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How well do you really know Tucson? It's not just Tucson desert anymore. Perhaps you last saw it when you graduated from the University of Arizona, while in for a quick meeting, or buzzing down I-10 on your way east. It's time to get to know this amazing city and its beautiful Tucson foothills. The perfect weekend or weeklong getaway is closer than you think -- with no flying required. Just two hours' drive south of the metro Phoenix area, a new adventure awaits. Whether it's a first or fiftieth visit, the Tucson desert will surprise you when you open your senses and take in what the Old Pueblo has to offer.

Escape the mid-day sun by exploring Tucson's one-of-a-kind galleries, museums and unique arts attractions. For instance, tucked in the Tucson foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a hidden treasure. This 10-acre retreat built by artist Ted DeGrazia includes a gallery of his thousands of works of art, an open-air mission, and his home -- all built by the artist's own hands, with the help of his Native American friends.

Fred Hood
© Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Colorful La Placita Village in downtown Tucson captures the city's vibrant cultural heritage.

DeGrazia is beloved and well known for his impressionistic paintings of Native Americans. His images have become iconic of Southwestern life. A fascinating walk through the artist's studio and home will open your eyes to his influences and processes, while a visit to the gallery offers a perfect opportunity to be surrounded with functional and decorative pieces created from a true passion for the Southwest.

For those seeking a more contemporary collection, Ansel Adams' Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona appeals to the shutterbug in any casual observer. Today the Center houses the works of more than 50 renowned 20th century artists, including Adams, Edward Weston, Richard Avedon and Lola Alvarez Bravo, to name a few. The Polaroid Library at the Center contains one of the world's most comprehensive collections of photographic materials and more than 26,000 volumes on the history of photography.

James Randklev
© Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mission San Xavier del Bac just outside of Tucson is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the country.

The contemplation of art (or the art of contemplation; whichever you've experienced at Tucson's galleries) will surely do one thing -- make you hungry. Tucson has developed a reputation for fabulous Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. For a unique Tucson dining experience, enjoy "new Southwestern cuisine" from one of its creators, Chef Janos Wilder, at Janos. Or treat yourself to the elegance of contemporary continental cuisine at the AAA Five-Diamond award-winning Ventana Room.

Food from the Far East can indeed be found out West. Tucson boasts an array of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indian specialties. For a taste fusion of all these ancient cultures, try the Malaysian cuisine served up at Neo of Melaka and Seri Melaka. This pair of Tucson dining restaurants offer exotic entrees prepared with ingredients from the markets in Southeastern Asia, India and China. The authentic taste of Sonora, Mexico, can be found by venturing to South Tucson for local favorites such as Sonoran hot dogs or carne asada tacos.

James Scotti
© Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tucson is known as the "astronomy capital of the world" for its dark skies and world-class observatories such as Kitt Peak National Observatory.

From off-the-beaten-path exhibits to unexpected culinary adventures, once you decide to explore Tucson, it will surprise you.

You don't have to seek out new discoveries on your own. Help is available at the Tucson Visitors Center at 100 S. Church Ave. or by consulting the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau's information specialists at (800) 638-8350. Visit us online at www.visitTucson.org.

Sponsored by Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 1-800-638-8350
Web: www.Visittucson.org
Email: info@visittucson.org

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