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WELCOME TO
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Tucson
estination Tucson is your yearly guide to the highlights of the Sonoran Desert. Whether 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. Inside this magazine, you will find profiles of the various communities found throughout Pima County: Tucson, Oracle, 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 help 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 throughout the year. In this magazine, you will also find helpful information on dining options, where to enjoy a craft beer 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 made the region your new home, and we’re sure you will enjoy your time here in the Sonoran 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. Cover Image by John De Dios / Davis De Dios. Cover design by David Abbott.
Contents Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover Discover
Tucson Downtown Dining Foothills Oro Valley Marana Public Safety Events Hiking Road Trips Oracle Tubac Bisbee Pima County Breweries Wine Country
About this publication Publisher Jason Joseph Production Manager David Abbott General Manager Jaime Hood Graphic Designers Louie Armendarez, Madison Wehr, Ad Director/Associate Publisher Casey Anderson Nicole Baloo Editors Logan Burtch-Buus, Jim Nintzel, Jeff Gardner Writers Austin Counts, Kathleen Kunz Business Office Claudine Sowards, Chloe Anderson Web Editor Jamie Verwys Advertising Kristin Chester, Meredith Hansen, Brek Circulation Manager Alex Carrrasco Montoya, Lisa Hopper, Candace Murray, Tyler Vondrak, Receptionist Sheryl Kocher Liane White Thirteenth Street Media © 2020. 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 Elkhorn Ranch
isit Elkhorn Ranch to experience unexcelled horseback riding and hiking, genuine family hospitality and Arizona sunshine. Family groups populate the ranch during school holidays. Solo travelers and couples visit from midNovember through April, many for multi-week winter retreats. The Miller family and their crew provide care on the trail, where rides and hikes are tailored to your interests and experience, and around the ranch where you will enjoy your own cozy cabin and bird feeder, hearty healthy meals and camaraderie. Elkhorn Ranch is a dude ranch (or guest ranch) that has been owned and operated by the Miller Family since 1945. Dude ranching began in the late 1800s with the idea of ranch families taking in friends. By around 1940, there were about 100 such ranches in the Tucson area. People were captivated by the opportunity to spend time outdoors, ride horseback, enjoy camaraderie, and soak up Arizona sunshine. While only a handful of Arizona ranches remain active today, the tradition remains strong. Learn about different types of ranches via the national Dude Ranchers’ Association www.duderanch. org and the Arizona Dude Ranchers’ Association www. azdra.com. Elkhorn Ranch is a proud member of both of these organizations. Elkhorn Ranch is among the most rural of the Tucson area guest ranches. It is tucked up against the
Baboquivari Mountains and surrounded by the open working landscape of the Altar Valley. Several large cattle ranches and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge neighbor Elkhorn Ranch. Altar Valley ranches, working collaboratively with many partners as the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, have worked on watershed and habitat conservation projects for almost 25 years. Elkhorn Ranch’s Charley and Mary Miller were recognized as range managers of the year by the Arizona Chapter of the Society for Range Management in 2013. Mary
Miller was recognized as the Non-Profit Champion at the 2018 Women of Influence awards. A guest ranch vacation at Elkhorn Ranch is an authentic experience with a family committed to providing old fashioned hospitality and cutting edge conservation. It is a place where you can turn your kids loose outdoors ~ and where elder generations sustain their youth. You’ll experience a landscape and community where cowboys and conservationists work together to sustain Sonoran desert country for future generations.
Key Facts 20 cabins, 32 guests All-inclusive Open November - April Fly to Tucson Elevation 3700’ Learn more: elkhornranch.com duderanch.org azdra.com altarvalleyconservation.org visittucson.org
Learn more about Elkhorn Ranch at www.elkhornranch. com or follow the ranch on social media at Facebook ElkhornRanchAZ or Instagram ElkhornRanch1946.
Discover Tucson
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he history of the Tucson region dates back roughly 13,000 years, and is considered one of the longest continuously inhabited places in the United States. Moving forward from the Paleoindian Period, the region hosted early agricultural settlements along the Santa Cruz River during the Early Agricultural Period, as well as the Hohokam civilization (the forerunners of the modern-day Pima and Tohono O’odham). The first signs of western development came in 1699 when Father Eusebio Francisco Kino founded the Mission San Xavier del Bac,
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and the Tucson Presidio was established in 1775 by Hugo O’Conor. The U.S. Army established its first outpost in Tucson in 1856, just two years after the region officially became part of the U.S. as part of the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. Tucson was the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1867 until 1877. By the 1880s, railroads had arrived, bringing about a veritable flood of European settlers to the region. Tucson was a booming wild west town by the turn of the century complete with nearby homesteaders, mining, manufacturing and electricity. Originally a Native American village called
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“Stook-zone,” or “water at the foot of the mountain,” the city now lovingly called The Old Pueblo has taken strides to preserve its heritage while continually focusing on developing its image as an emerging metropolitan region. The Tucson Valley has played host to a variety of cultures and groups over the passage of time, and the region’s cultural heritage centers around a melting pot of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo roots. This culture can be seen in the Hispanic barrios, historical and contemporary American architecture and the prehistoric Native American remnants scattered
By the numbers Population: 545,975 Median family income: $41,625 Per Capita Income: $22,645 Founded: 1776 Incorporated: 1877 Land area: 226.71 square miles
throughout the area. The scenery is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit The Old Pueblo each year. With five mountain ranges surrounding the city and outlying areas, Tucson lives within its own valley in the greater Sonoran Desert landscape, but also boasts mountaintop altitudes higher CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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than 9,000 feet. Tucson is also home to Ski Valley on Mount Lemmon, the southernmost ski site in the continental U.S. Known for year-round good weather, Tucson is the perfect place for any fitness or outdoor enthusiasts; the city contains a multitude of biking trails, walking paths, golf courses and recreation sites. There are more than 800 miles of bike paths in the city, and Tucson is home to internationally known bicycling events like the El Tour de Tucson. The city has also been ranked by Bicycling magazine as one of the top cycling cities in the U.S. for several years. When not pedaling down a path or roadway, visitors and residents alike also take great advantage of the multitude of golf courses and walking paths, the former of which draws regional, national and
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international tournaments every year. The seat of Pima County, Tucson is the second largest city in the state, and is home to several major employers, including the University of Arizona, Caterpillar, Raytheon Missile Systems, DavisMonthan Air Force Base and Banner-University Medical Center. Surrounding the city are the incorporated suburbs of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita. While population estimates put the city at around 545,000 residents, the Greater Tucson Metro Area is home to more than 1 million. Interested in learning more about what The Old Pueblo has to offer? A great place to start is Tucson’s only nonprofit, independent movie theater, The Loft Cinema. Located in the heart of Tucson, The Loft celebrates the arts and diversity of film by showing some of the
most interesting movies from throughout the world. Looking for a documentary on rock climbing? How about a series of the campiest horror movies from the ’80s? Interested in the newest indie films? The Loft has you covered, and then some. In addition to screenings, The Loft also hosts filmmaker Q&A events and other community activities. If you’re a winter visitor, or just feel like helping out a great nonprofit, consider a membership. There are some great bonuses, too, like free popcorn. If the big screen is a little intimidating, or you just like your adventures on the page, take a trek down Speedway Boulevard to the nearest Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange. The shelves at this local establishment are stocked by the community, for the community, with some of the most interesting books, albums, video games,
instruments and just about everything else you could think of lining its walls. In addition to a plethora of second-hand goodies, Bookman’s is also home to a variety of community events like story time and crafting, roleplaying game night and guitar workshops, to name a few. With several locations in Tucson, there’s always an opportunity to find the perfect book, album or movie. If you spotted a few pieces of art while perusing the halls at Bookman’s you may just want to get your fill of art over at the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild Gallery. The gallery is home to a community of artists dedicated to enjoying the beauty of watercolor, exhibiting and selling their work and generally sharing a love of art with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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Discover Tucson
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community. Aside from memberships and shows, the gallery also offers workshops, classes and scholarships for young artists. The art never stops in The Old Pueblo, and one of the most popular locales in the heart of the city to appreciate both art and nature is the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a true oasis spread across more than five acres of lush vegetation. Considered one of the best small public gardens in the U.S., the botanical gardens host a variety of exhibits and installations in addition to its plant life. Make sure to stop by the butterfly enclosure if you get a chance, it’s an
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experience you will never forget. Looking for a unique tour through a vast array of the nation’s aeronautical past? Look no further than a trip out to the “Boneyard,” formally known as the 309TH Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group Facility located on the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Military aircraft storage at the base started after World War II, and the facility has evolved into the largest in the world in part due to Southern Arizona’s low humidity and sparse rainfall. Some of the aircraft are stripped down, while others remain housed for later reuse. The facility also converts older aircraft into aerial target drones.
Discover Tucson The airplane boneyard houses equipment from the United States Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, NASA and other government agencies, and typically stores more than 4,000 aircraft in its inventory. The Pima Air & Space Museum offers an exclusive bus tour through the Boneyard. Reservations are required, so make sure to sign up for a chance to see some history. If arts and culture is more up your alley than a flight through the past, consider heading over to Tucson’s east side for a night of family fun at The Gaslight Theatre. Part of the greater Gaslight family, which includes restaurants, a music hall and costume shop, the theatre has established itself as one of the most entertaining venues in Tucson. The Gaslight recipe is
simple: repurpose some literary and film classics, add a bunch of slapstick humor, singing, dancing and live music, and the result is hilarious. What would happen if aliens invaded, but they were grossly incompetent? What was life like during the Wild West if everyone could sing? Can Christmas be saved? All these classic theater setups—and plenty more—are fleshed out to their comical conclusion at Tucson’s goofy Broadway. Enjoy some free popcorn, music from the Gaslight band and a one-of-a-kind show. Plus, the pizza is some of Tucson’s best. In the middle of the city is the expansive Reid Park, which features a golf course, amphitheater, rose garden and zoo. The park serves as both a relaxing getaway and an event space for much of Tucson. Live bands often play
at the Georges DeMeester Performance Center, while athletes train and play at the park’s baseball fields and residents stroll by the waterfront. Over grassy hills dotted with trees, visitors can enter the Reid Park Zoo, home to elephants, giraffes, bears, otters, meerkats and crocodiles. The zoo is also home to an aviary, hosts
“animal encounter” events, and features the recently opened Temple of Tiny Monkeys. Nestled in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains, Starr Pass is many things to many people. Tucsonans enjoy the many hiking trails winding through the area, as well as the Starr Pass Golf Club which CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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winds through the unique desert scenery. The Starr Pass trail continues to be a favorite hiking area for locals. But for many more, the crown jewel of Starr Pass is the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, an expansive resort in the desert mountains that includes great views of the area, an aromatherapy spa, and plenty of room to lounge by the pool. For the true cinephile, a trip to Casa Video & Casa Film Bar is a Tucson must. This charming video store is so much more than just a place to rent movies. Casa Video regularly hosts movie viewing and trivia events in their dedicated bar, which features multiple craft beers on tap, and many more in bottles. But even if you’re just trying to rent a movie, their expansive library of Oscar-winners, foreign films, documentaries
and even obscure VHS films means you’re sure to uncover something fascinating. With free popcorn to boot, Casa Video ensures you’ll have the best movie night possible. After walking through town and taking in everything that Tucson has to offer, maybe you are looking for a way to take a load off and relax? Look no further than Cloud Nine Floatation & Relaxation Center, a winner of Best of Tucson. Floating tanks, also known as sensory deprivation tanks, are simple enough—but the effect is extraordinary. Guests enter a tank devoid of all sound and light filled with 10 inches of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing them freedom from touch, pressure, sound and light, resulting in an environment “of complete peace and quiet.” What a way to end a day in The Old Pueblo. DT
Discover Downtown
HOTEL CONGRESS
Downtown: The Heart of Tucson
D
owntown Tucson has it all: Whether you want to hear a touring rock ’n’ roll band, dance to local live music, check out an art museum, see a hockey or indoor football game, entertain the kids, explore a quirky gallery, see a play or hear a symphony, it’s
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happening in downtown Tucson. Downtown Tucson remains one of the country’s most vibrant music hubs. The Rialto Theatre opened a century ago to host vaudeville acts, and is now Tucson’s premier rock ’n’ roll venue, with upcoming performances by the likes of Dweezil Zappa (Feb. 19) reggae legend Steel Pulse
(Feb. 21) and blues institution Buddy Guy (March 14). The Fox Theatre Tucson, lovingly restored to its 1930s glory, also hosts live music, classic cinema and other community events. The 2019 schedule includes Ani DiFranco (Feb. 13), Alan Parsons (Feb. 14) and Lyle Lovett (Feb. 18). For a more intimate show, check out Hotel Congress, where bands perform both inside the world-famous Club Congress or outdoors on the hotel’s spacious patio stage. Other downtown venues include 191 Toole, Owl’s Club, Che’s Lounge, Sky Bar and El Crisol. 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. If you’re more inclined to visual arts, downtown is home to some of Tucson’s
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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 avant-garde work. The Children’s Museum Tucson has transformed the city’s former Carnegie Library into a wondrous playground for children of all ages. Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum celebrates Tucson’s history and includes a recreation of a portion of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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original adobe fort that was built by Spanish settlers in the 1770s. The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, located in downtown’s historic train station, is a spot that train buffs won’t want to miss. Downtown Tucson is also loaded with galleries featuring all manner of art, including Etherton Gallery, Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery and Philabaum Glass Studio and Gallery. If plays are the thing for you, experience the Temple of Music and Art, which first opened in 1927 and underwent a full renovation in 1990. The gorgeous theater 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
TIM FULLER
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. If all that culture has worked up your appetite, you’re in luck. Tucson was 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 housemade desserts. Five Points Market serves both breakfast and lunch, and 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
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HUB RESTAURANT & ICE CREAMERY
dessert case. The Little One, a hole-in-the-wall near the downtown library, serves up Mexican breakfast plates in a raucous setting. In the historic train station, Maynards Market & Kitchen offers fine dining in the indoor dining room as well as less formal (and less expensive) options at an adjoining market. The menu at HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery features classic American fare with a rotating selection of house-made ice cream. Renown Tucson chef Janos Wilder, who was doing farm-to-table more
FILE PHOTO
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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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heart of downtown is the place to be to try something new. While known for its cocktail creations, HighWire also offers 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 dining district along Fourth Avenue. Between Ninth Street and University Boulevard, you’ll find cafés such as Cafe Passe and Epic Cafe, as well as bars such as The Shanty, 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. Martin’s Comida
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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. 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. The Tucson Sugar Skulls are back with their second season as an Indoor Football League franchise, with a season that kicks off in March and continues through June. DT
Discover Dining
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EL CHARRO
outhern Arizona is the home of the majestic saguaro cactus, picturesque sunsets and 23 miles of the best Mexican food on this side of the border. But Tucson’s culinary scene doesn’t stop there. Designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, The Old Pueblo not only celebrates a vibrant and diverse selection of restaurants but honors the tradition of being the longest continually cultivated region in the country. Since receiving the designation, Tucson’s chefs and restaurateurs have stepped up their game
with new bars, restaurants, breweries, chocolate shops and more. El Charro claims to be the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, as well as the inventor of the chimichanga. All claims aside, this is one place you don’t want to miss. You can’t go wrong with their carne seca platter or the tamale temptation plate. If it’s a cool night, sip a margarita on the patio before you chow down. Be sure to save room for flan. Got a few days in downtown Tucson? El Charro’s two sister
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their delicious overstuffed quesadillas and is home to the best rib-eye taco in The Old Pueblo. If you’ve done any reading about Tucson’s food scene, you have probably heard of El Güero 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 fixings? You haven’t really eaten in Tucson until you’ve had a Sonoran dog. Raspados, the south of the border sweetened-milk, fruittopped slushie, is another favorite that’s refreshing your taste buds while keeping you cool during the summer months. Michoacan Taqueria Raspados on Flowing Wells COURTESY Road is one of the best in restaurants, Charro Steak and town. But if you happen to be seafood restaurant Charro del on Tucson’s west side, check Ray, are both only a few blocks out Sonoran Sno Cone at the away and worth checking out. Mercado San Agustin. Try Looking for authentic sweet and sour combinations Mexican food in a slightly over shaved ice or indulge in more casual environment? a Macedonia, which includes Eat where the locals eat, fruit, nuts, condensed milk at Pico de Gallo located on and a couple scoops of vanilla South Sixth Avenue in historic ice cream. South Tucson. The restaurant On that note: The Mercado is family-owned and probis a treasure trove for those ably has the best taco plate exploring Tucson. Rangyou can find for under $10. If ing from formal dinners to you find yourself in midtown tacos to coffee to dessert, you and need a quesadilla fix, might end up thinking the check out The Quesadillas on patio has everything needed Craycroft Road. As the name CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 suggests, they are known for
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for a happy life. One of the Mercado’s most popular restaurants is Seis Kitchen and Catering. Originally a food truck, Seis has a full menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Swing by in the morning for a huge breakfast burrito and relax on the patio until lunch, and then grab some tacos on the way out. Presta Coffee Roasters are always brewing something good from around the world, and you can’t go wrong with the handmade fresh tortillas and baked goods from La Estrella Bakery. If that doesn’t wet your whistle, down the street is the MSA Annex. Built from repurposed shipping containers, the annex adds even more culinary delights including vegan restaurant, Beaut Burger, libations at Westbound, hand-made ramen at Kukai Fresh Japanese Kitchen and several local-
ST. PHILIP’S PLAZA
centric shops guaranteed to have that special souvenir for a special someone. If you’re near the Campbell and River neighborhood, make sure to check out St. Philips Plaza. A haven located just off a major road, the open-air mall hosts weekend farmers’ markets as well as a
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collection of restaurants and boutiques. Bar 58 and Bistro offers excellent European cuisine with a quaint, old-world environment. Bicyclists riding on The Loop can pull in at Ren Cafe for a cold-brew coffee or a warm panini. No trip to St. Philips Plaza would be complete without a dinner at
Vivace Italian Restaurant, the #1 rated Tucson restaurant according to the Zagat Survey. Featuring fantastic northern Italian fare like grilled chicken with eggplant and mushrooms or Veal Marsala, this place should not to be missed. Want the rustic charm of ranch life while in an upscale environment? Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is where you want to be. Once a girls school, it’s now one of Tucson’s finest resorts boasting natural desert grounds, luxurious accommodations and multiple dining options. With fine dining and a selection of over 700 wines, you might not even need to leave the resort. Traveling a little farther 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
SAFFRON INDIAN BISTRO
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.
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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.
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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 northside a little better. One of the best burgers in midtown is Graze Premium Burgers, made with locally sourced beef, hand-cut French fries, all-natural sodas and a vast array of dipping sauces (don’t miss out on the curry ketchup). Top off your meal with a birthday cake milkshake. Graze now has two locations to serve you at Speedway and Broadway boulevards. If you lean more toward the vegetarian side, you can pick from multiple options of refreshing salads or go rogue and completely
create your own at Choice Greens located on Speedway down the street from Graze. This local spot is taking the salad bar up a notch. They also offer paninis, sandwiches and grain bowls along with customizable mac and cheese. Get a taste of the windy city at Rocco’s Little Chicago on Broadway Boulevard. Serving favorites such as deep-dish pizza, wings, and Old Style Beer in the can, Rocco’s is one of the most acclaimed pizza ROCCO’S LITTLE CHICAGO joints in town. Not going to ing or you just don’t want to be in midtown? With two break the bank—everything locations on the northside, on the menu is under $7— one to the east and one to Jerry Bobs might be the place the west, you can easily grab for you. This traditional family a slice or some spaghetti and restaurant chain serves up all meatballs at Rosati’s Pizza. your diner favorites, including Not in the mood to go out tonight? Rosati’s also delivers! meatloaf! When exploring town, you If you’re looking for an oldmight have driven past this school diner for breakfast or place and wondered what is lunch, local chain Jerry Bobs that inviting little patio/garhas 12 locations around town. den/restaurant on Blacklidge? Whether you are in the mood Govinda’s Natural Foods for some good home cookBuffet has served vegetarian
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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 salad options. Just a few blocks away you can find Blue Willow, a long-standing Tucson favorite for brunch, lunch, dinner
TEN55 BREWING COMPANY
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 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 the newly revamped India Oven, where entrees are served in traditional karahi
JEFF GARDNER
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. Got a taste for a ginormous bowl of Chinese noodles, make your way to Noodle-
holics on Grant Road. Different than pho, different than ramen, these traditional Guilin-style noodles are a delicious mix that really hit the spot. While there, check out the dumplings that come in sets of six, either steamed or fried. Hidden in a shopping center with only a small sign, you’ll have to keep your eye out for this modern eatery, but the noodles with 2,000 years of culinary history are well worth it. Along with new restaurants and cafes, Tucson has also become home to more and more breweries over recent years. While downtown Tucson is a brewery hotspot, there are many hidden throughout the surrounding areas as well. One of Tucson’s original breweries, Barrio Brewing, is located just south of downtown and is one of the few breweries that have a full-service restaurant as well. Barrio is the perfect place to
sample some beer and get a bite to eat. Also fun? Watching the trains rumble by on the tracks just a stone’s throw away from your table. On the opposite end of the age-range is Ten55, one of Tucson’s newest brewery restaurants. Located in the heart of downtown on Congress Street, Ten55 serves craft beer and sausages for lunch and dinner. Bavarian bratwursts from family recipes compliment the evolving beers on tap at this industrial and red brick designed downtown spot. Read more about Tucson’s best spots to be a beer in the brewery section. 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 eating on the avenue, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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but there are a few local favorites that stand out. At the top of the street is The B Line, which serves everything from pasta dishes to ahi tuna tacos. The real attraction at the B Line is their desserts that spin ever so enticingly in an old school glass case. Pear pie and decadent German Chocolate Cake are just two of the ever-rotating menu items. 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! If pizza is your thing, just a little further down the street is Magpies Gourmet Pizza and Wings, a local favorite for pizza, wings and much more. Start with their garlic bread sticks or antipasto salad and then build your own pie or try their specially pizzas. We recommend The Godfather that’s loaded with Italian sausage, capicola and tons
of mozzarella and romano cheeses. One of the oldest and most revered Italian restaurants in Tucson is also located on Fourth Avenue: Caruso’s. While known for having some of the best lasagna in The Old Pueblo, Caruso’s also has probably the best marinara sauce in the state, still cooked in the original copper pot used when Chef Caruso Zagona opened his doors in the 1930s. No trip to Fourth Avenue is complete without stopping into the 4th Avenue Delicatessen. This deli specializes in Italian subs, reubens, hot dogs, B.L.T.’s and everything a proper deli should have. Make sure to try and name all the photos of musicians on the walls to get a free sandwich (and don’t forget the Dr. Browns soda.) Not too far from Fourth Avenue is Sixth Avenue, where the Royal Room holds down the corner spot at Sixth Street. What started as a trendy wine bar now serves food and
e Voted th SON F TUC BEST O ner Win nning! 4 yrs ru d Food an s u o l u b s. Fa le drink affordab
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. While in east Tucson, drop in to Shish Kebab House for excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. With a large menu ranging from Mediterranean to Jordanian food, you are sure to find something tasty on the menu. Relax with a cocktail or Turkish beer at Shish Kebab House, open for lunch and dinner. If after all those options you still can’t decide where to eat, make your way to American Eat Company. This food hall has ten different establishments so you can decide what you want when you get there. Plus, if one person wants a Nashville style fried chicken sandwich, another wants ribs and yet a third wants Mexican street food you can all be happy at Tucson’s only food hall. DT
Live Ba
nds Sun days. Live Mu s i Friday’s c most on the P atio. Pool, Da rt Shuffleb s, and oard.
3115 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 322-0779
Discover Foothills
T
THE DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN
he Catalina Mountains sweep south toward Tucson, creating a land perfect for hiking and gaining a vast view of Southern Arizona. But even beyond the natural beauty, the Catalina Foothills is an area filled with prestigious art galleries, quaint shopping centers and plenty of recreational opportunities. The region began to be actively developed in the 1930s, and the foothills was envisioned as a region filled with large lot developments after Tucson developers purchased thousands of acres of land at public auctions. Since the beginning, the
JEFF GARDNER
Catalina Foothills was planned as a winter getaway for residents throughout the country. But it wasn’t long before the Catalina Foothills School District was formed to serve the needs of the growing local community. What resulted is one of the finest areas in the Greater Tucson Metro Area, full of plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping and outdoor activities. Here are five great ways to spend time in the Catalina Foothills:
1. Visit the many art galleries
It must be the natural beauty found in the area that
inspires local artists, because Catalina Foothills is home to a wide variety of local artists who make paintings, sculptures, tapestries and Native American jewelry. No matter what your taste or interest, you can find some enjoyable art in the Foothills: Easily one of the most acclaimed galleries in the Foothills is 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. DeGrazia is one of the most adored and reproduced
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Southwest artists. Even if you don’t recognize the name, we’re sure you’ll recognize his work. Make sure to also check out Jane Hamilton Fine Art and Settlers West Galleries, located on opposite corners of the intersection of North Campbell Avenue and East Skyline Drive. Also at that intersection are Skyline Gallery and Wilde Meyer Gallery, nearly guaranteeing the perfect piece of art could be found without driving far. Just across from La Encantada Shopping Center is a series of fine art shops, the Sanders Galleries. These shops feature paintings and sculptures from acclaimed Western and wildlife artists, as well as an expansive collection of Native American art. Since 1975, the galleries have hosted both local and national artists, all in a quaint adobe plaza. Sanders Galleries and Settlers West Galleries are a dedication to everything lovely about desert art. From there, head south on Swan Road to find Madaras Gallery, named after its founder and artist Diana Madaras, whose paintings can be found in homes and businesses throughout Tucson. On the way to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
SABINO CANYON
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Madaras Gallery, make sure to stop off at Sarnoff’s Paloma Art Gallery along the way. The gorgeous resort of Hacienda del Sol in the Foothills is almost a gallery in itself, with a dedicated botanical garden, desert art
and sculpture throughout the resort, and an expansive gift shop as well. Just to the west along East Fort Lowell Drive is one of Tucson’s most unique art locales, Metal Arts Village. As the name implies, there’s plenty of metalwork to be found, plus a spot to grab a cold craft beer in a relaxing
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atmosphere. That’s just a short trip through the Foothills, so keep an eye out for any other galleries along the way.
2. Experience one of the many hiking trails
The natural geography of the area fills the Catalina Foothills with desert
hiking trails, which range from simple to outright adventurous. The most developed hiking trail is easily Sabino Canyon, which features a large paved trail winding down through a shaded canyon. It’s not every day in the desert you’ll find running streams and lush creeks, but in Sabino these are
common. If you want to enjoy the outdoors without getting too tired, Sabino Canyon also offers tram tours. Pima Canyon Trail is a bit wilder, but still heavily trafficked. This dirt trail takes you out of the desert landscape and up into the gorgeous canyon walls near Mount Kimball. At just under four miles, this great hike is one of the most beloved in Tucson. For real adventurers, the Finger Rock Trail Head is an all-day hike up into the mountains. The eight miles and steep ascent reward hikers with a commanding view of the Tucson area. You’ll even wind up hiking through some of the area’s famous “sky island” biomes!
3. Enjoy a stroll through ‘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, 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.
4. Do some shopping with a view
If shopping is your thing, then the Catalina Foothills is the place to be. Located on the northwest corner of Campbell Avenue and 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 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 you’re tired from all the hiking to be found in the Foothills (or just from hiking around all the shopping centers), stop by Fuchsia Spa at La Encantada, which offers a comfortable, nonintimidating atmosphere with a whole suite of self-care treatments. Just across the street from La Encantada is Wild Garlic Grill, which blends French cooking techniques with California fresh produce, resulting in a wide-ranging menu with plenty of garlic touches. Only a few miles down Campbell Avenue, at River Road, lies St. Philip’s Plaza—a shopping center known as much for its beautiful fountains and bougainvillea as the retailers who call the center home. While there’s
much to be said about 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 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.
5. Enjoy fresh local produce at the farmers markets
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 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. 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. DT
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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
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(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. Then in 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. 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 and
By the numbers Population: 44,674 Median family income: $75,512 Per Capita Income: $39,397 Incorporated:1974 Land area: 34.9 square miles
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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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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 your passion is for the arts, then you’re in the right place. Oro Valley offers 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 the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
ORO VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER
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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 Eggstravaganza, Celebrate Oro Valley, July 4th Celebration and the Halloween Spooktacular. Whatever your age, whatever
Ric Hendrix Loan Officer/Branch Manager NMLS 1540457 Direct 520.638.8788 Main 520.308.5557 Fax 888.592.0564 Cell 520.336.2411
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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, the town’s tagline says it all: “It’s in our nature.” Be sure to follow the town on social media for the latest info and special events, or visit the “Calendar” and “Visitors” sections of orovalleyaz.gov. DT
Disclaimer: PRMI NMLS 3094. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification. This is not a commitment to lend. AZ MLO 0949627. Arizona Department of Financial Institutions 0902614. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act 4130403. A copy of our Privacy Policy and Notice is accessible by going to Primary Residential Mortgage’s website and clicking on the “Privacy Policy” link located at the bottom of the page. https://www.primeres.com/privacy-policy
Niomi Galindo (Se habla espanol) Loan Officer NMLS 1152274 Direct 520.989.0628 Cell 602.882.5697 Fax 888.890.8998
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S
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. As a result, Marana’s boundaries have crept close to Oro Valley and Casas Adobes and their population will surpass 50,000 in the next census. 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. The town also has a long-
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term 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 13-15 at Gladden Farms Community 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. Visit desertbluegrass.org for more information. 3. Here comes the first of the town’s three annual signature events. Marana Founders’ Day celebrations kick off on March 28 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 will take place along Marana Main Street. 4. There are many opportunities for airborne recreation in Marana. Volare Helicopters, Skydive Marana and Foolish Pleasure Hot Air Balloon Rides will take you higher than your average vacation. All three are local businesses that specialize in helping you see the beautiful landscape of Southern Arizona from a birds eye view. Whether you’re an adrenaline enthusiast looking for a 10,000 foot skydive with friends, or a couple looking for a romantic balloon ride through the mountains,
By the numbers Population: 47,007 Median family income: $84,491 Per Capita Income: $36,282 Incorporated:1977 Land area: 121.7 square miles
Marana provides it all. Prices range between $135 and $700, allowing for a variety of group or private flight experiences. Look these businesses up online for specific offers and details. 5. On April 25 Marana will host the 12th annual Camping Under the Stars event in Ora Mae Harn Park. Registration will include a tent site, a free movie screening, a campfire, activities and games. New this year is a tent decorating contest. First, second and third place will be awarded with prizes. The theme is “Favorite Family Movie.” Check out the town calendar at maranaaz.gov to sign up and view more details. 6. Looking for something
Discover Marana fun to do with the family on Mother’s Day? Marana will host its 7th annual 5K Fun Run at Gladden Farms Community Park. Mothers, grandmothers and momsto-be are the guests of honor and can receive fun prizes at the finish line. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. that morning with a fun run beginning at 7:30 a.m. The main 5K run starts at 8:00 a.m. Go to the calendar at maranaaz.gov/events for more details. 7. In the past, during the spring months the Town of Marana has put on a series of free public concerts and movies screened at various parks throughout the community. This year, Marana will switch to a different format where the Parks and Recreation Department will screen movies once every
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show at the end of the night.
MARANA FALL FESTIVAL
quarter. Town staff say instead of concerts, they are planning new community events featuring live music. It’s an experimental year for the town, and dates will be determined soon. For updates, go to maranaaz.gov/events. 8. An estimated 17,000 people attend Marana’s
J.D. FITZGERALD
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 firework
9. The Marana Fall Festival on Oct. 17 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. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and more information can be found at maranaaz.gov/events. 10. Marana’s annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 5 features a big Christmas tree light show, live entertainment, choirs, dancers, Santa Claus, food trucks, inflatables and activities. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. in Downtown Marana. DT
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Discover Public Safety
Putting the Community First 24/7
T
he greater Tucson area had a monumental year in 2019. There were no pediatric drownings and if asked, any fire service professional would say that the worst call that they can respond to is a pediatric drowning. The campaign for drowning prevention is personal to many who wear a badge. Drowning prevention is a year long effort that the Golder Ranch Fire District places emphasis on in order to keep the ABCs of Water Safety top of mind for all community members. With a warm desert climate and access to water, swimming is a year round source of recreation and sport for many. The Golder Ranch Fire District recommends implementing the ABCs of Water Safety in order to make 2020 another water safe year. A= Adult Supervision, constant, focused, adult supervision is the only way to keep children safe in and around the water. Designate a water watcher whose job it is to maintain a careful watch on all those in the pool area. B= Barriers Around Pools, self-closing and self-latching gates around pools ensure that when play time is over, little ones cannot wander back into the pool area unsupervised. C= Classes, swimming classes for children and CPR classes for adults; the Golder Ranch Fire District is proud to offer free CPR classes to district residents.
grfdaz.gov
The Golder Ranch Station locations: STATION 370
STATION 376
STATION 372
STATION 377
3835 E. Golder Ranch Drive 65462 E. Catalina Hills Dr.
STATION 373
63725 E. Saddlebrooke Blvd.
STATION 374
1130 E. Rancho Vitoso
STATION 375
12125 N. Woodburne
10475 N. La Canada 355 E. Linda Vista
STATION 378
60891 E. Arroyo Vista Dr.
STATION 379
9310 N. Shannon Rd.
STATION 380
1175 W. Magee Rd.
Discover Events
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o matter what time of year you visit The Old Pueblo, there’s plenty of exciting events going on throughout the region. The following is a collection of the most exciting moments of the year.
January
Tucson Jazz Festival. To kick in the New Year, the Tucson Jazz Festival takes over town with multiple international stars performing at multiple venues. Now six years strong, the festival has hosted the likes of Maceo Parker, Trombone Shorty and the Afro-Cuban All Stars. Whether you’re into jazz, funk, soul or R&B, this will have something for you. Jan. 9-20. Dillinger Days. This weekend of festivity is perfect for history buffs and party-goers alike. Celebrating the capture of notorious gangster John Dillinger right here in Tucson, Dillinger Days is part historical reenactment, part concert, part food festival and more. It all goes down at the famous Hotel Congress downtown. Jan. 18-19.
February
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Shows. For a few weeks in February, Tucson becomes a city of geologists. While the weeks include various independent shows, the season is based around the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil show at the Tucson Convention Center, which is one of the largest gem and mineral shows on the continent. Product prices range from mere cents to tens of thousands of dollars. Throughout the month, various locations. Arizona Beer Week. While this week of craft drinks occurs throughout the state, the microbrewing hub of Tucson goes particularly wild. Events include bar crawls, special
TUCSON GEM AND MINERAL SHOWS
events, tap takeovers and plenty of unique brews made especially for the week. If you haven’t found a craft beer you love, you just haven’t been adventurous enough. Tucson is home to more than a dozen craft breweries that will help you find your favorite. Feb. 6-16.
March
Festival of Books. This celebration of the written word ranks as the third-largest book festival in the country. Not only are there up-andcoming authors networking, but there are some heavyweights in the literary scene as well. There are historians, artists, novelists, poets and more. Think of it as Book Con—now get to reading! March 14-15. Tucson Hip Hop Festival. While the term “desert rap” hasn’t quite caught on, Tucson indeed has its own thriving hip-hop scene. But big names from all over come to perform at this festival as well. Not only is this 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. Early March.
April
Tucson Cine Mexico. This
JEFF GARDNER
film festival celebrates movies both made by Mexican artists and telling the story of Mexico. Tucson Cine Mexico is a co-presentation of the Hanson Film Institute at the University of Arizona, and New York’s Cinema Tropical. Learn more about the borderlands through this unique showcase. April 1-5. Tucson Folk Festival. Like folk music itself, the Tucson Folk Festival is always free, and free-spirited. This is an annual, family-friendly folk music festival held across some of the most historic locations in downtown Tucson. Five stages hold some of the best folk, bluegrass, and country musicians around. There are national headliners, local performers and even songwriting competitions. This year’s headliner is the acclaimed Tucson band Calexico. April 3-5.
May
Agave Heritage Festival. Originally a celebration of tequila, the Agave Heritage Festival quickly evolved into a celebration of both the plant and its indelible influence on the Old Pueblo. This celebration includes tequila, art, mezcal and food. And with its Latin American roots, the festival is filled with cultural music and performances as
well. April 23-May 5.
June
El Dia de San Juan. This cultural holiday is a celebration of both John the Baptist’s birthday and a beckoning for the summer rains to bring life back into the desert. There are bands, dancers, mariachi, history and culture. It is family friendly and free. If you’ve ever experienced a summer monsoon, you know why the whole town celebrates. June 23 Tucson 23: Mexican Food Festival. You can’t measure the city of Tucson without also measuring the Mexican influence on it. This also goes for our food, which is so great we just have to celebrate it sometimes. Here, you’ll get to sample some of the best Mexican food and drink Tucson has to offer. The “23” refers to the 23 miles(!) of Mexican food restaurants and eateries you can find through Tucson. June 27.
July
“Let Freedom Sing” Concert. Since 1984, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Honor Guard has celebrated the Armed Forces at this holiday concert of patriotic classics at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. Be sure to wear red, CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
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white, and blue! July 4.
August
Southeast Arizona Birding Festival. More than 500 species of birds can be found in the deserts around Tucson, and this number only grows during seasonal migration through our “sky island” network. At this event, you can see hundreds of birds, including rare hummingbirds, at one of the greatest birding festivals in the nation. Aug. 5-9.
September
HOCO Fest. Is it a music festival? A culture festival? A celebration of Tucson? It’s all of those! Hotel Congress, which remains the heart of downtown cool in the growing 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. This is a celebration of “Pride in the Desert” and grows bigger every year. It’s a parade and a festival in one! Hosted by Arizona’s first LGBT pride organization and one of the oldest in the nation. There will be dancing, music, food and drinks, and an all-around good time. Dates TBA.
October
TENWEST Festival. Come learn about the latest in innovation, technology and economic impact. Originally starting as a business and entrepreneurial festival, TENWEST quickly turned into a celebration of all things forward thinking in Tucson. Featuring business seminars, TED-style talks, tech demonstrations, and even some music and art. Oct. 9-18. Tucson Meet Yourself. The event asks the question,
“Who are you?” This is the annual festival for Tucsonans to converge and celebrate their unique ethnic backgrounds, and talk about how they wound up in Tucson in the first place. Go around the world in a single day by trying various foods, seeing dances, and experiencing all the culture you can handle. Oct. 9-11.
November
All Souls Procession. Extend the otherworldly atmosphere of October for just a few more days at this unique Tucson event. This procession is a combination of multiple folklores and holidays. The town dresses up, remembers loved ones who passed away, parades through the city and ends up partying at a big outdoor concert that culminates in a massive bonfire. Tucson’s “All Souls Procession” must be experienced to be believed. Nov. 6-8. El Tour de Tucson. Did you
know Tucson is one of the best cities for cycling in the nation? This massive bike race runs all around the city, with routes ranging from 28 to more than 100 miles. And better yet, the race converges upon downtown Tucson for a street fair. Whether you biked or simply cheered them on, the sense of community is strong. Nov. 21.
December
The Great Cover-Up. Want to see dozens of your favorite international acts all perform on the same weekend in Tucson? Well, here’s the next best thing: The Great Cover-Up features multiple Tucson bands covering famous acts, and all for a charitable cause. Often times, the local bands completely re-invent the music they’re covering, turning pop into metal or vice-versa. Previous sets include Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, Justin Bieber, Tom Waits and The Talking Heads. Dates TBA. DT
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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.
Discover Hiking Wander among towering saguaros, skinny pine trees and lush spruce trees all in the same space and lose yourself in a secluded space that’s a short jaunt from the heart of the city. No matter what time of 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 fitness-related opportunities. Make sure you don’t wander from those paths, however, so the pristine public land that we’re blessed with maintains its divine quality. 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 go-arizona.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 is on the cooler side of the thermometer. The out-and-back 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
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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. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
Tumamoc Hill is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, giving locals and visitors a surefire hiking spot year-round.
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2. Agua Caliente Hills Trail This 8.5-mile, one-way trek in the Coronado National Forest is a must for anyone that enjoys panoramic views of the Tucson cityscape and various species of wild flowers. Agua Caliente Hills (13041 N. Camino 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 this trail is dogfriendly, though leashes are a must for your four-legged companions. 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
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the western edge of the city is a rigorous trek for all hiking enthusiasts. The 6.5-mile, oneway path cuts up the spine of the mountain, climbing 1,807 feet from the trailhead that’s located on the periphery of Saguaro West. The trek features several switchbacks that present once-in-a-lifetime 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,
LOGAN BURTCH-BUUS
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-mile-long 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 a parking area for the trail.
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, in the 4.4-mile Aspen Trail and the equally-stunning 5.1-mile Sunset Trail. Each of the paths are moderately difficult, with the former 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 elevation that is far cooler than the city limits. Both trails provide hikers with a up-close-andpersonal 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. DT
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hile there is plenty of fund to find within the Greater Tucson Metro Area, Southern Arizona as a whole is filled with a wide array of interesting locales, fun hikes and one-of-a-kind road trips guaranteed to make a vacation all the more fun. If you’re new to the region and want to explore a bit, check out some of the more interesting stops along the way: White Raven Trading Company 215 E. Allen Street Tombstone, AZ While most people take the cruise down to Tombstone to experience gunslingers, saloons and the O.K. Corral, the town “Too Tough to Die” is also home to something strange. White Raven Trading Company
Discover Road Trips & Museum of the Strange is one of the best curio shops/ museums in Southwest Arizona. The museum itself features an unusual curation of natural oddities, artifacts, relics and mysterious items from all over the world. After you enjoy viewing some shrunken heads, the curiosity shop has all the relics, strange artifacts, magic supplies, fossils and other curios you could ever want to bring into your home. Museum admission is free and it is open from, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Though the museum is fairly small, it is packed with things to look at, and the owners are always happy to share the stories of the strange pieces inside or nerd out with you over the weird wonders of the world. Older children and teens will probably have no problems with the displays, but
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bear in mind the museum contains real human skulls and shrunken heads. The trip is just over an hour away and you’ll still have plenty of time to strap on your cowboy boots and explore Tombstone’s gun shows, restaurants and shops. Colossal Cave Mountain Park 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail Vail, Arizona Colossal Cave Mountain Park is perfect for any Arizonan wanting to get out of the heat and into a preserved slice of geographical history. One of the largest dry caves in North America, Colossal Cave was forged millions of years ago as water erosion carved out shapes within the Rincon Mountains. It lives within the modern-day region known as Vail, about 25 miles southeast of Tucson. The Native Hohokam people
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used Colossal Cave as early as 900 AD, and it later became known by Western settlers starting in 1879. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps put unemployed residents to work on public infrastructure. Those groups laid the foundation of the Colossal Cave Park complex, which now includes a café and gift shop. This tourist destination is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park offers half-mile long guided walking tours through the cave that take about 50 minutes to complete. Tour guides will give detailed information about the cave’s history, its legends of train robbers and ghosts and the geology and mineral makeup. The tour takes you about six stories deep into the ground (363 stair steps), which feaCONTINUED ON PAGE 40
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tures cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, box work and helictites. Tours are offered daily at the beginning of the hour. Participants only need to bring comfortable walking shoes. Tickets are $18 for adults, $9 for children ages five through 12 and free for children ages four years or younger. Military and first responder discounts are available. For more information on other tours offered, including climbs through rarely-accessed cave crevices, visit colossalcave.com. Biosphere 2 32450 S. Bioshpere Road Oracle, Arizona One of the most interesting (and unique) institutions to call the region home is Biosphere 2. Dedicated to “the research and understanding of global scientific issues,” the 3.14-acre facility is a glassdomed laboratory intended for controlled studies across multiple biomes: an ocean with coral reefs, mangrove wetlands, a tropical rainforest, savanna grasslands and a fog desert. Each of those biomes advance the understanding of both natural and humanmade environments, and how
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we can tackle the world’s great challenges. In addition to tours and active research through the University of Arizona, the facility also hosts conferences and tours for local schools. Madera Canyon Amado, Arizona 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 9,452-foot 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. DT
Discover Oracle
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HD FIRST!
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3C RANCH
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estled in the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains is a bedroom community that’s home to a surprising number of recreation attractions, one-ofa-kind outdoor experiences and a wealth of history. Located some 35 miles north of Tucson in Pinal County, Oracle’s western history dates back well over 100 years. The unincorporated community finds its origin around the 1870s as prospectors came to the area in search of gold and silver, and was named after the nearby Oracle Mine. Soon, a post office was built, and Oracle was officially on its way towards modernity. Interested in a truly one-ofa-kind view of nature? Look no further than Arizona Zipline Adventures, 35406 S. Mt. Lemmon Road. Self-titled as “Arizona’s first and fastest Zipline EcoTour,” Arizona Zipline offers a chance to learn about the local natural environment while rushing down the mountainside. A full tour includes running down each of the five ziplines, while hiking between each line so participants can experience the desert from changing perspectives. If you’re not satisfied with flying through the air, the company also offers a tour
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through the wildly popular Peppersauce Cave in the Catalina Mountains. In addition to the ziplines and caving adventures, the business also operates a kitchen, offers hiking trails, gold panning and other teambuilding activities, as well as a fully stocked general store. Some folks get their kicks on the zipline, while others prefer their adrenaline rush with a little bit of engine grease and gasoline. For the more mechanically-oriented types, Titan Power Rentals (760 E. American Ave.) is the place to be. Rent yourself a top-of-theline Utility Terrain Vehicle and explore Mt. Lemmon and a variety of sandy washes and forest roads. You can even make your four-wheeled trek even more adventurous on a full moon, sunset or group ride. Oracle is an exciting community with plenty to do, to say the least. Once the adventures end, however, you may find yourself wanting to stick around for a night or two. Luckily, the 3C Ranch, at 36033 S. Mt. Lemmon Road, is home to a wide variety of lodging options—all complete with beautiful views and a sense of peace and tranquility. Aside from the scenery, 3C also provides an archery course, a bar and plenty of event space. DT
1,000’s of gently used items like Clothing, Books, Furniture, Jewelry & More! 375 E. American Ave. Unit 1 Oracle Az. 85623 520-336-8750
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Beautiful in town Oracle lot for sale $35,000 with owner carry.
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2.5 acres MU Zoning 1,250 s/f office home combo. Great for your contracting business. Lease with option to purchase. All or part. In Tucson!
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1 acre lot with great views $29,000.00 with Owner Financing.
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Discover Tubac
or a taste of local art, a glimpse into the past and scenic views of the Santa Rita Mountains, the colonies of Tubac and Tumacacori deliver a unique experience just a short drive from Tucson. Located about 55 miles south of the city, Tubac is home to a plethora of art galleries, restaurants and shopping that make for a great day trip. Art is the main attraction here, with more than 100 galleries to explore, including the Tubac Center for the Arts which provides art programs throughout the year. The work of local artists really shines during the annual Festival of the Arts, a five-day long event in February that brings in visitors from all over the world. With the design of the presidio’s center, it’s easy to hit all the galleries and shops by foot. After you take in the sculptures at Big Horn Galleries or
marvel at the contemporary artwork of the southwest at the Tubac Red Door Gallery, get some great eats at one of Tubac’s popular restaurants. Elvira’s is a favorite for Mexican food and features fresh ingredients like seafood and even beef tongue. For something a little more casual, Tubac Market is a lunch standby with deli sandwiches, ice cream and hearty salads. Just outside the main village of Tubac, visitors can enjoy the history of the region and the natural beauty of Arizona’s oldest state park, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. The park, located on the site of the original fort or presidio built by Spanish explorers and colonists in 1752, houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Museum guests can see the remaining ruins of the fort in an underground archaeological dig and learn about the cultures of
the many people who called this enclave home over the last three centuries like the O’odham and Apache tribes, the Spanish conquistadores, Mexican ranchers and settlers, miners and speculators, Eastern fortune seekers and farmers. The park also features Arizona’s first printing press, which was used to print 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. One of the most beautiful historic sites in this presidio sits just four miles south of Tubac within the Tumacácori National Historical Park. The restored Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, established by Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino at the end of the 17th century, has been kept in a “state of arrested ruin,” preserving the original structure of the church rather than
adding modern pieces to it. Visitors can walk through the remains of the adobe convent— a space that was used for the community and served as living quarters for the priests. There are a number of outdoor activities in the area such as the Anza Trail, a four-mile walk from the Presidio to the Tumacacori Mission named for the famous explorer Juan Bautista de Anza. The picnic grounds at the trailhead are a perfect place to rest and take in the sights of the surrounding mountains. Local tip: Don’t miss the Santa Cruz Spice Factory at 1868 I-19 Frontage Road. Though it may be a little off the beaten path, the trip is worth it for the fragrant smells of spices and chillies. You can find a variety of locally made spice mixes, salsas, hot sauces, jellies, candies, gifts and more to take home a taste of the southwest. DT
• Archaeological Display • Anza Trail • 1800s Wagons • Museum
• Arizona’s 1st Printing Press • Living History Demonstrations • Concert Series
Discover Bisbee
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he Town of Bisbee was once one of the state’s most bustling mining towns. In fact, by the early 1900s Bisbee was the biggest city between St. Louis and San Francisco, boasting a population of 20,000 in its hilly homes. Today, Bisbee remains an experience. With its collection of artists and characters, the town has become a sort of pilgrimage for Tucsonans who visit for its beloved events, cool weather and funky vibes. For those seeking a little adventure in the form of historic bars, unexpected conversations and lots of antique shopping, it’s the perfect place for a day trip or weekend away from the fast lane. In the hub of the action is “Old Bisbee,” the stretch of businesses down and around Main Street that epitomize the town. It’s here that you’ll find the real treats of Bisbee, like the Bisbee Mining Museum. The museum is a Smithosian affiliate and offers a small but mighty look at Bisbee’s long history of mining, the now famous Bisbee deportation and well-known figures during its wild west days. If you’re a history buff, the
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town also has a number of walking tours or you can strap on a hardhat and travel down into the Queen Mine Tour. There are a number of local shops where you can find a one-of-a-kind gift. The Miners & Merchants Antique Center offers multiple floors of antiques to browse, while shops like Redbone Vintage sell a small selection of curated vintage clothes and colorful boots. If food is where your heart is, stop by Bisbee Olive Oil, where you can find (and sample) over 40 unique flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegars. The quirky town delivers on dining options as well, with a mix of casual eats and fancier fare. The Bisbee Breakfast Club, just outside Old Bisbee, is a must try, becoming so legendary in these parts they opened locations throughout Tucson. Café Roka consistently wins Best of bragging rights each year and is a great place for a swanky meal. But if you want to eat like a local, the tiny but delicious Thuy’s Noodle Shop serves delicious Vietnamese food and is usually so packed there’s no more seating, so take it to go.
Before you explore Bisbee’s nightlife, check out the Copper Queen Library which is the longest continuouslyoperated public library in Arizona, or catch a show at the Bisbee Royale, the local movie theater. No trip to Bisbee is complete without a round of drinks in Brewery Gulch. This pocket of entertainment in Old Bisbee is home to the majority of the drinking establishments in town. The Old Bisbee Brewing Company has the most mass appeal and the best view of the action from their patio. They brew a small selection of beers, ranging from a stout to an IPA. The most interesting of their brews is Salut, a light and flowery drink made with champagne yeast. Across the gulch is local dive St. Elmo Bar. Home to the best jukebox in town and the loudest, rowdiest characters of Bisbee, they’re known to make a strong drink and an experience you won’t forget. If your party is small, cram into the Room 4 Bar, Arizona’s smallest bar inside the historic Silver King Hotel. It fits about four people comfortably. There is no shortage of lodging available in Bisbee,
By the numbers Population: 5,209 Median family income: $32,500 Per Capita Income: $22,252 Founded:1880 Land area: 5.18 square miles
but if you come during Bisbee Pride or New Year’s Eve, reserve your rooms early. The town fills up fast on holidays and events. The Copper Queen Hotel is one of the most well-known places in town and puts you in the heart of the action. You might even see a ghost in this longstanding hotel. The Bisbee Grand Hotel, The Inn at Castle Rock and Hotel San Ramon are other good historical options. You can even book a stay in the OK Street Jailhouse, which was built in 1904 as the local branch of the county jail and is now a comfy hotel. Tombstone, the town “Too Tough to Die,” and the vineyards of Elgin/Sonoita are just a short drive away if you need more fun in Cochise County. The trip to Bisbee from Tucson is under two hours and you can get there via I-10 East and AZ-80 East. DT
Discover Pima County
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amed after the Akimel O’odham Native Americans, later referred to by the Englishspeaking world as the “Pima” people, Pima County is home to more than 1 million residents. Pima is a border county spanning 9,200 square miles, sharing much of its southern line with the State of Sonora. The vast majority of Pima County residents reside within the Greater Tucson Metro Area, which includes the incorporated municipalities of the towns of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita and the cities of Tucson and South Tucson. The region is also home to the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, the San Xavier Indian Reservation and part of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Founded in 1984, two years after the formation of the state, Pima County is home to the University of Arizona— one of the top research universities in the nation—as well as a growing cluster of tech and commercial industries. From the beautiful mountain ranges to the national parks and 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. Here are some of the best ways to take advantage of everything that Pima County has to offer: Learn about the natural environment at the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum. One of Pima County’s greatest treasures is the world famous Arizona-Sonoran
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Desert Museum. Part zoo, part museum and part botanical garden, this institution is all about the native plants, people and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. Whether you’ve lived in the region your whole life, or have never visited Tucson before, this is a must see experience. The 98-acre site 14 miles to the west of Tucson features outdoor walking paths, gardens, animal enclosures, an aquarium, a museum and educational presentations and activities every day. Since its formation nearly 70 years ago, the museum has been dedicated to informing the public about the unique Sonoran Desert and its natural inhabitants. Visitors get an entertaining chance to learn about 1,200 plant species and 230 native animals, like fan favorite javelinas and coyotes. There is also an impressive mineral collection and full art gallery focused on environmental conservation. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located at 2021 N. Kinney Road. For more information, visit desertmuseum.org or call 883-2702.
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Relive the West’s greatest era at Old Tucson Studios. Pima County’s wild west history can be spotted all over town, but there is no where that displays that cowboy spirit more than Old Tucson Studios. Swinging open the doors of the saloon transports guests to Tucson of the 1860s, as imagined by Hollywood. Originally, the Tucson replica set was used for filming “Arizona,” a film by Columbia Records. As a live movie set, the studios saw some of the biggest names in Westerns, like John Wayne in “Rio Bravo” and Clint Eastwood in “Joe Kidd” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Old Tucson also housed the productions for episodes of “Little House on the Prairie” and “Gunsmoke,” among others. Today, Old Tucson Studios serves as a theme park where people can walk through the wild west town, take photos and catch plenty of live acts, shows and musicals. Sprinkled through the set town are actors in era-centric attire so you can mingle with cancan girls, cattle wranglers and an outlaw or two. In October, the entire park
transforms into a spooktacular haunted town complete with monsters and deranged clowns who will follow guests till they get a scream. Nightfall is one of Tucson’s most looked forward to annual events and the studios change up the theme a little each year. Old Tucson is located at 201 Kinney Road. For more information, visit oldtucson. com or call 883-0100. Take a bicycle ride on The Loop Tucson has a reputation as a haven for cyclists, boasting the popular annual Tour de Tucson, plenty of bike lanes, fabulous mountain biking at Mount Lemmon and fairly good weather year round for riding. Residents and guests can explore Pima County on two wheels thanks to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a system of more than 120 miles of interconnected paved multi-use and bike paths which connect the regions various river parks with several different natural environments. Named for the county’s current administrator, The Loop has only grown and CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
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Discover Pima County
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improved over the years. The Loop runs through unincorporated parts of the county, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson and South Tucson, and is a complete circuit of 53.9 miles. With multiple access points, riders can easily choose how long or short their ride will be. To learn more about The Loop, including a map of all the places you can hop on, visit pima.gov or contact the county’s Parks and Recreation Department at 724-5000.
Escape the heat on Mount Lemmon.
While residents and visitors to Pima County enjoy the warm climate throughout the year, everyone needs a break from the heat. The reprieve comes in the form of Mount Lemmon, a beautiful area of the Coronado National Forest within the Santa Catalina Mountains. Mount Lemmon is home to aspen, alder and maple trees as well as a thriving population of animals and birds. With a wide variety of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, campgrounds, cabins, and restaurants and shopping within the small community of Summerhaven, there’s enough activities to fill up a whole weekend or make for a full day trip. It is not uncommon for Mount Lemmon to get snow in the winter months, and many people hit Ski Valley for skiing and sledding. It can be about 20 degrees colder in Mount Lemmon than the valley floor below. Make sure to stop by the public restroom when you reach Summerhaven and visit the popular Cookie Cabin for lunch and treats. Other interesting locales
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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. Visit Arizona’s oldest church, San Xavier del Bac Mission. Pima County is home to what is largely considered the oldest, intact church in the state. The San Xavier del Bac Mission was established in 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit preacher who’s credited with a chain of Spanish missions established throughout the Sonoran Desert. Construction of the first mission church began in 1700. Though the original church was destroyed roughly 70 years later, the current building was constructed by 1797 under the direction of Spanish Franciscans, who took over the mission after the Jesuits were expelled 30 years prior. Employing iconic white stucco inspired by Baroque
LOGAN BURTCH-BUUS
architecture, San Xavier del Bac comprises 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. Services still occur in the church and the building is open to the public with free docent tours when the church is not in use. The San Xavier del Bac Mission is located at 1950 W. San Xavier Road. For more information, visit sanxaviermission.org or call 234-2624. Find out why birders love Southern Arizona. Southern Arizona is a destination for birders seeking to spot the roughly 550 different species that live throughout the state. Pima County has a multitude of birding locales where visitors can check a number of species off their lists. One of the most popular spots is the Sweetwater Wetlands Park, an environment created through the City of Tucson’s water reclamation system. Hundreds of bird species and other animals of the southwest have been cataloged around the
basin’s surfaces. The park is located at 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive. Mount Lemmon also offers up a good environment for birds across several types of forest growth. The mountain has dozens of trails, camping and picnic grounds to comfortably sit with binoculars. Word around the birding community is you can see Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers and Duskycapped Flycatchers easily at Bear Canyon. Just south of Tucson in the Santa Rita Mountains is Madera Canyon. The cool mountains here include desert environments along with aspen and pine forests higher up. It is one of the most sought out birding destinations in the U.S., home to more than 200 species of birds. Favorites include the large and chatty Mexican blue jays, quick hummingbirds and rare Flammulated and Spotted Owls. To get there, take Exit 63 Off Interstate 19 and head to the Nogales Ranger Station. The Tucson Audubon Society has a number of resources, guides and maps to get you started on a birding adventure. Visit them at tucsonaudubon.org.
Discover Breweries
IRON JOHN’S BREWING COMPANY
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aybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the locally grown grains and agave, but Tucson’s passion for making good beer just keeps growing. New craft breweries are showing up in town every year, adding to the already rich and diverse community of brewers making award-winning drinks here. Home to both “Arizona Beer Week” and the “Agave Heritage Festival,” Tucson is becoming a destination for all things beer. The following are 10 noteworthy craft breweries definitely worth a stop next time you’re looking to whet your whistle.
Harbottle Brewing Company
Named after the voyager Captain John Harbottle, this brewery’s drinks are both adventurous and accessible. Their flagship India pale ale, the Harbottle IPA, includes pine and citrus notes and is described as “dank, dry and dangerously drinkable.” But if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try out their Two Hands saison, a Belgian-style beer that features the bright finish of fresh cucumber, perfect for cooling off. 3820 S. Palo Verde Road, #102.
Button Brew House
This relatively new northside establishment differentiates itself with experimentation in their beers. Their Tor Auf is a German Berliner Weisse made in the style of an “adult lemonade” with locally-grown
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JEFF GARDNER
organic White Sonora Wheat. Their Chiltepín Red is a “Sonoran Spicy” red ale, filled with the flavors of lemon, lime and superhot chilies. Their Button IPA is “extremely hopped” with hints of pine and grapefruit. Button is a great place for anyone looking to expand their palette. 6800 N. Camino Martin, Ste. 160.
Borderlands Brewing Company
Borderlands Brewing is always concocting a wide variety of beers, from prickly pear sours to coffee stouts. Their downtown location is ideal to grab one of these brews and wander around in, with a mesquite-covered patio, a courtyard you’ll often find a food truck in, and walls adorned with various mediums of local art for sale. 119 E. Toole Ave.
Dillinger Brewing Company
Named after the notorious gangster John Dillinger, who was captured in Tucson, Dillinger Brewing features both classic and more experimental beers. You can try their Dill’s Pills, a traditional German pilsner, and then go right over to their Aztec Warrior, a strong Mexican stout featuring hot chocolate flavors. And for more of a borderlands kick, try out the Mango Nada, a gose with mango flavors, topped with spicy tajin. 3895 N. Oracle Road.
Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House
Sticking strong to their German brewing roots, Ten55 crafts beers 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.
Public Brewhouse
Located off historic Fourth Avenue, Public Brewhouse is a getaway in the middle of Tucson. Public is the perfect location for both the gamer and craft beer enthusiast. 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.
Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
Easily one of the most charming breweries in Tucson, patrons can almost always find Crooked Tooth hosting a local band, vinyl record swap or yoga class. But it’s the rotating selection of diverse sours and stouts, infused with local flavors like agave and palo santo, that keep crowds happy and the taste buds exploring. 228 E. Sixth St.
Catalina Brewing Company
Calling their beers, “Hand-
Crafted 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.
Barrio’s craft beers garner wide acclaim and distribution, but to enjoy their extensive menu of burgers, paninis and appetizers specially crafted to fit with their beers, you have to head inside. Barrio is known for their happy-hour specials, and creative combinations of flavors in beer, such as a mocha stout, a grapefruit IPA, a raspberry ale and a dark chocolate porter. 800 E. 16th St.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
Pueblo Vida is a hip, centrally located brewery that is dogand bike-friendly. 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. As they say, variety is the spice of life—and there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to craft brews in Tucson. But remember: Whether your beer tastes like cucumber, mocha or raspberries, always drink responsibly. DT
t i s i V
WINE COUNTRY
www.SonoitaVineyards.com Open Daily 10am-4pm
SONOITA•ARIZONA 20 TAPS | HOMEMADE FOOD | SCENIC PATIO | LIVE MUSIC
A family owned and operated brewery which combines craft beer and made-from-scratch pub-fare in the heart of Southern Arizona’s Wine Country.
Three Annual Festivals April, July & November
3112 HIGHWAY 83 SONOITA•ARIZONA
(520) 455 - 5893 | 290 Elgin Canelo Rd.
www.copperbrothelbrewery.com
520-405-6721
Wine Tasting Tours • Special Events • Corporate Rates
Arizona Winery Tours offers an enjoyable and elegant way to experience Arizona’s premiere wineries Mention promo code DESTINATION when booking for a free gift!
Sonoita/Willcox 520-338-9302 | Sedona 480-843-4941
www.azwinerytours.com
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estled in a valley of rolling hills, surrounded by spectacular mountains, blue skies, and wide-open spaces is the heart of Arizona Wine Country. Sonoita-Elgin is home to some of the best wines outside of France and Italy. With a growing number of award-winning vineyards, wineries and breweries, wine country is a hidden gem of the Southwest. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, beer enthusiast, weekend wine warrior or just someone looking for a new and memorable experience, there is something for everyone in Wine Country. At Arizona Hops &Vines, indulge in Chocolate Love in February, race down for Drag Races, in April, venture out for the Bad Decisions Campout in August, get your crush on at the September Grape Crush
Discover Wine Country Festival. Children and pets are always welcome. The Sober Shack, open during special events, has activities designed just for kids. At Sonoita Vineyards, celebrate the beginning of summer and the growing season, with the Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards in April, or start off the harvest season in July with HarvestFest. At the end of harvest season, kick back and party at the St. Martin’s Festival in November. At Rune Wines, each wine has its own story–a message in a bottle, just waiting for the “reader” to come along. As Arizona’s only off-grid tasting room and vineyard, their award winning wines can be enjoyed with views that simply can’t be beat. From a family hobby to a family-owned and operated brewpub, Copper Brothel satisfies guests with stiff
drinks and mouth-watering food. Join the Red Light Regular rewards program, and taste Jill’s Slumber Lumber IPA or Gretel’s Dunkelfest. The unique journey from the cockpit to the wine business has launched Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery into much of Arizona, with seven tasting rooms. The winery estate in SonoitaElgin features a world-class distillery, barrel house, tasting room, and spacious event center. The distilling emphasis is on grape-based spirits, including vodka, brandy, grappa, and an assortment of delicious infused liqueurs made from eau-de-vie. Visit Rancho Rossa Vineyards & Rescued Hearts Cellars, and “taste for a cause.” Each month, they host Support a Rescue Saturday in which the rescue of the month receives 100% of the profit
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from ALL wine sales during the day of the event. George Washington Hayduke, an adorably lovable basset hound, will greet you as you arrive at Kief-Joshua Vineyards for your tasting. The award-winning wines speak for themselves. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Arizona’s original American Viticulture Area (AVA), KiefJoshua Vineyards will host the 8th Annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival, March 7 and 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona Winery Tours offers an elegant and care-free way to experience Arizona’s premiere wineries. The AllInclusive Arizona Winery Tour includes complimentary transportation to/from the wineries, snacks and bottled water, wine tastings at three area wineries, a delicious lunch, and memories that will last a lifetime. DT
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Discover Wine Country
AWARD WINNING WINES AND A VIEW THAT CAN’T BE BEAT AT ARIZONA’S ONLY OFF-GRID TASTING ROOM AND VINEYARD.
JUST 50 MINUTES FROM TUCSON 3969 Highway 82 Sonoita, AZ | 520.338.8823 | www.runewines.com