Joe & Elizabeth
Things To Do
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Not kidding when we tell you that this is one of the best small zoos in the world. You will have a favorite desert animal by the time you leave, Elizabeth loves the desert fox... it treads lightly like a kitty! The "raptor free flight" demonstration is a daily occurrence, and you should schedule your day at the zoo around it if you can. If you’re only gonna see one thing while in Tucson, this is it.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Around an hour south of Tucson, there are big, gorgeous caverns with incredible formations and interesting tours. They take reservations the day of the tours, but we suggest making them a bit more in advance. Check the website and plan accordingly. We have never introduced an out of town guest to Kartchner Caverns and had them disappointed.
All Souls Procession Weekend
Unfortunately the main event is the same time as OUR main event. However, November 1st and on have daily happenings. Saturday offers the Procession of Little Angels, as well as the Personal Alters Vigil. Part of the most endearing of Tucson traditions.
Tombstone
Ever wonder why Joe is a little different? Well, this is where he grew up. If you need a day away from the fast pace of the Old Pueblo, head down to Cochise County to "walk where they fell." If you're planning on a full day, consider including Kartchner Caverns since it's on the way... or Bisbee farther on for the Copper Queen mine. Though the stars at night here are simply breathtaking, we are not aware of any associated with Michelin... so don't go expecting to be having a meal beyond what you may find at a carnival. The O.K. Cafe is probably your best bet, just know that they close at 2:00 pm. On a side note: Joe's parents are the former owners of the Wells Fargo RV Park on 3rd and Allen, and his boarded up old high school is on 7th and Fremont.
Mount Lemmon
It’s not uncommon in Tucson to see a truck cruising down Broadway with a bed full of snow in the back during 80 degree weather. Ladies and Gentlemen: we have a segue into the subject of local getaway, Mount Lemmon. It’s the southern most ski destination in the US! Offering awesome views during the drive up or down the mountain, it’s a 30-45 minute trip that pulls you up out of the desert and down 30 degrees.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
This is a place that you can experience some Arizona wildlife. You can walk or take the tram, depending on your endurance and motivation. There are many trails to choose from, as well as guided day and evening tram tours. Bring PLENTY of WATER. It is worth it if you can make it all the way to 7 Falls for the views! Check the website for conditions like to see if the water is running.
Pima Air & Space Museum
There may be no air in space, but there's an Air & Space Museum! Aviation junkie? Welcome to your Mecca. The Pima Air & Space Museum is a massive complex on the southeastern part of Tucson next to the Davis-Monthan Air Force base. The museum has fairly extensive indoor displays, but the tram ride will really give you some scope. It's about 2 and a half miles on the hour tram tour through the outdoor "boneyard." A volunteer ex-military docent guides the tram and will explain all the different aircraft outside. You may recognize the boneyard from Patrick Dempsey's 80's juggernaut film "Can't Buy Me Love" or, for more contemporary movie-goers: "Transformers: RotF." Maybe Shai LaBeouf will ultimately end up here. *If aeronautical and spacey are your thing, we further recommend the a-little-out-of-the-way destinations of Kitt Peak National Observatory or, in the opposite direction, the Titan Missle Museum and the Mt. Graham Observatory.
Mission San Xavier Del Bac
You should see the dome and whitewash on the way in from miles off. This is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, and a Catholic Spanish mission that still ministers to parishioners. Founded by the prolific Father Kino (known, amongst many other things, as Arizona's first rancher as well as proving that the Baja California Peninsula is not an island), San Xavier is currently being restored. Outdoor stands offer must-try fry bread and also be sure to take one of the free docent led tours.
Biosphere 2
#1 destination of every Southern Arizona class field trip in the 90's. One view of Biosphere 2 by Discovery Magazine in the late 80's was that it was "the most exciting scientific project to be undertaken in the U.S. since President John F. Kennedy launched us toward the moon" ...though this is no longer the popular consensus, it is a neat place to see Science and the Arrogance of Man collide. Something we all wish we could forget – the failed experiment also spawned Pauly Shore's cinematic masterpiece "Biodome." The soundtrack is okay, though.
Amazing Food
Like food? You are in luck!! Tucson is the only place in the United States designated a City of Gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, known by its not wholly capitalized acronym — “Unesco.” If native mesquite bean paste, prickly pear candy, or nopales aren’t your thing, not to worry: One downtown eatery claims to have invented the chimichanga, which is a DEEP FRIED burrito!! We will give you some of our favorites below, but it’s hard to go wrong with any local restaurant and a quick review search online. ***DO NOT PASS UP THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A SONORAN DOG*** (the breakfast burritos are also outstanding)
El Güero Canelo
This is what you came to Tucson for. Well, this and the Sonoran Desert Museum. OK... this, the zoo, and the wedding. A Sonoran dog is a frank, wrapped in bacon, put in a bolillo bun with pinto beans, then gussied up like a taco. This place has the best dog on the Eastside of town, but we encourage you to stop at any roadside Mexican food truck. Ambiance aside, they all have great stuff. Fun fact: Sonoran dogs are big business. So big, in fact, that back in 2011, the owner (El Güero, himself) was a victim of attempted extortion for $600,000 from a competitor. Unbeknowst to the offenders, Federal officers often frequented his Northside location for lunch. They got wind of it, and the perps ultimately went down in a sting operation. So ended the Tucson Sonoran Dog Wars. ...and they all lived happily ever after.
Eegee's
These frozen drinks are a favorite of Elizabeth. Many times has she sat with a discolored tongue and a sense of serenity. In her humble opinion, Eegee's fries are peerless. For the sandwiches, give a "deluxe" grinder a try. November's flavor of the month is still a mystery... She's keeping her fingers crossed for some version of cherry (and/or lime). ¡¿¡Cherry-lime!?! ...it's been known to happen.
Beyond Bread
Elizabeth always has to go here when she is back in town. Terrific sandwiches, tasty desserts, and homemade artesian bread. Do yourself a favor and have at least one lunch here. We listed the East Side location, but check out any of the three in town (and there's one at the airport!)
The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol
For our epicurean guests. The Grill offers gourmet food, terrific ambiance, and one of the best wine lists in Arizona. Make a reservation as early out as you can, and request the West Patio room for a sunset dinner. This is one of the best, if not THE best, dining experiences in Southern Arizona. We have never even heard of anyone going here and not being impressed. Tucson Semi-Formal.
The Silver Saddle Steakhouse
Favorite spot of the Bride and Groom. Don't let the location off the Interstate 10 ramp fool you, it's one of the best steakhouses, well, anywhere. Mesquite grilled meat. Prime rib. Huge desserts. Make a reservation or get there early. Tucson Casual.
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
Seafood? In Tucson? Yup... and this is the place to get it. Some consider this a real gamble being as there is no ocean, let alone major bodies of water, for leagues on end. However, The Kingfisher has done a great job in sourcing ocean favorites and then preparing and cooking them to perfection. Fresh oysters, fresh bread, and great service. All the time. Whether you go for happy hour at the bar or a sit down meal, this local favorite never disappoints. Tucson Casual.
A Tucson Breakfast Burrito
The breakfast burrito is truly done best in Tucson... and most Tucsonans don't enjoy one until well after noon. We would run out of room if we put all the shops that offer a fantastic breakfast burrito, so we tacked on a top five link. A good way to a quick argument is to proclaim one as "the best". Joe believes that Paco's enjoys that moniker, other Tucson native friends, opinions of whom he RESPECTFULLY disagrees with, say Viva Burrito. You can also find a Nico's just about anywhere in town, and their non-burrito option of "The Flying Saucer" is out of this world. Stick to the list embedded in this recommendation, and you'll be enjoying some quick, tasty, inexpensive Mexican food before you can say "panzón!"
Miss Saigon
Need a break from steaks, burritos, and other "Southwestern" cuisine?? Well, a kooky thing about this town is the amount of international variety available. Miss Saigon has outstanding Phở, not just for Tucson, but for anywhere outside of Vietnam. They even had the good sense not to name their establishment something goofy like "Phở Da Luvah Peet," "Phở King Tasty," or "Phở Shizzle." Their to-go food is a great idea for a low-key night. Check out the online menu, dial up your order, and it's ready for pick up in about 15 minutes.
Nightlife
Downtown and 4th Avenue, convieniently located within walking distance of each other, are the spots for the most concentrated area of goings-ons in Tucson. Clubs, dives, college bars, and music venues are all peppered in about a mile radius of each other. Need a good central starting place? Take an Uber to Hotel Congress to get the ball rolling. Breathe deep the gathering hipster vibe.
Shooter's & The Grant Road Dive Bars
In Tucson, the closest bar you live near is called a "neighborhood" bar, not a "dive" bar. A dive bar is a place those other scumbags go. Though not on Grant Road, Shooter's is as good a place to start as any. They have great steak sandwiches, served until 10pm-ish, decent priced drinks, and karaoke on various nights. Moving east along Grant, you have the Bayhorse Tavern, with an oversized chair; the Mint, an all-around dump, and yet the only one with a website; and the Shelter, a 60's deco martini bar. Do us all a favor and take a taxi or Uber if you attempt this run.
Golf
Don't neglect Tucson as a legitimate golf destination as there are over 40 courses to choose from. If you want to splurge, reserve a tee-time and head to one of many golf resorts to take on a world-class course. If you wanna play but not break the bank, have an affordable, but challenging, round at one of the City of Tucson's five outstanding municipal courses as reviewed by the Dalai Lama himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes. The grace. Bald. ...striking. The street address and phone number above are for Joe’s favorites — the centrally located Randolph & Dell Urich city courses. The municipal courses also rent Ping clubs (link in View Button). So you have that going for you... which is nice.