Tucson travel info?

[Len]

The wife and I are going down for our second visit this Fall. I have a nephew that lives/works there. This will be our second visit to him.

We're staying at a ranch just east of town.

Two questions: Other than the typical trip up Mount Lemmon, what else should we make of point of seeing and doing while in the area?

And second, we'll be celebrating the nephew's birthday, too. Where's a good place to take him to dinner? Price is not an issue [he's a very worthy guy!].

I'm really looking forward to this trip...it's been over three years since I last had a vacation!

Thanks for any advice!

Len

 

[Gunslinger808]

Wow, so much to do so little time.
I don't know your interest, but there are a few items within an hour of you.
Typical tourist trap Tombstone.
KartchnerCaverns:
Arizona State Parks: Kartchner Caverns: Home
Titan Missel Museum:
Home
Biosphere 2:
Biosphere2
Pima Air museum:
Home : Pima Air & Space Museum : Tucson, Arizona

Here's a whole list of things to do/see, including night life and restaurants;
100 Things to Do in Tucson Arizona - Events - Attraction - Tucson Visitors

Seeing where you're from I'd stay away from outdoor stuff, right now temperatures are between 102-107 degrees (it's a dry heat), and the Sun will fry you quickly without sunscreen.
Bring a hat, lots of water, and at least SPF 30!

Or you can come up to Florence and drink beer with me.

 

[wuluf]

If you like Mexican food, either El Charro downtown or Rosa's at Ft. Lowell and Campbell. El Charro for ambiance...

 

[jkc]

Definitely see Karchner Caverns if time permits --- take both tours! If you're interested in wildlife, visit the International Wildlife Museum on Gates Pass Rd. on the far west side of town. The grand dame of Tucson resorts is the Arizona Inn --- elegant, antique, indulgent, with very highly rated restaurant.

 

[madmikeb]

My wife and I go to Tucson for a couple weeks every spring.
We don't do many "sit down" meals, I'm too cheap!
For meals:
Sandwiches
Far and away our favorite place is Baggins Gourmet Sandwiches, the sandwiches are wonderful.
Beyond Bread is also a great sandwich place.
For BBQ Brushfire Barbecue is the place.
Magpies Gourmet Pizza has great Pizza, although they have the stores posted against CCW which dampens my enthusiasm but it is good Pizza.
For a real restaurant Hifalutin is pretty darn good and is owned by the people that own Baggins so it has a good pedigree.
There are some pretty good gunshops around Tucson if you google Tucson gunshops you can get a list.
Attractions:
Pima Air and Space Museum is great as is the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Sabino Canyon is also worth a look if you want to walk around. We took the the ride to the end then walked back out of the canyon.
In Cochise county Tombstone and Bisbee are worth a walk through. Tombstone is a tourist trap but it still is a pretty good slice of history. In Bisbee check out the Second Amendment Family Gunshop and say hi to David Greenberg, he's a great guy and really knows whats going on!
The Chiricahua National Monument is quite something and if you're up for a hike Fort Bowie is another slice of history. Ramsey Canyon Nature Preserve outside of Sierra Vista is also a nice place to hike. Lots of birds and wildlife.
We did a box canyon ATV tour in Florence a couple years back and had a great time.
I'm a country boy and not a fan of cities but I think Tucson is hard to beat, it is by far my wife and my favorite city. We bought land just north of Douglas a few years back and are counting the days until we can move out.
Just keep plenty of sunscreen on hand, keep hydrated and enjoy life!
I would be glad to offer my services as a guide, I don't eat much and won't take up to much room!

 

[Gunslinger808]

We did a box canyon ATV tour in Florence a couple years back and had a great time.

I take my quad through there once a week or so, a great ride with lots to see.

 

[BCDWYO]

Saguaro National Park is definitely worth seeing. Tombstone is kinda fun too if you like "old west tourist towns".

 

[madmikeb]

Curious as to where you're staying east of the city, we always stay just outside the city limits on east Speedway at the Casitas at Smokey Springs Ranch. Great place, great people. Peace and quiet, yet all Tucson has to offer is just down the road.

 

[Eminence]

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Monument and Mission San Xavier Del Bac (The White Dove of the Desert) are a few of my favorite places to visit.

 

[Len]

Sincere thanks for the replies. I've added a lot of stuff to the agenda while there, based on your input.

MadMike, we're staying at the Tanque Verde ranch. Talked to a few people who have stayed there, and they loved it, and it's not much more than 20 minutes from the nephew.

I like the load of day trips you all have suggested.

Now all I have to do is try to hang on until vacation time!

Len

 

[LEO918]

There are usually about three gun shows a month in Tucson.

 

[Indiana George]

Hi Len!

I lived in Tucson in the early 80's and returned years later with my new bride for a week long stay at the Tanque Verde Ranch. Although that has been a few years ago, I think that you will greatly enjoy your stay.

I too, will also recommend the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. I've been there many times and enjoyed every visit.

http://www.desertmuseum.org/

Another worthwhile jaunt would be to take I-19 south to Tubac, Arizona. Quaint little town with many galleries and shops specializing in Southwestern artwork, pottery, etc.

http://visittubac.com/?gclid=CKSDl5yt0bACFWQDQAodnhwXWg

Note: If your suitcase seems a bit heavy when you arrive at the airport, just check the side pouch . . . that's me tagging along for the ride to one of my favorite towns!

Enjoy.

 

[BearBio]

San Javier Mission. Considered by many to be the prettiest of the missions

 

[Cyrano]

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Monument and Mission San Xavier Del Bac (The White Dove of the Desert) are a few of my favorite places to visit.

Eminence got it right!! Each is incredible in its own way. It's been too long since I visited any of these.