Southwest Vacation: Need Help Picking Destination in TX or AZ!
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:34 PM
#22
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I'm sure that this question has brought out the people from Tucson who want their city to look its best...
The benefit of this question is that they have a chance to write what is good about their city. And I'm sure there are many good things about Tucson...
Since their city is not often on the national radar... and when Arizona is mentioned, Phoenix is usually the city that represents Arizona... this is a chance for them to come out of the fog of nothingness, so to speak...
And that is to the good... many people who were ignorant of the place now have a chance to learn something about one more potentially interesting area to visit.
The benefit of this question is that they have a chance to write what is good about their city. And I'm sure there are many good things about Tucson...
Since their city is not often on the national radar... and when Arizona is mentioned, Phoenix is usually the city that represents Arizona... this is a chance for them to come out of the fog of nothingness, so to speak...
And that is to the good... many people who were ignorant of the place now have a chance to learn something about one more potentially interesting area to visit.
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:43 PM
#24
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Please bear in mind that cities are not all equal. New York is not equivalent to Podunk. LA is not the same as Austin.
In the case of Dallas, it is a large city, with many things to do.
Just how big a city is Dallas?
The US Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget categorize cities. They don't do it by municipal boundaries, but by something they call a metropolitan area.
According to their figures, Dallas-Ft Worth was the 5th largest metro in America in 2000... only NY, LA, Chicaho and Philadelphia were larger.
There are some pretty substantial reasons why that has happened... but to get a real, physical feel for the phenomenon... you gotta walk around the place.
In the case of Dallas, it is a large city, with many things to do.
Just how big a city is Dallas?
The US Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget categorize cities. They don't do it by municipal boundaries, but by something they call a metropolitan area.
According to their figures, Dallas-Ft Worth was the 5th largest metro in America in 2000... only NY, LA, Chicaho and Philadelphia were larger.
There are some pretty substantial reasons why that has happened... but to get a real, physical feel for the phenomenon... you gotta walk around the place.
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:22 PM
#25
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Well, I've actually been to all four of these cities and traveled quite a bit in all of them.
Of these four cities: Tucson. Then Phoenix. Then, I'd start looking at Santa Fe.
I don't consider Houston or Dallas to be part of the southwestern US, so their inclusion was surprising for that reason alone. But even leaving relative geography aside, Tucson is a truly charming town, and I think southern Arizona is beautiful (but I like desert).
Of these four cities: Tucson. Then Phoenix. Then, I'd start looking at Santa Fe.
I don't consider Houston or Dallas to be part of the southwestern US, so their inclusion was surprising for that reason alone. But even leaving relative geography aside, Tucson is a truly charming town, and I think southern Arizona is beautiful (but I like desert).
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:27 PM
#26
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No, RJW, I don't consider Dallas and Houstion as part of the same geography as Phoenix and Tucson....
As to whether they have more interest to the general traveler... we'll work that out in our descriptions of the various towns...
As to whether they have more interest to the general traveler... we'll work that out in our descriptions of the various towns...
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:43 PM
#27
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Well, xbt, since the post specifically asked about Tucson as one of the cities, I, and others, did feel it appropriate to respond. On the other hand, if Taupe79 had said they had narrowed the choice down to 3 cities, NOT including Tucson, I think we would certainly have been gracious enough to respect that decision and not keep pushing, as you seem to be doing.
I also think it is more appropriate to give an overview and let them do a little looking around, rather than trying to force feed them, as you are trying to do. I certainly could devote page upon page upon page of information, but I htought it better to offer to provide that if they decide to visit here. Which, by the way, is THEIR decision. I have no reason to WANT them to visit Tucson, since we do have plenty of snowbirds on our roads already. But I certainly would welcome them.
Nothing against Dallas. But of all the times I have passed through (no, I have never stayed there), I could barely make out the skyline from DFW airport because of all the smog. But I guess if you want to live in a metropolis of 6 million people, that's what you will get.
And, I do not believe Phoenix is the most representative of our state. Relative to its size, there are few posts here about Phoenix. To the contrary, I think the beauty of the state is the best representative. NOT having more people than somewhere else, or more IMAX theaters.
So, perhaps YOU could be gracious (although I doubt it), just accept that they have not included Dallas among their final choices, and stop spamming this thread.
I also think it is more appropriate to give an overview and let them do a little looking around, rather than trying to force feed them, as you are trying to do. I certainly could devote page upon page upon page of information, but I htought it better to offer to provide that if they decide to visit here. Which, by the way, is THEIR decision. I have no reason to WANT them to visit Tucson, since we do have plenty of snowbirds on our roads already. But I certainly would welcome them.
Nothing against Dallas. But of all the times I have passed through (no, I have never stayed there), I could barely make out the skyline from DFW airport because of all the smog. But I guess if you want to live in a metropolis of 6 million people, that's what you will get.
And, I do not believe Phoenix is the most representative of our state. Relative to its size, there are few posts here about Phoenix. To the contrary, I think the beauty of the state is the best representative. NOT having more people than somewhere else, or more IMAX theaters.
So, perhaps YOU could be gracious (although I doubt it), just accept that they have not included Dallas among their final choices, and stop spamming this thread.
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:53 PM
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MikePin, go ahead and promote your community's attractions as you can....
The OP had a misunderstanding... that DFW had no IMAX theatres... that has been cleared up...
Now we are left with a clear chioce... Tucson vs DFW... I think that is a reasonable decision for the OP's criteria...
Persaonally, I think the criterion is pretty clear... what do you want do do... wander around a desert... Tucson is your choice... enjoy a big city... Dallas is your choice...
both places have their advantages... can we say more?
The OP had a misunderstanding... that DFW had no IMAX theatres... that has been cleared up...
Now we are left with a clear chioce... Tucson vs DFW... I think that is a reasonable decision for the OP's criteria...
Persaonally, I think the criterion is pretty clear... what do you want do do... wander around a desert... Tucson is your choice... enjoy a big city... Dallas is your choice...
both places have their advantages... can we say more?
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:54 PM
#29
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Taupe79,
Actually, I live in Washington, DC and have lived somewhere on the East Coast my whole life. I have visited all the places in your original post. Tucson and Pheonix are the only worthy tourist "destinations" out of the 4, IMHO.
Actually, I live in Washington, DC and have lived somewhere on the East Coast my whole life. I have visited all the places in your original post. Tucson and Pheonix are the only worthy tourist "destinations" out of the 4, IMHO.
Jan 11th, 2006, 03:55 PM
#30
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Okay, if not Santa Fe, then Sedona.
I'd fly into Phoenix, spend a night or two at a resort hotel in Scottsdale. If it's warm enough, I'd just hang around the pool during the day, drinking catcus blossum margaritas.
I'd do a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West - even though you are too early for the Friday night tour (fabulous!). Here's a link to the tour section of the website -
http://www.franklloydwright.org/inde...=display&id=56
Then, I'd drive up to Sedona, Arizona for the rest of the trip. I'd definitely take a Pink Jeep tour of the Red Rocks - and probably treat myself to a sunset biplane ride.
If you have not been to the Grand Canyon, then take the time to drive up there. If not, just enjoy the area around Sedona before you head back south to fly out of Phoenix back home to brrrr country!
I'd fly into Phoenix, spend a night or two at a resort hotel in Scottsdale. If it's warm enough, I'd just hang around the pool during the day, drinking catcus blossum margaritas.
I'd do a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West - even though you are too early for the Friday night tour (fabulous!). Here's a link to the tour section of the website -
http://www.franklloydwright.org/inde...=display&id=56
Then, I'd drive up to Sedona, Arizona for the rest of the trip. I'd definitely take a Pink Jeep tour of the Red Rocks - and probably treat myself to a sunset biplane ride.
If you have not been to the Grand Canyon, then take the time to drive up there. If not, just enjoy the area around Sedona before you head back south to fly out of Phoenix back home to brrrr country!
Jan 11th, 2006, 09:09 PM
#31
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Well geeze, seems like some posts have been dropped. Oh, well, tech issues no doubt. Because I just KNOW that the "powers that be"ould not delete post merely because someone disagreed with Mr (or is it Ms?) xbt.
xbt,no doubt it abdo;ute;y IS a clear choice. Wide open beautiful desert and mountainous spaces, clear skies, great hiking, biking, trips to Mexico, national observatory all within an hour's drive.
Or.... smoggy skies, flat country with no real features, big city (good, no doubt if that's ALL you are looking for) without any of the the charm or class of a New York , Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco.
If you want the first, then "something" other than Dallas. If you want the second, go to Dallas.
For me, if I want a city with 6 million people, I will go to a city with a lot more class than Dallas.
xbt,no doubt it abdo;ute;y IS a clear choice. Wide open beautiful desert and mountainous spaces, clear skies, great hiking, biking, trips to Mexico, national observatory all within an hour's drive.
Or.... smoggy skies, flat country with no real features, big city (good, no doubt if that's ALL you are looking for) without any of the the charm or class of a New York , Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco.
If you want the first, then "something" other than Dallas. If you want the second, go to Dallas.
For me, if I want a city with 6 million people, I will go to a city with a lot more class than Dallas.
Jan 12th, 2006, 04:51 AM
#32
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Mike,
Imagine if a quick poll of 1000 travellers were taken to rank: New York, Dallas, Paris, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, Rome and San Francisco.
Which would likely come in dead last as the least desirable vaction destination?
Imagine if a quick poll of 1000 travellers were taken to rank: New York, Dallas, Paris, Los Angeles, London, Chicago, Rome and San Francisco.
Which would likely come in dead last as the least desirable vaction destination?
Jan 12th, 2006, 05:12 AM
#33
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MikePin, I don't think you'd want to go to Chicago in February, in spite of whatever 'class' it may contain... most of LA seems pretty devoid of charm to me... San Francisco in February is pretty dismal as I remember... the day I left it had been drizzling rain for 35 days straight.
We're so sorry we don't get your personal approval, but I think DFW can survive that... Actually, Dallas-Ft Worth has its own supply of classy joints and neighborhoods, many of them charming... and many of them pleasantly urban and stimulating... this winter in DFW has been one day after another of solidly clear blue skies, temps around 70, gorgeous views of city scenes...
Tucson is a small city in a desert... for those who want a small city in a desert, maybe it'll do... my only knowledge of the place is as a heavily sprawled community on I10 between Dallas and Los Angeles... I never had any interest in stopping the car to look around, and I didn't see any particular focus in the sprawl. If you can better describe your city, you may do so...
We're so sorry we don't get your personal approval, but I think DFW can survive that... Actually, Dallas-Ft Worth has its own supply of classy joints and neighborhoods, many of them charming... and many of them pleasantly urban and stimulating... this winter in DFW has been one day after another of solidly clear blue skies, temps around 70, gorgeous views of city scenes...
Tucson is a small city in a desert... for those who want a small city in a desert, maybe it'll do... my only knowledge of the place is as a heavily sprawled community on I10 between Dallas and Los Angeles... I never had any interest in stopping the car to look around, and I didn't see any particular focus in the sprawl. If you can better describe your city, you may do so...
Jan 12th, 2006, 07:13 AM
#34
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Taupe, I think it depends on how relaxed you want to be on this trip. I've spent lots of time in Houston, both personal and on business, and it is a sprawling, very traffic intensive place. The people are great and like all big cities there are super restaurants, etc. But you'll be driving on big busy highways to get anywhere.
Phoenix and Tucson are totally different. They are smaller cities, and if you've never been to the southwest, I would suggest one of the two for your introduction to that part of the country.
Phoenix and Tucson are totally different. They are smaller cities, and if you've never been to the southwest, I would suggest one of the two for your introduction to that part of the country.
Jan 12th, 2006, 07:40 AM
#35
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Hmmm.... xbt says:
"Now we are left with a clear chioce... Tucson vs DFW... I think that is a reasonable decision for the OP's criteria..."
But Taupe79 herself says:
"Hmm. This is so hard! I think we're leaning toward Houston, Phoneix, or Tucson."
Am I missing the "D" word in her reply?!
Houston is malls and sprawls. Phoenix metro encompasses corporate sprawl (Phoenix), a college town (Tempe) and Rich People's Playground with a fun Old Town (Scottsdale). In Phoenix's favor is the beauty and drama of the surrounding desert.
Tucson is a city of manageable size and considerable charm (Old West plus México Viejo) and all that natural beauty. And who cares if it's not as big as other cities? That works in its favor (after all, I live in a metro area larger than many countries). And if Taupe79 wants to stay somewhere that really puts it all together:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...and=&links=all
"Now we are left with a clear chioce... Tucson vs DFW... I think that is a reasonable decision for the OP's criteria..."
But Taupe79 herself says:
"Hmm. This is so hard! I think we're leaning toward Houston, Phoneix, or Tucson."
Am I missing the "D" word in her reply?!
Houston is malls and sprawls. Phoenix metro encompasses corporate sprawl (Phoenix), a college town (Tempe) and Rich People's Playground with a fun Old Town (Scottsdale). In Phoenix's favor is the beauty and drama of the surrounding desert.
Tucson is a city of manageable size and considerable charm (Old West plus México Viejo) and all that natural beauty. And who cares if it's not as big as other cities? That works in its favor (after all, I live in a metro area larger than many countries). And if Taupe79 wants to stay somewhere that really puts it all together:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...and=&links=all
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:02 AM
#36
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LadyOfLeisure, I think that Phoenix, in all honesty, is also pretty congested and hard to get around. It certainly was when I lived there. Perhaps when it completes its Light Rail System on Central Avenue, and on to Tempe and Mesa, things will be better... It will certainly make Phoenix more urbane when the Phoenix stations develop walkable transit villages. Dallas is a good example of what Phoenix' light rail can develop.
Tucson may not be as congested, if only because there are fewer places to go...
One of the questions on the table is the availability of science stuff... I'll take a moment to list DFW science institutions...
The Science Place in Dallas' Fair Park has 2 buildings. Science Place I has many interactive exhibits on general Physics, a dinosaur hall, a medical technology hall, planetary study, sound, optics, the works. It has a huge area for traveling exhibitions. It has an auditorium or two for lectures, and an IMAX-Omnimax theatre.
Science Place II has some more exhibits and a planetarium.
The Dallas Museum of Natural History has an extensive paleontology section, dioramas of birds, mammals, many prehistoric fossils of local dinosaurs, a basement with a view of hands-on operations for working with fossils, a large area for traveling exhibitions, and tons of other stuff.
The Dallas Aquarium in Fair Park has many tanks and exhibitions of colorful aquatic species... not a huge place, and also not to be confused with the Dallas World Aquarium in downtown Dallas.
The Dallas Horticultural center is a big building with samples of plants from various tropical regions.
The Fort Worth Science and History museum has many exhibits on many subjects and usually has a large space devoted to traveling shows. It also has an IMAX-Omnimax theatre and a planetarium.
The Heard Museum of Science in suburban McKinney claims a science museum, a Raptor Rehabilitation Center and a science resource center. You can also try their walkable nature trail.
Tucson may not be as congested, if only because there are fewer places to go...
One of the questions on the table is the availability of science stuff... I'll take a moment to list DFW science institutions...
The Science Place in Dallas' Fair Park has 2 buildings. Science Place I has many interactive exhibits on general Physics, a dinosaur hall, a medical technology hall, planetary study, sound, optics, the works. It has a huge area for traveling exhibitions. It has an auditorium or two for lectures, and an IMAX-Omnimax theatre.
Science Place II has some more exhibits and a planetarium.
The Dallas Museum of Natural History has an extensive paleontology section, dioramas of birds, mammals, many prehistoric fossils of local dinosaurs, a basement with a view of hands-on operations for working with fossils, a large area for traveling exhibitions, and tons of other stuff.
The Dallas Aquarium in Fair Park has many tanks and exhibitions of colorful aquatic species... not a huge place, and also not to be confused with the Dallas World Aquarium in downtown Dallas.
The Dallas Horticultural center is a big building with samples of plants from various tropical regions.
The Fort Worth Science and History museum has many exhibits on many subjects and usually has a large space devoted to traveling shows. It also has an IMAX-Omnimax theatre and a planetarium.
The Heard Museum of Science in suburban McKinney claims a science museum, a Raptor Rehabilitation Center and a science resource center. You can also try their walkable nature trail.
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:04 AM
#37
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Just to let you all know, we chose Tucson, after much debate. See my thread in General Interest and Arizona, named, appropriately, "We Chose Tucson!"
Eventually, I know we'll make it to each of those other cities, but Tucson's where we're starting.
I appreciate all the help you've all given so far: my husband and I have poured over your responses, rating cites and checking websites!
Thanks again!
Eventually, I know we'll make it to each of those other cities, but Tucson's where we're starting.
I appreciate all the help you've all given so far: my husband and I have poured over your responses, rating cites and checking websites!
Thanks again!
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:15 AM
#38
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I've mentioned IMAX-Omnimax in this thread. Some of you may wonder... just what is Omnimax.
Well, the Cinemark Theatre in Dallas is a straight IMAX place... it has a flat screen, huge, brilliant.
Where Omnimax differs is that the screen is curved into a dome. You sit inside the dome as the IMAX projection completely surrounds you. As you can imagine, the effect is breathtaking. Two Omnimax theatres in DFW are in the Dallas Science Place I and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Another interesting bit of cinema technology is in a theatre using DLP technology. There is no film, the image is created from a silicon wafer that creates an image and projects it onto a theatre-sized screen. The visual effect is pretty stunning... much greater clarity, much better contrasts... like seeing high definition for the first time.
There are a couple of DLP theatres in Dallas, but the one I'd reccommend is the Cinemark Legacy in Dallas' suburb of Plano...
Well, the Cinemark Theatre in Dallas is a straight IMAX place... it has a flat screen, huge, brilliant.
Where Omnimax differs is that the screen is curved into a dome. You sit inside the dome as the IMAX projection completely surrounds you. As you can imagine, the effect is breathtaking. Two Omnimax theatres in DFW are in the Dallas Science Place I and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Another interesting bit of cinema technology is in a theatre using DLP technology. There is no film, the image is created from a silicon wafer that creates an image and projects it onto a theatre-sized screen. The visual effect is pretty stunning... much greater clarity, much better contrasts... like seeing high definition for the first time.
There are a couple of DLP theatres in Dallas, but the one I'd reccommend is the Cinemark Legacy in Dallas' suburb of Plano...
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:31 AM
#39
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Don't let xbt2316 get to you. He has little interest of any place outside of the Dallas/Ft Worth Metro area. EVERY place is compared to Dallas & it's always the case that whatever the other place has, Dallas has it better. We have had discussions before, specifically comparing Chicago & Dallas & as far as xbt is concerned Dallas is better in EVERY aspect to Chicago. Of all the places mentioned Dallas & Houston would be near the bottom of the list of recommended places to visit in any poll - that's not to say they are bad places, they just don't have what folks are seeking in a vacation spot. Check out any poll where people visit & see what places are listed near the top in popularity, check out Fodors or Frommers publications & read what they say about the attributes of different places - you will, in most cases, not see Dallas listed at all in most polls & you don't see much in the way of travel recommendations to Dallas in travel publications. If I go to the Dallas area on vacation I stay in Ft Worth & if I go to Houston area I stay in Galveston. I soon will be taking a road trip & I am flying into Tucson for the start of that trip to see attractions in Arizona, Texas, & New Mexico. I enjoy Tucson & will spent a few days there before hitting the road. Of all the places mentioned Tucson, San Antonio, & Santa Fe would be at the top of my list. If Phoenix is visited I would stay in the Scottsdale area. And you know what, xbt2316 is going to have a response pushing Dallas. He always has to have the last word. I am pretty sure that xbt is a nice person but if he doesn't work for the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, he should. For Taupe79, whatever destination you choose, enjoy your long weekend. Keep in mind you can enjoy many different locations you haven't been before if you keep an open mind, think positive, & hang loose.
Jan 12th, 2006, 08:42 AM
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Actually, Shea, I think he may work for either the Houston or San Antonio C of C...trying to funnel tourism away from Dallas and to one of the other cities. LOL
If it were me choosing, his approach would certainly be an effective tool in driving me in the opposite direction--a little reverse psychology dontchaknow.
If it were me choosing, his approach would certainly be an effective tool in driving me in the opposite direction--a little reverse psychology dontchaknow.
