Destination Tucson 2019

Destination

Tucson

2019

WELCOME TO

Tucson

W

hether you’re here for the beautiful weather, the stunning landscapes, the great food, the live music, the museums and galleries, the wondrous golf courses or the many gem and mineral shows, there’s something for everyone in Southern Arizona.

Destination Tucson is your guide to the highlights of the Sonoran Desert.

Inside this magazine, you will find profiles of our various communities throughout Pima County: Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana and the Catalina Foothills, as well as a guide to Bisbee, Tubac and other nearby road trips. Each section highlights the events, destinations and businesses that make each part of the Greater Tucson Metro Region flourish.

In addition to the geographical highlights, this year’s edition includes some of the best tourist events the region has to offer while they visit. Throughout the magazine, you will find helpful information on dining options, healthcare, public safety and a calendar of some must-see events every month of the year.

So, welcome to Tucson, Pima County and the rest of Southern Arizona. We are happy you decided to stop by and visit, or even make the region your new home, and we’re sure you will enjoy your time here in the desert.

Once you read through the entire magazine, and visit a few of the places included, you may have a better understanding as to why we all love The Old Pueblo so much.

Contents Discover Tucson Discover Pima County Discover Downtown Discover Foothills Discover Public Safety Discover Oro Valley Discover Marana Discover Hikes Discover Dining Discover Events Discover Road Trips Discover Tubac Discover Bisbee Discover Breweries

About this publication Publisher Jason Joseph Production Manager Chelo Grubb General Manager Jaime Hood Graphic Designers Louie Armendariz, Oliver Muñoz, Ad Director Casey Anderson Anissa Sprecher Editors Logan Burtch-Buus, Jim Nintzel Writers Christopher Boan, Jeff Gardner,Kathleen Kunz Accounting Pamela Laramie Web Editor Tirion Morris Advertising Kristin Chester, Meredith Hansen, Brek Circulation Manager Laura Horvath Montoya, Lisa Hopper, Candace Murray, Tyler Vondrak, Receptionist Sheryl Kocher Liane White Thirteenth Street Media © 2019. 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.

Destination Tucson is produced by Tucson Local Media For reprint authorization contact: Tucson Local Media 7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson, AZ 85741 (520) 797-4384 • tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com www.tucsonlocalmedia.com

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Discover Tucson

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 modern day Pima and Tohono O’odham). The first signs of the modern development of the region came in 16,99 when Father Francisco Kino established the

Mission San Xavier del Bac, and the Tucson Presidio was 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.

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

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company. Home to over 200 arts groups, and more than 30 art galleries in the downtown area alone, Tucson is a surefire destination for anyone looking to indulge in the best of contemporary (and classic) artwork and cultural performances.

The city is home to many unique shopping centers.

The open-air Mercado San Agustin, on the western edge of the redeveloping downtown, recently opened a companion village of shipping containers that are home to shops and cafes known as the MSA Annex. While you’re there, keep an eye out for

By the numbers Population: 535,677 Median family income: $39,617 Per Capita Income: $21,684 Founded: 1776 Incorporated: 1877 Land area: 226.71 square miles

Now or Never, where you’ll find modern home accents, skincare products and other gifts.

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 your taste runs more toward art you can use every day, 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 mid-century modern designs and more.

Founded in 1964, The Tucson Botanical Gardens act as a literal oasis in the desert, with lush flora, greenhouses, shaded alcoves and more.

Beyond the beautiful scenery, the Tucson Botanical Gardens are also known for their diverse range of events throughout the year, such as their butterfly showcase, holiday luminarias, and their rotating exhibitions of sculptures and art. While the plants are number one, the Gardens also aim at connecting people with nature through art, science, history and culture.

Dedicated to increasing the knowledge of all the diverse wildlife in our world, the International Wildlife Museum highlights over 400 species in dioramas depicting their natural setting. While most of the animals in the museum are stuffed, nontaxidermy exhibits include live reptile, insect and spider encounters. Perfect for anyone looking to learn more about animals, moving or not!

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 and is currently running NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which

is now in orbit around the asteroid Bennu with a plan to eventually return a sample to Earth. The region’s clear skies also makes this a hotbed for astronomy. If telescopes are your thing, visit the UA’s Flandrau Planetarium or take 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 Loew’s Ventana Canyon, Marriott Starr Pass, Ritz Carlton 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, the new AC Marriott will soon be joined by two new Marriott properties across the street, which are just two of the new hotel projects on the horizon.

For a boutique, mini-vacation 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 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 a-plenty.

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

If you really 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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6

Discover Pima County

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amed after the Akimel O’odham Native Americans, who would later be referred to by the English-speaking world as the “Pima” people, Pima County is home to more than 1 million people.

Pima County is a border county spanning 9,200 square miles, sharing much of its southern line with the Mexican State of Sonora, though the major border town of Nogales lies to the south in Santa Cruz County.

To the north are Pinal and Maricopa counties. To the east are Cochise and Graham counties, while Yuma County lies to the west.

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, the San Xavier Indian Reservation and part of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Founded in 1914, 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 120-plus 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.

With so much to do, and so many places to see, it’s always easier with a little guidance.

Here are some of the best ways to take advantage of everything that Pima County has to offer:

1. Learn about the natural environment at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. One of

the most talked-about places in Pima County is part zoo, part museum, part botanical garden and 100 percent one of the most memorable experiences for both desert dwellers and city slickers alike. The museum was founded nearly 70 years ago as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Trailside Museum, opening on Labor Day in 1952. The driving mission of founder William H. Carr remains to this day: To educate the community atlarge about the desert and its natural inhabitants.

By the numbers Population: 1,022,769 Median family income: $48,676 Founded: 1864 Land area: 9,189 square miles

The 98-acre site lies 14 miles to the west of Tucson within Tucson Mountain Park, and includes outdoor walking paths, gardens, an aquarium and museum, live animal presentations and daily activities. At the museum, visitors can learn about 1,200 native plant species and 230 native animals, as well as study one of the world’s most comprehensive mineral collections and view a variety of conservation-themed art. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located at 2021 N. Kinney Road. More information can be found online at desertmuseum.org or over the phone at 883-2702.

2. Relive the West’s greatest era at Old Tucson Studios. While the most

famous gunfight in the history of the Wild West took place some 100 miles to the east in the City of Tombstone, Pima County is home to its own piece of cowboy Americana in the form of Old Tucson Studios.

Designed as an 1860s replica of Tucson for the filming of “Arizona” by Columbia Pictures, Old Tucson Studios has seen the production of a variety of Hollywood western hits, including “Rio Bravo” featuring John Wayne, a pair of Clint Eastwood showings (“Joe Kidd” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales”) the Gene Wilder-Harrison Ford film “The Frisco Kid,” “The Last Outpost” with Ronald Reagan and “Gunfight at O.K. Corral,” featuring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. Old Tucson also housed the productions for episodes of “Little House on the Prairie” and “Gunsmoke.”

With such a vaunted place in the history of American cowboy culture, there are boundless stories to be told in Old Tucson. To help retell that long history, the studio has long operated as a theme park, complete with gunfights in the streets, musicals and historic tours of the property.

Visitors to Old Tucson during the Halloween season should also prepare for a

scare, as the entire town is taken over by Nightfall— billed as “Tucson’s only haunted town.”

Old Tucson is located at 201 Kinney Road. More information can be found online at oldtucson.com or over the phone at 883-0100.

3. Hop on a bicycle and ride The Loop.

While Tucson is considered to be one of the country’s more bicycle friendly communities and home to the world-famous El Tour de Tucson, Pima County residents from all walks of life can be found every day, pedaling away across the Sonoran Desert.

Named after Pima County’s longtime (and current) chief administrator, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a system of more than 120 miles of interconnected paved multi-use and bike paths which connect the

region’s various river parks with several different natural environments.

The Loop can be found running through unincorporated portions of the county, as well as Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson and South Tucson, and includes a complete circuit of 53.9 miles within its sprawling boundaries.

Learn more about the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, and where to hop on, online at pima. gov or over the phone with Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation at 724-5000.

4. Escape the heat on Mount Lemmon. While

the dry weather and relative warmth are a primary draw for many who visit or relocate to Southern Arizona, everyone needs a little break from the heat. In Pima County, that reprieve from higher degrees can be found at an elevation of 9,100 feet.

Located within the Santa Catalina Mountains and part of the Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon not only hosts the region’s hidden supply of aspen, alder and maple trees (and all of the fall colors that come with them), but has within its peaks a wide variety of trails, campsites and the small community of Summerhaven.

Mount Lemmon can also be 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor below, making it the prime location for a break from Sonoran Desert’s famously hot summers.

Other interesting locales on the mountain include the University of Arizona’s Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, a massive telescope dedicated to public edification and home to stargazing opportunities throughout the year.

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

5. Learn about the entire planet at Biosphere 2. While the natural desert

environment found in Pima County is beautiful in its own right, few institutions on Earth can make the claim of containing several ecospheres in one place.

That’s exactly what can be found at Biosphere 2, a facility

created to better understand and research scientific issues affecting the entire world. Once part of a ranch, then home to a conference center, the land that is now Biosphere 2 was developed in the ’80s to research technology to aid in space colonization. In the early ’90s, two different missions

sealed groups of researchers within the facility to better understand Earth’s ecology and humanity’s future in space. Years later, the site is now home to research being performed by the University of Arizona, including studies into global climate change.

The 3.14-acre site is located north of Tucson is 7.2 million

cubic feet housed under 6,500 glass windows. Within that facility are five different biomes: A million-gallon ocean with a coral reef, a mangrove wetland, a tropical rainforest, savanna grassland and 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.

While there’s no longer any Biospherians hanging around, Biosphere 2 remains a unique teaching facility that’s seen more than 3 million visitors, including over 500,000 gradeschool students, pass through its doors since 1991.

Biosphere 2 is located at 32540 S. Biosphere Road in Oracle. More information can be found online at biosphere2.org or over the phone at 838-6200.

experience the real tucson eat here.

stay here.

six restaurants. hotel. cafe. butcher shop. beer. wine. pool. gym. art gallery. murals. games. coffee. all local. all within one mile.

6. Visit Arizona’s oldest church, San Xavier del Bac Mission. The San Xavier del

largest-privately funded aviation and space centers known as the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Home to more than 350 historical aircraft spread across six separate hangers, the museum offers visitors a look into the nation’s aeronautical history from the first moment man took to the skies. The massive collection includes World War Two planes, spyplanes, a Wright Flyer and the world’s smallest bi-plane. Just before the turn of the century, the museum opened its space gallery to document the Apollo missions, lunar samples and plenty more from the final frontier.

To help maneuver through the metal (and better understand the exhibits), the museum offers docentled tours, and is the only operator of the “Boneyard” tour through the 309TH Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group Facility on the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. At the Boneyard are more than 4,000 aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, NavyMarine Corps, Army, Coast Guard and several federal agencies.

The Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Road. More information can be found online at pimaair.org or over the phone at 574-0462.

7. Take to the skies at the Pima Air & Space Museum. What began as

8. Head underground at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. A large cave system near

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 with an exterior inspired by Baroque architecture, San Xavier del Bac is comprised of 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.

Though the history of the church may stretch back centuries, the site is still home to religious services. The mission church 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. More information can be found online at sanxaviermission. org or over the phone at 2342624.

WWII-era aircraft lined up along a fence line adjacent to the highway has grown to become one of the world’s

Vail, Colossal Cave has been a source of guano, a refuge for Native Americans people and even a hideout for a gang

of train robbers. A variety of tours explore the roughly 3.5 miles of explored passages, with plenty of opportunity to view the massive crystalline structures and otherworldly twists and turns.

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. More information can be found online at colossalcave.com or over the phone at 647-7275. the mountain, there are plenty of places to spot a

woodpecker, junco or some hawks.

Located in the Santa Rita Mountains to the south of Tucson, more than 200 species of birds have been spotted in Madera Canyon.

Like Mount Lemmon, Madera’s lower reaches include desert environments while the upper peaks are home to aspen and pine forests. There are plenty of places to set up a spotting scope throughout the canyon, and several spots where hummingbird feeders offer a chance at some nearlyguaranteed sightings. To get there, take Exit 63 Off Interstate 19 and head to the Nogales Ranger Station.

Discover Downtown

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HOTEL CONGRESS

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owntown Tucson has undergone quite the renaissance over the last decade and is now the city’s most lively neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a night out dancing to live music, a fine meal, a cocktail lounge, a cultural experience or some sports action, you’ll find it all here.

1. Live Music. Whether you want to see a touring act in a historic theater or an up-and-coming band in a small club, you’ll find it in downtown Tucson, one of the country’s most vibrant music hubs. The Rialto Theatre, which opened in 1920 to host vaudeville acts, is now Tucson’s premier rock ’n’ roll venue, with upcoming performances by the likes

of Neko Case (Feb. 13), Kurt Vile (March 5) and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (April 9). The Fox Theatre Tucson, lovingly restored to its 1930s glory, also hosts live music alongside other community events; the 2019 schedule includes Kris Kristofferson (Jan. 24), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Jan. 31) and Joan Osbourne signing the songs of Bob Dylan (Feb. 6). For a

more intimate show, check out Hotel Congress, where bands perform both inside the world-famous Club Congress or outdoors on a new stage.

Other downtown venues include 191 Toole, Owl’s Club, Che’s Lounge, Sky Bar and EXO Roast Company. Pick up a copy of the city’s alt-weekly, Tucson Weekly, for a full list of live music or check out the listings online at TucsonWeekly.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

2. Museums and Galleries. Downtown Tucson

is home to some of Tucson’s best museums, including the grand Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block.

Fresh from a multi-milliondollar makeover, TMA pairs rotating shows with ongoing displays from the permanent collection in a massive complex that includes both the museum’s central home and historic homes that have been turned into galleries. The Museum of Contemporary Art–Tucson, housed in a rehabbed fire station, presents more avante-garde work. The Tucson Children’s Museum has transformed

the city’s former Carnegie Library into a wondrous playground for children of all ages. The Presidio Museum celebrates Tucson’s history and includes a re-creation of a portion of the original adobe fort that was built by Spanish settlers in the 1770s.

And the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, located in downtown’s historic train station, is a spot that train buffs will not want to miss. Downtown Tucson is also loaded with galleries featuring all manner of art, including Etherton Gallery, Davis Dominguez Gallery, Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery and Philabaum Glass Studio

CUP CAFE

3. Performances. The Temple of Music and Art, which first opened in 1927 and got a full renovation in 1990, is home to the Arizona Theatre Company, which presents a half-dozen productions during its performance season here and in Phoenix. The venue also hosts smaller theatre companies throughout the year. You’ll also find smaller theater troupes such as Rogue Theatre and The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre performing at the Historic Y. If your tastes run more toward old-school culture, the Arizona Opera Company and Tucson Symphony Orchestra perform at the Tucson Music Hall.

4. Food and Drink.

Tucson has been recognized as a UNESCO City of

Gastronomy—and downtown has become a virtual United Nations of food options.

You’ll find breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Cup Café in Hotel Congress, which combines a hip atmosphere with a menu featuring all the standards paired with some unique local offerings, including luscious house-made desserts. Five Points Market, serving both breakfast and lunch, offers one of the city’s finest plates of huevos rancheros in town.

At the Tucson Museum of Art, Café a la C’art serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offering all manner of cakes and pies from a sinful dessert case. The Little One, a hole-in-the-wall spot near the downtown library, serves up Mexican breakfast plates in a raucous setting.

Travel back in time to life in Tucson’s Presidio.

Docent tours, demonstrations, children’s activities and Living History Days presented regularly.

Check website for event dates.

Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum 196 N. Court Ave., Tucson TucsonPresidio.com

HUB ICE CREAMERY Maynards, in the historic train station, offers fine dining in the indoor dining room as well as less formal (and expensive) options at an adjoining market. Hub’s menu features classic American fare with a rotating selection of housemade ice cream. Renown Tucson chef Janos Wilder, who was doing farm-to-table

more than three decades ago, now runs DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails, where the menu boasts local flavors and sophisticated preparation.

Diablo Burger brings in beef from Northern Arizona ranches for its gourmet burgers. And HighWire Lounge takes the concept of mixing food and science to a whole

new level. Have you ever heard of tequila caviar? What about smoked cotton candy in a Manhattan? This trendy spot located in the heart of downtown is the place to be to try something new.

While known for its cocktail creations, HighWire does also offer a few appetizers just in case you get peckish.

If you stroll through the Fourth Avenue underpass on the east end of downtown, you’ll enter the historic shopping and dinning district along Fourth Avenue.

Between Ninth Street and University Boulevard, you’ll find cafés such as Café Passe and Epic Café, as well as bars such as The Shanty, Maloney’s, Surly Wench Pub, Sky Bar, IBT’s Bar and Food, and Ermano’s Craft Beer and Wine Bar. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you’re in the right place. Caruso’s has been serving classic Italan dishes

for decades; Martin’s Comida Chingona celebrates both Mexican food and wrestling luchadors; The Drunken Chicken does fried chicken and waffles; and Athens serves Greek food. You’ll find slices and whole pies at Brooklyn Pizza Company and Magpie’s; for classic American fare, try the Coronet.

5. Sports. The Tucson Convention Center is home to the Tucson Roadrunners, an American Hockey League team that serves as the minor-league affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. Their season runs from September to April or May, depending on their luck in the post-season. This year, the Tucson Sugar Skulls will launch its first season as an Indoor Football League franchise, with a season that kicks off in March and continues through June.

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Discover Foothills

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hat was once a vast swath of undeveloped federal trust land and open space to graze cattle has become one of the Greater Tucson Metro Area’s most attractive communities, for families and businesses alike.

Residential development of the region eventually began in the 1930s, and the foothills was envisioned as a region filled with large lot developments after Tucson developer John W. Murphy purchased more than 7,000 acres of land at public auction. Since the beginning, the Catalina Foothills was planned as a winter getaway for wealthy East Coast residents. It wasn’t long before the Catalina Foothills School District was formed to serve the needs of the growing community.

There’s been plenty of development and expansion of the original neighborhood footprints, including country clubs, golf courses and art galleries Aside from the draw of sophisticated neighborhoods and high-quality retail, the Catalina Foothills region is well known for its natural beauty, including Sabino Canyon and parts of the Coronado National Forest along the Santa Catalina

Mountain Range.

There’s plenty to do in the Catalina Foothills, from fine dining to hiking. Here’s five ways to better get to know the region.

1. Shop your heart out at La Encantada and St. Philip’s Plaza. If shopping is

your thing, then the Catalina Foothills is the place to be.

Located on the northwest corner of North Campbell Avenue and East Skyline Drive lies La Encantada, a two-story, outdoor shopping center filled with luxury retailers ranging from clothing to tech and a grocery store.

Since opening in 2004, La Encantada (2905 E. Skyline

Drive) has hosted a mix of restaurants and shops, making it a favorite for several of the region’s nonprofits as a spot to host various events.

Notable retailers include Anthropologie, the Apple Store, Coach and Tiffany & Co. If all that shopping has you needing some self-care, book an appointment at Fushsia, a spa offering massages, facials and other pampering.

Just a few miles down Campbell Avenue, at West River Road, lies St. Philip’s Plaza—a shopping center known as much for its beautiful fountains and rose plants as the retailers who call the center home. While there’s much to be said about

By the numbers Population: 50,796 Median family income: $82,252 Per Capita income: $59,577 Households: 22,926 Land area: 42 square miles

how the plaza looks, there always seems to be some of Tucson’s hottest dining vying for a spot among the roses.

There’s plenty to choose from in St. Philip’s (4280 N. Campbell Ave.) but Union Public House, Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics and Reforma Modern Mexican are just a few of the many fine draws found in the plaza.

2. Work on your swing at world-class golf courses.

If you’re not too busy stocking up on nature’s bounty of fresh food or shopping for a new outfit, there’s plenty of opportunities to hit the greens and improve your golf game in the Catalina Foothills.

With such amazing views of the mountains, it only seems natural that golf has taken to the region.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole course at the La Paloma Country Club is perfectly nestled within the scenic foothills, and give golfers a one-of-a-kind experience, with panoramic views of the cityscape of Tucson, as well as with the towering peaks of the Santa Rita Mountains to the south, and along with the rugged ridges of the Tucson Mountains to the west.

La Paloma Country Club has provided Southern Arizonans and visitors alike with topnotch golfing amenities since its opening in 1984, with lush Bermuda grass fairways and bent grass greens. The golf facility also includes two practice putting greens, practice bunkers, and the only CoverShots driving range in Tucson. La Paloma’s three par36 nine-hole courses feature a variety of challenges for every skill level, providing the best of target desert golf with the forgiving fairways that course

operator Troon Golf has come to be known for across the globe.

The par-71 golf course at the Skyline Country Club provides 18 holes of picturesque golf in the Catalina Foothills. The country club, which opened in 1962, features an assortment of dog-leg holes and lush green fairways that provide a challenge for golfers of all levels. The private course, which was founded by John Bender and Leonard Savage, was completely remodeled in 1984 and again in 2009, giving the course new life.

The updated layout includes holes that sprawl toward and away from the towering rock mass of the Santa Catalina Mountains to gie the course’s putting greens a life of their own.

The Tom Fazio course at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon is one of the most unique experiences one can have with a golf club in hand.

The course, which consists of two 18-hole facilities, in the Mountain and Canyon courses, features a variety of landscapes and combines the can’t-miss challenge of desert golf with the more forgiving open grass fairways and roughs found east of the Sonoran desert. Both courses feature a par-72 layout, providing a golfing experience unmatched in the city of Tucson.

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3. Find some fresh produce at the farmers market. While there’s

much to be said about the retail shopping center in the Catalina Foothills, one of the region’s most popular draws are the regular farmers markets that take place at two different locations.

Aside from the fine dining and shopping, St. Philip’s Plaza also hosts the Food in Root farmers market every Saturday and Sunday. Catch the artisans market on Saturdays for a wide selection of local goods and crafts, and stock up on fresh veggies, produce and other foods on Sundays.

The market takes place from 8 a.m. to noon May through September, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. October through April, at 4820 N. Campbell Ave. EBT/SNAP is accepted.

Just down the road from the Food in Root market is the Heirloom Farmers Markets at Rillito Park, Tucson’s largest year-round farmers market.

Heirloom consists of three separate shade pavilions filled with all manner of local bakers, chefs and cooks ready to sell foodstuffs of all kinds, including plenty of organic options. Fill up on some

snacks, pick up some fresh goods and enjoy some live music in the center of all the vendors. Make sure to catch any chef’s demonstrations and other food events that may take place at Rillito Park.

4. Find your creative side at an art gallery

There’s just something about Foothills’ million-dollar views of the Santa Catalinas that seems a natural inspiration for artists across genres. The Catalina Foothills is home to galleries where you’ll find fine art, jewelry, Native American work and so much more.

It’s not hard to find a gallery or art studio in the foothills, but here are a few spots to add to the list: Make sure to check out Jane Hamilton Fine Art (2890 E. Skyline Drive) and Settlers West Galleries (6420 N. Campbell Ave., located on opposite corners of the intersection of North Campbell Avenue and East Skyline Drive. Also at that intersection are Skyline Gallery (6360 N. Campbell Ave.) and Wilde Meyer Gallery (2890 E. Skyline Drive), nearly guaranteeing that the perfect piece of art could be found

without driving far.

Just to the east down Skyline at North Swan Road lies the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, which not only showcases the expansive work of the late Tucsonan Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia, but includes space for local artists to showcase their own work.

From there, head south Swan Road to find Madaras Gallery (3035 N. Swan Road), named after its founder and artist Diana Madaras, whose paintings can be found in homes and businesses throughout Tucson.

On the way to the Madaras Gallery, make sure to stop off at Sarnoff’s Paloma Art Gallery (4747 E. Sunrise Drive) along the way.

Just to the west along East Fort Lowell Drive is one of Tucson’s most unique art locales, Metal Arts Village (3230 N. Dodge Blvd.). As the name implies, there’s plenty of metalwork to be found, plus a spot to grab a cold craft beer in a relaxing atmosphere.

That’s just a short trip through the Foothills, so keep an eye out for any other galleries along the way!

5. Celebrate the holiday season at Winterhaven

Catalina Foothills was intended as a winter getaway for East Coast residents looking for some reprieve

from real snow, and the Tucson region as a whole still remains a part-time home for many “snowbirds.”

The community of Winterhaven consists of most of the residential development between East Prince Road in the north to East Fort Lowell Road in the south, and from North Tucson Boulevard on the west end to North Country Club Road on the east end. Every year, the development hosts the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, a Christmas blowout unlike anything else in the region.

Nearly every home in Winterhaven participates, and most go to extreme measures to decorate their homes in a colorful display that would make any Christmas elf beam with pride.

There’s a drive-through night if you can’t stroll, though the real splendor comes from walking by each home to marvel at the creative (and often funny) ways residents have decorated their homes and lawns. Expect plenty of props, and there’s a central gathering space complete with hot chocolate and popcorn vendors and often a food truck.

It’s free to go, but donations of nonperishable food items are highly encouraged for use at the local food bank.

Discover Public Safety

Golder Ranch Fire District

We’re ready to serve you

F

requently, residents share stories with neighbors and friends about a time when a loved one was experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath and generally did not feel well. They will go on to share that they drove their family member to the hospital instead of calling 9-1-1, only to discover that the sick family member was having a heart attack.

What the well intentioned driver may not know is that if they call 911, paramedics will arrive at the residence and begin treating and stabilizing the patient while transporting via ambulance to the nearest hospital. Upon arrival at the emergency room, that cardiac patient is seen more quickly and the emergency room staff has been in communication with the emergency medical providers in the ambulance in order to prepare for the arrival of the patient.

The important lessons in this scenario are to never hesitate to call 911 if you suspect that you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency and to know the signs and symptoms of a cardiac emergency. They are: • Chest Pain/Pressure • Neck, face and/or jaw pain • Shortness of breath • Nausea • Dizziness • Pain in the left arm • Pale, clammy skin

The Golder Ranch Station locations: STATION 370

STATION 376

3855 E. Golder Ranch Dr.

10475 N. La Canada

65462 E. Catalina Hills Dr.

355 E. Linda Vista

63735 E. Saddlebrooke Blvd.

60891 E. Arroyo Vista Dr.

1130 E. Rancho Vitoso

9310 N. Shannon Rd.

12125 N. Woodburne

1175 W. Magee Rd.

STATION 372 STATION 373

STATION 374 STATION 375

STATION 377

STATION 378

STATION 379

STATION 380

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Discover Oro Valley

W

elcome to Oro Valley! We’re proud to be part of the Tucson-Metro area’s Northwest region, but we’re prouder still of the unique qualities and amenities that make Oro Valley an extraordinary community.

Over the years, 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 shout-out as one of the “Most Romantic Destinations” in Arizona, namely due to our gorgeous views, outdoor recreation and romantic rental properties and hotels.

Top that off with a dining experience in one of our “only in Oro Valley” restaurants, and you’ve got a destination you’ll want to visit time and time again.

For the active and adventurous, Southern Arizona has turned into a mountain-biking mecca, and 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 enjoy the smoothest roads in the metro area. Learn more about our trails and paths at orovalleyaz.gov.

The Town’s Parks & 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 our 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 plays host to major sporting events, such as the United States Tennis

Association Junior Nationals and the American Junior Golf Association Junior All Star Tournament, and the 2018 USA Synchro Collegiate and U.S. Senior Championships.

There are also a couple Major League Soccer teams (Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, FC Tucson and the New York Red Bulls) who have used Naranja Park for spring practice.

If your passion is for the arts, then you’re in the right place. We offer nearly 40 free concerts each year at various locations around town, in addition to a thriving public art collection (and free public art tours!), and vibrant arts and culture events, held in partnership with our friends at the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance.

To top it all off, the Town of Oro Valley is proud to host major community events throughout the year that are free and open to the public, including the Easter

By the numbers Population: 44,350 Median family income: $79,458 Per Capita Income: $44,595 Incorporated: 1974 Land area: 35.63 square miles

Eggstravaganza, Celebrate Oro Valley, July 4th Celebration and the Halloween Spooktacular.

Whatever your age, whatever your interest, Oro Valley has something special for you. Our doors are always open to guests and regional friends who want to experience first-hand why this is such an extraordinary community. When it comes to quality of life, our tagline explains it all - It’s in our nature.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest info and special events, or visit the “Calendar” and “Visitors” sections of orovalleyaz.gov.

ORO VALLEY, www.orovalleyaz.gov www.orovalleyaz.gov

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Know Us Know Your Community

Looking for some ideas for the perfect day in Oro Valley?

We’ve got all the bases covered: If you’re visiting on the weekend, make sure to check out the farmers market that takes place every Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road). With a breathtaking view of the nearby Pusch Ridge region of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, the ranch is home to an outdoor market filled with local artisans, farmers and kitchen connoisseurs.

Make sure to visit the ranch on the second Saturday of the month for an extra special day filled with tours of the historic Pusch House, displays of Western and Americana art (and even some youth art displays), demonstrations in the Heritage Garden and live music.

There’s plenty of grass for relaxing, food vendors and shade—a winning combination.

If a fun time means a walk through botanical gardens and a moment of quiet reflection surrounding by nature, head down North Oracle Road from the ranch to find Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo Del Norte).

Part botanical garden, part

nature preserve and cultural museum and all beautiful, the park is set on 49 acres of desert offering some of the best examples of natural beauty to be found in the Sonoran Desert. The gardens include plenty of places to relax and encounter a hummingbird or two, stroll through art galleries or grab a bite to eat.

There’s a reason people come from across the country to visit these gardens, plus there’s often plant sales so you can take a bit of the desert home with you.

If live theatre and musical performance is more your pace, make sure to check out The Gaslight Music Hall (13005 N. Oracle Road).

The little sibling of the longstanding Gaslight Theatre, the music hall has entertained guests for the past few years with its focus on musical shows as opposed to melodrama.

From blues to rock ’n’ roll, country to jazz, just about every genre can be heard rolling out of the front doors throughout the week. While the specialty at the music hall is concerts, there are plenty of chances to catch a murder mystery or musical revue.

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Discover Marana

ince incorporating in 1977 when it was just a 10-square-mile farming community, the Town of Marana has steadily expanded. Throughout the past three decades, officials have passionately pursued annexation and as a result Marana’s boundaries have crept close to Oro Valley and Casas Adobes.

Today, Marana has a focus on building up their town with lots of modern amenities and businesses while honoring their agricultural roots. The Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain and the Tucson Premium Outlets mall bring in thousands of visitors every weekend for shopping, dining, active play and relaxation. Those visitors 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.

If you want to prep for the region’s many golf courses, you can practice your swing at Topgolf, which opened in Marana last year. The golfer’s playground features balls imbedded with computer chips that score each swing of your club.

The town also has a longterm goal of becoming the “Recreation Capital of Arizona,” with an abundance of fun things to do planned throughout the year. Here are the top 10 things you could do in Marana in one calendar year.

1. From mid-January to

mid-April, Marana’s Parks

and 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. You can sign up online at maranaaz. gov/trails.

2. The Marana Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for March 15-17 at Gladden Farms Park. The town will showcase bands that write and perform in the Southern Arizona region. Some are familiar favorites and some are fresh faces. All around, Marana will be bringing together some great bluegrass acts with the occasional genre-bender.

Tickets are $30 for a weekend pass or $20 per day.

3. Here comes the first of the town’s three annual signature events. Marana

Founders’ Day celebrations kick off on March 30 with a parade early in the morning and a festival in the afternoon with live entertainment, food trucks and more. The event is free and

By the numbers Population: 44,792 Median family income: $81,041 Per Capita Income: $33,488 Incorporated: 1977 Land area: 121.7 square miles

will take place along Marana Main Street.

4. Beginning in April and carrying on through the warmer months, Marana will put on a series of concerts in different parks around town.

Tucson native Caiden Brewer will perform on April 6, vocalist Kate Becker will perform on May 4, The Drift will perform on June 1, Grey2Red will perform on Aug. 3 and Kevin Sterner and the Strait Country Band will perform on Sept.

7. All acts will play from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

5. On April 27, Marana will host the 11th annual Camping Under the Stars event in Ora Mae Harn Park. Registration will include

a tent site, a free screening of “Coco” in the park, a campfire, activities and games. There will even be an inflatable obstacle course. Check out the town calendar at maranaaz. gov to sign up and view more details.

6. Looking for something fun to do with the family on Mother’s Day? Marana will host a 5K

Fun Run at Gladden Farms Park. Mothers, grandmothers and moms-to-be are the guests of honor and can receive fun prizes at the finish line. Registration opens at 7 a.m. that morning with a fun run beginning at 7:45 a.m.

The main 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m. Go to the calendar at maranaaz.gov. for more details.

7. Similar to their monthly concert series, Marana will also be playing family-friendly movies in several locations. The Emoji Movie

will play at the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park at 7:30 p.m. on May 18, “A Wrinkle in Time” (June 15) and “Show Dogs” (July 20) will both play at the Ora Mae Harn Park pool at 7:45 p.m., “Hotel Transylvania 3” will play at Gladden Farms Park at 7:15 p.m. on Aug. 17 and “Paddington 2” will play at Tangerine Sky Park at 6 p.m. on Sept. 21.

8. An estimated 17,000 people attend Marana’s annual Star Spangled Spectacular on the Fourth of July each year. The town

works with local radio stations to find great live music and bands to play at the event. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. There will be food, games

and activities for the family with a big fireworks show at the end of the night.

9. The Marana Farm Festival on Oct. 19, previously known as the Fall Festival, is a special experience within the Marana community.

Residents are invited out to the town’s farms where kids can have a chance to ride on the backs of sheep. This “mutton busting” is a great introduction to the rodeo sport. There will also be food, games and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

10. Marana’s annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 7

features a big Christmas tree light show, live entertainment, choirs, dancers, Santa Claus, food trucks, inflatables and activities. The fun starts at 3 p.m. in Downtown Marana.

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Discover Hikes

GATES PASS

H

iking in the heart of the Sonoran Desert is a blissful way to spend your free time, regardless of the season.

Pima County is home to some of the nation’s finest hiking trails, with a seemingly-endless array of scenic and physical variations at your disposal.

The panoramic mountains that are a figurative stone’s throw away from the heart of the city enable visitors and locals alike to experience new hiking adventures of varying difficulty.

We’re blessed with beautiful trails through national, state and county parks. Whether it’s the dryland basins of the Tucson Mountains, the riparian utopia of Sabino Canyon, or the sprucy wonder of Mount Lemmon, there’s a hiking trail to suit your fancy in our midst.

Wander among towering saguaros, skinny pine trees and lush spruce trees all in the same place and lose yourself in a secluded space

that’s a short jaunt from the heart of the city.

No matter what time of the year you’re hiking, always bring enough water with you to prevent dehydration.

These trails are friendly spaces that open up to bountiful scenic and fitnessrelated opportunities. Make sure you don’t wander from those paths, however, so the pristine public land that we’re blessed with maintains its divine qualities.

Also ensure that you have the right footwear and sunscreen for your jaunt.

For more information on the county’s hiking trails, go to visittucson.org or goarizona.com. Happy hiking to you and your companions.

1. Romero Pools (Catalina State Park). This

5.5-mile trek follows along the spine of the Santa Catalina Mountains, with 1,322 feet of elevation gain. The long and sometimes arduous path eventually leads you to a double-tiered basin of pools that contain runoff

water from the taller peaks year-round, so you can either cool off in the heart of the summer or merely take a moment of zen by the water’s edge if the temperature’s on the cooler side of the thermometer. The out-andback trail can increase in difficulty, given the flow of Sutherland Wash, which cuts through the trail from time to time in the year. Romero Pools follows along the dry stream bed that flows from the Catalinas to the Cañada del Oro Wash, which can create various challenges when the region receives precipitation, generally in the winter and summer monsoons. Entrance to Catalina State Park (11570 N. Oracle Road) and the trailhead is $7, with a large paved parking lot between the gatehouse and the start of the earthen path. Bring lots of water for the trek and be prepared for steep portions of the trail that require good sole and ankle support for hikers of various skill levels.

Make sure to leave your four-legged friends at home,

however, as the trail is off limits to man’s best friend, thanks to the region’s efforts to rebuild the native bighorn sheep population.

Hiking the trail in the late winter and spring months is ideal for wild flower gazing, given the wholesome bounty of flora that dot the edge of the trail and the banks of the front range of the mountains.

2. Agua Caliente Hills Trail. This 8.5-mile one-way

trek in the Coronado National Forest is a must for anyone who enjoys panoramic views of the Tucson cityscape and various species of wild flowers. Agua Caliente Hills (13041 N Cam Cantil, Tucson) is a rugged yet worthwhile hike that gains close to 1,000 feet in elevation in the first mile, before leveling off and presenting a one-of-a-kind view of the city below. What’s even better is that this trail is dog-friendly, though leashes are a must for your fourlegged companions.

MARSHALL GULCH The trail, which is tucked between the Santa Catalina Mountains and Reddington Pass, is rated as difficult, but is worth the effort for those of you that like a good heart-healthy challenge. Agua Caliente Hills is the ideal hike for the cooler winter and spring months, given the lack of shade along the route.

There is a small pond midway through the trail that allows your hiking party (dogs included) to dip their toes and paws in and cool off, but little else in terms of reprieve from the harsh Southern Arizona sun, so make sure you bring lots of water for the haul.

3. King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak (Tucson Mountains). The highest

peak in the Tucson Mountains that dot the western edge of the city is a rigorous trek for all hiking enthusiasts. The 6.5-mile, one-way path cuts up the spine of the mountain, climbing 1,807 feet from the trailhead that’s located on the periphery of Saguaro

National Park West. The trek features several switchbacks that present once-in-alifetime views of the various landscapes that the region presents, with views of Kitt Peak and areas to the west, as well as the various ranges of Pima County. The top of the mountain presents an unmatched 360-degree view of the region, with the peaks of Sonora, Mexico and Phoenix visible on clear days.

King Canyon Trail is rated as moderately difficult, with an earthen trail that is open to humans and horses but closed to dogs.

4. Tumamoc Hill. This Tucson institution gains 600 feet in elevation from the heart of the city, offering an intense workout and mesmerizing views for those brave enough to tackle it.

The hill, which is home to the University of Arizona’s Desert Laboratory, gains considerable elevation over its 1.5-milelong paved trail, with three main switchbacks above the median basin that’s home to

the University’s main research facilities. Witness native flora, such as the saguaro, organ pipe and prickly pear cactus, as well as a variety of brush and wildlife that call Tucson home. Make sure to bring plenty of water for the trek, as the last half of the trail is quite steep and sure to sap you of your energy and hydration if you don’t.

The main parking area for this short, but sweet hiking experience is across the street from St. Mary’s Hospital on West Anklam Road, with any of the spaces along the curb across from the hospital serving as the parking area for the trail. Tumamoc Hill is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, giving locals and visitors a surefire hiking spot yearround.

5. Marshall Gulch (Catalina Mountains).

There are two trails that take you up the spine of the upper reaches of Mount Lemmon to Marshall Gulch: the 4.4-mile Aspen Trail and the equallystunning 5.1-mile Sunset Trail.

Each of the aforementioned paths are moderately difficult, with the former being off limits to dogs, while the latter is dog-friendly, as long as your pooch stays on its leash during the duration of the trek. Both trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the city of Tucson, and everything in-between. Both treks also provide needed reprieve in the hot summer months for dedicated hikers, with bountiful coniferous trees providing shade, along with sizable elevation that is far cooler than the city limits.

Both trails provide hikers with an up-close-and-personal view of the wildlife that flock to the Catalinas, with deer, birds, bear and an occasional puma wandering the region.

Sunset Trail features 954 feet of elevation gain, while the Aspen Trail gains 866 feet over the course of the hike.

Both are sure to challenge hikers of every skill level, while providing views that you won’t soon forget along the way.

ROMERO POOLS

6. Hutch’s Pool Loop Trail (Sabino Canyon).

Hutch’s Pool is a sizable trek that scales the spine of Sabino Canyon to a long and narrow pool that is tucked like an oasis inside the Santa Catalina Mountains. The 15.9mile (8 miles each way) loop gains 2,116 feet of elevation inside Sabino Canyon, ranking as moderately difficult, while providing a perfect swimming hole to swim in when the weather gets hot.

The first four miles of the trail follow along the paved path along Sabino Canyon Road, before joining with the Sabino Basin and West Fork Trail, which winds its way over a few switchbacks before descending into the pool area.

The pool itself is very deep, which allow you to swim with comfort, in a body of water that’s cool in the grueling summer months and frigid in the winter portion of the calendar. The only downside to this trail is that your fourlegged friends are not allowed to join you, as Sabino Canyon doesn’t allow dogs within its limits.

7. Seven Falls Trail (Sabino Canyon). Any list

of hiking spots in Southern Arizona would be incomplete without the famous Seven

SEVEN FALLS Falls Trail, which winds its way to the falls. The five-mile hike gains 917 feet in elevation, with various river crossings that rely on stepping stones that may or may not be completely submerged by the aforementioned river bed.

Bring waterproof shoes on this trail, as you’re more than likely to slip and step into the icy waters that make said stones rather slick through the year. Such obstacles are worth it, however, given the incredible sight of the falls at the top of the trail, with water cascading down the jaunted rock faces that stick out from the Catalina Mountains.

Seven Falls’ trail, which is located at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, is open yearround, so you can satisfy your hiking and scenic pleasures whenever it suits you.

8. Madera Canyon (Santa Rita Mountains).

Fans of butterflies and/or hummingbirds will definitely want to head down Interstate 19 to Madera Canyon. The Canyon, which rests on the northern edge of the Santa Rita Mountains that run along the boundary of Pima and Santa Cruz counties, is home to more than 250 species of birds, 15 species of hummingbirds and an

array of butterflies and other species. You can also find artifacts from the O’odham tribes that have called the region home for more than 500 years along the way, giving hikers a cavalcade of scenic options along their hike of choice. The highest and most difficult trail within the canyon is 13.1-mile Mount Wrightston Loop Trail, which gains 4,005 feet to the 9,452foot summit of the tallest mountain in Pima County.

Whatever your fancy, Madera Canyon has the trail for you, with a host of trails that feature boundless ecosystems and views along the way.

9. Gates Pass. The trusted pass in the heart of the Tucson Mountain is accessible, either by car or via Prickly Pear Trail, which traverses 1.9 miles to the pass.

The trail is friendly to hikers of all skill levels, with a mere 124 feet of elevation gain over its duration, allowing you to witness the splendor of a pass that features unmatched views of the seeminglyendless stretch of lush green saguaros and mesquite that rest between the range and western Pima County. Hikers can gaze out to various local hot spots, like Old Tucson, the Sonoran Desert Museum

and various parts of Saguaro National Park from the pass, while taking in a host of wild flowers that bloom yearround in the park area. There are countless walking trails around the pass that are easy for hikers of all ages, while providing views that are well worth your time.

10. Tucson Mountain Park. The county-owned park

that dots the southern edge of the Tucson Mountains in Tucson Estates provides top-notch hiking and walking trails in a dog-friendly confine. There are trails of varying difficulties, with the Hidden Canyon Bowen Loop and Rock Wren trails being the easiest, and Cat Mountain and Starr Pass Peak being the most difficult. These hikes are best suited for the cooler winter months, given their low elevation and high sun exposure, but present hikers of all skill levels with a variety of scenic options that are a short drive from wherever they are staying in the city. All of the park’s trails are accessible from either Kinney, San Joaquin, Starr Pass or Gates Pass road, allowing for an easy-in, easyout experience that’s sure to leave you speechless upon completion.

Discover Dining

SEIS

H

idden away in the desert where presumably “nothing grows,” Tucson is home to a bustling food scene.

Designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, Tucson not only celebrates the great restaurants in the city but honors the tradition of the region being the longest continually cultivated region in the country. Since receiving the designation, Tucson’s chefs and restaurateurs have kicked into high gear and Tucson has welcomed new bars, restaurants, breweries, chocolate shops and more.

Due to our proximity to our neighbors to the south, Tucson is known for its great Mexican food. There are the long-standing institutions, some new taco shops, and inevitably some Tex Mex that sneaks in as well.

El Charro claims to be

MERCADO SAN AGUSTIN the both the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family and the inventor of the chimichanga. Either way, you don’t want to miss it. Their downtown location boasts a sprawling house with many interesting and brightly colored rooms to dine in. If it’s a cool night, sip a margarita on the patio before you chow down. Be sure to come with an appetite as portions are generous and you want to save room for flan!

Also located just a few blocks away in downtown are the two sister restaurants of the classic, with Charro Steak and the brand-new Charro Del Rey seafood restaurant.

A little on the lighter side, or at least the you-chooseyour-amount side, B.K. Tacos has some of the best tacos in town. Located along First Avenue, this taco shop has

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TIME MARKET

a full salsa bar, cocktail menu and even a delicious hamburger for the less adventurous diners. Try a tamarindo agua fresca to cool your mouth down after a bite of hot salsa.

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 holy grail of Sonoran Hot Dog joints. What could be better than a hot dog wrapped in bacon in a bolillo bun with all the fixins? You haven’t really eaten in Tucson until you’ve had a Sonoran dog.

Another delicacy from south of the border that can be found across Tucson?

Raspados. There are multiple spots to get these tasty and refreshing treats but a favorite way to spend a hot afternoon is on the patio at the Mercado

San Agustin with a Sonoran Sno Cone in hand. 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.

The Mercado San Agustin is a treasure trove for those exploring Tucson. Ranging from formal dinners to tacos to ice cream, one might think the patio has everything one needs in life. But then they built more! This year the MSA Annex opened up across the street from the Mercado and includes a vegan restaurant, a bar, local shops and more, all headquarters in a small community of shipping containers. Make sure to explore both sides of the streetcar tracks.

Seis has modern Mexican flare that you can now find in two locations in Tucson.

Originally a food truck, Seis started their brick-andmortar adventure within the Mercado San Agustin. Don’t let the small ordering window fool you, Seis has a full menu with food for all times of day.

Swing by in the morning for a huge breakfast burrito and relax on the patio for a while.

The newest location on River Road puts an indoor spin on the patio-style restaurant. Still open and airy, this chic spot is a great addition to a collection of restaurants on Campbell and River. Out of the two Seis locations, only this one serves alcohol.

If you are in the Campbell and River neighborhood, make sure to head over to St. Philips Plaza. A haven located just off a major road, the 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 Cafe, St. Philips Plaza’s newest addition. Whether you’re in the mood for a cold-brew coffee or a warm panini, stop in to indulge in a local delicacy or carefully chosen treat. If it’s chilly out, be sure to try the delightfully bright green matcha latte.

Rustic charm abounds at Hacienda Del Sol Resort. A onetime girls school that is now one of Tucson’s finest resorts boasts natural desert grounds, luxurious

accommodations and multiple dining options. Relax at the bar or out on the patio before making your way to the more formal dining room for dinner.

There are not many places in Tucson, or anywhere, that you can find a selection of more than 700 wines.

Traveling a little further north, as the flat roads turn into asphalt roller coasters, you’ll come across a patio of warm string lights. 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 their impressive selection of naan breads and a delicious mango lassi.

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.

REN COFFEEHOUSE You 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, brussel sprouts, caramelized walnuts and more. Located on Oracle Road just north of Ina Road, this hidden gem is sure to make your day on the north side a little better.

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 at Rosati’s Pizza. Find a taste of Chicago in the desert with Rosati’s traditional Chicagostyle recipes and house-made pizza dough, sauces, lasagna and meatballs. Not in the mood to go out tonight?

Rosati’s also delivers!

If you’re looking for an oldschool diner for breakfast or lunch, local chain Jerry Bobs has 12 locations around town.

Whether you are in the mood for some good home cooking or you just don’t want to break the bank—everything on the menu is under $7—Jerry Bobs might be the place for

you. This traditional family restaurant chain serves up all your diner favorites including meatloaf!

When exploring town you might have driven past this place and wondered what is that inviting little patio/garden/restaurant on Blacklidge? Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet has been serving vegetarian food in Tucson for 26 years.

With a focus on fresh and healthy ingredients, Govinda’s menus are constantly changing, and Wednesday and Thursday each week the buffet is strictly vegan. So the herbivores among us can enjoy a restaurant where you can pick from more than just the salad options.

Just a few blocks away you can find Blue Willow, a longstanding Tucson favorite for brunch, lunch, dinner and gifts. How do they fit all of that into such a small space?

A large covered patio and a little magic go a long way and make Blue Willow a must-stop restaurant for your Tucson stay. Pick up desert themed

TALLBOYS

AMERICAN EAT COMPANY

gifts, socks, jewelry, magnets and more at the jam-packed gift shop on your way out.

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 happen to be in town during one of our rare colder days, make your way to Noodleholics on Grant Road for a ginormous bowl of noodles. Different than pho, different than ramen, these traditional Guilin-style noodles are a delicious mix that really hit the spot. Also a favorite? 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.

If you’re looking for a burger in midtown, you’ll want to check out Graze Premium Burgers for a delicious and fresh alternative. Take an even more natural approach and substitute your burger for a 100 percent grass-fed beef patty, the namesake of this local burger joint. Build your burger from the bun up and customize your meal down to your fry dipping sauce. (And don’t miss out on the curry ketchup.) Top it all off with a birthday cake milkshake.

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.

This local spot is taking the salad bar up a notch. For those a little hungrier, Choice Greens also offers paninis, sandwiches and grain bowls along with customizable mac and cheese.

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 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.

If you’re looking for a healthy meal, stop by Zimmamn’s Food Shop and Vegan Bistro, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you are visiting Tucson, a day spent exploring Fourth Avenue is a must. Not only will you find a collection of quirky clothes, gift and book shops, you will also find a great

selection of local restaurants.

You can’t really go wrong in eating on the avenue, but there are a few local favorites that stand out. At the top of the street Tallboys serves up breakfast at all times of the day. Make sure to sample their tater tots and grab a cold tallboy if the mood strikes.

If you are more in the mood for dessert than beer, head across the street to The B Line. While this spot has a full menu, they are known for their desserts that spin ever so enticingly in an oldschool glass case. Pear pie and decadent German Chocolate Cake are just two of the ever rotating menu. And to put the cherry on top, you can order any slice of pie a la mode warmed up with ice-cream on top. Yum! Just at the top of Fourth Avenue on University is Time Market, a long standing favorite of locals and students alike. Perhaps known best for

and Firken is the classic college bar, with pizza, pub food and a rotating tap and wide range of bottled beer from around the world.

If you find yourself on the East side of town, drop in to Shish Kebab House for your fill of 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 poke, another wants ribs and yet a third wants Mexican street food you can all be happy at Tucson’s only food hall.

their giant slices of pizza with unique toppings such as fig, kale and caramelized onions, this market-cum-restaurant has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. With a coffee bar that doubles as an actual bar, as well as a market with produce, wine and groceries you can really get everything you need at Time Market. Why ever leave? On a hot day their hummus plate really hits the spot.

Not too far from Fourth Avenue is Sixth Avenue, where the Royal Room holds down the corner spot at Sixth Street.

What started last year as a trendy wine bar now serves food and cocktails. If zebra wallpaper and rainbow mosaic windows sound good to you, head over to the Royal Room for an evening filled with wine and ambiance.

If you want an old-school campus experience, University Boulevard is lined with restaurants and bars. The Frog

Tucson was blessed by deep december rains, so we at ZINMAN’S FOOD SHOP AND VEGAN BISTRO

want you to appreciate one of Tucson’s best spring wild flower displays in years.

¡Los grandes amores de muchos colores!

Here are online sites to learn more about Tucson’s wildflowers and where to find them: www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/sonoranwildflowers.html www.desertmuseum.org/programs/flw_flowering.php www.desertusa.com/wildflo/tucson.html www.visittucson.org/things-to-do/plants-animals/wildflowers

And please do come on by our shop sometime for a nosh or some vittles when you get hungry. We mill our own grains and strive to make food that is as tasty as it is healthy. We are on the northwest side of downtown Tucson and open from 8 to 8.

111 W 4th street, Tucson AZ 520-777-6882 www.zinmans.com **4TH ST! NOT 4TH AVE!

2019

Discover Events

33

Calendar of Events

TUCSON GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWS

January

February

March

Tucson Jazz Festival. Now five years old, the Tucson Jazz Festival brings worldclass artists to Tucson every January. Past performers have included the likes of Burt Bacharach, Kristen Chenoweth, Trombone Shorty, Pink Martini, Kamasi Washington and many others.

Jan. 11-21, 2019.

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Shows. Hobbyists,

Festival of Books. Everyone

Dillinger Days. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this downtown event is perfect for anyone hoping to go back to the good old days of bank robbers and top hats. This takes place at Hotel Congress, where John Dillinger and his gang hid before being captured. Even if you aren’t there for the plentiful historical reenactments, the whisky tasting, cigar sampling and big band music is something we can all enjoy.

Jan. 18-19, 2019.

collectors and geologists from across the world gather to swap precious stones, jewelry and fossils at this massive event of various independent shows, capped by the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil show at the Tucson Convention Center. With educational opportunities, artisanal crafts and more gem types than you thought was possible in a single town, these showcases bring out the rock hound in all of us. Throughout the month, various locations.

Arizona Beer Week. For

a week in February, the whole state goes crazy about craft beer. But the microbrewing hub of Tucson goes particularly wild, with bar crawls, special events, tap takeovers and plenty of unique brews made especially for the week. If you haven’t found a beer you love, you just haven’t been adventurous enough. Feb. 7-16

has a story to tell. And at this event—one of the largest in the country—hundreds of authors gather to panel discussions, book signings and a warm embrace of the culture of writing. Not only are there up-and-coming authors networking, but there are some heavyweights in the literary scene as well. Think of it as Book Con—what more could you want? March 2-3.

Tucson Hip Hop Festival.

Believe it or not, Tucson has its own thriving hip-hop scene. But big names from all over come to perform at this festival as well. Not only is the festival about the music, but the art and culture of hip hop as well. With audio, visual and educational panels, this event is perfect for first-timers or old schoolers. March 9.

Wild West Steampunk Convention. This is America’s

first and only Steampunk convention that also takes place in a western-themed town, giving you a two-for-one of immersion and imagination.

For one weekend out of the

year, historic Old Tucson becomes a haven for old-timey science fiction. Beyond the farout costumes, attendees can also expect street performers, guest panels, rides, games, workshops and more. March 8 - 10.

April Arizona International Film Festival. This is the

longest running film festival in Arizona, showcasing independent film in multiple venues throughout Tucson, featuring animation, documentary, drama, short films and and more. This year’s festival theme is “bridging cultures.” April 10-21.

Tucson Folk Festival.

This is an annual, familyfriendly folk music festival held across some of the most historic locations in downtown Tucson. And did we mention it’s free? Five stages hold some of the best folk, bluegrass, and country musicians around. There will be national headliners, local headliners, and even songwriting competitions.

April 6-7.

May

July

Agave Heritage Festival. In

“Let Freedom Sing” Concert. Since 1984, the

a city-wide celebration of local plants and foods, Tucsonans flock to the Agave Heritage Festival to see the plant used in every way imaginable. This includes tequila, art, mezcal and food. And with its Latin American roots, the festival is filled with cultural music and performances as well. April 26-May 6.

Tucson Zine Fest. This

event will overflow with independent local publications. Whether it’s art, poetry or comics, a zine (a small-circulation, selfpublished magazine) is the perfect way to keep your ear to the ground for all things quirky and fascinating in a city. Featuring art from Tucson and around the world. May 11-12.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Honor Guard has celebrated the Armed Forces at this holiday concert of patriotic classics in the UA Centennial Hall. Be sure to wear red, white, and blue! July 4.

AGAVE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

June The Tucson 23: Mexican Food Festival. Our Mexican

food is great. So great, in fact, that 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. June 15.

August El Dia de San Juan. A

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

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival. Over 500 species

of birds can be found in the deserts around Tucson, and this number only grows during seasonal migration.

At this event, you can see hundreds of birds, including rare hummingbirds, at one of the greatest birding festivals in the nation. Aug. 7-11.

Butterfly Magic!

Butterfly Magic is a fully immersive experience that surrounds you with hundreds of tropical butterflies, tropical plants and orchids in bloom.

Never the same experience twice!

2150 N. Alvernon Way Tucson, Arizona 85712 TucsonBotanical.org • (520) 326-9686 Postman • Heliconius melpomene

September

October

HOCO Fest. Hotel Congress,

Tucson Meet Yourself. The annual festival for Southern Arizonans 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 other culture you can handle. Oct. 11 - 13.

which remains the heart of downtown cool in the revitalizing city center, turns Labor Day weekend into a celebration of rock ’n’ roll, with touring acts, local bands, DJs, a vinyl flea market and much more. Labor Day weekend.

Tucson Pride. A parade and

a festival in one! Hosted by Arizona’s first LGBT pride organization and one of the oldest in the nation. There will be dancing, music, food and drinks, and an all-around good time.

TenWest Festival. Originally starting as a business and entrepreneurial festival, TenWest quickly turned into a celebration of all things innovative in Tucson.

Featuring business seminars, TED-style talks, tech demonstrations, and even some music and art. Oct. 11-20.

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum 414 N. Toole Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701 520-623-2223 • TucsonHistoricDepot.com

December Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair. Get all of your

holiday shopping done in one place! Dozens of local artists and cooks meet up to celebrate the mild temperatures of winter in Tucson. The street gets completely closed down, and artisanal shoppers and sellers fill the land. Dec. 13-15

ALL SOULS PROCESSION

November All Souls Procession. A

uniquely Tucson affair, this otherworldly procession combines multiple folklores and holidays.

Part remembrance, part celebration, part facepainting-spectacular, and ending in a massive bonfire, Tucson’s All Souls Procession

must be experienced to be believed. Nov. 9-10.

Loft Film Festival. Tucson’s Loft Cinema curates the best films on the festival circuit alongside old classics and cult films. Expect to meet directors, actors, screenwriters and more at this celebration of cinema.

El Tour de Tucson. For one

day in November, the roads in Tucson are dominated by bikes instead of cars.

Thousands of cyclists take multiple routes (ranging 106, 76, 54, 37 and 28 miles) and all converge upon downtown Tucson for a street fair.

Whether you biked or simply cheered them on, the sense of community is strong. Nov. 23.

The Great Cover-Up. Dozens of local bands team up to masquerade as international acts at this charitable event.

This is your chance to see multiple expertly performed cover sets in a single night, and maybe even some bands you’d never be able to see otherwise.

Discover Roadtrips

37

T

he Tucson Metro Area has plenty to offer, but sometimes it’s fun to hit the open road and experience some of Southern Arizona’s rural charms. Here a few adventures that await outside the city limits.

Kartchner Caverns

There are few caves in the world that can rival the the natural beauty of Kartchner Caverns. Buried into the eastern Whetstone Mountains, roughly nine 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” 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.

Wine Country

If you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll want to check out Arizona’s growing vineyard scene in the cooler SonoitaElgin area., which is home to the perfect climate for growing grapes. A 20-mile 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— the number of wineries in Elgin has jumped from four in 2003 to 16 in 2017—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.

The region’s wineries and tasting rooms include KiefJoshua Vineyard, which serves

over 50,000 people a year at its tasting room; Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery; Dos Cabezas WineWorks; Arizona Hops and Vines; and more.

Find a tasting tour map that includes 13 tasting rooms at the Sonoita & Elgin Chamber of Commerce website.

If you’re more in the mood for beer, the recently opened Copper Brothel Brewery offers craft beers all named in honor of various Old West companions——Ponchita’s Unholy Molé (a Mexican Chile Chocolate Stout), Madame Pearl de Bier, Holly’s (Anything But) Vanilla Porter and like— alongside the usual pub fare.

If you’re driving from Tucson to wine country, follow I-10 East out of town to Vail and then take AZ 83 right into the town of Sonoita.

The drive takes just under an hour, leaving plenty of time for you to explore and enjoy the wineries sprinkled between Sonoita 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.

Arizona Zipline Adventures

Are you an adrenaline junky looking for a bit of a rush, a fan of nature looking for a new perspective of the natural world or a just open to having a bit of fun? Whatever it may be, Arizona Zipline Adventures has it covered.

Nestled in the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains just outside of Oracle, Arizona, on the north side of Mt. Lemmon in an area otherwise known as the Peppersauce region, AZA works to “enrich community and promote the enjoyment and exploration of the region” through the use of its ziplines, hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

What’s billed as “Arizona’s first and fastest Zipline

over 50 artists, strictly handmade art & crafts 575-640-6569

EcoTour” provides an all new way to appreciate nature, as a professional adventure guide leads the way. There’s also the Peppersauce Kitchen with burgers, tacos, sandwiches and plenty more.

Aside from the regular adventures, there are several different events scheduled through the year, including a “Grill Your Own Steak Night” on Saturday, Feb. 16 and discounted days.

The Thing

The Thing has long been one of Southern Arizona’s best roadside attractions, with a museum of oddities that’s fun for the whole family to peruse while you’re stopping for gas or a quick bite. But in the last year, the museum has expanded to include a UFO exhibit that will convince you that the truth is indeed out there. Well worth the stop if you’re driving I-10 in the Benson area.

tubacartandgifts.com

Discover Tubac

39

By the numbers Population: 1,191 Median family income: $44,481 Per Capita Income: $38,803 Land area: 10.8 square miles

A

n artistic oasis sitting at the base of the scenic Santa Rita Mountains is at your fingertips, with the colony of Tubac and Tumacacori serving as its main attractions.

The small outpost, which is 55 miles south of Tucson on Interstate 19, features an array of art galleries, restaurants and stores, nestled around the Presidio that is staked in the middle of the town.

Take in any of Tubac’s more than 100 art galleries, including the Tubac Center for the Arts, the Cobalt Fine Art Gallery and La Espledida gallery, all within a short walk from each other.

Tubac was established in 1752 as the first Spanish colonial presidio in Arizona, with everyone from Juan Bautista de Anza to Father Kino and even John Wayne residing in the town over the years.

The well-preserved presidio lies within Arizona’s oldest state park, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, which also houses a museum memorializing those that occupied the enclave over the last three centuries. The park is on the site of the fort—or presidio—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 Arizonian. The 1885 one-room schoolhouse, now used as a concert and lecture venue, is a visitor favorite.

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

conquistadores, 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 four-mile walk from the Presidio to the historic Tumacacori Mission, which was established by Spanish Colonial Jesuits in 1691.

The dining options in Tubac are worth the trip as well, with legendary Mexican haunts, like Elvira’s (222 I-19 Frontage Road, B102) and Soto’s PK Outpost

suiting all culinary tastes. Or take in a variety of cafes and taverns along the town’s main stretch of shops, with Santa Cruz vineyard Flying Leap operating a tasting room and art gallery inside an adobe brick outpost on Camino Otero. The park includes the restored Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, which was established by Eusebio Kino at the end of the 17th century.

Walk along the grounds of the restored site and you’ll feel the presence of those who built the grounds nearly a half-millennium ago.

The site, which was given national monument status by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and became a national park in 1990.

The site’s museum, which was built in Mission Revival style architecture, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Its collection of must-see photographs and artwork makes it an essential Santa Cruz County stop for visitors of all ages.

40

T

Discover Bisbee

he onetime mining town of Bisbee has been through many booma 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 and are seeking a place to get out of the rat race.

The hilly town is also a great place to a day trip or weekend getaway for Southern Arizona residents who enjoy a change of scenery—and Bisbee has plenty of scenery. If you’re looking for lodging, keep the Copper City Inn or the historic Copper Queen Hotel in mind, both located in downtown Bisbee and perfect as a staging ground for exploring Bisbee on foot after you’ve had breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club or Café Roka.

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 original in the miningturned-arts community of Bisbee.

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

It’s a short trip to 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

By the numbers Population: 5,192 Median family income: $35,045 Per Capita Income: $22,750 Founded: 1880 Land area: 5.2 square miles

buildings, inns, horse-drawn carriages, saloons and the Schieffelin Hall opera house Aside from the 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 re-established itself as an imaginative tourist destination great for anyone looking to take a trip back in time.

B I S B E E

truly delightful

coppercityinn.com 520 432 -1418 • 520 456- 4254 99 Main Street • Historic Bisbee

Our independent bookstore in the historic Old Bisbee Convention Center, features an excellent selection of books about the Southwest, regional outdoor adventures, travel guides, and a good selection of vinyl.

Knowledgeable and friendly staff can assist your exploration of our wonderful area.

Copper Queen Plaza • 520 353-4009 • www.bisbeebam.com

42

Discover Breweries

T

ucson is quickly cementing itself as a hub for craft beer and brewing experimentation.

With a dedicated Craft Beer Week and Agave Heritage Festival, Tucson blends classic southwestern flavors with modern brewing techniques, offering tastes and turns for both the experienced and rookie palates. Here are 10 noteworthy local breweries:

Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Easily one of the most charming breweries in Tucson, patrons can almost always find Crooked Tooth hosting a local band, 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 the keep crowds happy and the taste buds exploring. 228 E. Sixth St.

Borderlands Brewing Company

Borderlands Brewing has a wide array of craft beers to try, from horchata sweets to coffee stouts. Their location is ideal to grab one of these beers 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 Ave.

Dragoon Brewing Company

Dragoon Brewing has a simple mission: to make the best beer they can. The results of these endeavors are some of the most beloved local beers around town: the ultra-hoppy Dragoon IPA, the golden Santa Cruz’r, and the powerful Ryelander. 1859 W. Grant Road #111

Button Brew House

Located in a hub of north Tucson breweries, Button Brew House differentiates itself with experimentation in their beers. Their Chiltepín Red is a “Sonoran Spicy” red ale, filled with the flavors of lemon, lime and super-hot chilies. Their Button IPA is “extremely hopped” with hints of pine and grapefruit.

Their Tor Auf is a German Berliner Weisse made in the style of an “adult lemonade” with locally-grown organic White Sonora Wheat. Button is great place for anyone looking to expand their palette. 6800 N. Camino Martin, suite 160.

Public Brewhouse

For the gamer and craft beer enthusiast, Public Brewhouse is the perfect location. This cozy, rustic brewery offers darts,

shuffleboard, trivia nights and more board games you can finish in a night. But beyond the games, their beers offer refined, subtle tastes that are constantly changing to fit in with the season. 209 N. Hoff Ave.

Ten55 Brewing And Sausage House

Sticking strong to their German brewing roots, Ten55 crafts beers are influenced by classic German ales yet fused with local flavors, such as the “Sonoran Dunkelweizen.”

Their homemade and spiced sausages take their passion for their heritage one step further, and work as excellent companions to their numerous brews. 110 E. Congress St.

1912 Brewing Company

1912 Brewing is always changing itself, both with their rotating beer taps and with their constant special events where they pair special brews and foods, host karaoke nights, showcase food trucks and even make special one-off drinks. And for sheer selection, 1912 is hard to beat, offering multiple choices in amber ales, IPAs, sours, stouts, porters and more. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

Pueblo Vida is a hip, centrally located brewery that is dog- and bikefriendly! Their taproom features a wide variety of rich specialty beers, such as their sea salt dark chocolate patisserie, chocolate and orange stout, flaked wheat Sonoran ale and more. They do not have a kitchen on-site, but outside food is always allowed in! 115 E. Broadway Blvd.

Catalina Brewing Company

Calling their 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 their drinks, such as mesquite, agave, pecan and prickly pear.

6918 N. Camino Martin #120.

Barrio Brewing Co.

This rustic brewery is part pub, part restaurant. Their craft beers garner wide acclaim and distribution, but to enjoy their extensive menu of burgers, paninis and appetizers especially crafted to fit with their beers, you have to head inside. Barrio is known for their happyhour 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 St. 6918 N. Camino Martin #120.

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Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker

Realty Executives Tucson Elite

Tierra Antigua Realty

7.2%

#1 in Tucson Residential Sales Volumes for 2018

2.2% Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Data obtained 1/11/19 from MLSSAZ using Brokermetrics software for all closed residential sales volume between 1/1/18-12/31/18 and is deemed to be correct.

Don’t pick just any agent,

talk to a LONG REALTY PRO.