as a “little hotel for the neighborhood.” The lawyer-turned-hotelier bought the 1940s building out of probate from the daughter of the original builders, and the first stage of the revamped hotel was a 10-room property with a manager who lived on-site and often hosted casual get-togethers. “It really became a spot for the community,” Lane says. “We had these impromptu community dinners. People would come and stay with us when their AC was out, or they’d have their family stay here when they were in town.” The hotel — named after Tucson icon, performer, designer and hotel co-owner Clif Taylor — eventually expanded to 30 rooms, while retaining its distinct aesthetic that blended an earthy-meets-vibrant color palette, exposed brick, tilework, polished concrete floors and eclectic furnishings. “We wanted to capture the way Tucson looked and felt from about 1968 to 1973,” Lane says. “People just walk in and say Terra Farm + Manor, Prescott things like ‘My grandmother had this exact highball set.’” Throughout the hotel, you’ll find touches like Louis L’Amour Western novels, record players, vintage artwork and mid-century modern furnishings. “We try very hard to tell the story of Tucson through intimate design details and through the physical build of the space,” Lane says. “It’s a love letter to Tucson.” While these hotels tap into the unique vibe of bygone eras, other lodging spots harness the serenity and culinary abundance provided by Southern Arizona farmlands. Enter: Tirrito Farm in Willcox. Brought to life by Tucson-based cardiologist Dr. Sal Tirrito and his wife, Yuri, an advocate for living in alignment with nature, the 80-acre farm is a model for sustainable farming practices, humane animal husbandry and healthy eating. The couple initially intended for the undeveloped land to become their retirement retreat. Seven years of planning and construction later, they opened the farmstead to like-minded travelers seeking a stay on a working farm. Each of the three private suites offer plush comforts in a modern-rustic aesthetic, while soon-to-open geodesic glamping domes will allow guests to stay even closer to nature. While here, nosh on seasonal dishes from the farm-to-table restaurant, sip limited-production beers in the 10-barrel craft brewery, savor cheese and goat milk from the dairy or buy a gleaming jar of golden honey from the apiary. Tirrito isn’t the only Arizona destination cultivating an epicurean escape. At any given time, a leisurely stroll through the sprawling north-central Arizona property of Terra Farm + Manor reveals a sneak peek of that night’s dinner. Ruffled rosettes of burgundy lettuce. Plump raspberries. Heirloom tomatoes in taut, sun-ripened skin. And then there’s the livestock: grazing MORE UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY Wigwam Motel , Holbrook Teepee-shaped lodging on Historic Route 66. Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch , Mesa Historic Southwest guest ranch by Bulldog Cliffs and the Salt River. Joshua Tree House , Tucson A desert-chic inn bordering Saguaro National Park. The Motor Lodge , Prescott Funky 1930s motel with eclectic decor in historic Downtown. Castle Hot Springs , Morristown Luxe lodging with natural mineral hot springs in the Bradshaw Mountains. Motel DuBeau , Flagstaff Welcoming historic inn featured in The Travel Guide (similar to “the Green Book” for Black motorists). The Shady Dell , Bisbee Authentic vintage trailers and plenty of ‘50s kitsch. JENNY KITTREDGE 31
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2023-24: Page 31
