Trip Report--Tucson
 

Thanks to all on Fodors who gave so generously (as usual) great tips for this trip, especially MikePin Tucson (who e-mailed me great notes), Tucsonartist, Scarlett, razzle-dazzle, E, happytrailstoyou, and anyone else I may have failed to mention…

Purpose of the trip was a sunbreak, and it was good for that as we had sun most every day (and high temps—near 90).

We purchased a Tucson Attractions Passport which saved us lots of $$$ and included most of the places we went to which we really enjoyed—Arizona-Sonora Desert Mueum (where the pumas literally put on a show for us!), Colossal Cave—a dry cave which was very interesting; Kartchner Caverns State Park—a “live cave,” which was even more interesting; Mission San Xavier del Bac, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, where we took the tram to the top and hiked down, Tohono Chul Park, where we had lunch on the patio, and Tucson Botanical Garden, where we went late on a Saturday and got to “spy” on a few weddings (fun).

We really like good Mexican food and since we don’t have much of that here in Seattle, we mostly went to Mexican restaurants from tips here and on Chowhound. Our favorites were Café Poca Cosa and the chicken mole at Casa Molina.

The only real disappointment was our timeshare through II at the Varsity Club—they rated it a 5 star, but I think 3 star might even be pushing it, though the people that work there were really nice, especially Sheree, who managed to get us tickets to Karchner on Easter when they had been sold out! (Yes, DO get tickets in advance on the Internet!) We stayed an extra day (‘cause I couldn’t get a flight back on Easter) and what a treat that was—got a room at the Omni for $85 on Priceline and that was certainly a 5 star!!! What a gorgeous place. Even got some night tennis in (too hot in the day for us) so we didn’t feel we brought our rackets down for nothing.

Only other disappointment was that, despite loading myself with vitamin C, Echinacea, and Airborne, I managed to pick up a “bug” on the plane!

Thanks again to everyone that gave us good tips. Will be happy to answer any questions.

artlover,

thanks very much for your trip report. Tucson is on our list of places to vist.

Beachdweller,
Hope this helps your trip--make sure to do a search for MikePin Tucson and get his terrific notes!

Hi artlover,

I'm glad you had a great time, and I am very happy my "notes" were of use.

Yeah, interesting trip report. Just returned from there ourselves and I have to say that Colossal Cave was a colossal disappointment. First of all, it's not all that big (at least not what you see on the tour anyway), but mostly the problem is that it's been so heavily vandalized over the decades by souvenier hunters who've broken off virtually all of the stalagtites and stalagmites. It was just heartbreaking to see all the damage. May have been quite pretty and interesting at one time, but not any more.

Sounds like Kartchner Caverns is a much better choice - which is very convenient for us since we are in the process of buying some property not far from there. I'm sure we'll get plenty of chances to see that place.

Ken

Ken did you write a trip report? We're going in April, staying at Tanque Verde ranch for 5 days and haven't decided where we should stay our last night.

Can you offer any recommendations for the day when we aren't at the ranch? We have 2 teenaged boys, 14 and 17.

Nina -

No I didn't write a report. This was really not vacation as such. as we went down there specifically to look for retirement property rather than fun. We didn't stay in anyplay fancy (just a very basic Best Western on Speedway near the U of A - you'll drive past it on the way to the Tanque Verde Ranch) and we didn't much real siteseeing. Instead, we got up early each morning and headed out to the various areas around the city and looked a properties for sale - or in some cases just cruised around looking for "for sale" signed and getting a general feel for what each area was like so that if I found property online after our return, I'd a have a pretty good idea of what to expect there. Collosal Cave was about the only touristy thing we did - and that was only after we'd found some land and was awaiting the answer on our offer. We did become real good friends with our realtor and met many of his friends as well. Stayed out wayyyyyyyyy too late (3:30 AM in case).

By the Way, the Ranch sounds like a great choice for you. The kids should love it. Since you are going for a "western" themed trip you might want to consider a visit to Old Tucson Studios on your last day. The area near there (Saguaro National Park (west)) is gorgeous. Alternately, consider the Kartchner Caverns. As mentioned, I've not yet been, but its very interesing (especially for the kids) - though apparently you DO need reservations.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Unlike the tropical vacations we generally take, this was sort of a "business" trip.

Ken

nina-when not at the ranch, make a
trek over to the Tucson's west side and visit The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum-
this is a place that should be on the
"Not To Be Missed" list !
www.desertmuseum.org

Old Tucson. IMHO, is not worth the price of admission.

Kartchner Caverns is.

Out by where you'll be staying is Sabino Canyon, always fun for a hike
and if it's too hot you can take the drive up to Mt. Lemmon.

If you want more ideas-be sure to
email MikeP for his list !

R5

R5

Razzle -

I'll keep that in mind regarding Old Tucson.

Ken

Thanks so much Ken and Mike!

And Razzle too. Thank you.