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 Walk to meet Tucson's artists |
2 East Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 9977 |
Every Thursday, December through May, and every first and third Thursday the rest of the year, Tucson's downtown galleries stay open until 7pm to accommodate art aficionados in their wish to meet the artist community. This walk is a two-hour, free, docent-led tour of several galleries with participating artists changing weekly. Walkers also have a chance to meet artists personally in their studios. Tours leave from the Tucson Arts District Partnership office on Two East Congress at 5:30pm on Thursdays April-October. Other walking tours explaining the history of the warehouse district are offered on the second Saturday of each month through May departing from the lobby of Hotel Congress. Most galleries and cafes will accept major credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The heart of Mexican Tucson |
Near 100 South Stone Avenue (Between Interstate 10 and Stone Ave, Cushing and 17th Street) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
This district was once considered the Mexican-American side of Tucson. It has been called Barrio Viejo or Barrio Libre since its Mexican inhabitants were more or less free to follow their own laws in the old days. That has changed, but the area has preserved its distinctly Mexican flavor with flat-roofed adobe (mud-brick) houses and roofs made from saguaro ribs and packed dirt (providing great insulation in the extreme Tucson climate). Some of Tucson's oldest structures can be found here and many of them nicely restored. Since most have been converted into private homes or offices, your visit will have to be confined to the exteriors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Peeples |
 Photo: David Scherer |
 Photo: Cheryl Cato |
 Piece of Tucson history |
311 East Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 798 1618 |
Here's one of the most interesting places to dine in Tucson. Located in the historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson, the cafe retains the ambiance of another era, but the clientele is definitely hip. Full bar service is available. The food is eclectic, reflecting American, Mexican and Italian tastes, but always top rate. The desserts, all homemade, are simply superb. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Khawkins Photography |
 Photo: lofigirl |
 Photo: Erin McWilliams |
 Photo: signolicious |
 Photo: Erin Parker |
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Tucson info center |
110 South Church Avenue (La Placita Village) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 1817 |
They're here to serve you, so stop by the MTVCB offices downtown, especially if you are a first-time visitor to Tucson, and let the friendly staff help you organize your visit to Tucson as efficiently as possible. Listen to their advice what to see and to do, pick up as many maps and brochures as you want, or let them help you organize your next convention. It's their job, and they love doing it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A guided tour of Tucson |
4841 East Third Street Tucson, AZ 85711 United States +1 520 795 7448 |
Tour operator Terri Nanjerone takes visitors to see all the major historic sights of Tucson. She picks customers up at their hotels in her mini-bus, if requested. Highlights of the tour include the DeGrazia Gallery, Barrio Historico and Mission San Xavier del Bac. Lunch at the pleasant Old Town Artisans complex downtown caps the experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: hecky villanueva |
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Arts, crafts and a beautiful courtyard |
186 North Meyer Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 623 6024 / +1 800 782 8072 http://www.oldtownartisans.com |
This is a place not to be missed when sightseeing in downtown Tucson. The old adobe structure in the historic Presidio district invites visitors to explore its shops, galleries and restaurants, or to just sit and relax in the wonderful courtyard shaded by palm trees. It's a kind of art shopping center catering to tourists eagerly looking for souvenirs from the Southwest; in fact, it offers everything from Navajo rugs to dried prickly pear jam. There is no admission fee. All stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J Gregory Barnes |
 Photo: sillowet |
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Evoking Tucson's Spanish heritage |
115 North Church Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 882 0044 |
This courthouse, designed in 1928 in Spanish Colonial style, is a nice architectural homage to Tucson's Spanish-Mexican past. If you are downtown, take your time to stroll around and view the building from all sides. Explore the courtyard and its arcade, created by arches and columns, or sit by the cool water of the fountain. The best part of the complex is actually its glittering tiled dome in vaguely Moorish style. Finally, walk upstairs (security check required) to see the only remaining piece of the original Presidio walls displayed there. Access is free during office hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Tellez  |
 Photo: Jonathan Allan |
 Photo: Anna McElheny |
 Photo: southwest girl |
 Photo: indiHJ |
 Photo: Maynard |
 Photo: myshineyredcar |
 Photo: blindbanjodjim |
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Location of the old fortress |
255 West Alameda Street (West of Pima County Courthouse) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
In 1775, the Spanish army staked its claim to this land (now the state of Arizona) by building the fortress, or presidio, which would soon become the center of Tucson. Both the Spanish and the fortress are long gone now, and all that's left of the presidio is a plaque reminding visitors of the events hundreds of years ago. It's a park now, used for fiestas and other celebrations, surrounded by tall 1970s style office buildings. There's not much history left here aside from the Pima County Courthouse, but it's still a nice place to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Hadel |
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19th-century Tucson lifestyle |
151 South Granada Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 0956 |
This is one of Tucson's oldest adobe houses, built around 1880 and home of the Carrillo family for over 90 years. Located on the grounds of the Tucson Convention Center downtown, the house has been restored using period furniture of the 1880s, featuring exhibits of Tucson lifestyles in the 19th century. Admission is free, but reservations are required for walking tours, which are only offered on Saturdays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church steeped in Hispanic culture |
192 South Stone Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 623 6351 |
As the biggest Catholic church in the city, this is one of the most splendid architecturally with its high interior, tall windows and dome. Built in 1896, and renovated in 1967, it is a particularly imposing sight during late evening hours. Services are held Sundays at 6:30a, 8a, and 5:30p. A special attraction is the colorful Mariachi mass Sundays at 8a, delivered in Spanish; your chance to get a taste of Tucson's rich Hispanic heritage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mmichels02 |
 Photo: Kacy |
 Photo: Jake Yeagley |
 Photo: Bobbie Newman |
 Photo: 0ccam |
 Photo: Rocky Berlier |
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Mecca for the arts |
125 South Arizona Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 9977 http://www.tucsonartsdistrict.... |
The Tucson Arts District Partnership is working to transform the formerly distressed Tucson downtown area into a cultural hub. This non-profit organization has helped local artists find studio space downtown and restored dilapidated historic buildings, thereby transforming the streets around Congress into attractions for visitors from out of town. Staff members also organize studio tours and art walks during fall, winter and spring, as well as the popular Downtown Saturday Night festival. Call the TADP office for art walk and tour schedules. Most tours are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aaron Wagner |
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Center for the performing arts |
260 South Church Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 791 4101 http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/tcc/ |
This is Tucson's main venue for the performing arts, home of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera, as well as the locale for pop music concerts, sports events and major trade conventions. A typical result of 1970s style urban renewal, it is only mildly interesting (stylistically) compared to the old adobe buildings that were bulldozed to make room for what now stands. However, some abstract sculptures and fountains outside the complex provide food for the art lover's imagination. There are three performance venues- Tucson Arena, Tucson Music Hall, and the Leo Rich Theater. See their website for a list of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will Gelnaw |
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More than a museum |
140 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 http://www.tucsonarts.com |
The Tucson Museum has moved from exhibiting mostly traditional Western art to contemporary and experimental, with a large section devoted to pre-Columbian artistry of the American Southwest and Mexico. The museum shop features works by some of Arizona's most talented artists. Docent tours may be scheduled by calling +1 520 696 7450. Children under 12 and members are admitted free of charge and it's free for all on the first Sunday of the month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jessica Michallet |
 Photo: Gwyneth Fatemi |
 Photo: tikkitoes |
 Photo: Fun with Dot & Ken |
 Photo: Grant Wiggins |