So I'm leaving friday, and will be in Tucson for a week. Never been there. Anything I should see or do while I'm there? Won't have my bike, and will be with my family, but any suggestions don't have to be kid friendly. No kids involved [thumbsup]
I don't know how close Tuscon is to Chandler, but i really wanna go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Attack_Grill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Attack_Grill) if ever in the neighborhood.
I spend a good amount of time in Tucson. If you're looking for a nice place to have dinner with your family you should check out Cafe Poca Cosa. A friend of mine and his wife took us there for dinner and it was awesome.
Here's the website:
http://cafepocacosatucson.com/ (http://cafepocacosatucson.com/)
As the weather will be nice you may want to check out the Pima Air and Space Museum.
http://www.pimaair.org/ (http://www.pimaair.org/)
The claim to fame for that museam is the Titian missle silo tour. It's the only underground nuclear missle silo that you can tour in the US.
There's also the Biosphere 2:
http://www.b2science.org/ (http://www.b2science.org/)
Are you looking for more ethnic things to do or see? Mexico is less than 2hrs away, so the influence is pretty strong in the area.
Here's a cool link of 101 things to do/see in Tucson:
http://www.tucsonguidemagazine.com/101things.asp (http://www.tucsonguidemagazine.com/101things.asp)
[thumbsup]
Quote from: Jaman on March 11, 2009, 01:05:08 PM
I don't know how close Tuscon is to Chandler, but i really wanna go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Attack_Grill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Attack_Grill) if ever in the neighborhood.
Tucson is about 1.5 hours south of Chandler.
If you like baseball, spring training is going on right now. The Diamondbacks and the Rockies play down there. Here's next weeks schedule:
Mar 14th Sat Mariners at ROCKIES 1:10P @ Hi Corbett Field
Mar 15th Sun Cubs at DIAMONDBACKS 1:05P @ Tucson Electric Park
Mar 16th Mon Rockies at DIAMONDBACKS 1:05P @ Tucson Electric Park
Mar 17th Tue Royals at ROCKIES 1:10P @ Hi Corbett Field
Mar 17th Tue White Sox at DIAMONDBACKS* 1:05P @ Tucson Electric Park
Mar 18th Wed Brewers at DIAMONDBACKS 1:05P @ Tucson Electric Park
Mar 20th Fri Rangers at ROCKIES 1:10P @ Hi Corbett Field
Mar 21st Sat Royals at DIAMONDBACKS 1:05P @ Tucson Electric Park
Mar 22nd Sun Indians at ROCKIES 1:10P @ Hi Corbett Field
This is the best time of year to be here, it's absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside right now! 70 - 80 degrees, bright blue sunny skies 8)
If you do get an itch to meet any local riders, the guys who run the DesmoSouthwest group run a shop called On Any Moto. You should check them out if you get Ducati withdrawls. [evil]
http://onanymoto.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=2 (http://onanymoto.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=2)
My parents are living there right now.
My Dad is a contract employee at the Air Force base.
I could probably toss you some places to eat; they have been living there for 2 years
To do:
Hiking - There are tons of trails arouns Tucson from easy walks in the low desert to strenuous burns up into the Catalinas, Rincons and Santa Ritas. One of the easier and very scenic hikes is up to Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon - you can jump in the pools on a warm day http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/sabino-canyon/bear-canyon-trail.html (http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/sabino-canyon/bear-canyon-trail.html)
Kartchner Caverns is nearby http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html (http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum http://www.desertmuseum.org/ (http://www.desertmuseum.org/)
Sky Diving? http://www.skydiveaz.com/ (http://www.skydiveaz.com/)
Tombstone and Bisbee a bit further out if you're into touristy old west stuff
Eats:
El Parador http://elparadortucson.com (http://elparadortucson.com)
Poca Cosa is also a good one
El Corral http://www.elcorraltucson.com/index.htm (http://www.elcorraltucson.com/index.htm)
Breakfast: Blue Willow http://www.bluewillowtucson.com (http://www.bluewillowtucson.com)
I grew up there and my family still lives there. Cafe Poca Cosa is a good tip for "fancy" Mexican ($25+ for entrees). For cheap Mexican there are several. If you like whole fried snapper (called Pargo) for roll your own fish tacos El Meson de Cobre is great - order the [bacon] wrapped shrimp for an app. Another great Mexican seafood place is Mariscos Chihuahua (essentially on the corner of Grande and Speedway). They have a shrimp dish with an avocado sauce that is amazing. For straight up Sonoran style dishes for cheap the best place in town is Rosa's on 1st and Fort Lowell. If you find yourself needing some late night drunk munchies, stop at a Nico's Tacos - they are everywhere and most are open 24-7.
I'd skip Mexico IMHO unless you need to be harassed by vendors selling crap, need to be kidnapped, or want to buy pharms. Nogales is highly overrated. I love Mexico, but hate border towns. If you want the old world vibe and want to do some curio shopping, stop in Tubac, about 20 miles before you get to Nogales.
What kind of things are you in to? +1 on the Pima Air Museum and the other attractions mentioned by Monster Dave. I don't golf, but there is fabulous golfing. I like to hike a lot and there are some real awesome day hikes in the area. Pima Canyon is great, Catalina State Park's Romero Canyon Trail, Finger Rock Trail, Linda Vista Trail, and Sabino Canyon. All of the aforementioned trails are North or North and West of Tucson, but right in the foothills of the Catalinas. If you bird watch, this time of year is great and Madera Canyon (45 minutes south on the road to Nogales) is a good spot as is Ramsey Canyon. Kitt Peak Observatory is another cool place that involves a nice drive up to high elevation. The San Xavier Mission south of Tucson is neat if you are in to old churches. Go hungry and eat some indian fry bread from a stand out front.
If you like scenic drives, the drive up Mount Lemmon can't be beat and is right in town. You go from 2500 ft elevation to almost 9000 ft in like 30 miles or so. Stop at Windy Point for an incredible vista. Highway 83 to Sonoita is another great drive and a good day trip is to head out of Tucson on I-10 East, Take Hwy 83 south to Sonoita, East on 82 to 80 to Tombstone. Tombstone is a tourist trap, but interesting if you are in to gunfight reenactments and cowboy memorabilia. I would continue on from there to Bisbee on 80. Bisbee is an awesome town. There you can take the mine tour and bum around in this old town before heading back. It would be an all day affair.
If you like zoos, the Desert Museum is a fantastic zoo for desert creatures. It sits right in the middle of Saguaro National Monument West, which also has some excellent hiking.
PM me if you want any more tips,
Quote from: DCXCV on March 11, 2009, 02:34:12 PM
To do:
Hiking - There are tons of trails arouns Tucson from easy walks in the low desert to strenuous burns up into the Catalinas, Rincons and Santa Ritas. One of the easier and very scenic hikes is up to Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon - you can jump in the pools on a warm day http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/sabino-canyon/bear-canyon-trail.html (http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/sabino-canyon/bear-canyon-trail.html)
Kartchner Caverns is nearby http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html (http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum http://www.desertmuseum.org/ (http://www.desertmuseum.org/)
Sky Diving? http://www.skydiveaz.com/ (http://www.skydiveaz.com/)
Tombstone and Bisbee a bit further out if you're into touristy old west stuff
Eats:
El Parador http://elparadortucson.com (http://elparadortucson.com)
Poca Cosa is also a good one
El Corral http://www.elcorraltucson.com/index.htm (http://www.elcorraltucson.com/index.htm)
Breakfast: Blue Willow http://www.bluewillowtucson.com[/url
(http://www.bluewillowtucson.com)
+1 on Karchner. Last time I went you still needed reservations, so you might want to check that one in advance. There is also Colossal Cave closer to town, but it is not nearly as spectacular.
Quote from: angler on March 11, 2009, 02:41:43 PM
If you like scenic drives, the drive up Mount Lemmon can't be beat and is right in town. You go from 2500 ft elevation to almost 9000 ft in like 30 miles or so. Stop at Windy Point for an incredible vista.
True, but you still need snow chains or 4x4 to get up there!!!
Quote from: Monster Dave on March 11, 2009, 02:56:29 PM
True, but you still need snow chains or 4x4 to get up there!!!
In March? I mean they can get snow even in the middle of summer, but it is a paved road that rarely closes for more than 24 hours even after a big dump. According to 520.547.7510 (Sheriff's report) it is open today. "That is subject to rapid change...." so check before you go.
Quote from: angler on March 11, 2009, 03:02:44 PM
In March? I mean they can get snow even in the middle of summer, but it is a paved road that rarely closes for more than 24 hours even after a big dump. According to 520.547.7510 (Sheriff's report) it is open today. "That is subject to rapid change...." so check before you go.
That was just a warning/reminder that I saw on KOLD news yesterday morning. It's open up to mile marker 17 I think, beyond that it's 4x4 and chains.
...at least that what the news says, but the news has been know to be wrong on more than one occassion!!!!
Quote from: Monster Dave on March 11, 2009, 03:15:10 PM
That was just a warning/reminder that I saw on KOLD news yesterday morning. It's open up to mile marker 17 I think, beyond that it's 4x4 and chains.
...at least that what the news says, but the news has been know to be wrong on more than one occassion!!!!
Always a good reminder to check the road conditions with any elevation during spring in Southern AZ.
Almost forgot the bar scene. If you want a pub crawl, hit up 4th Avenue. You'll find all sorts of bars from sports bars to meat market bars to everything in between. The Shanty (just off 4th on 9th street) is a crowd pleaser. O'Malley's is where all the kids hang out. Che's Lounge is a basic bar with great atmosphere that ALWAYS has a dollar draft and PBR in cans for a buck. Club Congress, not too far from 4th, has some good live music. They are all within walking distance of each other.
Quote from: Monster Dave on March 11, 2009, 03:15:10 PM
That was just a warning/reminder that I saw on KOLD news yesterday morning. It's open up to mile marker 17 I think, beyond that it's 4x4 and chains.
...at least that what the news says, but the news has been know to be wrong on more than one occassion!!!!
Yeah they really don't enforce it except right after a storm.
IZ, paging IZ to the thread....
Kingfisher Bar & Grill - Great food, and they have a good wine list at reasonable prices.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to be making a list. I have some family that just moved down there, so we'll be hanging out with them, but I've already decided I was going to the air and space museum (probably by myself [laugh]), and I want to see some of the outdoors around there.
We'll be there for St. Patrick's day, so some kind of [beer] is in order.
I'll also make sure I stop and check out the bike shop...a staple of any vacation is a stop to the local moto shop
meteor crater is a must....oh yes...and the day before we drive back we're going to head up to the grand canyon...I've never been there, so it is a requirement!
like I said, thanks for the suggestions, and keep them coming!
Quote from: The Plumber on March 11, 2009, 05:04:10 PM
45 miles east on hwy 40 is meteor crater.. Sorry I didn't read all the posts, sorry if this option was all ready said..
This is a really cool thing too see.. www.meteorcrater.com (http://www.meteorcrater.com)
Good luck and have fun
Meteor Crater is 45 miles east of FLAGSTAFF, not Tucson. Meteor Crater is probably 5 hours MINIMUM from Tucson...
Quote from: NAKID on March 11, 2009, 05:38:40 PM
Meteor Crater is 45 miles east of FLAGSTAFF, not Tucson. Meteor Crater is probably 5 hours MINIMUM from Tucson...
DANG [bang]
Quote from: NAKID on March 11, 2009, 04:31:18 PM
IZ, paging IZ to the thread....
[thumbsup]
All good suggestions! I'd skip Nogales and the border too. It's a neat experience but if you've ever been to a border town..it's the exact same thing. Lots of crap going on around the border these days but nothing to worry about in
Nogi.
The Catalinas offer some awesome views and a fun ride..if you HAD your bike!
Definately check out the Sonoran Desert Museum. The last I was there..with my little brother..we went by the prairie dog exhibit..which is outdoors and a friggen bobcat jumped out of it with a dead prairie dog in it's mouth!! :o
THe ride out there through Gates Pass is fun and incredible sight (notice spelling NAKiD) [cheeky] specially at dusk with the sunset! My dad lived just on the other side of that mtn you see in all the old Western movies filmed at Old Tucson Studios. Not matter what you hear about that place DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY THERE!! After it "burned" down several years ago, they place sucks! I used to go there all the time as a kid when it was worth it. I'd be surprised if the place hasn't closed down by now.
Karchner Caverns is cool. I used to work with a couple of the doctor's (Karchner's son's) at St. Mary's Hospital. Definitely worth a visit.
The Meteor Crater can be skipped if you're trying to do the Grand Canyon the same. It's out East on I-40..a ways past Wynonna. It's worth a visit but..not a whole lot to see.
A better time with your day at the canyon is spent a couple hours there checking out the view..drive back into Flagstaff..check it out..drive down the old highway 83 through Oakcreek Canyon into Sedona (the red rocks). The Grand Canyon south rim is about 75 miles north of Flagstaff. Sedona is 15 miles south. I lived in Flag for 3 years going to college. Fun place but can be seen just by driving through on Route 66 and downtown. You're on time schedule so it's best just to say that you were there and see the other big attractions.
My last house was in Chandler. To get there from Tucson (Heart Attack Grill) is too friggen far! Unless you want to stop by on the way back from up north but..it's only open for lunch I believe? Meh..it's ok but nothing spectacular compared other things to do.
Titan missle museum..already covered. Cool place. If you go down there..it's not too far south of Tucson..make an exit at Amado for a photo op at the Longhorn Grill. You might recognize the place from the movies.
Sabino Canyon at the bootom of the Catalina Mtns is nice!
A scenic drive over Tucson is Skyline Rd..heading West.
UofA is a GREAT place for the views!! [evil] [evil] [evil]
Take a drive up "A" Mountain for views of the city.
Cruise down 6th and 4th Ave.
The Old Pueblo has a lot to offer.
Oh yeah..Renaissance (Ducati) Shop on Speedway!! [thumbsup]
Oh damn..my bad.. I don't know what I was thinking.. Lmao.. I lived in AZ for 18 years.. I hope u have a safe trip..
M
Quote from: IZ on March 11, 2009, 06:31:59 PM
A better time with your day at the canyon is spent a couple hours there checking out the view..drive back into Flagstaff..check it out..drive down the old highway 89a through Oakcreek Canyon into Sedona (the red rocks). The Grand Canyon south rim is about 75 miles north of Flagstaff. Sedona is 15 miles south. I lived in Flag for 3 years going to college. Fun place but can be seen just by driving through on Route 66 and downtown. You're on time schedule so it's best just to say that you were there and see the other big attractions.
My last house was in Chandler. To get there from Tucson (Heart Attack Grill) is too friggen far! Unless you want to stop by on the way back from up north but..it's only open for lunch I believe? Meh..it's ok but nothing spectacular compared other things to do.
Titan missle museum..already covered. Cool place. If you go down there..it's not too far south of Tucson..make an exit at Amado for a photo op at the Longhorn Grill. You might recognize the place from the movies.
I fixed the Hwy to Sedona for you - it's 89A. In fact 89A to Prescott and then 89 back into Wickenburg has some of the best twisties anywhere IMHO. They regularly test cars and bikes on that stretch of road. Don't get me started about Central and Northern AZ. There are too many scenic drives to list.
Also, Amado is about 15 miles farther south down I-19 than the missile museum.
IZ - When were you at NAU? I spent a little over 5 years there between '89 and '94.
Quote from: Le Pirate on March 11, 2009, 05:29:36 PM
I'll also make sure I stop and check out the bike shop...a staple of any vacation is a stop to the local moto shop
You'll enjoy getting to meet the guys at On Any Moto and Michael who is the lead at the store is the president of the DesmSouthwest group. So I'm sure he'll enjoy getting to meet you.
FYI - they are closed on Mondays.
FYI#2 - the Pima Air and Space museum is largely outdoors - so if you burn easily, take sunblock with you. If you are interested in doing that, you might want to check out the Bone Yard for retired aircraft in Tucson:
(http://gadgets.boingboing.net/Picture%2085.jpg)
Here's some info:
http://www.thepepper.com/tucson_airplane_graveyard.html (http://www.thepepper.com/tucson_airplane_graveyard.html)
Whatever you do (now that you have a plethera of options) enjoy! The weather is just amazing this time of year! [thumbsup]
Quote from: Le Pirate on March 11, 2009, 05:29:36 PM
and the day before we drive back we're going to head up to the grand canyon...I've never been there, so it is a requirement!
IIRC the Grand Canyon is a long ass drive from Tucson.
But I guess if you live in that direction, it isn't a big deal.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on March 12, 2009, 08:00:37 AM
IIRC the Grand Canyon is a long ass drive from Tucson.
But I guess if you live in that direction, it isn't a big deal.
It's actually in the opposite direction 8)
we'll head there, then haul ass all the way back to Texas. I know its a long way in the wrong direction, but I decided I'm going anyways. We'll stay in Flagstaff that night I think, so I might have to hit that 89A. It won't be the same as on a bike, but I'm borrowing a LOVELY driving car (my parents just bought a new MB that I'm going to put some miles on for them....they didn't think that 4 people in my VW rabbit sounded comfortable [laugh]
MB what? Kinda wide range of vehicles to choose from...
Quote from: angler on March 12, 2009, 05:34:38 AM
I fixed the Hwy to Sedona for you - it's 89A. In fact 89A to Prescott and then 89 back into Wickenburg has some of the best twisties anywhere IMHO. They regularly test cars and bikes on that stretch of road. Don't get me started about Central and Northern AZ. There are too many scenic drives to list.
Also, Amado is about 15 miles farther south down I-19 than the missile museum.
IZ - When were you at NAU? I spent a little over 5 years there between '89 and '94.
That's right. I haven't been up there in a few years now. The road from Sedona to Prescott is nice to..through Jerome!!
I just missed you..I transferred to NAU in '95. Before that..I was in Tucson for a few years.
Quote from: NAKID on March 12, 2009, 08:12:25 AM
MB what? Kinda wide range of vehicles to choose from...
E 320 with a diesel....okay, okay....so it's big and heavy, but it's got a shitload of torque, corners decently, and is comfortable as hell. it's no sports car, but I don't mind cruising around in it
Is it the noisy/dirty E series diesel?
Quote from: NAKID on March 13, 2009, 12:25:11 PM
Is it the noisy/dirty E series diesel?
I've been driving in it for 12 hours now....its@very quiet and comfortable so far. No black smoke yet either ;D
Cool, not exactly a "thrilling" ride though huh?
I also recommend the Desert Museum. For restaurants, we are big on El Charro. Keep an eye on the skies as the base has been having air show practice the last two weeks. Might be over with - I'm not sure. The F-22 was incredible.
I have lived in Tucson since 2001. Everyone else has pretty much covered touring in Tucson.
I just just want to throw another vote for Gates Pass - just take Speedway Blvd west. I think Gates Pass is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have been. It's best if you park your car and wander on some of the trails through the forest of saguaros. Like IZ said, Gates Pass at sunset is spectacular!
Quote from: monsterduc on March 15, 2009, 11:20:10 AM
I have lived in Tucson since 2001. Everyone else has pretty much covered touring in Tucson.
I just just want to throw another vote for Gates Pass - just take Speedway Blvd west. I think Gates Pass is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I have been. It's best if you park your car and wander on some of the trails through the forest of saguaros. Like IZ said, Gates Pass at sunset is spectacular!
Hey MD!! [thumbsup] You still living out that way?
You know..I totally forgot to mention Kitt Peak too. To the OP..you'll be able to see Old Tucson Studios at the foot of the pass (on the west side coming up from Tucson). In the distance, you'll be able to see Kitt Peak Observatory on the top of the mtns.
I can't believe I lived there that long and never went up to it. It's about an hour or so away down Old Ajo highway.
Quote from: IZ on March 15, 2009, 11:24:40 AM
Hey MD!! [thumbsup] You still living out that way?
Still have the house out that way but we're renting it out and probably going to put it on the market in a few months. I live in Peoria for now while attending Universal Technical Institute in Avondale. I would like to move back to Tucson when I graduate but I may have to go wherever a job is. :-\
Having fun here so far! Drove through gate's pass today...I've decided that while the e320 is a nice car, it is NOT a canyon carver! Wish I had driven my VW out instead. We visited the desert museum today and we're heading out to the Pima air museum tomorrow...going to try and head down to the bike shop too.
Thanks for all the tips!
Quote from: Le Pirate on March 15, 2009, 09:28:41 PM
Having fun here so far! Drove through gate's pass today...I've decided that while the e320 is a nice car, it is NOT a canyon carver! Wish I had driven my VW out instead. We visited the desert museum today and we're heading out to the Pima air museum tomorrow...going to try and head down to the bike shop too.
Thanks for all the tips!
I'm sure Renaissance will be closed since it's a Monday. Sorry. :-\
I forgot to mention to watch out for all the bicyclists on the way through Gate's Pass!! What did you think of it? If you want your wife to p*ss her pants..go back there and instead of turning right to go to the Desert Museum..turn left (driving by Old Tucson Studios) and you'll take a fun rollercoaster-like road to Ajo Way and then you just head East back into Tucson. ;D
I've never been into the Pima Air Museum but I have driven by the graveyard many times. Have fun!! [thumbsup]
Quote from: Le Pirate on March 15, 2009, 09:28:41 PM
Having fun here so far! Drove through gate's pass today...I've decided that while the e320 is a nice car, it is NOT a canyon carver! Wish I had driven my VW out instead. We visited the desert museum today and we're heading out to the Pima air museum tomorrow...going to try and head down to the bike shop too.
Thanks for all the tips!
Are you getting any work done while in Tucson?
Quote from: IZ on March 15, 2009, 10:24:36 PM
I'm sure Renaissance will be closed since it's a Monday. Sorry. :-\
I think he was refering to On Any Moto, but either way, they are closed on Monday's too. Hopefully you can make it to meet the guys there today. I'll be heading over there after work for a brief visit myself!