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This Week's Featured Offers
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Tucson |
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Tucson
Arizona’s second-largest city has pulled off the neat trick of blooming to its current size without sacrificing what made all those people want to live there in the first place, namely its strong Mexican and Native American cultures, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to the majestic Sonoran Desert. In addition, the city has numerous resorts and spas to tempt the luxury traveler.
Activities and Attractions: If Tucson looks familiar to you, you probably have seen it before—in any of dozens of western films, ranging from Rio Bravo to Tombstone. Many westerns were filmed at Old Tucson Studios, a working film set. It’s a must-see for film buffs, and the associated wild-west theme park is a fun stop if you’re traveling with kids.
Get a taste of Tucson’s real-life past by exploring the El Presidio Historic District. The neighborhood was Tucson’s swankiest in the 1880s. This area is also a great place to shop for authentic Arizona crafts. The gift shop at the excellent Tucson Museum of Art is a good place to start, but you’ll see lots of galleries in the area.
One of Tucson’s greatest charms is its beautiful setting. Drive up Sentinel Peak, better known as “A Mountain.” Here you’ll get a breathtaking view of four mountain ranges. Want to know what lives in those hills? Find out at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum--actually a zoo--where you can visit everything from tarantulas to hummingbirds and mountain lions.
Then venture to at least one of the two Saguaro National Park locations. Both offer visitors countless examples of the iconic, towering cacti that grow only here. For a real adventure, book a hot-air balloon ride over the greater Tucson area. It’s the best way to appreciate the city’s urban and natural attractions.
Insider Tip: April and May are peak times to visit Tucson: Temperatures are mild and both the wildflowers and cacti bloom then.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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