2020-09-03 07:39:25
This region has everything from urban attractions to remote solitude—with a whole lot in between. From centuries-old stands of towering saguaro cacti to rolling hillsides in lush wine country to authentic Old West towns that once bustled with prospectors and pioneers, this corner of Arizona is full of surprises. Set aside plenty of time to explore the character-rich college town of Tucson, where art galleries, historic museums, trendsetting eateries and urban adventures beckon. IN THIS REGION Benson Bisbee Elgin Sierra Vista Tombstone Tubac Tucson Willcox Area Highlights ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM, TUCSON This multi-faceted museum offers an array of experiences. Stroll the botanical gardens filled with Sonoran Desert plant life, see wildlife up-close at the onsite zoo, marvel at rocks and minerals at the natural history museum, spot underwater creatures at the aquarium and view artwork in the galleries. CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT, WILLCOX Take the 8-mile paved drive or hike 17 miles of day-use trails to get a full sense of this rare geographical showcase of massive columns, slender spires and impossibly balanced rocks—the result of a large-scale volcanic eruption 27 million years ago. O.K. CORRAL, TOMBSTONE Transport yourself to the rough-and-tumble Wild West when you stand in the very place where the infamous gun fight occurred in 1881. Watch a daily reenactment, walk through the 1880s stables and blacksmith shop, and see historic photographs of Tombstone life as it was “back then.” BISBEE MINING & HISTORICAL MUSEUM, BISBEE Explore “The Queen of the Copper Camps” at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum, where you’ll enter a state-of-the-art mining exhibit rife with crystals, minerals and the history of this historic town, when miners blasted their way through thousands of miles of tunnels in search of copper. TUBAC GOLF RESORT & SPA, TUBAC Made famous by the movie “Tin Cup,” this spectacular golf destination boasts three nine-hole courses with emerald-green fairways, cottonwood and mesquite trees, challenging water features and awe-inspiring mountain views. Stay overnight in one of the luxurious Spanish Colonial-style rooms or suites. CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, TUCSON With an astonishingly vast collection— more than 110,000 works by 2,200 photographers and 8 million archival objects ranging from negatives and contact sheets to scrapbooks and writings—this museum at The University of Arizona continually features exhibitions, programs and events surrounding photography and its history. DOS CABEZAS WINEWORKS, SONOITA Nestled in the high desert grasslands, this scenic winery grows more than 20 varietals across its two vineyards, both located in the area. Stop into the Sonoita tasting room, surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and grape vines, and taste your way through a lineup of red, white and pink blends. KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK, BENSON Delicate soda straw stalactites, colossal columns and the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk are just a few of the sights at this underground wonder. Go on a guided tour to learn about the history, geology and wildlife within the caverns, and see interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center. RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE, HEREFORD Escape to an unusually cool, water-rich oasis in the desert, where high canyon walls, a spring-fed stream and plenty of tree shade provide an ideal environment for flora and fauna. Follow Ramsey Creek along the Hamburg Trail to get a glimpse of wildlife such as hummingbirds, Chiricahua leopard-frogs and black bears. Insta-Worthy Eats Foodies know: there are just some meals you’ll daydream about long after you’ve cleared your plate. When you order these over-the-top dishes at Tucson eateries, be sure to take a picture, because not only will you want to remember them—you’ll want to show them off to your friends on Instagram. 1 Get the mouthwatering Green Chile Mac & Cheese skillet at Tito & Pep, topped with caramelized red onion and barbecue breadcrumbs. 2 No matter what “Burro” you order from the Percheron Mexican Grill food truck, elevate it to Instagram status when you get it bacon wrapped. 3 The picture-perfect Fig Almond Tart at Maynards Market & Kitchen is topped with toasted almonds and a scoop of tart lime gelato. 4 At BOCA Tacos y Tequila, the Taco Dog features a homemade tortilla loaded with a charred bacon-wrapped hot dog, grilled onions, pico de gallo and beans. 5 Taste your way through El Charro Café’s Tamale Temptation Trio: three handmade tamales stuffed with pork carnitas, chicken tomatillo and fresh corn. 6 Freshly baked with locally grown heritage flours, the Heritage Signature Loaf from Barrio Bread features an iconic saguaro stencil. 7 Loaded with chorizo, pickled onions, a sunny side up egg, spicy greens and asadero and cotija cheeses, the Chorizo Fry Bread at The Redlight Lounge inside The Downtown Clifton hotel bursts with flavors and textures. 8 At The Parish, order the award-winning Parish Burger: a juicy Angus beef patty loaded with blue cheese, bacon, red onion marmalade and Dijon mustard. 9 Start your morning with an order of Nook’s Honey Chipotle Carnitas Benedict: a crumpet piled with crispy pork, wilted spinach, poached eggs ART MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Experience everything from local artist studios to renowned museum exhibits. In the artistic town of Tubac, where more than 100 eclectic galleries and locally owned shops line the streets, you’ll find Tubac Center of the Arts, an epicenter of culture where juried art exhibitions, local artist showcases and performing arts events fill the calendar. Or, venture into the desert just outside Tucson at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, a 10-acre National Historic District imagined and built by artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia. With six permanent collections, rotating exhibits and peaceful grounds to explore, this is a retreat to reignite your creativity. At the Tucson Desert Art Museum, history, culture and stories from the Southwestern desert come to life through art and artifacts. Peruse an impressive collection of pre-1940s Navajo textiles, transport yourself to the Old West through classic paintings by Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, and see new mural art by contemporary American Indian artists. Meanwhile, the Amerind Museum, Art Gallery and Research Center in Dragoon is a comprehensive museum that tells the story of America’s indigenous people, from Alaska to South America, from the last Ice Age to present day. While you’re here, browse Western art and contemporary artwork by American Indian artists in the museum’s Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery. MAGICAL MOMENTS IN NATURE BY MARGARET DOYLE If you really want to get in touch with the spirit of the American West, head out into nature. Arizona offers spectacular outdoor adventures, from stunning scenic drives to awesome Sonoran Desert hikes. Go ahead, enjoy a magical moment. As you’re driving along Catalina Highway Scenic Drive, be sure to pull over at Windy Point Vista on Mount Lemmon. Hop onto the pedestrian walkway and seek out one of the panoramic viewing areas, where you’ll be treated to sweeping valley views of Tucson and the dramatic Pusch Ridge Wilderness below. Discover what the buzz is all about at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Patagonia. Sit in the shade of the pavilion—shaped like a hummingbird’s wing—and marvel at the fairy-like birds as they flit at lightning speed from flowers to feeders. Be sure to take a walk along the trail in the lovely Richard Grand Memorial Meadow. Go underground at Colossal Cave Mountain Park in Vail, where the guided Classic Cave Tour will take you six stories deep. Learn about the cave’s history and see ancient formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Back on land, saddle up for a horseback ride to explore the park’s 2,400 acres that sprawl across the cactus-studded Sonoran Desert. Take off on a wilderness hike through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo. Dozens of miles of trails fan out into the Sonoran Desert, where you’ll encounter canyons teeming with plants and wildlife (including tortoises and javelinas). During the winter months, park rangers host fun educational programs.
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