Hi! I will be in Tucson for 2 days while my husband is on business there (at the end of this week!) I would like
information/location about shopping areas and Malls.
I am also interested in areas with boutique shops (not just name brands)-you know, the kind of area that has cute shops and maybe some nice restaurants? And, also an area with Barnes and Nobel.
Thank you for your time!

Shadow

Just found out it will not be this week after all but maybe next week. Any information anyone?
Shadow

I will give this one more try-really would love ideas about "boutique shopping" (not just malls) AND Malls in Tucson and areas with Barnes and Nobel, etc.
Thank you!
Shadow

Can't help you with shopping centers in Tuscon, but here are the locations of the Barnes & Noble stores in the area:

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Eastside
5130 E. Broadway
Tucson AZ, 85711
520-512-1166

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Westside
7325 N. LaCholla Blvd., Ste 100
Tucson AZ, 85741
520-742-6402

I went to Tucson with someone who was on business, too. Unfortunately, I do not remember where I went shopping. Basically, we rented a Mustang and I asked the concierge where to go and I hit the road. I don't remember any shopping that was very great but just driving around the mountains was fun. I am from Chicago - lots of good shopping but totally flat!!!

The last time I was in Tucson (1998 - and for the 3rd time) I remember there were 2 malls...I don't remember their names, but they were just average malls...and I don't remember any boutique style shops there at all...Scottsdale and Phoenix are the places for that...I can suggest The Hidden Valley Inn or the Tack Room for dinner, though...and if you are in the mood for some 50's style fun and great burgers and shakes go to Little Anthony's...there's a theater company next door that stages some fun shows.

There are no collection of boutique shops in Tucson - I know, I live there. Two large malls, the Tucson Mall and the Park Mall are about it. There is a Barnes & Noble on east side of town but I am more familiar with the northwest B&N in the Foothills Mall. It's a large store and very nice. Foothills Mall is small-mostly outlet type stores, but pretty decor (Saks 5th Ave Outlet among others). It's on Ina Rd. at LaCholla Blvd. The Tucson Mall is on Oracle Rd. at Wetmore and has all the standard mall stores. If you have time drive about 30 miles south of Tucson to Tubac, lots of cute little shops there. As for places to eat there are quite a few actually. I'd recommend Cafe Poca Cosa (downtown on Broadway .. neighborhood is sort of blah but everyone raves about the food and I agree, it's terrific). Vivace in St. Phillip's Plaza is excellent too (River Rd at Campbell). Metropolitan Grill (Oracle Rd at Magee) is quite good as well. Presidio Grill on Speedway is fine, likewise Old Pueblo Grill on Alvernon/Speedway. Tack Room is over rated according to the latest reviews and Hidden Valley Inn is OK for hamburgers/sandwiches. Daniel's (also in St. Phillip's Plaza) is very good.

For really good shopping you need to go to Scottsdale (I do).

Enjoy yourself!!

There are a few plazas with nice upscale "boutique" type shops...check out Plaza Palomino (food market on Saturday mornings) at Swan and Fort Lowell, St. Philips Plaza (Campbell and River)with a farmer's market on Sunday morns, and more shops kitty-corner from St. Philips Plaza at the NW corner at Campbell and River with a great restaurant called Bistro Zin.
Also, downtown there is "Old Town Artisans" at www.oldtownartisans.com, a historic district with lots of local, regional art, jewelery, clothing.
For authentic Mexican try Mi Nidito. I personally don't care for Metropolitan Grill or Presidio Grill (very average food). Cafe Poca Cosa is great and will give you a great taste of Tucson. Vivace is great for Italian, and Wildflower is quite good for nouvelle American (Southwest corner of Ina and Oracle...some neat "boutique" shops there too. You just have to know where to look to shop...no, it's not Scottsdale but there's more variety and upscale stuff all the time, especially in upscale beauty products...if you're into that, check out "Face Me" and "Bellissima" (sp?)if you're interested in more, I'm sure www.visitTucson.org and www.DoTucson.com could give you more ideas, I'm spent!

Everybody-thank you! Thank you all for the information and your time! Now, I have some ideas to plan my time in Tucson. I am looking forward to it.
shadow