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If you’re looking to get out of Nogales, take a road trip to the North to do some exploring and experience some of the little known gems of Arizona.
Begin your trip by heading North on I-19 and stopping off in Tubac to pick up some fresh brewed coffee and homemade pastries at the Tubac Deli and Coffee Company. Continue on I-19, stopping off at San Xavier del Bac Mission, a Spanish colonial church built in the 1700’s by Papago Indians and thought by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States.
Next, the world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just outside of Tucson, is a combination of zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden. The Museum hosts 21 acres of scenic desert and almost two miles of paths where you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants.
For lunch, head over to the Casas Adobes Plaza. Stroll through the charming breezeways of this Mediterranean-style center and choose from one of the six restaurants offering casual seating. After lunch, take in some window shopping along the shaded sidewalks of upscale boutiques.
Now it’s time to check into one of the secluded and luxurious guestrooms at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. After settling in, take a dip in the pool, unwind in the hot tub or treat yourself to a hot stone massage in the privacy of your guestroom. Before dinner, peruse the wine gift shop and try a new label from one of the nearly 2000 stored in the cellar. With an award winning chef preparing meals with vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s own garden, and Wine Spectator’s “Best of” Award of Excellence for over a decade, there is no doubt that dinner at the Resort’s The Grill will be a memorable occasion. End your evening with a nightcap and some live jazz piano onsite at the Joesler Room.
Wake up early for a horseback ride through the scenic foothills of the Catalina Mountains or get in a few rounds of golf at one of the world-class courses within minutes away before brunch is served back at the Hacienda. The buffet-style brunch includes a variety of breakfast foods including a waffle/omelet station, a build-your-own bloody mary bar and complimentary mimosas. It is now time to head back to Nogales but not before a few more stops along the way.
When you arrive at The Old Tucson Studios just outside of Tucson you will feel as though you’ve been transported back in time to the Wild, Wild West. Here many of the western movie legends like John Wayne made movie history while filming more than 300 films over the last 70 years. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the studio or visit a set to witness an old-fashioned gunfight or can-can dance in the saloon. Before leaving the Old West, be sure to put on some authentic western wear for an old-time photograph commemorating your visit back in time.
There is one last stop you should make before heading back to town – the spectacular limestone caves of The Kartchner Caverns where you can see a wide variety of minerals and calcite formations which have been growing for tens of thousands of years. First, visit the theater for an informative film giving a history of the caves’ discovery as well as a brief education on the formations you’ll see on the tour. The 1 hour underground tour is conducted by friendly and knowledgeable guides who are eager to answer questions on the geology and preservation of the caves. On your way out, don’t miss the gift shop where you can pick up a cave-related souvenir.
And now it’s on the road again back to Nogales. If you’re not quite ready to end your road trip, grab a bite to eat back in town at La Roca where you can relive your experiences and plan your next road trip over an authentic margarita! |
