EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BECOME A REAL TUCSONAN by Patricia Chamberlin Return to Main Menu Page

Southwestward Ho! I was so deeply inspired by just one visit to Tucson, Arizona that within months I had rearranged my life to relocate to the sunny American Southwest, from the far Great White North -Toronto, Canada. At the time I was a syndicated writer for Canada Wide Features, traveling the world writing feature articles about world class spas. At Tucson's Canyon Ranch Spa, the soulful peace, and the seemingly magical ease of the lifestyle in the endlessly sunny southwest enchanted me. After a week under this soothing spell, I was convinced that whatever adjustment it would take to become a real Tucsonan, I was sure I could handle the downside …a common dilemma expressed knowingly in the words of another Arizona transplant, humorist Erma Bombeck …"Oh God. Not Another Boring Blue Sky!" A Day In The Life Of A Tucsonan My personal favorite non-work-day in Tucson begins with waking up to "another boring blue sky". Then probably the ultimate indulgence - one of the many incredible brunches Tucson boasts. My best of the best pick is the indescribable feast on the mountainside patio of El Conquistador … but it could be in the foothills overlooking the city below, at Hacienda Del Sol … no wait, maybe at the elegantly historic Arizona Inn near the downtown excitement of the active University of Arizona. The early afternoon might find me strolling downtown in the Arts District, or taking in a matinee theater play or an outdoor concert in the park. Another afternoon I may do an energetic hike through a favorite canyon, like Romero, which leads to hidden waterfalls and hot pools, or enjoying a narrated tram ride to the top of the steep Sabino Creek Canyon, the film location of many Hollywood films. On a more adventurous day I'll head out to pan for gold in 'them there hills', or explore a nearby ghost town with a provocative past…. or one of the old Spanish Missions with an intriguing tale of religious history and colonization. The choices of afternoon pastimes is veritably endless,in a city that has a worldclasswarding winning Visitor's Bureau … at any given time there could be the Rodeo, the World Biggest Gem Show, the carnival atmosphere of the Fourth Street Craft Fair, Quarter Horse or Greyhound Races, Casino Gambling on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, The PGA Open, Celebrity Tennis Classics, the National Bicycle Race - El Tour de Tucson, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Chili Festival, … so many festivals, fiestas, fairs, pageants, concerts, jubilees, pow wows, cultural events, historic events, competitive sporting events, recreational sporting events and more, that entire magazines are devoted to covering the life and style of the Tucson lifestyle. Return to Main Menu Page The approach of sunset will invariably find me seeking the highest mountain vantagepoint to see the whimsy of Nature painting the sky with brilliant sunset shades of southwest splendor. One of my favorite sunset lookouts is the roadside Trail Head to Finger Rock. Seated on my favorite rock, I can see the treasure that is Tucson spread at my feet like a twinkling jewelbox as the city lights come on in the deepening twilight. Beyond the city I can see Mt. Wrightstown, the highest mountain peak at over 9,000 feet, and beyond it I am sure I can see all the way to Mexico! The warm desert night comes early. As the comical coyotes strike up a chorus, in the distance, and the roadrunners and quail nonchalantly parade across my patio, I sit contently with my hands behind my head, looking up at a shining, winking, impossibly crowded star-filled sky. Life is good. Here is some more essential information on what to see, do, eat and enjoy about Tucson - an insider's guide for newcomers on their way to becoming real Tucsonans -- without ever becoming bored! What History to Know Welcome to the Old Pueblo! - an affectionate euphemism rooted in Tucson's Spanish and Indian history. Pima Indians arrived in 400 A.D. andarly Spanish and Mexican settlers, who arrived in 1775, called the Native American villages "Pueblitos". Tucson was founded as a European settlement on August 20, 1775 - a few months after Paul Revere's ride. Tucson has been ruled under four flags: Spain's, Mexico's, The Confederate's Stars And Bars, and The Union Stars And Stripes, before becoming the 48th state on Feb 14, 1912. Today, Tucson is home to nearly 900,000 people enjoying every type of lifestyle from top of the mountain luxury living to simple ranch life, and everything in between. Arizona is currently the second largest growing state in the nation, in terms of attracting new population. What Every Tucsonan Would Like You To Know Tucson is distinctive for a wide variety of reasons! For openers, the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau has won the Gold Service Award for nine years, as one of the best in the world! Enjoy their free visitors package on request at (520) 624-1817. Tucson boasts three four star restaurants (awarded by prestigious Mobile Travel Guide): Janos, The Tack Room, The Ventana Room; Five four star resorts: Loews Ventana Canyon and The Lodge At Ventana Canyon, Sheridan's El Conquistador, Omni's Tucson National Golf Resort, and Westin's La Paloma; plus one four star guest ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch. In the sports realm Tucsonans are proud of the recent history making NCAA Championship won in 1997 by the University Of Arizona Wildcats basketball team; they also took the PAC-10 Championship in 1998. The astounding U of A Women's Softball Team has recently won five national Championships. Tucson is fondly proud of its many notable native sons and daughters, and University Of Arizona graduates who include such names as: much missed Linda McCartney, singer Linda Ronstadt, Oscar nominee (You've Got Mail) actor Greg Kinnear, and many more. Tucson's warm hospitality has been home to many famous, accomplished, and celebrity full-time and sometime-residents, including Paul McCartney, Farrah Fawcett, Paula Abdul, Lee Marvin, Michael Landon, Edward Abbey, Howard Hughes, Rita Hayward, and even Dillinger. Numerous illustrious visitors live on location here, during dozens of movies that are shot here yearly - yes, Sharon Stone, and Tom Cruise - as well as the glitteratti that come to be rejuvenated at either of the two first-place international award winning health retreat spas, Canyon Ranch, or Mirival, or 'retreaded' at Tucson's internationally renowned drug and alcohol rehabilitation retreats. And Tucson is one of the nation's most popular adopted winter homes for Snowbirds and active Retirees from the northern states. In the scenic splendor realm, Tucson fills more guidebooks than cities many times its size. The picturesque Sonoran desert is world famous as the only place on the planet where the stately saguaro cactus grows - the unmistakable silent sentinel with its pitch fork stance. Return to Main Menu Page Where Tucsonans Go To Recreate Five mountain ranges; The Santa Catalinas, The Rincons, The Santa Ritas, The Tucson Mts., and the Tortolitas ring Tucson. A wonderland of outdoor activity, wildlife, and natural beauty beckons. Every serious Tucson nature lover owns a pair of good hiking boots, carries water, and knows that rattlesnakes don't bother you. Tucson even has its own guidebook listing the best vantagepoints to view spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Scenic wonders too numerous to mention include: a ski slope at 9,000 ft on top of Mt. Lemmon , Sabino Canyon's many waterfall's and hot springs, Madera Canyon's 200 species of birds (with legions of rare hummingbirds), Finger Rock Canyon's heaven-like view of Tucson's skyline far below, Pima Canyon's gold and silver deposits which its sprinkle mountain streams with gold dust, just as it has for centuries, prehistoric Indian villages in the Catalina foothills, horseback riding in The Rincons, not far from Paul McCartney's ranch, Ancient tribal petroglyphs etched into canyon walls of Mt. Wasson … and more! All of which literally provides years of delightful discovery! There are also several National and State Parks in the Tucson area. Among them are: the vast Coronado National Park; The Saguaro National Park, a world famous saguaro forest encompassing 80,000 acres; Tucson Mt. Park, where Old Tucson Movie Studios is located, is a 12,000 acre preserve of the most beautiful desert in the southwest; Catalina State Park where several Indian ruins can be explored. There are also smaller parks such as Tohono Chul where you can bird-watch and catcus-gaze from the patio of the Hacienda's outdoor tearoom , and Tucson Botanical Gardens where you can become acquainted with xeriscape (arid gardening). In addition to all of these parks, there are several recreational nature areas nearby, some with lakes, which make wonderful Day Trips. DAY TRIPS Understand that chances are high that you may never want to leave Tucson, but if wanderlust ever does set in you won't have to go far to appease it. Here are some of the best less-than-an-hour-drive get aways that Tucsonans enjoy. Mt. Lemmon Retreat to pine forests, cool summer altitudes, camping, lookouts with hundred mile views, changing autumn leaves, and winter skiing followed by hot cornbread seeped in maple syrup, by the stone fireplace in the chalet, just 35 miles northeast of Tucson. The 9,000 ft. Mt. Lemmon Ski Area chair lift is a favorite way for hikers to access the excellent mountain top trials. Mt. Lemmon is a favorite recreation destination year round. Colossal Cave and Karchner Cave Colossal Cave is just outside Tucson city limits in the Rincon Mountains. A deep natural cave with 32 miles of underground passages, in which, legends holds, is hidden the largest gold stage robbery booty ever. Karchner Cave was only discovered in the last decade, and not only is it astounding because it is one of the largest underground caves in the world, but even more rare, it is still alive and forming. Benson Benson is the nearest town to Kartchner Cave. While in the area depart on the Frontier Flyer Steam Train and chug through riparian conservation areas left just as lush as the land was when early settlers found it, then stop in Fairbank ghost town. Cochise Stronghold Now used mainly by avid hikers, the Apaches made these mountains famous when they used these rugged canyons as a stronghold for their raids. Geronimo's site of surrender is nearby. Tombstone "The town too tough to die", an hour southeast of Tucson is a glimpse into the colorful history and folk heroes of the Wild Old West… complete with the real OK Corral, Bootlhill Graveyard, Bird Cage Theatre, Old Courthouse and the legend of Wyatt Earp, Nellie Cashman, Doc Holiday and saloonkeeper Kate. Bisbee Go back in time, to the days of the prosperous Copper Queen Mine, and be visually delighted by Grand Hotels, and miners shacks that stagger up steep cliffs from the artsy shops now lining Main St. Kartchner Caverns State Park. This spectacular cave was kept secret for decades after its discovery while arrangements were made by the state to protect it. Its vastness is one of the wonders of this continent. Sonoita The rolling hills of the Santa Cruz Valley, 45 minutes away, offers a taste of southern Arizona's award winning wine country. Lake Patagonia The scenery and water recreation of the "Mountain Empire" of southeastern Arizona is what attracts weekenders to Patagonia. It also has a large wildlife sanctuary recognized by the Audubon Society. Tubac "Where Art And History Meet", Tubac , a half-hour south of Tucson, reveals a modern artist colony that was once an early Spanish settlement, and presidio.   Nogales A bustling Mexican border town, with a multicultural atmosphere, Nogales is the largest port of entry for produce into the U.S. An hour south of Tucson, it is a shopping Mecca with street vendors selling gifts and crafts from throughout Mexico. Return to Main Menu Page What to Eat Welcome to Mexican Food Heaven. No it doesn't have to be hot, or fattening! At one time Tucson was part of Sonora, Mexico, and many local restaurants offer traditional Mexican cooking such as tamales, enchiladas, burritos. etc. Many of the oldest establishments you will not find in the yellow pages; they are in south Tucson, where the deepest Hispanic/Latino roots are. Many other restaurants have a Mexican-Native American mix, offering such things as blue corn tortillas, fry bread etc. Still, Tucson, has lots of cosmopolitan fare, complete with scenic outdoor dining, with several world-renowned chefs such as Janos, and Donna Nordin, and exquisite cuisine from around the world. What to Wear Tuxedos with cowboy boots? Bola ties instead of bow ties? Necktie-less Fridays? The world of dress in Tucson, is casual or Classy - the choice is yours. At Tucson's Temple Of Performing Arts and other art centers and concert halls, it is not uncommon to see everything from sequined dresses to shorts. You are more likely to need a sweater indoors (in zealously air-conditioned places) than outdoors. A few key dress codes to remember: Always wear something red to a U. of A. basketball or football game. Dress Western during February's La Fiesta De La Vaqueros (Cowboy Festival). And neckties are against the law on Fridays! What to See Attractions? Whether you are interested in knowing more about Tucson's history, culture, events, or just people watching …Here's where you'll find Tucsonans welcoming newcomers. Arizona Historical Society Museum In a turbulent meeting in 1884, a group of strong-willed settlers founded The Society of Arizona Pioneers, and from this was born this leader among educational institutions for preserving the legacies of the past. Arizona Desert Museum Recognized worldwide as a leader in "living" Museums, this natural museum houses more than 1,300 kinds of plants and 300 species of animals in replicated natural surroundings. Arizona State Museum The place to appreciate the American Indian cultures of the Southwest, in exhibit, archives and photos. Biosphere 2 The world class experiment on complete self-sustaining ecological systems is a 3 acre closed glass structure containing rain forest, savannah, desert, marsh and ocean with a corral reef. Now managed by Columbia University, it is a Science Center dedicated to the Earth and its environment. Pima Air & Space Museum More than 160 aircraft are on display, ranging from a full-scale reproduction of The Wright Brother's first flyer, to the SR-71 Blackbird, the world's fastest aircraft. Also nearby are: the Titian Missile Museum and the Davis Monthan Air Force Base Aircraft "boneyard" where planes from around the globe come to be stored. Tucson's Children's Museum More than something to see! It's something to do! Lots of exciting hands-on exhibits for ages 2-11, including role playing for dozens of careers. Tucson Museum of Art Permanent and visiting collections spanning from the Middle Ages to 20th Century. Flandrau Planetarium Sky Night laser shows to Pink Floyd music? This is a serious astronomy museum, and more! Kitt Peak National Observatory This national research center for ground-based optical astronomy in the northern hemisphere maintains the world's largest concentration of facilities for stellar, solar and planetary research, and it is home of the 158 inch Mayhall Telescope, the largest most powerful solar telescope. Anything Else You Might Need To Know The Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau (520-624-1817) can answer any question imaginable about Tucson, its industry, schools, shopping, medical facilities….and so can The Tucson Library Quick Info Line (520-791-4010). Tucson Lifestyle Magazine (www.TucsonLife.com) will tell you how be a Tucsonan with style. The Tucson Citizen Newspaper (www.TucsonCitizen.com) will tell you what's new. The Thursday edition includes a section called "Caliente" (meaning, Hot) covering the upcoming weekend's entertainment and social events in Tucson, plus clutural and artistic coming attractions of all kinds. The Tucson Weekly (www.TucsonWeekly.com) alternative press, is the alternate source of "what's going on" about town. Their annual "Best Of The Best" issue lists reader-voted "Tucson Bests" in every possible city-life category from resale shops to haut courtier, from best place to take your friends to the best place to while away some time alone. The Arizona Gourmet Magazine (www.oser.com) will tell you how delicious Tucson can be. My Secret Tip --The Tucson Realtor to make your relocation as enjoyable as she made mine is: Nivita Riley, nivitariley@nivita.com Phone 520-907-5588. It took one visit to Tucson with its captivating southwest lifestyle to capture my imagination and my heart - and I have been held captive by the pleasure of living in The Old Pueblo (as we fondly refer to it), ever since. A special thank you to the author, Patricia Chamberlin, for permission to reprint this article. Patricia is an internationally syndicated columnist, human potential speaker and author of four books.   And also special thank you to Photographer Bob Kerry, for reprint permission from his book "Scenic Tucson, A Guide to Seeing The Best of the Tucson Area" Available through most fine bookstores, from Backcountry Books of Arizona Return to Main Menu Page To contact Nivita Riley Phone:   (800) 279-5664  Toll Free (520) 907-5588  In Tucson Or Email: NivitaRiley@nivita.com [Home] [New Listings] [Tucson Listings] [Client Comments]  [Tucson Info] [Relocation Pack]  [Free Search] e-mail: webmaster@Nivita.com