idleweiss

We are renting a condo for one month in the Ventana Canyon area. Have done a great deal of research on places to see and hike. Would like some advice on clothes to bring. We will have a washer and dryer in the condo. I know Tuscon is casual but do I bring dark cottons in addition to jeans ans sweats? Will I need shorts? What about evenings. Would I be out of place in a leather jacket. Am I better off with fleece sweaters. Finally, a list of both casual and fine restaurants would be so helpful. Is driving to Tombstone a long ride as our grandchildren are visiting for 5 days. All boys age 9,7.5 and 3. Would it be fun for them to go there?I know about the ADMuseum and the Sabino Canyon tram and other activities that will be a treat.Also is there any kind of pass or tickets that can be purchased in advance to save us money. I know this is avery disjointed post. I am on Fodors all the time but for some reason never thought about asking for help. My apologies for the rambling. Please help.

MikePinTucson

You can wear just about anything you want and would not be out of place. It can be as warm as 80 during the day, but it cools off quickly in the evening.

Tombstone would be about a 1 1/2 hour drive, and the boys will probably love it.

For discounts, you can get the Tucson Attractions Passport from the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

http://www.visittucson.org/static/in...ID=110&Reset=1

For more information, including on restaurants, please check out the information I have put on line:

http://mikepintucson.blogspot.com/

NewbE

I bet the kids would also love the AZ-Sonora Desert Museum, which is really an outdoor nature park featuring native animals and plants. The plants might leave them cold, but the critters are awesome, and the Desert Museum has fun, creative kids' programs, too.

You may want to stop in Bisbee and take the Copper Queen Mine tour--again, I think the kids would love it. You go down on an actual miner's tram into the mine, where it's always about 60 degrees--bring fleece! Retired miners strap helmets with lights on you and guide the tour--it's fascinating.

Old Tucson movie studio--if that's what it's called--is said to be fun for kids, too. It's where a lot of the old westerns were filmed, and features stunt men shooting prop guns, falling off buildings, etc. This is also near-ish Tombstone.

MikePinTucson

Actually, Old Tucson is just a few miles from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, about 10 miles west of Tucson. Tombstone is about 70 miles east of Tucson, and Bisbee about 25 miles further southeast.

But I agree, the kids will love it.

idleweiss

MikePinTucson, Your info is invaluable. I have read, researched and been on the web. You could have save me the effort!!!!One question would the trip to Tombstone be redundant if we take them to the Old Tucson Movie studio.They have come of age more with computers and lasers than cowboys.You have been there. What is your opinion? Also I have some problems hiking because of a heel problem. Are there some special trails you can think of that would pose no steep inclines that are still beautiful?NewbE Thanks also for the tip on the copper mine tour. Here in chicago one of our famous museumms has a "fke" mine tour where the kids and adults wear head gear, take a tram and descend . They loveit. They will only be with us 5 days, so we have mire than enough for them to do. Thanks again

NewbE

Whoops! Can you tell geography is not my forte?? Thanks so much, MikeP, for the save.

MikePinTucson

I really don't think Tombstone will be redundant, but Old Tucson may be. Tombstone is VERY touristy. But there is still something about walking on the streets and in the buildings where those famous, and infamous cowboys (and madames) walked, lived and died. Just kind of an eerie feeling if you stop and think about it. I would skip the OK Corral, but the Bird Cage theater is worth a visit. And you might want to take a stagecoach ride around town. Also, on the east end of the main street, actually out of the most touristy area, is a big old "country" store that is fun to wander through. I forget the neame (maybe "country store", but it is on the south side of the street and set back maybe 20 yards from the street. Also go through boot hill. I know a lot of people think Tombstone is pretty hokey, but I still go there at least once a year.

As far as hikes, Saguaro National Park (east and west) has some short guided ones they do. Check at this website:

http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

The Rincon (east) district completely repaved the loop (9 mile) road last Summer. There are lots of places you can park and stroll around on trails. At one of the places, they have a nature walk, about 1/2 mile, I think, with signs identifying the plants and trees.


I'm glad my online info was helpful, and I do hope you enjoy your visit.

bigtyke

I agree the Bisbee Copper Queen mine tour is great. It's best to make reservations. The tour is questionable for the 3 and 5 yr olds.

Other things you might want to see during that month are Kitt Peak Observatory, Chiricauha national monument, Patagonia and Tubac

sharkmom

As a point of interest, I happened to notice that the Tucson Rodeo runs from Feb 17 - 25. I know nothing about it but it might be fun to check out.
http://www.tucsonrodeo.com/schedule/

idleweiss

Thanks to all of you for your input. bigtyke why do you feel the copper mine tour is possibly not appropriate for the 5 and 3 year old?Do you think they would be bored or afraid? Also on the subjects of caves is the Colossal Caves a ripoff? We will tour the other caves (forgot the name-begins with a K) later in the month. MikePin Thanks for the input on the easier trails. may have misled you. I can do a hike of about 5 miles roundtrip before I run into troubla as long as there is no or very little steepness. sharkmon- thanka also for the rodeo tip. We have tickets on the 22nd.Again, any new info is always appreciated.

MikePinTucson

Colossal Cave isn't really a rip-off. but it pales in comparison to Kartchner Caverns. So I would go to Kartchner (I prefer the Rotunda/Throne Room tour) and skip Colossal Cave.

Anyway, for hikes, take a look ant the link I provided on my blog. Also, you can do some hiking in Sabino Canyon and a walk at Saguaro National Park east from the visitor center to the picnic area and back is about 4 miles. But it is all on the road.