My Favorite Tucson Attractions And More

Other posts by DesertMama

It’s finally time to say good-bye to Tucson. I’ve lived here many years and have enjoyed every moment. There is so much to see anddsc_2882 do in Southern Arizona and, let me tell you, there is nothing more breathtaking than a Sonoran Desert sunset (thank the dusty environment for those).  But before I head north to Minnesota  I’d like to share some of my favorite Tucson attractions and what I’ll miss most.

1. Mt. Lemmon. The stunning backdrop of Tucson is more than just scenery. On the east side of Tucson you can drive up Catalina Highway to Mt. Lemmon for  a day or weekend of seasonal activities: hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, sledding and even an upcoming Oktoberfest.

2. Delicious Eats. I dread leaving the marvelous Southwest cuisine. Mexican restaurants are found on every corner, many family owned. Some of my favorites are up near where I live on the northwest side of town: La Parilla Suiza, El Charro Cafe (did someone say margaritas?) and then there are the non-Mexican inspired choices like Zinburger (wine and burgers do pair well) and Harvest (talk about fresh ingredients – and right across from my neighborhood in Oro Valley).

3. The Wild West. Southern Arizona relishes its Wild West history, and there are plenty of places to get your fill. Old Tucson Studios, Tombstone and Trail Dust Town are all fun places to take the family to relive the Old West.

4. Saguaros. When I first moved to the desert I was completely enthralled by the miles of Saguaros – and the novelty never seemed to wear off.  These regal succulents help give Tucson its special ambiance.

Old Tucson Studios

5. Finally, what I will miss the most: The People. We’re leaving my stepsons here to continue their high school studies, of course they still have their mom, sister,  family and gazillion friends in Tucson – so they won’t be lonely – but we will miss them. And we can’t wait to welcome them to the Twin Cities and show them our new home.

I’ve made some wonderful friends over the years, from the Tucson Moms playgroup I joined as a new mom to the wonderful teachers and parents at St. Andrews Preschool and Manzanita Elementary to my supportive Toastmasters group and, finally, my wonderful writers group. I will miss them all dearly.

Speaking of Tucson writers… it seems appropirate to introduce you to some of them and their blogs – as they all have something special to share. dsc_1766If you’re looking to see Tucson on a budget, visit Kate Reynolds’ blog Tucson on the Cheap (she is always digging up free and cheap stuff to do). If you’re a pet lover, Edie Jarolim (also a travel writer) has a new book coming out: Am I Boring My Dog? Donna L. Hull writes travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet and Vera Marie Badertscher is behind A Traveler’s Library (Love books? Love travel? This site is for you).

I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of my favorite Tucson attractions and the people I adore, there are plenty more I was unable to list.

While it’s difficult to say good-bye to a city I have grown to love, it’s also an exciting time. I’m always up for an adventure and there is certainly one on the horizon: new friends to make, restaurants to check out, attractions to discover and experiences to be had. I guess this also means I will no longer be DesertMama…

Good-bye, Tucson!

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August 27, 2009 | Filed Under Family Travel 

Comments

11 Responses to “My Favorite Tucson Attractions And More”

  1. Kate says:
    August 28, 2009 at

    Beth, I wish you every sort of good thing in your new adventure. Btw, I used to spend summer in Minneapolis (many, many years ago), and I loved the lakes and the trees and the berries and . . . well, lots of things. Yes, there is actual water there. It is the blue stuff that is wet. Your kids might learn to fish there–the lakes are gorgeous. (My grandparents lived near Lake Harriet, and I adored it.)

    Please, please keep in touch. You will always be a part of us back here in Tucson.

    Kate

    P.S. Thank you for the very generous words about my blog.

  2. Donna Hull says:
    August 28, 2009 at

    Whaaa! You’re really going after all. Beth, I’ll miss meeting you for coffee at Barnes and Noble where we dished about our writing world, compared notes and shared publication suggestions. Thanks for the blog love and come back to see us anytime.

    Donna

  3. ciamis says:
    August 29, 2009 at

    I honestly love this website. Your posts help to remind me.. Keep up the great work and please visit by my health blog sometime. I would appreciate it!

  4. Pat says:
    August 29, 2009 at

    Beth,

    I wish you a safe trip, gentle breezes, blue sky and a mild winter. Hope our paths cross again.

    Pat

  5. Debbie Dubrow says:
    August 29, 2009 at

    My meetup with you is one of the things I always remember about Tuscon – good luck in your new home.

  6. Nancy D. Brown says:
    August 30, 2009 at

    I will always think of you as desertmama. Safe travels, my friend.

  7. Lynn Goya says:
    August 30, 2009 at

    I wish you the best on your new journey! The desert is a fascinating place, and I am sure you will return to it on occasion….

    Perhaps you might even find an occasion to visit the deserts in Nevada…I think you would find some of the same beauty and intrigue as in Tucson…

  8. Vera Marie Badertscher says:
    August 31, 2009 at

    We know that you’ll be back. Nobody can live forever without an Eegees!
    Thanks for departing with a little tip of the hat to our little Tucson blogging clan. We won’t miss you, though–thanks to all this social networking stuff!

    Vera

  9. Anna Michaels says:
    September 1, 2009 at

    Hi…nice blog and a very interesting article.
    Your detailed description will help people know more about Tuscon in a detailed manner in case they want to visit the place and know more about it.
    Keep up the good work.
    Regards
    Anna.

  10. Jet Set Life says:
    September 1, 2009 at

    This post helps remind everyone that there are splendid places to travel to in our very own continent. I’m quite sure my readers would enjoy this as well. Thanks!

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    November 6, 2009 at

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