of La Entrada de Tucson complex, which also houses Tumacookery, a fairly wellstocked kitchen store. Look for cookbooks, tools and lots of the stuff that make cooking possible — and even fun.

Follow lunch with a visit to any of Tubac’s dozens of art galleries, including the Tubac Center for the Arts, where its Master Gallery is “dedicated to hosting the work of the historical and contemporary artists that made Tubac the place where art and history meet.” Start here for the best in Southwestern art. There are two smaller galleries, a space for classes and a compact but complete gift shop. Of course, most of the art here is only for looking, not for sale.

Those hunting for the perfect piece for their home should check out Cobalt Fine Art and La Esplendida galleries and Más y Más, a space that

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features some interesting and excellent pieces. In addition, at the high end of home goods is Tubac Old World Imports, where buyers know oriental rugs, and Angeles and Diablitos, where the buyer here knows quality.

Not in the mood for art or home furnishings? There are plenty of jewelry stores that specialize in Southweststyle baubles and adornments that could rightfully be called wearable art. Pair your new pieces with the clothing you can purchase at any number of Tubac’s boutiques.

Still, you don’t have to spend thousands to bring home a bit of Mexico. Tubac is filled with shops that carry painted wall art in the shape of lizards and suns, as well as hand-blown glassware, colorful ceramic planters and decorative metal. Find not just visual arts but crafts as well at Cactus Wren Art Gallery.

Tubac won’t disappoint history lovers.

The community was established in 1752 as the first Spanish colonial presidio in Arizona, with a list of former residents that includes Juan Bautista de Anza, Padre Kino and John Wayne.

The presidio — or fort — lies within Arizona’s oldest state park, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, which also houses a museum memorializing those who occupied the enclave over the last three centuries. The park is on the site of the Presidio, which was built by Spanish explorers and colonists in 1752.

The remaining ruins of the fort can be seen in an underground archaeological dig. This fascinating park also features Arizona’s first printing press, which printed the state’s first newspaper, The Weekly Arizonan. The 1885 one-room schoolhouse is a visitor favorite.

The park’s superb museum celebrates the rich history of the area: the O’odham and Apache peoples, the

Spanish conquistadors, Mexican ranchers and settlers, miners and speculators, Eastern fortune seekers, and those who farmed the rich agricultural land in the Santa Cruz River Valley. One popular exhibit highlights the extraordinary expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1775 from Culiacan in Mexico to San Francisco; Anza restocked his provisions in Tubac and many Tubequenos (Tubac residents) joined him on the historic journey. The Anza Trail, named for the famous explorer, offers a 4-mile walk from the Presidio to the historic Tumacacori Mission, which was established

by Spanish Colonial Jesuits in 1691.

Hikers will feel as if they are in another time. All over Old Tubac is the air of the ancient, as if the ghosts of the old ones are hanging around.

The park includes the restored Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, which was established by Eusebio Kino at the end of the 17th century.

The site was given national monument status

by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and became a national park in 1990. The site’s museum was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Its collection of mustsee photographs and artwork

makes it an essential Santa Cruz County stop for visitors of all ages.

End your day (or get some mid-afternoon sustenance) at one of the many other dining options in Tubac, such as Soto’s PK Outpost, which suits all culinary tastes, or take in Tubac Deli and Coffee. Either way, a variety of cafes and taverns along the town’s main stretch of shops await your arrival.

Need something stronger than coffee? How about Santa Cruz County vineyard, Flying Leap, which operates a tasting room and art gallery inside an adobe brick outpost on Camino Otero?

Visitors may need more than one afternoon to see everything. In that case, stay at any number of charming places such as the Historic Shankle Ranch and Tubac Tree House, or the Casa Paloma Bed and Breakfast.

During an afternoon stop, visitors will see plenty. All shops and restaurants are within a short walk from each other, and it’s hard to get lost; maps are almost everywhere.

The park and historic sites are within walking distance of the commercial center.

Restrooms are well marked and maintained. Parking is haphazard but plentiful. Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the roads and berms can be uneven.

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Discover Downtown 29

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ucson is home to cutting-edge artists and performers, inventive restaurateurs, intriguing galleries and museums, and Downtown Tucson is the epicenter where all of these attractions meet. If you plan on an exhilarating night on the town, a toothsome taste, or a historic place to stay or explore, Downtown is the place to be.

Museums and galleries Whether it’s art, history or a place to bring the youngsters, Downtown’s museum scene has something for everyone. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block offers an expansive selection of exhibits that ranges from the local to the global, the classic to the modern.

For frequent visitors, the museum always has rotating exhibits to ensure something new each time, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on the first Thursday of the month,

Destination Tucson 2024_Downtown.indd 29

the whole block lights up with live music, performances and art. For thought-provoking, modern innovations in the art world, check out the Museum of Contemporary Arts - Tucson. The Presidio Museum, right in the heart of Downtown, is one of Tucson’s richest historical sites. Parts of the 18th century fort — built by Spanish settlers — are still intact to this day, while others have been reconstructed to create an engaging experience.

For global history, Tucson is home to the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, which aims to foster education about the Holocaust and other genocides and document the history of Judaism in Southern Arizona. Southern Transportation Museum, built in the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, illuminates Tucson’s railroad history.

A short jaunt from Downtown will lead you to the

Philabaum Glass Gallery, which is the only all-glass gallery in Southern Arizona, and houses all sorts of intricate glass artwork, ornaments and jewelry.

Visitors might just find themselves buying a piece to take home. The gallery and studio can be found at 711 S. Sixth Avenue. Blue Lotus Artists’ Collective celebrates and supports Black artists and is located in the historic Pioneer Building. Etherton Gallery, a long-standing bastion of Tucson’s art scene, exhibits the history of photography and other media and spotlights local artists. Children’s Museum Tucson provides both fun and education through 11 indoor exhibits.

Live music and entertainment A walk in Downtown Tucson wouldn’t be complete without a soundtrack of music of all styles, pouring out of its

many venues. Downtown is both a pit stop for touring artists big and small, and a flourishing hotspot for local musicians. The historic and storied Hotel Congress, established in 1919, hosts local and touring artists at its vibrant Club Congress, the outdoor Plaza Stage, and the newly opened and already nationally acclaimed jazz club, the Century Room. Across the street lies the Rialto Theatre, which opened in 1920 and originally showed vaudeville shows. Today, the theater is the place to go for many bigger-ticket acts, ranging from music to stand-up comedy. Other Downtown venues include Fox Tucson Theatre, a performance space that announced an expansion project last year in 2023, and the Owl’s Club. Consider taking the Sun Link to Fourth Avenue, near the university, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Discover Downtown

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 to visit the Sea of Glass Center for the Arts.

Food and drink In Downtown Tucson, you might be looking for something to eat for a variety of reasons — to fill your belly with something delicious, to experience cutting-edge culinary innovations, or to engage in the city’s cultural heritage (Tucson was, after all, deemed a UNESCO city of gastronomy).

Cup Cafe sits in the North Lobby of Hotel Congress and is a decorated winner of accolades, including the “Best of Tucson” list. Along with its intimate, Southwestern ambiance, the cafe uses local ingredients to create unique dishes, including its rotating quiche of the day, smoked salmon Benedict, and the celebrated Tucson dip (smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, creamy horseradish,

crispy onions, bakery roll, green chile au jus). For dinner, open 4 to 9 p.m., try the award-winning Barrio Heartbreaker, pork schnitzel, or vegan country-fried tofu sandwich. Maynards, opened in 2008 in the historic train depot, boasts some of the best upscale plates that

Tucson has to offer, dreamt up by four top chefs. Among the smaller menu of mastered dishes, the restaurant recommends the lobster pot.

For a more casual bite, visit the adjoining market for a chorizo verde, egg and cheese, or PB&J. CRUDA Mariscos and Oyster Bar is

treasured by seafood lovers both local and visiting. The restaurant, which has a trendy atmosphere and serves some of the freshest fish in all of Tucson, is open from 11 a.m. to close and shuts its doors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

While dark liquor and fried dough may seem like an unusual pairing, don’t skip out on batch whiskey and doughnuts. The bourbon bar, located on Congress Street, is one of America’s best and brings a wide variety of distinctive cocktails, upscale whiskeys from around the globe, and handcrafted doughnuts to the table.

For even more boozy concoctions, check out its basement bar, Snake & Barrel.

Another great spot for a drink is Nightjar, an inviting watering hole with an authentic vintage vibe. The bar is renowned for its classy and inventive cocktails, like the Butler’s Consort, a mixture of Earl Grey clarified gin milk, lemon

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Destination Tucson 2024_Downtown.indd 30

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Discover Downtown 31 and lavender bitters. In the same historic property as Nightjar lies Coronet, a cozy, top-end restaurant with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings.

Carnivores’ mouths will water at the sight of their meat and fish dishes, including the venison and duck pate and seafood parihuela. For dessert, Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery is the place to find over 20 traditional and original ice cream flavors, from vanilla and chocolate to bourbon almond brittle and honey goat cheese and walnut. At Hub, you can also enjoy a mix of classic bar fare and comfort food, draft beers, wine and cocktails, and weekend brunch.

For shopping Downtown, check out Proper Shops, a collective of merchants and artists that fosters a social environment for its patrons.

Pick up some custom

woodworking crafts, peruse Tucson Gallery, and make sure to say hi to the good vibe-exuding “The Guy Who Dances on Congress.”

Fourth Avenue also offers its mélange of bars and restaurants. La Yaquesita, originally a food truck, now sits on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street and serves up delicious birra plates, along with other authentic Mexican dishes.

Magpies is a gourmet pizza joint, where you can create your own pie or pick from one of their own enticing specialties. If pizza isn’t your thing, it is also known for its chicken wings, which you can order in a variety of sauces.

The Italian restaurant Caruso’s, around since the ’30s, may be one of the only places still standing in Tucson where your grandparents CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

1 Hotel, 3 Concerts Venues, 3 Restaurants, 8 Bars, 1 city block of arts and entertainment Hotel

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Discover Downtown

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 ate as children. Stop in for its lasagna al forno and you’ll quickly understand how Caruso’s has managed to thrive for over 80 years. For a drink, check out Surly Wench Pub, Sky Bar, The Shanty, and Ermano’s Craft Beer and Wine Bar. Make sure to get some shopping done in the Historic Fourth Avenue Shopping District. Antigone Books, Hurricane Records, and Creations Boutique are great places to get gifts for loved ones or for yourself.

Del Sol International Shops vends unique handicrafts from around the globe. The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair has brought shopping, culinary and entertainment bliss to Tucson for over half a century, and uses its funds to invest back into the community. The 2024

spring fair is March 22 to March 24.

Sports Downtown is home to the Tucson Convention Center, which, among its many purposes, houses the Tucson Roadrunners, Arizona’s minor league professional hockey team. The Roadrunners play September to April-ish, depending on the playoffs. The city also has a professional indoor football team, the Tucson Sugar Skulls, whose season runs in the summer, providing an entertaining way to escape the heat. For college sports, wander over to the University of Arizona to catch a Wildcats game. If you’re lucky enough to see any of the college’s teams face off against ASU, be prepared to witness one of the hottest sports rivalries in the country.

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Discover Foothills

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o look at wild desert lands and rugged mountainscapes and say, “I can build there,” is truly a showcase of the indomitable human spirit.

In the early 1930s, John and Helen Murphey enlisted master architect Josias Joesler and resolved to develop the Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson proper, after buying 700 acres of what a local banker described as “worthless” land.

The undertaking resulted in a community of luxurious homes, which combined Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Sonoran influences, and became a private, natural sanctuary for wealthy East Coast snowbirds.

When the Catalina Foothills School District began in ’31, three out of the nine students were Murpheys’ children.

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Throughout the rest of the 20th century and into the 21st, the flowering neighborhoods bloomed and grew into a community with excellent dining, art, recreation and outdoors.

Catalina Foothills is home to arts galore. Wilde Meyer Gallery focuses on contemporary fine art in various media. Located on the southwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue, Wilde Meyer is the perfect place to enjoy, among countless subjects, desert landscapes in both the abstract and realistic.

From there, take a walk next door to the celebrated Jane Hamilton Fine Art, or across the street to the delightfully frontier-esque Settlers West Gallery (6420 N. Campbell Avenue).

Also, across the street, the Southern Arizona Arts Guild

aims to provide a refuge for local artists to hone their craft, experiment, connect and grow. The nonprofit gallery displays its members’ original works from all visual disciplines and styles. (2905 E. Skyline Drive, Space 141) To see the rare work of famous Western impressionist Maynard Dixon, check out the Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery. Located at Sunrise and Kolb, this space is dedicated to Western and Native American art (pro tip: you can also visit Dixon’s preserved Tucson home south of the Rillito River).

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun lies on a 7-acre national historic district built by Ettore DeGrazia, a polymath artist of the 20th century Southwest. Six permanent collections — of both DeGrazia’s and other local artists’ work — lie on the

grounds, which might just be as stunning as the exhibits.

Make sure not to miss Madaras Gallery (3035 N. Swan Road), Sarnoff’s Paloma Art Gallery (4747 E. Sunrise Drive), and a local favorite, the ever-eclectic Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures (4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive).

If you’d prefer to see the real thing over a landscape painting, Catalina Foothills has some of the most pristine nature in the Tucson area.

The community butts up against the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, and boasts stunning, nearby attractions like Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon. If you choose to explore Sabino Canyon, try out the electric shuttle, which will give you an exhilarating view of the rugged wilderness from the comfort of a shaded tram.

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One of the biggest draws of the Catalina Foothills is the shopping and dining the area offers.

St. Philip’s Plaza is one of the trendiest spots in town.

Renowned restaurants like Reforma Modern Mexican and Union Public House, and other boutiques and businesses, surround an open plaza with outdoor seating for each eatery. Throughout the week, musicians and bands play free-to-watch shows in this courtyard beginning around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. (Visit the St. Philip’s Plaza website for the calendar.) On the weekends, the plaza holds a market, where artisans, artists, food vendors and others sell and display their crafts.

If markets are your cup of tea, then check out the Heirloom Farmers Markets, held at Rillito Park. On Sundays, hundreds of vendors set up in the park, located at First

Destination Tucson 2024_Foothills002.indd 35

Avenue and River Road, to share their fresh produce. The market is also a hotspot for entertainment and events, like chef demonstrations, food festivals and live music.

Also swing by Arizona Wine Collective (4280 N. Campbell Avenue) to taste the flavors of Arizona Wine Country. The tasting room has an everchanging menu, and when you’re done, you can visit the bottle shop for something to take home or enjoy right there in the collective’s cozy seating area or patio.

For mallrats and upscale shoppers alike, La Encantada is an open-air shopping market where you can pick up the new iPhone, shop around at Lululemon, or buy an engagement ring at Tiffany & Co. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, RA Sushi Bar and Restaurant, North Italia and Blanco are deservedly hot restaurants at La Encantada.

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Discover Marana

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ocated in the northwestern part of the greater Tucson metro area, Marana stretches into the southern terminus of Pinal County and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Southern Arizona.

The history of the region known today as Marana stretches back more than 4,000 years, according to archeological discoveries. The area has been home to Native Americans for thousands of years, as well as European and early American settlers.

By the 19th century, modern railroads of the frontier age brought new peoples, and a new name: Marana.

While the region and its inhabitants may have changed greatly, over the millennia, the town has not forgotten its modern roots as a farming community of the west. Facing forward with an eye on the future, the town has welcomed amenities like The Ritz Carlton-Dove Mountain, Tucson Premium Outlets and Topgolf.

Today, working farms and ranch homes exist within the shadow of the bustling town municipal complex, though all aspects of life in Marana remain enviable, as growth in the community is abundant and widespread.

Visitors and locals are encouraged to learn about the history of the town by the Marana Heritage Conservancy, which works to promote the traditions and historic aspects of the town through preservation and community outreach.

The town has grown, in large part, due to annexations in the 1990s and an emphasis placed on creating the kind of community in which people not only want to visit but to live. This includes work on maintaining — and improving — good roads, parks infrastructure, community involvement and public art.

The town maintains a strong park system, both in terms of small, neighborhood parks and larger, regional

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sites. The town is at the base of the Tortolita Mountains, providing an opportunity for a variety of outdoor adventures — and the trail systems in the region draw visitors from around the state and the country.

From mid-January to mid-April, Marana’s Parks & Recreation department offers guided hiking tours on foot or horseback through the Tortolita Mountains. Each month a recreation staff member will take a group on a different trail; each one varies in length and difficulty.

Guests can sign up online at maranaaz.gov/trails.

Due in part to its agrarian roots, the town has no central gathering place.

Instead, each section of the community maintains a slightly different look and feel. Plans call for a Downtown area off Marana Road and the I-10, with city council voting on the development of shops, businesses and residential

buildings. Support is gaining momentum. In the meantime, folks seeking great Italian food should try Dominick’s, which dubs itself a “casual joint with historic photos on the walls, pizza and comfort foods like pasta and chicken parmesan.” The entrées are traditional, as the recipes have been passed down through the generations.

The Fourth of July StarSpangled Spectacular takes over the 48-acre Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, and includes a little bit of something for everyone, including a big fireworks show.

Marana’s Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting is a must-visit event that kicks off the holiday season at the beginning of December. The centerpiece of any holiday festival is the lighting of the Christmas tree, and Marana has long embraced this tradition in the form of a 40foot tree. The tree is also part of a massive, synchronized

light show that incorporates the surrounding area. The lighting and first performance of the show kicks off the season and is the largest in Southern Arizona. The town’s evergreen monolith remains lit every night throughout the holiday season.

Annually, Marana Heritage River Park transforms into the entertainment epicenter of the town and draws thousands to the fun: the Fall Festival. The event, which harkens to the town’s long history as a cotton-growing community, includes food trucks, carnival rides and live musical performances.

Residents and visitors can enjoy an important community event, Founders’ Day, which features a parade, car show, cultural performances, historical experiences a creation station, 20 food trucks, 25 artisan vendors and exhibitors, chalk art alley, inflatables and lawn games, and a free photo booth.

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Discover Oro Valley

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ocated along the western flank of the Santa Catalina Mountains northwest of Tucson, the town of Oro Valley has grown from a small suburb to a bustling community of over 47,000 residents.

Oro Valley has earned a spot on some impressive lists, including: One of America’s 10 Safest Suburbs (2014) Movoto Real Estate; Best Place in Arizona to Raise Kids (2013) Bloomberg Businessweek; and 100 Best Places in America to Live and Launch a Small Business (2008) Fortune Small Business Magazine. In 2017, Oro Valley was ranked Safest City in Arizona and Arizona’s Best Small City by Safe Home and WalletHub, respectively.

And in January 2019, TripAdvisor gave Oro Valley a shoutout as one of the most romantic destinations in Arizona, thanks to the town’s gorgeous views, outdoor recreation, and romantic rental properties and hotels.

The town’s parks and recreation department offers more than 3,000 classes each year, in everything from yoga to dog training. Competitive swimmers, or kiddos looking for a water slide and splash pad, will find everything they need at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. If tennis is your game, play with a friend or sign up for lessons on one of their 31 lighted tennis courts. Archers young and old will be challenged by the archery range and courses at Naranja Park. Golfers can enjoy a scenic 18 holes at El Conquistador Golf, followed by a delicious on-site meal at the Overlook Restaurant.

If spectating is your sport, Oro Valley hosts major sporting events, such as the United States Tennis Association Junior Nationals and the U.S. Senior Championships.

Art lovers are in the right place. The town offers dozens of free concerts each year at various locations around the community, in addition to a

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thriving public art collection (and free public art tours), and vibrant arts and culture events, held in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA).

The town of Oro Valley hosts major community events throughout the year that are free and open to the public, including the Easter Eggstravaganza, Celebrate Oro Valley, July 4th Celebration and the Halloween Spooktacular.

Oro Valley has a vibrant and diverse restaurant community. If you’re looking for an old-school diner for breakfast or lunch, Jerry Bob’s has one of its dozen or so locations in Oro Valley.

Whether you are in the mood for some good home cooking or you just don’t want to break the bank, then Jerry Bob’s might be the place for you. This traditional family restaurant chain serves up all your diner favorites, including meatloaf!

Oro Valley boasts one of Tucson’s finest Mexican restaurants with La Hacienda.

If you feel like some fresh ceviche on a hot summer afternoon or it’s more of a hearty burrito kind of day, La Hacienda has you covered with all your favorites, along with fresh seafood that can

be hard to find in the desert.

Located on First Avenue in Oro Valley, this is the perfect place to stop in after a hike in Catalina State Park or a morning by the pool.

If you’d like to try some of the best tamales in town, check out Tucson Tamale Company, where you’ll find both traditional and exotic tamales, including a curry tamale that tastes like an Indian dinner. These delicious tamales are sold across the country, so once you’ve gotten hooked on them here, you can look for them in a grocery store back home. Or you can take some frozen ones with you to impress your neighbors with their authentic taste.

Looking for a quick bite or takeout? Check out La Mesa Tortillas and Tamales, which has delicious breakfast and lunch burritos that won’t break your budget as well as fresh tortillas and tamales.

Located in an unassuming shopping center, as often the best restaurants are, Saffron Indian Bistro is a treat. As soon as you open the heavy wooden door, a wonderful smell of warm spices hits your nose, and you know you’re in the right place. Lamb, chicken, shrimp, you name it: Saffron has multitudes of customizable

curries to go along with its impressive selection of naan breads and a delicious mango lassi.

Visitors can’t go wrong with a good burger and milkshake combo, but Truland shines in that it also offers scrumptious salad options. Think beets, goat cheese, Brussels sprouts and caramelized walnuts. On Oracle Road just north of Ina Road, this hidden gem is sure to make your day on the northside a little better.

If you’re a beer or wine aficionado, you’ll find a wide selection of wine and craft beers — with plenty of regional representation — at Tap & Bottle North.

Pizza fans will enjoy Rosati’s, which serves thinand thick-crust pie with a wide range of toppings, along with other Italian fare.

The view of the Catalina Mountains has inspired folks to turn to mountain biking.

Oro Valley is the gateway to some of the best trails in the region. And hikers have no shortage of options at nearby Catalina State Park.

Additionally, the town of Oro Valley has more than 50 miles of trails and paths set against the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. Road cyclists will CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 enjoy the smoothest roads in the metro area. Learn more about their trails and paths at orovalleyaz.gov.

Not far from Oro Valley is Pima Canyon Trail, a dirt trail takes you out of the desert landscape and up into the gorgeous canyon walls nearing Mount Kimball.

At just under 4 miles, this great hike is one of the most beloved in Tucson.

For the real adventurers, the Finger Rock Trail Head is an all-day hike up into the mountains. The 8 miles and steep ascent reward hikers with a commanding view of the Tucson area. You’ll even wind up hiking through some of the area’s famous “sky island” biomes.

To explore different environments, check out Biosphere 2 just north of Oro Valley. With some 7.2 million cubic feet housed

under 6,500 glass windows, Biosphere 2 was created to better understand and research scientific issues affecting the entire world.

It’s now home to research conducted by the University of Arizona, including studies about global climate change.

In the early ’90s, the Biosphere was used for space research, and researchers were sealed into the facility to better understand Earth’s ecology and humanity’s future in space.

Though there are no longer any Biospherians on-site, the Biosphere continues to educate the public about the world. The facility has seen more than 3 million visitors, including over 500,000 grade school students, since it opened to the public in 1991.

Within the facility are five biodomes: A milliongallon ocean with a coral reef, a Mangrove wetland, a tropical rainforest, a Savanna

grassland and a fog desert.

Aside from the generators, air filtration systems and water controls that allow the Technosphere to operate, Biosphere 2 is also home to administrative offices, classrooms, labs and various other facilities.

Biosphere 2 is located at

32540 S. Biosphere Road in Oracle. For more information, visit www.biosphere2.org or call 520-838-6200.

Be sure to follow the town of Oro Valley on Facebook for the latest info and special events, or visit the “calendar” and “visitors” sections of www.orovalleyaz.gov.

Where nature, art, and culture connect.

520.742.6455 | TOHONOCHUL.ORG 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte Tucson AZ 85704

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estled in the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains is a bedroom community that’s home to a surprising number of recreation attractions, oneof-a-kind outdoor experiences and a wealth of history.

Located some 35 miles north of Tucson in Pinal County, Oracle sports a Western history that dates back over 100 years.

The unincorporated community finds its origin around the 1870s as prospectors came to the area in search of gold and silver, and was named after the nearby Oracle Mine. Soon, a post office was built, and Oracle was officially on its way toward modernity.

Over the years, ranches were established throughout the region as sheep and cattle grazed from the Catalinas to the Tortolita Mountains in the west. Aside from the ranching community, Oracle (much like Tucson) was also hailed for its medically beneficial climate around the beginning of the 20th century as people with tuberculosis sought out dryer climates.

The history of the community includes many other interesting moments, including a time when Wild West legend William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody owned mining interests in the area — and was reported to have once worn a Santa outfit for local children.

As the 1900s came and went, the health resort community waned with the invention of penicillin, and the allure of the mysterious Western frontier drew Hollywood stars to the local dude ranches.

The once-lost 1924 silent epic “The Mine with the Iron Door” was filmed in Oracle, in addition to Tucson and on Mount Lemmon, and Andy Warhol’s 1968 film “Lonesome Cowboys” was shot in Old Tucson and the Rancho Linda Vista Dude Ranch in Oracle, which has since become an artist colony.

Though the movie reels have moved on, Oracle remains a

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vibrant community in 2024, with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure.

Interested in delving deeper into the region’s storied history? Take a trip over to the Oracle Historical Society and Arcadia Ranch Museum at 825 E. Mount Lemmon Highway.

Founded in 1977 as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit with a focus on education, the organization provides a range of cultural and historical insights and a more thorough understanding of the community’s heritage.

The society’s archives and collections include prehistoric artifacts, letters, photos and other memorabilia from early settlers, historic ranching equipment and other examples of what life was like during the frontier era.

One of the most interesting (and unique) institutions to call the region home is Biosphere 2, at 32540 S. Biosphere Road. Dedicated to “the research and understanding of global scientific issues,” the 3.14-acre facility is a glassdomed laboratory intended for controlled studies across multiple biomes: an ocean with coral reefs, mangrove wetlands, a tropical rainforest, savanna grasslands and a fog desert. Each of those biomes advance the understanding of both natural and human-made environments, and how we can tackle the world’s great challenges.

In addition to tours and active research through the University of Arizona, the facility also hosts conferences and tours for local schools.

What is Biosphere 1, you might ask? Well, you’re living on it!

If the Biosphere has you yearning for mother nature, consider a visit to Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, a perfect spot for a lavenderinfused farm-to-table dinner or just wandering the farm to enjoy a sunny day outdoors.

Take home a little piece of Oracle from the farm’s boutique.

Spanning 4,000 acres in the foothills of the mountains is Oracle State Park, 3820

Wildlife Drive, with plenty of space for hiking and picnics.

The region is also a designated “Dark Sky Park” and provides ample opportunity for some dazzling astrophotography. As a center for environmental education, the state park hosts programming for interested learners of all ages.

More outdoorsy types will find plenty to do along the more than 15 miles of hiking trails, plenty of multi-use paths for equestrians and mountain bikers, and a dazzling array of beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert.

Interested in a truly one-ofa-kind view of nature? Look no further than Arizona Zipline Adventures, 35406 S. Mount Lemmon Road.

Self-titled as “Arizona’s first and fastest Zipline EcoTour,” Arizona Zipline offers a chance to learn about the local natural environment while rushing down the mountainside. A full tour includes running down each of the five zip lines, while hiking between each line so participants can experience the desert from changing perspectives.

If you’re not satisfied with flying through the air, the company also offers a tour through the wildly popular Peppersauce Cave in the

Catalina Mountains.

In addition to the zip lines and caving adventures, the business also operates a kitchen, offers hiking trails, gold panning and other team-building activities, as well as a fully stocked general store.

Some folks get their kicks on the zip line, while others prefer their adrenaline rush with a little bit of engine grease and gasoline. For the more mechanically oriented types, Titan Power Rentals (760 E. American Avenue) is the place to go. Rent a top-of-the-line Utility Terrain Vehicle and explore Mount Lemmon and a variety of sandy washes and forest roads.

You can even make your four-wheeled trek even more adventurous on a full moon, sunset or group ride.

Oracle is an exciting community with plenty to do, to say the least. Once the adventures end, however, you may find yourself wanting to stick around for a night or two. Luckily, the 3C Ranch, at 36033 S. Mount Lemmon Road, is home to a wide variety of lodging options — all complete with beautiful views and a sense of peace and tranquility.

Aside from the scenery, 3C also provides an archery course, a bar and plenty of event space.

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Discover Bisbee

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he one-time mining town of Bisbee has been through many booms and busts over the last century, but it’s now home to a curious collection of artists and other characters who have had enough of big-city life.

The hilly town is also a great place for a day trip or weekend getaway for Southern Arizona residents who enjoy a change of scenery — and the Bisbee area has plenty of scenery.

If you’re looking for lodging, keep the Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court in Lowell in mind. Founded in 1927 along Highway 80, the trailer court mixes “practicality and vintage fun” for travelers.

Vintage trailers are available to rent.

Also notable are the Copper City Inn or the historic Copper Queen Hotel in mind, both in Downtown Bisbee and perfect as a staging ground for exploring Bisbee on foot after you’ve had breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club.

And there is plenty to explore in this small town, which is filled with galleries, quirky vintage shops, bookstores, jewelry stores, clothing boutiques and more.

You can find almost anything at the Miners and Merchants Antique Center, a three-story former bank that is jammed with all manner of goods.

If you’re a history buff, you might consider touring the Copper Queen Mine, taking a gander at the Lavender Pit Mine, visiting the Bisbee Mining Museum or signing up for a Historical & Heritage Tour.

In the mood for dessert?

Stop at PussyCat Gelato to sample all-natural preservative-free gelato made the right way. After getting its name from its location inside an old brothel, PussyCat has become a favorite in Bisbee and has since opened a location in Scottsdale and another in Sedona. Check out the

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original in the mining-turnedarts community of Bisbee.

Bisbee is also a great staging ground for exploring Southern Arizona.

Road Trip: Tombstone The town “Too Tough to Die” is a relic from the great days of the American frontier. Best known as the site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone still captures the imaginations of many who wish to harken back to the days of outlaws, cowboys and boomtowns.

To this day, the townsfolk still perform historical reenactments of great names of the Wild West,

such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The Tombstone Historic District, National Historic Landmark District, still captures the feel of a rough and dusty frontier town, equipped with historic buildings, inns, horse-drawn carriages, saloons and the Schieffelin Hall opera house.

Aside from cowboy history, Tombstone is also home to the world’s largest rosebush.

The Lady Banksia rose stretches more than 8,000 square feet and covers the walls and roofs of a trellis.

While nearly becoming a ghost town in the early 1900s, the Tombstone of today has reestablished itself

as an imaginative tourist destination great for anyone looking to take a trip back in time.

Road Trip: Kartchner Caverns State Park First discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns are buried in the eastern Whetstone Mountains, roughly 9 miles south of Benson and 50 miles southeast of Tucson. The caverns feature two large rooms of diverse and rare geological cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and more. The caverns are also home to some of the world’s longest “soda straw”

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Discover Bisbee 43 stalactites (over 21 feet) and the tallest column in Arizona (58 feet).

From its discovery, the caverns have been carefully protected, allowing for tourists to see the caves in near-pristine condition. The greater Kartchner Caverns State Park includes more than just caves, including multiple trails throughout the local mountain ranges, offering views of pristine flora and fauna. The caverns are also home to some 2,000 bats, making it a great destination for wildlife fanatics, just as much as it is for rock hounds.

Road Trip: Wine Country in Wilcox, Elgin, Sonoita Driving south from Tucson many might be surprised to find a rise in elevation and a drop in temperature. As city streets turn into winding county roads and saguaros change into grassland, less noticeable is the soil that changes into the perfect climate for growing grapes.

Arizona actually has three wine-producing regions. Two of those happen to be in Southern Arizona and one is lucky enough to be the only official American Viticultural Area in Arizona, meaning the conditions are just right.

The Sonoita-Elgin region located south of Tucson makes for a tasty, classy and informative road trip. A 20mile stretch of the highway, known as wine row, is filled with vineyards and tasting rooms for visitors to enjoy.

As Arizona wines continue to gain popularity, bottles have started to appear at tasting rooms, wine bars and restaurants around and beyond the state. Plan your road trip to see the vineyards where your favorite Arizona wines are grown and learn about the process that goes into getting from grape to glass.

Some of the region’s wineries and tasting rooms are Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery, Dos Cabezas

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WineWorks, and Arizona Hops and Vines. Find a tasting tour map including 19 different vineyards and wineries at the Sonoita & Elgin Chamber of Commerce website.

To get to the Sonoita Elgin wine region, follow I-10 East out of town to Vail and then take AZ 83 right into the town of Sonita. The drive takes just under an hour, leaving plenty of time for you to explore and enjoy the wineries sprinkled between Sonita and Elgin. If you don’t want to designate a driver, there are multiple tour companies that offer bus tours of the region perfect for larger groups or parties.

If you’re more of an outdoors type, there are numerous hiking, horse and mountain biking trails as well as camping spots in the region. Consider a visit to Gardner Canyon or Kentucky Camp, an old mining camp along the Arizona Trail that is now home to a cabin that’s available for rental through the U.S. Forest Service.

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estled within four mountain ranges resides the eclectic city of Tucson, which comes alive beneath the dark night sky.

The metropolitan area located in the southwestern portion of the United States has had a long-standing commitment to “best lighting practices” and takes care to protect its local astronomy sites. Don’t let this fool you; despite the reduction of lumens, the city still offers an exuberant vibrancy.

Just take a walk down Congress Street, where you will encounter the historic Hotel Congress, an iconic landmark located in the desert oasis.

Farther west down the road, you’ll stumble upon the Southwestern-deco picture palace that is the Fox Tucson Theatre. After reopening its doors in 2005, having sat dormant for about 25 years, the Fox has come back with a vengeance. Shifting to a performance venue, the Fox offers live music shows, plays, movie screenings and more. Its tentative expansion plan has recently been greenlit by the Rio Nuevo Downtown redevelopment and revitalization district, which means the acquisition of two adjacent properties to transform the intersection

into a “best-in-class arts and culture hub at a national level.”

Imagine the reach of the world-class Tucson Jazz Festival when these plans are completed. This annual festival, which recently returned after a pandemicinduced hiatus, is set at various venues throughout

town including the new jazz club and mezcal lounge Downtown, The Century Room. If curated flight tastings are your thing, this is the place to be.

The Tucson Convention Center is another venue that draws in global talent.

The highly anticipated Tucson Gem and Mineral

Show attracts over 65,000 visitors from all over the world to enjoy rare gems, minerals and fossils at various locations throughout the city. You’re no good if you don’t try to visit the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, formerly known CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Beautiful Oracle, AZ Come enjoy our cool temperature in the small charming town of Oracle where the desert meets the mountains and we enjoy four gentle seasons! At Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, we are a small family owned farm offering a magical and beautiful setting for people of all ages.

Learn about lavender and all its benefits by participating in craft classes and culinary experiences.

Bring the family out to the farm to enjoy a basket lunch, meet the farm animals & play in the Kids Zone.

Visit our new Farm Boutique!

1221 N Rancho Robles Rd, Oracle, AZ 85623 lifeunderoaks@gmail.com (520)820-3454

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From shows featuring dance performances, orchestras and comediennes, you might even catch a Grammywinning performance.

Or consider this: You won’t want to miss a music performance at the Rialto Theatre; it has been known that Grammy winners have rolled through the venue before making it big in the music industry. Did we mention the revitalization of Downtown? Lest we forget the Warehouse Arts District, the new home of the inaugural TENWEST Street Fest. A part of the five-day TENWEST Impact Festival, this approachable community event is part creative conference and part party. The intentional venue selection is part of a neighborhood effort including Kinetic Arts Tucson, Solar Culture and CREAM Design & Print, toward breathing new life into the arts district.

Also among the coalition is local-favorite brewery Borderlands Brewing Co. which opened a second taproom farther east, in the Sam Hughes neighborhood, is a hot spot for trivia night and good eats. If the historic Fourth Avenue is more your speed, check out the local bar scene, and if it’s winter or spring, you’re in luck. The seasonal and family-friendly Fourth Avenue Street Fair will be taking place, bringing together hundreds of merchants, vendors and artisans. Tucson is a local marketgoers’ paradise.

From the weekly St. Philip’s Plaza Market to the Made in Tucson Market, Desert Air Market and beyond.

The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block also puts on seasonal artisans’ markets, bringing together over 100 creative and local artists, artisans and craftsmen showcasing their original artwork, jewelry

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and gifts. The museum, located in Downtown’s Presidio district, houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that seek to inspire and celebrate Southern Arizona’s rich and diverse culture. Be sure to check out the TMA’s Café a la C’Art for some yummy treats or brunch during your visit. Just a hop and a skip east is the Old Town Artisans, a city block established in 1922 that houses art galleries and shops in some of the “longest-inhabited set of buildings in all of Tucson.”

Over in the Fourth Avenue Business District is The Rogue Theatre, which creates the “highest-quality theater possible, challenging, stretching and invigorating our community.”

Because Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it is hard not to appreciate all that it has to offer or plan your day around lunch.

Places like Tohono Chul Gardens Galleries and Bistro, named one of the World’s Great Botanical Gardens by Travel + Leisure Magazine, embrace the authentic beauty that the Sonoran Desert has to offer across 49 acres of lush desert and with a truly exquisite collection of artwork in the Exhibit Galleries and Gift Shops, offering the avantgarde to artisanal local creations. Events such as Chillin’ at the Chul during the summer, allowing guests to visit the grounds after hours and enjoy acoustic live music.

Their Garden Bistro serves quite a delightful brunch.

We’d be remiss without mentioning the 5.5-acre Tucson Botanical Gardens, known as Tucson’s urban oasis located in Midtown.

If sticking to Downtown is more up your alley, Museum of Contemporary Art also known as MOCA, the only CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46 local museum devoted to contemporary art exclusively, is housed in a repurposed firehouse. Some honorable mentions to this list include DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun located in the Catalina Foothills, Monterey Court Studio Galleries & Cafe on Miracle Mile, and the University of Arizona’s Museum of Art or Center for Creative Photography.

Have a desire to learn about glass? Sonoran Glass School is a public-access educational organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to

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discover the wonder of glass art.

Stage performances are aplenty in Tucson. As for dance, established in 1986

by Mary Beth Cabana, Ballet Tucson creates a world-class professional ballet company and school. The University of Arizona School of Dance has long been synonymous with energy, rhythm and movement, it says.

The world has all of us down, but the nonprofit Unscrewed Theater provides the laughs with improvisational theater.

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Discover Breweries 49

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lthough craft brewing is a growing industry in many states and cities, Tucson has a particularly vibrant community thanks to our rich culinary history, borderlands influence and collaborative culture.

With events like Arizona Beer Week and the Agave Heritage Festival, Tucson is becoming a destination for all things beer and spirits. Here are a handful of noteworthy craft breweries that you’re sure to want to sample.

Harbottle Brewing Company Named after the voyager Capt. John Harbottle, this brewery’s drinks are both adventurous and accessible.

Its flagship India pale ale, the Harbottle IPA, includes pine and citrus notes and is described as “dank, dry and dangerously drinkable.” But if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try out its Two Hands saison, a Belgian-style beer that features the bright finish of fresh cucumber, perfect for cooling off! 3820 S. Palo Verde Road, Suite 102.

Button Brew House The northside brewery differentiates itself with experimentation in its beers.

Its Tor Auf is a German Berliner Weisse made in the style of an “adult lemonade” with locally grown organic white Sonora wheat. Its Chiltepín Red is a

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Sonoran spicy red ale, filled with the flavors of lemon, lime and super-hot chiles. Its Button IPA is “extremely hopped” with hints of pine and grapefruit.

Button is a great place for anyone looking to expand their palette. 6800 N. Camino Martin, Suite 160.

Borderlands Brewing Company Borderlands Brewing is always concocting a wide variety of beers, from prickly pear sours to coffee stouts.

Its Downtown location is ideal to grab one of these brews and wander around in, with a mesquite-covered patio, a

courtyard you’ll often find a food truck in, and walls adorned with various mediums of local art for sale. 119 E. Toole Avenue.

Dillinger Brewing Company Named after the notorious gangster John Dillinger, who was captured in Tucson, Dillinger Brewing features both classic and more experimental beers. You can try its Dill’s Pills, a traditional German Pilsner, and then go right over to its Aztec Warrior, a strong Mexican stout featuring hot chocolate flavors. And for more of a borderlands kick, try out

the Mango Nada, a kettle sour with mango and Tajin. 3895 N. Oracle Road.

BlackRock Brewers This eastside brewery is located in a quiet business park, but don’t let that make you think it’s any less fun. Its menu ranges from traditional beers to more unique, with classic pale ales, a caramel amber, a fruit cream ale and a blackberry sour. But our favorite has to be the awardwinning Baja Sol, a smooth grapefruit IPA perfect for CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 cooling off during the Arizona heat. 1664 S. Research Loop, Suite 200.

Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. Easily one of the most charming breweries in Tucson, patrons can almost always find Crooked Tooth hosting a local band, vinyl record swap or yoga class. But it’s the rotating selection of diverse sours and stouts, infused with local flavors like agave and palo santo, that keep the crowds happy and the taste buds exploring. 228 E. Sixth Street.

Catalina Brewing Company Calling its beers “HandCrafted Bike Fuel,” it’s easy to see the goals and passions of Catalina Brewing Company.

This cycling-friendly hub mixes local Southwestern flavors into many of its drinks, such as mesquite, agave, pecan and prickly pear. 6918 N. Camino Martin, Suite 120.

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Barrio Brewing Co. Barrio’s craft beers garner wide acclaim and distribution, but to enjoy its extensive menu of burgers, paninis and appetizers specially crafted to fit with their beers, you have to head inside. Barrio is known for its happy-hour specials, and creative combinations of flavors in beer, such as a mocha stout, a grapefruit IPA, a raspberry ale and a dark chocolate porter. 800 E. 16th Street.

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company Pueblo Vida is a hip, centrally located brewery that is dog and bike friendly! Its taproom features a wide variety of rich specialty beers, such as its sea salt dark chocolate patisserie, chocolate and orange stout, flaked wheat Sonoran ale and more. As a plus, there are board games. It does not have a kitchen on-site, but outside food is always allowed in! 115 E. Broadway Boulevard.

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t has been years since voters legalized recreational weed in Arizona. The scene has since developed and exploded in popularity as more and more Arizonans discover the plant.

Those looking to indulge have plenty of local options — all carrying highquality cannabis as flower, cartridges, concentrates, tinctures, edibles and soda.

Some Tucson cafes

allow weed consumption: Downtown’s Arte Bella, at 340 N. Fourth Avenue, which even offers cannabis-friendly art classes, or Harambe Café and Social Club, at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road on the east side.

To be more discreet, dispensaries carry a wide line of cartridges made from cannabis extract. This oil comes in a variety of flavors and doesn’t generally smell

like marijuana.

Tucson dispensaries also carry a wide range of other concentrates, which go by a variety of names such as shatter, wax and budder.

These marijuana extracts tend to be higher in THC, the cannabis chemical that brings on the high, so be careful when consuming them.

Talk with a budtender, as they’re called, about the options, because these

extracts can be tricky to smoke without specialized gear.

Beyond smoking, there are plenty of cannabislaced edibles, ranging from brownies to gummies. Really, they’ve found a way to infuse cannabis into almost any food or beverage imaginable. Veterans and newbies should be careful with edibles.

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Under state law, recreational consumers can buy a max of 100 mg of cannabis per package and the individual doses can be no more than 10 mg. (Larger doses are allowed if you have an Arizona medical card.)

The inexperienced should start with a dose of 5 mg and wait an hour to see how it’s affecting them. Taking too much can be unpleasant.

All things are better in moderation.

Many of the edibles in Tucson dispensaries are made fresh in local kitchens, so consumers sample unique farm-to-table treats. OGeez!, for example, is a locally owned brand with products in many Tucson dispensaries, such as Earth’s Healing.

Those adhering to a strict diet — no brownies, in other words — can try tinctures, powders and capsules. These are typically made from marijuana extract but don’t have high levels of sugar.

Tucson has more than a dozen local dispensaries to peruse.

Downtown is the Downtown Dispensary (221 E. Sixth Street) and a Harvest House of Cannabis (1010 S. Freeway).

The Prime Leaf has two locations, one south of the University of Arizona (1525 N. Park Avenue) and one in Midtown (4220 E. Speedway).

Midtown is also home to Harvest of Tucson (2734 E. Grant Road).

The eastside boasts Desert Bloom Re-Leaf Center (8060 E. 22nd Street), D2 (7105 E. 22nd Street), Green Med Wellness Center (6464 E. Tanque Verde Road) and Southern Arizona Integrated Therapies, aka Tucson Saints, (112 S. Kolb Road).

Northside spots include Curaleaf Dispensary (4695 N. Oracle Road) and Earth’s Healing (78 W. River Road).

Southside options include Earth’s Healing’s second location (2075 E. Benson Highway) and The Green Halo (7710 S. Wilmot Road).

Marana is home to two dispensaries, both close to Interstate 10: Botanica (6205 N. Travel Center Drive) and Nature Med (5390 W. Ina Road.)

Hana Green Valley is located south of Tucson at 1732 W. Duval Commerce Point Place.

As always, due diligence is required, and user discretion is advised. Cannabis consumption can be a fun activity with the right mindset and proper sourcing.

When visiting dispensaries, remember to ask the budtenders for any advice or educational materials if desired. And remember to pick up any necessary accessories or lighter. Arizona has a bustling scene of dispensaries and the people who frequent them, which is good news for users both new and returning.

Always use a healthy amount of caution and remember, don’t do it while driving, don’t do it publicly and don’t do it without a smile!

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Discover Calendar 53 January Tucson Jazz Festival.

Downtown Tucson kicks off every year with a celebration of every kind of jazz. This festival, which hosts internationally touring stars as well as local musicians, takes place across multiple venues both indoors and out. Whether you’re a fan of smooth jazz, wild improvisation, vocals or instrumentals, there’s something for you in the dozens of events. New this year, the jazz jam gathers musicians from across the festival for an all-day on-thespot performance. January 12 to January 20.

Dillinger Days. Brush up on your outlaw history, or just enjoy reenactments.

With gunfights, whiskey and three-piece suits, Dillinger Days celebrates the capture of notorious gangster John Dillinger right here in Tucson.

Dillinger Days is part historical reenactment, part concert and part food festival. It all goes down at the Downtown’s famous Hotel Congress.

January 20 to January 21.

Tucson International J Film Festival. Hosted by the Tucson Jewish Community Center, this festival gathers short and feature-length films that revolve around Jewish culture and artists. But that’s not to say they’re all religious films. This year’s selections range from drama to adventure to science fiction, with even an animated entry.

January 11 to January 21.

February Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Shows. Easily one of the most important Tucson events every year, the Gem Show is more of a season than a festival. For a few weeks in January and February, Tucson becomes a city of geologists. While the weeks include various independent shows, the

Destination Tucson 2024_Calendar.indd 53

season is based around the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil show at the Tucson Convention Center, which is one of the largest gem and mineral shows on the continent. Product prices range from mere cents to tens of thousands of dollars.

January 27 to February 11, various locations.

Arizona Beer Week.

Arizona’s heat makes a local beer that much more enjoyable. While this celebration of craft beer takes place across the state, Tucson is especially rich, with more than a dozen local breweries. And better yet, they celebrate the tastes of Tucson by using local grains, fruits, and even collaborating on special brews. This week shows that while Tucson’s craft breweries each have a distinct style, they’re all too happy to work together.

February 15 to February 25.

Tucson Rodeo Days. The first La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboys) in 1925 touted three days of events and competition.

Today, the event has grown to a nine-day celebration centered on the Tucson Rodeo. The cowboys and cowgirls show off their amazing skills and show their courage, which is what rodeo is all about. It’s nonstop action with bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team and tie-down and cowgirls who take the reins in barrel racing.

February 17 to February 25.

Tucson Rodeo Parade.

This vibrant parade has been presented each year and keeps the spirit of the first parade in 1925. Known to be the largest nonmotorized parade in the country, it still achieves its success through the community’s participation and the dedicated work of its members and volunteers and the generosity of its sponsors. February 22.

March Festival of Books. There’s something about the Sonoran Desert that inspires literature, as Tucson has been home to authors from Barbara Kingsolver and Cormac McCarthy to J.A. Jance and David Foster Wallace. This celebration of the written word ranks as the thirdlargest book festival in the country. Not only are there up-and-coming authors networking, but there are some heavyweights in the literary scene as well. More than a book fair, there are panels, workshops and debuts. March 9 and March 10.

Sculpture Tucson.

Sculpture Tucson, the local nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Arizona’s cultural landscape through public art projects, workshops, and the creation of a sculpture park in Tucson, hosts an annual sculpture festival show and sale. March 15, March 16 and March 17.

April Tucson Folk Festival.

If you’re new to Tucson, you may not be aware of the special style of warm borderlands folk

music present on many of our stages. It’s a unique combination of blues, ranchero, Americana and mariachi all rolled into one, but fits snugly in the singer/ songwriter tradition. The Tucson Folk Festival gathers some of the greatest troubadours from across town and throughout the state for a free weekend of eclectic acoustic music. April 5 to April 7.

May Agave Heritage Festival.

A plant nearly as iconic as the mighty saguaro, agave was critical in prehistory and still is today. Originally a celebration of tequila, the Agave Heritage Festival quickly evolved into a celebration of both the plant and its indelible influence on the Old Pueblo.

This celebration includes tequila, art, mezcal and food.

And with its Latin American roots, the festival is filled with cultural music and performances as well. What’s the difference between tequila, mezcal and sotol?

You can read a book, but we prefer to let our taste buds tell us. April 18 to April 21.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 June El Dia de San Juan.

This cultural holiday is a celebration of both John the Baptist’s birthday and a beckoning for the summer rains to bring life back into the desert. There are bands, dancers, mariachi, history and culture. It is family friendly and free. If you’ve ever experienced a summer monsoon, you know why the whole town celebrates. June 24.

Tucson 23: Mexican Food Festival. You can’t measure the city of Tucson without also measuring the Mexican influence on it. This also goes for our food, which is so great we just have to celebrate it sometimes. Here, you’ll get to sample some of the best Mexican food and drink Tucson has to offer. The “23” refers to the 23 miles(!) of Mexican food restaurants and eateries you can find through Tucson. In June, dates TBA. July “Let Freedom Sing” Concert. Since 1984, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Honor Guard has celebrated the Armed Forces at this holiday concert of patriotic classics at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. Be sure to wear red, white and blue! And while you’re at the Air Force base, enjoy the surreal views of the “Airplane Boneyard” where scores of massive airplanes rest. In July, dates TBA. August Tucson’s Birthday. Every year, businesses and museums across town celebrate Tucson’s birthday with connections to our diverse cultures and past. These events range everywhere from mariachis performing Downtown to neighborhood

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block parties to restaurants cooking specialty dishes. One of the largest is the historical and folkloric “La Fiesta de San Agustin” at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum. This year marks Tucson’s 249th birthday. Be on the lookout this August for a party more than two centuries in the making. In August, dates TBA. October Tucson Pride. This is a celebration of “Pride in the Desert” and grows bigger every year. It’s a parade and a festival in one. Hosted by Arizona’s first LGBT pride organization, it is one of the oldest in the nation. There will be dancing, music, food and drinks, and an all-around good time. In October, dates TBA. Tucson Meet Yourself.

Almost any city in America is a melting pot of cultures, but Tucson, with its border geography and storied history is even more so. The event asks the question, “Who are you?” This is the annual festival for Tucsonans to converge and celebrate their unique ethnic backgrounds, and talk about how they wound up in Tucson in the first place. Go around the world in a single day by trying various foods, seeing dances, and experiencing all the culture you can handle.

October 4 to October 6.

Loft Film Fest. For this event, Tucson’s independent art house cinema goes above and beyond, hosting a film festival featuring movies from across the world, as well as those made here in Arizona. Actors and directors visit to talk about their new movies, and there are even some film debuts. It’s a little bit of Hollywood right here in Tucson (but it’s an artsy cinema, so it’s not too Hollywood). In October, TBA. November

Tucson Celtic Festival. The festival provides a gathering place for those interested in Celtic culture where they may participate in and enjoy various Celtic arts, traditional dress, crafts, foods, vendors, music, dance, literature, language and athletics in the form of demonstrations, reenactments, performances and competitions. In November, TBA. All Souls Procession.

There may be no other event that truly captures the sights and soul of this town. This procession is a combination of multiple folklores and holidays. It’s part Dia de los Muertos, part Burning Man, part carnival.

The town dresses up, remembers those loved ones who passed away, parades through the city, and ends up partying at a big outdoor concert that culminates in a massive bonfire. Tucson’s “All Souls Procession” must be experienced to be believed. In November, TBA. El Tour de Tucson. Did you know Tucson is one of the best cities for cycling in the nation?

The mostly flat terrain and various washes make for great cycling trips This massive bike race runs all around the city, with routes ranging from 28 to more than 100 miles. And better yet, the race converges upon Downtown Tucson for a street fair. Whether you biked or simply cheered them on, the sense of community is strong.

In November, TBA. December Winterhaven Festival of Lights. Although we live in the desert, one Tucson neighborhood becomes a winter wonderland every December. The Winterhaven Festival of Lights stretches multiple weeks through mid-December, right up to Christmas. The attraction sees thousands over the season strolling through richly decorated houses and holiday events. There are plenty of Christmas lights, but there are also tractor rides, letters to Santa, carolers, hot chocolate stands and more.

And wouldn’t you know it, the nights even manage to get a little chilly. In December, dates TBA.

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