Tucson help

[Chickenman Testa]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

 

[pandaczar12]

Tucson is an awesome college town. Downtown was hopping on a Saturday night, especially the area where Congress meets 4th Avenue.

There are plenty of breweries, but none that are amazing. Crooked Tooth was our favorite, probably followed by Pueblo Vida and borderlands. We hit a bunch of others ones, but none made an impression.

Tombstone is just about an hour away, it's pretty cool to see in general. But the best brewery in the area is Tombstone Brewing. Two birds... one stone.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

Saguaro is a must see. If you're into military aircraft, take a tour of the bone yard at Davis-Monthan AFB. It's the largest bone yard of retired military aircraft in the world. (4,500). Requires a 10 day advanced reservation and a must see if you like that kind of stuff. Here's a link for making a reservation.

http://www.pimaair.org/tour-boneyard


You can also drive down to Nogales (about an hour drive) and check out the caravans at the border crossing. :>)

 

[sammyk]

Go to Pinniclal Petes steakhouse Awesome

 

[ILLINOISLION]

About 30 years ago stayed at Loew’s Ventana Canyon for 3-4 nights, great place. You’ll be missing two good golf courses at the resort and a good one across town, Starr Pass.

I like Tucson MUCH more than the mega -Phoenix area. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Obliviax]

About 30 years ago stayed at Loew’s Ventana Canyon for 3-4 nights, great place. You’ll be missing two good golf courses at the resort and a good one across town, StarPass.

I like Tucson MUCH more than the mega -Phoenix area. Hope you enjoy!

OK, another Oblviax story...sorry.

I stayed at that JW Marriott and golfed Starr Pass with some co-workers and clients. On the sixth hole tee, 106 degrees, we look up and see some guy in flowing robes leaving the JW with an entourage. One of the guys says "that's the Dali Lama. He is here conducting several meetings." Of course, everyone jumps into the best Bill Murray/Caddy Shack imitation. Turns out, while the Lama was banished, he would sell his time to people who wanted some one-on-one enlightenment. Probably just a scam but it was and is one of the golf highlights of my golfing life.

 

[artsandletters]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

Yell HELP!! - same as anywhere else.

 

[Frabjous]

For Mexican food, try El Charro Cafe.

https://www.elcharrocafe.com/

 

[BBrown]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

Sonoran Desert Museum is excellent. So that is an excellent start.
Sabino Canyon is also very good.
Gates Pass for Sunset is a must. Besides its a really easy drive.
Catalina Mts. Have some really good hikes.
Kings Canyon is a very good hike. Awesome views and IIRC its only a couple miles from the Desert Musuem and Visitor Center.
I liked the Toma at El Charo restaurant in Old Town Tucson, really good.
Old Town Tucson is also very nice.

Also St. Xavier Mission is worth the drive, its not that far plus you can tour the Titan Missile Museum which I think is a must. Really, really interesting especially if you can relate to that tie period.

I love Tucson.

 

[BBrown]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

Here are some pics.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157644513965519

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157696856247175

 

[BBrown]

For Mexican food, try El Charro Cafe.

https://www.elcharrocafe.com/

+100.
I've been there several times and its always good.
Margaritas are excellent but then they are almost everywhere there.

 

[fairgambit]

My wife and I visited her cousin in Tucson last year and, in addition to some of the sites already mentioned, we very much enjoyed our visit to the Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is about 10 miles outside of town. It's the oldest European structure in Arizona (built in the late 1780's, and continues to serve the Native community. It has been described as the Sistine Chapel of the United States because of the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and color art which adorns the interior.
No admission fee but donations are appreciated.
Official site: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Here are some pics.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157644513965519

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157696856247175

That nighttime shot of the Saguaro from below is amazing. Thanks - cool pics

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Thanks fellas.

 

[PinchotPenthouse]

I've stayed at Loews Ventana Canyon. Very nice resort. A good restaurant to try is Cafe Poca Cosa (https://cafepocacosatucson.com/). It has relocated since I ate there. They don't have a fixed menu. It changes for lunch and dinner each day.

 

[Nitwit]

Go to Pinniclal Petes steakhouse Awesome

Isn’t that restaurant near Scottsdale instead of Tucson?

 

[sammyk]

Nope

 

[CoastFan]

For Mexican food, try El Charro Cafe.

https://www.elcharrocafe.com/

Would second this for two reasons. One, it was stated in the link but the downtown location is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Two, they offer air dried beef in a number of their dishes:burritos, tacos and enchiladas. They claim that Tucson is the only city in the U.S. which has the climate to dry the beef this way. (Yes, they claim that not even Phoenix can do this. I take that with a grain of salt personally.) Anyhow, the air dried beef has a very intense flavor which is unique.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Would second this for two reasons. One, it was stated in the link but the downtown location is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Two, they offer air dried beef in a number of their dishes:burritos, tacos and enchiladas. They claim that Tucson is the only city in the U.S. which has the climate to dry the beef this way. (Yes, they claim that not even Phoenix can do this. I take that with a grain of salt personally.) Anyhow, the air dried beef has a very intense flavor which is unique.

Well, Tucson is at a 1,300 foot higher elevation than Phoenix.

 

[Bob_Anderson]

Would second this for two reasons. One, it was stated in the link but the downtown location is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Two, they offer air dried beef in a number of their dishes:burritos, tacos and enchiladas. They claim that Tucson is the only city in the U.S. which has the climate to dry the beef this way. (Yes, they claim that not even Phoenix can do this. I take that with a grain of salt personally.) Anyhow, the air dried beef has a very intense flavor which is unique.

I would third this, as I've been there a few times. Every time I visit, I ask my local buddy if we can go get the "dry rotted beef".

 

[CentexLion]

Going to Tucson for a few days soon to get away from work for a few days. Not golfing as I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury. Mainly plan on hiking and sightseeing. I plan on going to Saguaro NP and museum, Mt Lemmon and Sabino Canyon, and driving to Carancahua. Any other cool things in the nearby area?

Besides that need restaurant ideas. Like pretty much everything except seafood. And how’s their craft beer scene?

I’m staying at Loews Ventana Canyon if that’s any help

TIA

Have a safe and fun trip CT.

We went for an anniversary party 4 years ago.
1. El Charro is great. Highly recommended
2. The Sonoran Desert Museum was great
3. Did the trip up the mountain to the east, with a few stops on the way up for side hikes. Ski slope at the top. Plenty of bikers and skateboarders on the ride. I plan on biking it next time there
4. Visited a cave south of Tucson which was quite nice. I need to look it up again
5. One evening, we hired a PhD astronomer who took us west of Tucson for 4 hours of night sky watching with some pretty nice telescopes. She told me that Tuscon has the highest per-capita astronomers in the US. We took a bottle of wine and did star gazing on a very nice evening

Best Regards to you

 

[CoastFan]

I was going to call BS, but I see you missed a key word there, it's the nation's oldest "Mexican" restaurant. There are restaurants way older than 1922 in this country.

Yes, obviously missed the word "Mexican". Anyhow, for anyone visiting the Tucson area, this should be on the restaurant list.

The Pinnacle Peak reference in another post should be expanded on. There is/was a Pinnacle Peak in the Scottsdale area although I;'m not sure if it was the same company as the one in Tucson.

At one time there was one in Garden Grove, California. I went to that location years ago when I lived in Orange County. The shtick was the same as the Tucson location. Wear a tie and they will ceremoniously cut it off and pin it to the rafters.

 

[Wandering Spectator]

I just sent a list to a buddy that is also planning a trip to Tucson.

Bisbee – funky little town with neat restaurants (Cafe Roka), bars, shops and hotels along with a Copper Mine tour. https://www.discoverbisbee.com/

Tombstone – on the way to Bisbee. Touristy old west town with shops and shows. https://tombstoneweb.com/

Kartchner Caverns - Underground Cave https://azstateparks.com/kartchner/

Sonoita and Elgin Wine Country – I've never been there, but it’s supposed to be decent, but nothing like Napa. http://www.sonoitaelginchamber.org/winetasting.html

Mt Lemmon – Drive from the base of Tucson to 7,000+ feet through forests to a ski area. https://www.visitarizona.com/uniquely-az/parks-and-monuments/mount-lemmon

Sabino Canyon – Park with a tram ride up into the canyon https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=80532

Saguaro National Park – Drive through desert scenery just west of Tucson. https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

Pima Air and Space Museum – http://www.pimaair.org/

Mission San Xavier del Bac - Spanish Mission. https://southernarizonaguide.com/mission-san-xavier-del-bac/

 

[NewEra 2014]

Dove Mountain golf club is a great place to go for an evening meal. Live music on the patio and beautiful sunsets when we were there. There are also a few nice restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating in the La Encantada shopping center--North Italia was one we really enjoyed. (I'm sure someone will chime in and say they had a terrible experience at both places, but that is this board for ya!)

 

[PSUcup1]

I was going to call BS, but I see you missed a key word there, it's the nation's oldest "Mexican" restaurant. There are restaurants way older than 1922 in this country.

I believe that Ralph's in Philly is the Oldest Italian Restaurant in America, established in 1900

 

[kickerinaz]

I'm partial to Barrio brewery. It's rustic , but legit. Tombstone is fun at night. Little stroll around using your imagination. If your down that far and like to hike Cochise Stronghold is a magical place. Underrated wine scene in Cochise county. They are an up and coming regional producer.

 

[BBrown]

Would second this for two reasons. One, it was stated in the link but the downtown location is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Two, they offer air dried beef in a number of their dishes:burritos, tacos and enchiladas. They claim that Tucson is the only city in the U.S. which has the climate to dry the beef this way. (Yes, they claim that not even Phoenix can do this. I take that with a grain of salt personally.) Anyhow, the air dried beef has a very intense flavor which is unique.

+1 I've been to El Charro 5 times and every time its been really, really good.
Love their Tamales.
The location is really great it has a paid lot right across the street plus there's usually parking on the street as long as a festival isn't going on. But thats one of the great things about that area they do a lot of festivals all year long.
Have been very, very impressed with Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana area.
Spent a week last May at a VRBO in Marana and it was a great. Hiking trails all over the developments, bars, restaurants, grocery stores that sell wine, beer, and hard liquor. And some really good Tequila (Heaven).
Tucson Airport is great, really easy in and out.

 

[BBrown]

Have a safe and fun trip CT.

We went for an anniversary party 4 years ago.
1. El Charro is great. Highly recommended
2. The Sonoran Desert Museum was great
3. Did the trip up the mountain to the east, with a few stops on the way up for side hikes. Ski slope at the top. Plenty of bikers and skateboarders on the ride. I plan on biking it next time there
4. Visited a cave south of Tucson which was quite nice. I need to look it up again
5. One evening, we hired a PhD astronomer who took us west of Tucson for 4 hours of night sky watching with some pretty nice telescopes. She told me that Tuscon has the highest per-capita astronomers in the US. We took a bottle of wine and did star gazing on a very nice evening

Best Regards to you

Good post.
I was there last may and one thing I was a little disappointed with was some light pollution. I thought it would be more "dark sky" than it actually is.
I thought the West Side around the Oro Valley area was a little better than
Marana.
But just a great place to live or visit.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Have a safe and fun trip CT.

We went for an anniversary party 4 years ago.
1. El Charro is great. Highly recommended
2. The Sonoran Desert Museum was great
3. Did the trip up the mountain to the east, with a few stops on the way up for side hikes. Ski slope at the top. Plenty of bikers and skateboarders on the ride. I plan on biking it next time there
4. Visited a cave south of Tucson which was quite nice. I need to look it up again
5. One evening, we hired a PhD astronomer who took us west of Tucson for 4 hours of night sky watching with some pretty nice telescopes. She told me that Tuscon has the highest per-capita astronomers in the US. We took a bottle of wine and did star gazing on a very nice evening

Best Regards to you

Same to you man. Yeah, I’m definitely driving up Mt. Lemmon. I love those western drives where you start in desert or close to it and move through various ecosystems (e.g. Piñon pines to spruces) as you ascend.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I'm partial to Barrio brewery. It's rustic , but legit. Tombstone is fun at night. Little stroll around using your imagination. If your down that far and like to hike Cochise Stronghold is a magical place. Underrated wine scene in Cochise county. They are an up and coming regional producer.

Yeah re: Cochise. I think Carancahua was where he hung out. Looks like a cool drive and the rock formations look awesome