Tucson, More Than A Cowtown!

Time to change things up on this blog post and share some stuff about Tucson, Arizona, my home!

Okay, this time of year in Tucson, (August), may not be the best time to come and visit but keep these places in mind once the season changes. There are a lot of fun things to see and do in the Tucson area. Even if you’ve been living here for awhile, you might want to check these out!

“A” Mountain: This peak, to the west of Tucson, was a lookout point for the valley’s early inhabitants. Indians watched for flash floods and approaching enemies; the Spaniards used it to provide warning of Apache raids. Today, University of Arizona freshmen annually whitewash the “A”!

Amerind Foundation Museum: An archaeological and ethnological museum, it

displays jewelry, pottery, baskets, crafts and other items unique to the

native people of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

Located between Benson and Willcox off I-10. Ongoing exhibits: Horned

Toads & Buckboards; The Prehistoric Southwest; and The Brush of Tradition in

the Art Gallery. Open daily, 10am-4pm; closed on Mondays & Tuesdays from

June to August and major holidays. (520) 586-3666

Arizona Historical Society Sosa-Carrillo Fremont House Museum: One of

Tucson’s oldest adobe residences restored to circa 1880, when it was rented

by Territorial Governor Fremont and his daughter. The property was

originally owned by the Jose Maria Sosa family around 1860 and later owned

by the Leopoldo Carrillo family between 1878 and 1969. Restored by the

Tucson Heritage Foundation, now a branch museum of the Arizona Historical

Society, the museum displays 19th century furnishings and memorabilia of the

Sosa, Carrillo and Fremont families. 151 S. Granada (Tucson Convention Center Complex). (520) 622-0956 

The Asarco Mineral Discovery Center: An inside look at an operating

open-pit copper mine is just part of the Mineral Discovery Center

experience. The Center features displays and exhibits explaining the

history and process of mining and mine reclamation and a multimedia theater

showing presentations related to mining and minerals. Historic and modern

mining equipment, including a series of huge ore hauling trucks, is

displayed on the museum grounds. The 1-hour bus tour through the Mission

Mine includes views of the mining operations and a visit inside one of the

mine’s copper mills. Admission to the Center is free. There is a small fee

charged for the mine tour. Wheelchair-accessible. The Discovery Center is

located 15 miles south of downtown Tucson at Pima Mine Road and Interstate

19. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm.

For more information call (520) 625-7513.

Barrio Viejo (Barrio Historico): This redeveloped area of territorial

Tucson is part of the original Barrio Libre, the oldest area of the city,

located south of the walled presidio. It includes the famous El Tiradito

Wishing Shrine, located at 356 S. Main Ave.

Bisbee: Situated about 100 miles southeast of Tucson, Bisbee is a charming

old mining town. Bus tours of the Lavender Pit Copper Mine, one of the

world’s largest open pit mines, and guided underground tours of the Copper Queen Mine are offered. You may also want to visit the Mining and Historical Museum and the Restoration Museum. Free guided tours are available at Arizona Cactus & Succulent Research from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Group tours are welcome. Located 6 miles south of Bisbee, just off Border Road. For more information call or write: Arizona Cactus, 8 South Cactus Lane, Bisbee, AZ 85603 or call (520) 432-7040 

The Center for Creative Photography: This archival home of many noted

American photographers features changing photographic exhibits drawn from

its archives of major 20th-century photographers, as well as traveling

exhibitions. A library and research collections also are available on the

UA campus just south of the Speedway underpass on Olive. Mon.-Fri.:

11am-5pm; Sun.: noon-5pm. (520) 621-7698 

Colossal Cave Mountain Park: This beautiful desert park, listed on the

National Register of Historic Places, features daily guided tours of

Colossal Cave. Over the centuries, Colossal Cave, with its complex

passageways and myriad crystal formations, has been a shelter for

prehistoric people, a bandits’ hideout, an exciting dangerous playground, and a challenging workplace. The Park also offers off-route Cave tours, Western

trail rides, and cool wooded picnic areas. Take Interstate 10 east to the

Vail/Wentworth exit, then 7 miles north. Mar.- Sept.: Mon.-Sat.; 8am-6pm:

Sun. & holidays; 8am-7pm: Sept.-Mar.: Mon. – Sat.: 9am – 5pm; Sun. holidays: 9am-6pm. (520) 647-7275 

Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Center: This $200 million facility, the

world’s largest man-made controllable environment, has been visited by

nearly a million and a half people from all over the world since opening in

1991. It features tours daily including the Biosphere Theatre,

Demonstration Labs, Human Habitat, Climate & Earth exhibit, Ocean Viewing Gallery, Restaurants and Gift Shops. It also has conference facilities and guest suites overlooking the Sonoran Desert and Santa Catalina Mountains. Inquire about special summer rates that include dinner and breakfast for two. Thirty minutes north of Tucson. Take highway 77 to Mile Marker 96.5. Call (520) 896-6200 

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun: An ongoing memorial to the late Ted DeGrazia,

the prolific Tucson artist, whose watercolors of Mexican children won

worldwide approval. The unique adobe building was designed by the artist

and houses many DeGrazia originals. The gallery is open daily. 10am-4pm.

6300 N. Swan. (520) 299-9191 

El Presidio Park: Lt. Col. Hugo O’Conor of the Royal Spanish Army selected

this site on August 20, 1775, as the location for a new frontier presidio.

The park is the southern half of the old Tucson presidio at 160 W. Alameda,

and is known as Plaza de las Armas.

Flandrau Science Center, University of Arizona campus: Corner of E.

University Blvd. & Cherry Ave. Hands-on science exhibits, multi-media

planetarium and laser lights shows, Arizona’s largest collection of gems and

minerals with over 15,000 specimens, 16-inch telescope for nighttime public

observing, Science-To-Go field trip programs, on-site science

demonstrations, overnight science camps, astronomy and science gift store.

Open daily, 9am-5pm; Wed.-Sat.: 7pm-9pm. (520) 621-STAR. Web site:

http://www.flandrau.org

Fourth Avenue: My favorite place to hang out! A unique pedestrian shopping area in historic downtown Tucson featuring unusual retail stores, boutiques, restaurants and craft shops. The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association sponsors an annual Winter Street Fair in March that draws artisans and craftsmen from all over the country.

Garden of Gethsemane: On the west bank of the Santa Cruz River at Congress Street, this unusual grouping of religious statues depicts the Holy Family, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. The statues were created by the late Felix Lucero, a Spanish sculptor, who vowed to do the work when he was

spared on a World War I battlefield. Open daily, 9am-4pm.

Getaway Adventure Driving Tour: A free audio cassette driving tour through

the Coronado National Forest, narrated by Rex Allen and covering Sonoita,

Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Bisbee. Available from the Sierra Vista

Convention and Visitors Bureau. A $3 donation is requested. (800)

288-3861.

La Casa Cordova: La Casa Cordova and the J. Knox Corbett House, part of

the Tucson Museum and Historic Block, are two restored historic homes

reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tucson. The historic residence of

J. Knox Corbett abounds with rare period arts and crafts from the early 20th

century. This historic home is the personification of early life in the old

Pueblo, complete with drawers full of antique gloves, corsets and hankies,

as well as hand-hewn bathroom medicine cabinets full of healing powders.

175 N. Meyer. (520) 624-2333 

Mission San Xavier del Bac: Because it can be seen for miles, this white

edifice rising out of the desert is often called “The White Dove of the

Desert.” Situated in the midst of the San Xavier Indian Reservation, it is

still the mission for the Tohono O’odham Indians and was the northernmost

mission established by Father Eusebio Kino in 1629. The present buildings

were begun in 1783 and took approximately 14 years to construct. They were

restored in the early years of this century. The mission has been in almost

continual use since its foundation, and masses are celebrated every day

except Monday. (520) 294-2624.

Mt. Lemmon: Just a 35-mile drive from Tucson is this retreat in the pines.

With an altitude of 8,250 feet, Mt. Lemmon provides winter skiing, a chance

to see the leaves turn color in the fall and a way to cool off during the

summer months. There are numerous gift shops and restaurants to enjoy.

National Optical Astronomy Observatories at Kitt Peak: Kitt Peak is home to

the world’s largest collection of ground-based optical telescopes. The Kitt

Peak Visitor Center offers daily guided tours of telescope facilities,

public observing events, and exhibits and videotape presentations on

astronomy and the Tohono O’odham culture. 56 miles southwest of Tucson via

State Route 86. Recorded information: (520) 318-8200 

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico: A trip to this Mexican border town (60 miles south

of Tucson) is a must for newcomers and tourists. A great place for shopping

and eating. Nogales offers good values on hand-carved furniture, hand-blown

glassware, lace and embroidered dresses, hand-woven rugs and more. No

passport or visa is necessary to enter Nogales; however, if you plan on

traveling further into Mexico, you will need one or the other.

Old Town Artisans: Located within El Presidio Historic District in

downtown Tucson, this 1850’s restored adobe building houses shops featuring

contemporary and traditional work of hundreds of artists and craftsmen,

representing the best of local talent, Native American tribal art, and

imports from Latin American cultures. In the walled Spanish-style patio is

La Cocina, serving a variety of soups, salads, and items from the mesquite

grill. Call for directions. (520) 623-6024

Old Tucson Studios: This world-famous Western theme park and movie set has seen the action of more than 300 motion pictures, TV shows and commercials, beginning with “Arizona” (1939) through “The Quick and the Dead” starring Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman. Shows are presented daily with live gunfights. Three restaurants, a cantina, ice-cream parlor, sweet shop and gift shops are on the grounds. Tours available at Guest Relations window at the front gate. Located 12 miles west of downtown. Take Speedway or Ajo

Way, exit west and follow the signs to 201 S. Kinney Rd. Open daily except

Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours: Dec.- mid April: 9am-7pm and

10am-6pm the rest of the year. For more information call (520) 883-0100

Picacho Peak: If you’re heading north on Interstate 10, you may want to

stop at Picacho Peak, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in

Arizona (a plaque marks the spot). In the spring, the hillsides are ablaze

with wild flowers, offering wonderful photographic opportunities.

Pima Air & Space Museum: Over 200 aircraft are on display, ranging from a full-scale replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 flyer to the SR-71

Blackbird, the world’s fastest aircraft. Daily 9am-5pm (last admittance

4pm). Closed on Christmas. 6000 E. Valencia. (520) 574-6958

Pima Air & Space Museum “Boneyard” Tours: The docent-led experience will enable aviation enthusiasts to view the more than 5,000 aircraft currently stored at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC). The AMARC is a 2,600-acre open-air warehouse for aircraft, missiles, components and support equipment. Open five days a week: 9:30am-5pm (guided tours only, reservations suggested.) 6000 E. Valencia. (520) 574-0462 

Reid Park Zoo: Tucson’s city zoo contains more than 300 species of mammals,

fish, reptiles and birds from all over the world. New South American

Habitat Loop features 12 exhibits housing more than 100 new animals. Open

daily 9am-4pm. Closed Christmas Day. (520) 791-3204 

Sabino Canyon: The Santa Catalina Mountains form a huge triangle deeply cut

by steep canyons. Sabino is the largest, located 19 miles from downtown

Tucson. The canyon is a favorite picnic place because most of the year it

boasts a bubbling mountain stream fed by the nearby peaks. At the canyon’s

entrance, the U.S. Forest Service maintains a visitor center staffed by

ranger naturalists. A series of exhibits explain the geology, history and

nature lore of the region, and a marked nature trail offers fine examples of

most of the plants native to the high desert. Private vehicles are not

allowed into the canyon, but a shuttle tram operates. (520) 749-2861 

Sabino Canyon Tours, Inc.: Shuttle tram operates 7 days a week. Currently

running Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm; weekends & holidays: 9am-4:30pm. For group

rates and moonlight ride information, call (520) 749-2861 

Saguaro National Park: Tucson’s famous saguaro forest encompasses almost

80,000 acres in two separate regions of Pima County. The main section, to

the east, includes Tucson’s highest peaks, Rincon, Spud Rock and Mica

Mountains. Beneath slopes lined with pine, fir and aspen, the foothills are

covered with saguaro cactus, a species that only grows in this area of the

world. A visitor center contains special exhibits about the saguaro and

other desert flora and explains the influence of men and animals on the

Sonoran Desert. Some of these cacti live for more than 200 years and reach

a height of 50 feet or more. During May or early June, white or yellow

blossoms top the saguaro branches. Arizona’s early legislators selected the

saguaro blossom as the state flower and applied its likeness to the Great

Seal of Arizona. Saguaro National Park West is 16 miles west of Tucson in

the Tucson Mountains. Naturalists conduct daily interpretive tours at both

sites at 10am & 2pm during the winter season. Park headquarters, 733-5100–Rincon Mountains visitor center, 733-5153 – Tucson Mountains visitor center, 733-5158.

Seven Falls: A beautiful four-and-a-half mile hike from the lower portion

of Sabino Canyon, the trail takes you to a clear, cool natural pool. The

Sabino Canyon tram will deliver you to the beginning of the trail.

Steward Observatory: Contains a 21-inch telescope and a 7-inch photographic telescope. Photos of outer space decorate the walls. Call for information regarding public viewing nights. University of Arizona campus. (520) 621-2288.

Tohono Chul Park: The park is a 48 acre desert preserve, promoting the

preservation of arid lands and desert conservation and encouraging the use

of desert plants in landscaping. Self or guided tours take visitors along

nature trails, to display gardens, cactus armadas and a greenhouse. A tea

room and two gift shops are on the grounds, as well as a gallery and

exhibition hall displaying changing art exhibits. The park is open daily,

7am to sunset. Galleries and shops are open Mon. – Sat., 9:30am to 5pm;

Sun. 11am to 4pm. Tea Room hours are 8am to 5pm, daily. The greenhouse is

open Mon. – Sat. 10am to 4pm; Sun.: 11am to 4 pm. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte.

(520) 575-8468

Tombstone: Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”, Tombstone was a notorious mining town and outlaw hangout. Today, you can visit the site of the

Gunfight at the OK Corral, the neighboring Historama, the Birdcage Theatre,

Boothill Graveyard, Rose Tree Inn Museum and Court House Museum. During

October, the town stages “Helldorado Days”, a re-creation of the heydays of

the town. About 75 miles from Tucson.

Trail Dust Town: Authentic old-West architecture and ambience are features

of this “in town” western town – a Tucson landmark for almost 50 years. In

addition to the Savoy Opera House, Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, galleries and

retail shops, Trail Dust Town has numerous attractions, including Dragoon

Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows, the Fiesta del Presidio carousel, the

C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train and mine tunnel tour, the Shootist

Arcade, the wagon and carriage museum and more. During Rodeo Week, Trail

Dust Days features continuous live entertainment and western craftspeople.

6541 E. Tanque Verde. Call for times of events and store openings.

Tubac: Located in the Santa Cruz Valley, 50 miles south of Tucson, Tubac

was at one time the site of a Spanish presidio built to protect nearby

missions and settlements from unfriendly Indians. Today, Tubac is known as

an artists’ community where unique shops and art galleries offer pottery,

hand-screened fabrics, art, jewelry and more. In February, the town

sponsors a nine-day festival featuring international crafts, art

demonstrations, entertainment and food.

Tucson Botanical Gardens: Situated in the center of Tucson, this collection

of gardens includes a xeriscape (arid landscaping) demonstration garden, a

historic Tucson garden, spring wild flower garden, tropical greenhouse and

iris garden. Lecture tours offered. Open 7 days a week, 8:30am to 4:30pm

(except city holidays). Gift shop open Mon. – Fri.: 8:30am to 4pm; Sat.:

9am to 4pm; Sun.: noon to 4pm. 2150 N. Alvernon. (520) 326-9225

Tucson Mountain Park: Located west of Tucson, in the Tucson Mountains, this

12,000 acre preserve encompasses some of the most beautiful desert in the

Southwest. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are within its

boundaries, as is Gilbert Ray Campground, which provides spaces for trailers

and campers to park for one week.

Tucson Museum and Historic Block: A recent $3 million expansion doubled the Museum’s gallery and public spaces. Tucson Museum of Art offers a varied

year-around schedule of changing fine arts and crafts exhibitions.

Permanent collections included Western, Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial,

20th Century European and American Art. Galleries are housed in a complex

that covers an entire block and includes the historically restored La Casa

Cordova and J. Knox Corbett homes, Casa Romero, a library, serene outdoor

courtyards with many sculptures and an elegant Museum Shop, featuring the

best of Arizona’s artisans. Mon. – Sat.: 10am to 4pm; Sun.: noon to 4pm.

140 N. Main. (520) 624-2333 

Tumacacori National Monument: Just off I-19, 48 miles south of Tucson, the

ancient Franciscan mission of Tumacacori was one of a string of missions

established by Father Eusebio Kino some 200 years ago. Today, the ruins of

the mission church and other buildings, as well as extensive gardens, are

all open to the public.

I guess there is no excuse to be bored in Tucson! Do you have any places you could add to this list?