A PERSONAL GUIDE TO TUCSON, ARIZONA, Part 2: Guest Post by Paul Justison

 

Goddess of Agave, painted by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, 2017, Tucson, AZ 

With many thanks to my friend Paul Justison for his excellent guide to the city of Tucson, posted here in two parts--Part 1, last week and Part 2, this week. Paul is the author of the well received novel Lost and Found in the 60s (Unsolicited Press, 2022.)

What to see — Science and technology 

During the cold war, Tucson was a one of the main launching pads for nuclear attacks on the Soviet Union. Davis-Monthan Air base was adjacent to the city and housed nuclear armed B-52 bombers. It was also surrounded by 18 silos that held nuclear armed missiles. They are all decommissioned now. One of them is now a museum, and even I, an antiwar peacenik, found the tour fascinating. Home | Titan Missile Museum It’s about 30 minutes south of town. And since you’ve gone that far, you might consider two places about 25 minutes further south. Tumacácori is the site of a precontact Native American trading center. The Jesuits and Franciscans built missions there, and the fairly intact remains of the Franciscan mission are the core of the Tumacácori National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) . The buildings are rather austere and together with the exhibits give you a good impression of what precontact and mission life was like. Nearby is Tubac, a little town filled with arts and crafts shops and one fun Mexican restaurant — Elvira’s Restaurant Tubac, Arizona Reservations are advised.

About ten minutes southeast of town in the Pima Air and Space Museum Home — Pima Air & Space . It houses 400 or so historic aircraft outdoors and in hangars. If you’re into planes, this should be on your list.

On the University of Arizona campus is the Flandrau Planetarium Home | Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium . The shows in the planetarium are fun and educational. Before you go, read on the site above about parking.

The SunLink Streetcar and Neighborhoods/Shopping/Nightlife –

Bahti Indian Arts Tucson — Bahti Indian Arts is one of the best shops in the nation for native American arts and crafts. It’s in the Barrio Historico which is itself worth a walk or a drive around. Barrio Historico Tucson Is One Of Arizona’s Oldest Neighborhoods

Tucson has a free modern streetcar that runs through most of the interesting areas in the center of the town — Sun Link Streetcar — Sun Tran One end is near the Banner University Medical Center at the corner of Helen and Warren, and about a 10 block walk from the Arizona Inn. From there it runs along the northern and western sides of the U of A — and very near the photography museum and the Flandrau planetarium. It then heads along the commercially hip area — Fourth Avenue, where there’s a nice bookstore — Antigone Books , along with many shops and restaurants. Next it goes downtown, the center for Tucson’s nightlife. Last, it ends at the Mercado San Agustin — What’s Here — Mercado District

A few words about nightlife and restaurants –

As I mentioned in the introduction, UNESCO has declared Tucson a “City of Gastronomy.” If you’re a Reddit user, go to r/Tucson and search for restaurant types, or simply start your own thread with a question. You will likely get many helpful responses. Also, the Tucson Weekly: The Best of Tucson, News, and Everything That Matters is a great resource for the ever-changing nightlife scene.

Photo Credit — Goddess of Agave — When In Your State

Paul has previously published A Personal Guide to Tucson, Arizona, on the web at Medium.

A PERSONAL GUIDE TO TUCSON, AZ, Part 1: Guest post by Paul Justison

Goddess of Agave, painted by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, 2017, Tucson, AZ 

With many thanks to my friend Paul Justison for his excellent guide to the city of Tucson, posted here in two parts--Part 1, this week and Part 2, next week. Paul is the author of the novel Lost and Found in the 60s (Unsolicited Press, 2022.)

I spent my formative years in Tucson and go back often, because it’s special in many ways. Tucson sits in a high Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by mountains. The Catalinas to the north will command your attention. Many cultures have thrived here — Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, Spanish, Mexican, and after the USA bought the area from Mexico in 1848 — Anglo-Americans. Politically it tends to be left of center. When the Arizona legislature passed a bill that discriminated against Mexican Americans, the local — Pima County — sheriff refused to implement it. And today Tucson honors the Native American and Mexican food traditions for which it was recognized by UNESCO as a “City of Gastronomy.”

When to Go

It can get hot. Dry heat, but really hot — high 90s to low 100s. October through April is best with rarely cold and usually cool to mild temperatures, though early October and late April can still be quite warm. There’s still plenty to do and see in the summer, and hotels will be far less expensive. Just be prepared for serious heat.

Where to Stay

Tucson has accommodations in all types and price ranges, from luxury dude ranches, health and golf resorts to budget motels and B&Bs. I have one favorite and almost always stay there — the Arizona Inn — A Historic Boutique Hotel Retreat in Tucson | Arizona Inn . Linda Ronstadt, who grew up in Tucson, called it her favorite hotel in the world 5 Places to Visit in Tucson, Arizona, With Singer Linda Ronstadt — The New York Times . To me, the Inn is an oasis of beauty, calm, and exceptional food.

What to see — Natural environment

Undoubtedly the best place to learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert is The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ — Zoo, Botanical Garden and Art Gallery . It’s an aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and zoo all rolled into one fascinating experience. The roughly 10-mile drive west from downtown will take you through foothills sprinkled with houses, over Gates Pass and down into a sahuaro cactus-filled valley. You will always remember your visit.

There are three great places to hike or wander around the desert. First, Sabino Canyon is about 10 miles northeast of the center of town. What makes this canyon so popular is both the almost always flowing waterfalls and the marvelous collection of massive boulders deposited throughout the canyon by an 1888 earthquake. It’s a popular place to visit, so you’ll have to park and take a shuttle to the hiking trails or just ride the shuttle to and from the lot. Coronado National Forest — Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Second and third are the two Sahuaro National Park sites, one east and one west of town — Saguaro National Park (U.S. National Park Service) . Both have many hiking trails to get you into the desert and up onto viewing platforms. Unlike Sabino though, there will rarely be flowing water.

Lastly, in mid-town, you’ll find the Tucson Botanical Garden. If you can’t make it to the Desert Museum, this is a reasonable alternative for learning about desert plants, and it has a fun butterfly exhibit to walk through. Tucson Botanical Gardens — Your Urban Oasis in the heart of Tucson

What to see — Art

One of my favorite small museums in the world is the Center for Creative Photography — About CCP | Center for Creative Photography It houses the archives of Ansel Adams and many other renowned photographers. Of interest to casual photographers and art lovers are the exhibitions they regularly host. I’ve seen exhibitions of Linda McCartney and Louis Carlos Bernal here. Well worth your time and it’s free, though check their calendar for sometimes they are between exhibits.

About a ¼ of a mile away on foot is the Arizona State Museum, which has a fine collection of Native American basketry, jewelry and pottery. Unfortunately, it’s closed for renovations until late 2026. Their website has much of the collection online and updates on the renovations. Home | Arizona State Museum

There are so many spectacular murals all over town that there are websites devoted to cataloguing them. Here are a few of those. The Tucson Murals Project ; 100+ murals in Tucson, plus a map | tucson life | tucson.com ; Tucson Murals If you’re interest in the murals. Peruse one or more of the above and then go on a mural hunting tour. If you’re short on time, I have two suggestions. My absolute favorite mural is the All Souls Procession by Susan Kay Johnson. It actually has an entry in the Library of Congress — Colorful Tucson, Arizona, is a city replete with murals, including several of gigantic proportions. Here, a portion of the All Souls Procession mural by local artist Susan Kay Johnson — original digital file | Library of Congress It takes up the entire block of 9th Avenue between University and 4th Street. And while you’re there, walk or drive slowly around the neighborhood. For it’s one of many quirky Tucson neighborhoods.

Two of the most monumentally spectacular murals are in sight of each other, but they are separated by one of the geometrically weirdest intersections, so take care in getting to them. The official address of the Goddess of Agave is 440 N. 7th Avenue which is Benjamin Plumbing Supply. Put that address in your GPS and park in their lot, but please not in one of the close in customer spots unless you are also looking for plumbing parts. Benjamin Supply also has a description of the mural on their website — Benjamin Supply — Tucson-AZ — but ignore the 6th street address. There’s no access to parking from that address. From that lot you can also see another spectacular mural — Epic Ride. Here’s the story behind that mural and two others These are Joe Pagac’s favorite murals he’s created in Tucson | tucson life | tucson.com

Photo Credit — Goddess of Agave — When In Your State

Paul has previously published A Personal Guide to Tucson, Arizona, on the web at Medium.

SPRINGTIME IN THE SONORA DESERT: At Tohono Chul Gardens, Tucson, AZ

Horse sculpture at the Tohono Chul Botanical Garden, Tucson, Arizona

It was springtime in the desert in southern Arizona. Wildflowers were blooming among the cacti, butterflies were flitting about, and a roadrunner dashed by through the underbrush. On the rocky ridge to the north, peaks capped with snow poked into the clear blue sky.

Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus)

In late February, I spent a week with friends in Tucson, Arizona. One day we did an excursion to the Tohono Chul botanical garden for a delicious outdoor lunch in the Garden Bistro, followed by a walk among the desert plants.

Cholla cactus

Tohono Chul, a garden, nature preserve and cultural museum, is located in Casas Adobes, a suburb of Tucson, Arizona. The words "tohono chul" translate as "desert corner" and are borrowed from the language of the Tohono O’odham, the indigenous people of southern Arizona.

Petroglyphs and grinding stone

In one part of the garden one can see a display of rock drawings and stone implements from that culture.

Succulents

After a delicious lunch on the patio of the garden bistro, we purchased our tickets and set off on the trails through the garden, passing various types of cactus, succulents, desert adapted shrubs, wildflowers, and various sculptures.

The garden docents are founts of information

As we stopped to admire some golden poppies, a docent pointed out some rare pink poppies she had discovered growing in a nearby exhibit.

Barrel cactus with a cluster of fruits, one partially eaten

We were a bit early in the season to see the cacti in bloom, but we found a number of barrel cacti covered in succulent fruit–one of them already nibbled by some hungry animal that had braved the sharp spines.

Vegetable and herb gtarden

As we continued along the path we came to a fenced “kitchen garden” filled with beds of lettuce, broccoli, beets, onions, and a wide variety of other vegetables that thrive in Arizona’s mild winter climate.

Milkweed pod ready to disperse its seeds

The Tohono Chul garden is a pleasant walk among a wide variety of desert plants--some familiar and others a surprise. On our way out, a metallic hawk cast its eagle eye on our departure.
For directions, hours, and ticket prices, click HERE.

One of numerous garden sculptures

WRITERS' and ARTISTS' HIDEOUTS: Great Getaways for Seducing the Muse by Andrea Brown

The Berwood Hill Inn, Lanesboro, MN

Writers’ and Artists’ Hideouts: Great Getaways for Seducing the Muse is a wonderful guidebook to inns and hotels where you can find peace and quiet and inspiration for your work.  But even if you are not a writer, these are great places to relax and get away from the hurly burly of daily life.  Combined with advice from editors, literary agents, authors, illustrators, art directors, and other creative people, this is a great resource for all of us who sometimes want to get away.  Here are some excerpts from Andrea’s introduction to the book: 

My friend and agent Andrea Brown’s book

     Many of my most memorable life experiences are times when I left the comforts of home, took off by myself, and escaped to a scenic, peaceful place to do some serious thinking or some serious writing.
     Solitude can be bliss, but, for myself and many other creative people, it is a necessity.  Since I began working in the book publishing business in 1976, I have listened to numerous authors and illustrators complain about working at home–as most writers and artists do.  Distractions at home often involve spousal demands, children with needs, pets to feed, ringing phones, chores to finish, refrigerators to raid, and on and on.  Even the most disciplined and organized find it a constant challenge.  If a writer or artist is under deadline, the pressure can be enormous.
     I am lucky enough to have built a career that allows me to indulge in my travel passion.  Over the years, I have kept notes and brochures on my favorite places for those times when I needed to decamp to recharge my enthusiasm or to simply get the creative juices flowing. I often make friends swear they won’t divulge the names of some of these prized locations, as I don’t want them getting too crowded.  But, after hearing more and more writers and artists complain about needing a special place to which they might escape, I decided to share my findings.
     That’s what this book is, a roster of special places; a guide to the wonderful, the beautiful, the relaxing.  In these pages you will find sites that are as good for the eye as they are for the soul, from small cabins and hostels to luxurious hotels–and I’ve even included a hotel or motel chain if it meets my criteria.
     The book is organized by region.  Many locations included in this book are not on the beaten path, yet I have tried to narrow the selection to places that are welcoming and safe, especially for women who may be traveling alone. I have included places in major cities that are easy to reach without a car.  For instance, if you live in New York City, find it difficult to work at home, and don’t want to travel far, I suggest comfortable and reasonable places in Manhatten.  It can be especially fun to stay in a hotel in your very own city if only for a change of scenery.
     So, let loose!  From the rustic Red Fish Lake Lodge in Idaho to a luxurious oceanfront room at the Marriot Wailea-Outrigger Hotel in Maui; from a cabin on an ocean cliff at Lucia Lodge in Big Sur to the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, explore your creative self, meet those dealines, grab some peace of mind, and arrive home refreshed and rejuvenated.

As I leafed through the hundreds of listings in Andrea’s book, I looked for places that I have stayed on my travels and found several of my favorites, including The Redwoods in Yosemite National Park, where one can rent a cabin up to a large house, a perfect place for a getaway or a family reunion inside one of our most spectacular national parks; the Suncatcher Bed and Breakfast in Tucson, Arizona, located just outside the Sonora National Monument with its many trails and opportunities to enjoy desert wildlife; and the Chalet Kileauea, The Inn at Volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, in the perfect central location for exploring the craters and lava flows of Volcanoes National Park.  And, now that I have Andrea's book, I have found many more tempting places to go!

Writers’ and Artists’ Hideouts: Great Getaways for Seducing the Muse by Andrea Brown (Quill Driver Books, 2005) is available on Amazon or you can call 1-800-497-4909 to order a copy.