Guidebook for Vail
Food Scene
BEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN! If you are looking for a delicious breakfast, this is THE PLACE to visit! With great Bloody Mary and Mimosa options, you can start your vacation or just order coffee and juice. A locally owned, and local favorite, you must tell them its your first visit. They bring you something special when they know you haven't been in before. We recommend almost any benedict on the menu, but the special is always something AMAZING!
22 locals recommend
Baja Cafe
7002 E Broadway BlvdBEST BREAKFAST IN TOWN! If you are looking for a delicious breakfast, this is THE PLACE to visit! With great Bloody Mary and Mimosa options, you can start your vacation or just order coffee and juice. A locally owned, and local favorite, you must tell them its your first visit. They bring you something special when they know you haven't been in before. We recommend almost any benedict on the menu, but the special is always something AMAZING!
Right now, Tucson Tamale has its products in 340 stores across America. That's very different from their humble beginnings, when they made 60 tamales the first day they opened for business in their small storefront on Broadway Boulevard.
They've since expanded to three locations and opened the production facility a year ago to keep up with demand. Awarded the "Best Bite of the Day" by Alton Brown, American television personality, food show presenter, author, actor, cinematographer, and musician. Tamales are to Tucson what Fried Chicken is to Kentucky, Pizza is to Chicago, and BBQ is to Kansas City. You have to try them!
35 locals recommend
Tucson Tamale Company
2545 E Broadway BlvdRight now, Tucson Tamale has its products in 340 stores across America. That's very different from their humble beginnings, when they made 60 tamales the first day they opened for business in their small storefront on Broadway Boulevard.
They've since expanded to three locations and opened the production facility a year ago to keep up with demand. Awarded the "Best Bite of the Day" by Alton Brown, American television personality, food show presenter, author, actor, cinematographer, and musician. Tamales are to Tucson what Fried Chicken is to Kentucky, Pizza is to Chicago, and BBQ is to Kansas City. You have to try them!
Looking for a delicious downtown breakfast? Nook is the place for you! The New American "urban kitchen" offers an eclectic breakfast and brunch menu that runs the gamut from light offerings (a frozen yogurt parfait sweetened with agave syrup, for example) to homemade specialties (the restaurant's signature crumpet sandwiches). You can't really go wrong with house specialties like the Godfather Benedict, which features prosciutto and a bright balsamic drizzle. The Pure Breakfast crumpet sandwich is also pretty irresistible, made with a folded egg and Swiss cheese garnished with microgreens.
13 locals recommend
Nook
1 E Congress StLooking for a delicious downtown breakfast? Nook is the place for you! The New American "urban kitchen" offers an eclectic breakfast and brunch menu that runs the gamut from light offerings (a frozen yogurt parfait sweetened with agave syrup, for example) to homemade specialties (the restaurant's signature crumpet sandwiches). You can't really go wrong with house specialties like the Godfather Benedict, which features prosciutto and a bright balsamic drizzle. The Pure Breakfast crumpet sandwich is also pretty irresistible, made with a folded egg and Swiss cheese garnished with microgreens.
Enjoy OLD SPANISH TRAIL COMFORT FOOD in the dining room, on the patio or at the bar! They've been serving local guests, sightseeing tourist friends and hungry travelers right outside Saguaro National Park since 1956.
The menu features fun food for the whole family in a beautiful pleasant setting with wildlife and desert beauty right outside the windows. The live music is always great! We strongly recommend you stop by, and eat the Curds of Amazingness or Poppets. They also serve some of the best Mac & Cheeses around! Our favorite part about this place is that they feature a great craft beer selection including taster flights!
40 locals recommend
Saguaro Corners Restaurant & Bar
3750 S Old Spanish TrailEnjoy OLD SPANISH TRAIL COMFORT FOOD in the dining room, on the patio or at the bar! They've been serving local guests, sightseeing tourist friends and hungry travelers right outside Saguaro National Park since 1956.
The menu features fun food for the whole family in a beautiful pleasant setting with wildlife and desert beauty right outside the windows. The live music is always great! We strongly recommend you stop by, and eat the Curds of Amazingness or Poppets. They also serve some of the best Mac & Cheeses around! Our favorite part about this place is that they feature a great craft beer selection including taster flights!
Hacienda del Lago is a nice looking bistro type of restaurant located on part of an 18 hole golf course in the Rancho del Lago area. They mainly serve the surrounding gated association communities and golf course patrons. They offer normal breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as special holiday brunches (like Mother's Day). They're also a wedding reception venue. Beautiful surroundings and location.
Hacienda del Lago
14155 E Vía Rancho Del LagoHacienda del Lago is a nice looking bistro type of restaurant located on part of an 18 hole golf course in the Rancho del Lago area. They mainly serve the surrounding gated association communities and golf course patrons. They offer normal breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as special holiday brunches (like Mother's Day). They're also a wedding reception venue. Beautiful surroundings and location.
The Old West looking "shopping mall" and restaurant was built from the abandoned set of an unfinished Glenn Ford western movie set that was left outside of the populated area of Tucson in the 1950s.
Pinnacle Peak is Tucson’s "original Cowboy Steakhouse!" You can enjoy a signature Cowboy Steak or savor any of the other menu offerings such as ribs, pit beef, chicken, and much more. The best part about Pinnacle Peak's is their one rule: No Ties Allowed! For extra fun, wear a tie and let them take it from you!
58 locals recommend
Pinnacle Peak
6541 E Tanque Verde RdThe Old West looking "shopping mall" and restaurant was built from the abandoned set of an unfinished Glenn Ford western movie set that was left outside of the populated area of Tucson in the 1950s.
Pinnacle Peak is Tucson’s "original Cowboy Steakhouse!" You can enjoy a signature Cowboy Steak or savor any of the other menu offerings such as ribs, pit beef, chicken, and much more. The best part about Pinnacle Peak's is their one rule: No Ties Allowed! For extra fun, wear a tie and let them take it from you!
Sightseeing
Regarded as one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona, the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway takes travelers to the upper reaches of Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Aside from the arresting canyon and mountain views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada (the road begins in the lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and ascends to the high forests in the Canadian zone).
485 locals recommend
Mount Lemmon
Regarded as one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona, the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway takes travelers to the upper reaches of Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Aside from the arresting canyon and mountain views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada (the road begins in the lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and ascends to the high forests in the Canadian zone).
On the weekends and major holidays, Tombstone Vigilantes and other groups recreate the Old West in the historic district, complete with 1880's fashion shows, desperado hangings, and loud, raucous gunfights. Great fun!
Kids particularly enjoy riding in the stagecoach, lunch at Big Nose Kate's Saloon, and the Old Courthouse - a fine museum that offers a realistic picture of historic Tombstone. For those planning a visit to Tombstone for the first time, we always recommend a Walking Tour with Dr. Jay.
332 locals recommend
Tombstone
300 N Sumner StOn the weekends and major holidays, Tombstone Vigilantes and other groups recreate the Old West in the historic district, complete with 1880's fashion shows, desperado hangings, and loud, raucous gunfights. Great fun!
Kids particularly enjoy riding in the stagecoach, lunch at Big Nose Kate's Saloon, and the Old Courthouse - a fine museum that offers a realistic picture of historic Tombstone. For those planning a visit to Tombstone for the first time, we always recommend a Walking Tour with Dr. Jay.
Parks & Nature
Big park offering tours of a cave with unique rock formations, museum exhibits & a butterfly garden.
Information is best provided at http://colossalcave.com
131 locals recommend
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E Old Spanish TrailBig park offering tours of a cave with unique rock formations, museum exhibits & a butterfly garden.
Information is best provided at http://colossalcave.com
Saguaro National Park is uniquely situated around the 500 square miles that make up Tucson; which is at the heart of the Sonoran desert. Its two districts are separated by the city's 1 million residents. The Tucson Mountain District (TMD) on the west, and the Rincon Mountain District (RMD) to the east, are approximately 30 miles (45-60 minutes) apart. While similar in terms of plants and animals, the intricate details make both areas praiseworthy. The Rincon Mountain District (RMD) hosts a magnificent sky island, where you can find bears, cougars and the ever elusive coati (aka kudamundi).
3693 E Old Spanish Trail
East Old Spanish TrailSaguaro National Park is uniquely situated around the 500 square miles that make up Tucson; which is at the heart of the Sonoran desert. Its two districts are separated by the city's 1 million residents. The Tucson Mountain District (TMD) on the west, and the Rincon Mountain District (RMD) to the east, are approximately 30 miles (45-60 minutes) apart. While similar in terms of plants and animals, the intricate details make both areas praiseworthy. The Rincon Mountain District (RMD) hosts a magnificent sky island, where you can find bears, cougars and the ever elusive coati (aka kudamundi).
Although it's called a museum, this facility – about 15 miles west of downtown Tucson – is actually a zoo. In fact, 85 percent of what you'll experience is outdoors (so dress accordingly). The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's 97 acres host 230 native animals – including prairie dogs, coyotes and a mountain lion – and 1,200 local plant species (totaling 56,000 individual plants). Walking through the museum's trails, visitors get acquainted with desert life. And if you feel hungry after your leisurely hike, you can enjoy a meal at one of the museum's four eateries, all of which have great views of the surrounding desert. If you do nothing else, MAKE SURE TO FIT THIS IN DURING YOUR VISIT!
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdAlthough it's called a museum, this facility – about 15 miles west of downtown Tucson – is actually a zoo. In fact, 85 percent of what you'll experience is outdoors (so dress accordingly). The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's 97 acres host 230 native animals – including prairie dogs, coyotes and a mountain lion – and 1,200 local plant species (totaling 56,000 individual plants). Walking through the museum's trails, visitors get acquainted with desert life. And if you feel hungry after your leisurely hike, you can enjoy a meal at one of the museum's four eateries, all of which have great views of the surrounding desert. If you do nothing else, MAKE SURE TO FIT THIS IN DURING YOUR VISIT!
Arts & Culture
Known as the White Dove of the Desert, the mission was founded in 1692. This beautiful mission appears to magically rise from the desert floor just outside of the Santa Cruz River. Due to its location, the mission was formerly known as The Place Where Water Appears as it was once surrounded by natural springs. However, the springs are now a thing of the past, but the beauty of the area is still amazing. The rustic-looking Catholic church and mission hosts Moorish, Spanish and Native American motifs, just waiting to be explored. So today, the thing to do is bring your water bottle and walking shoes as you not only walk the mission and its grounds but the hill and cemetery nearby.
329 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdKnown as the White Dove of the Desert, the mission was founded in 1692. This beautiful mission appears to magically rise from the desert floor just outside of the Santa Cruz River. Due to its location, the mission was formerly known as The Place Where Water Appears as it was once surrounded by natural springs. However, the springs are now a thing of the past, but the beauty of the area is still amazing. The rustic-looking Catholic church and mission hosts Moorish, Spanish and Native American motifs, just waiting to be explored. So today, the thing to do is bring your water bottle and walking shoes as you not only walk the mission and its grounds but the hill and cemetery nearby.
Entertainment & Activities
Second Saturdays is an organization of businesses, artists, restaurants and downtown enthusiasts who have revived Tucson's urban block party program. They bring music, artisans, restaurant and club offerings and vitality to Downtown Tucson, the 2nd Saturday of each month. Wear your walking shoes, and know that convenient parking will not likely be free. If you are downtown, we recommend eating at 47 Scott, and ordering the Grilled Cheese and Brussel Sprouts!
125 E Congress St
125 East Congress StreetSecond Saturdays is an organization of businesses, artists, restaurants and downtown enthusiasts who have revived Tucson's urban block party program. They bring music, artisans, restaurant and club offerings and vitality to Downtown Tucson, the 2nd Saturday of each month. Wear your walking shoes, and know that convenient parking will not likely be free. If you are downtown, we recommend eating at 47 Scott, and ordering the Grilled Cheese and Brussel Sprouts!
Kids (and adults!) of all ages delight in the many rides and attractions located in Trail Dust Town. You can try your hand at gold panning or test your reflexes at the interactive shooting gallery. There is an antique carousel and covered wagon themed Circle the Wagons Ferris Wheel. No visit is complete without a trip around the town on the C.P. Huntington miniature train!
Our FAVORITE part of Trail Dust Town is the Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros show. A very interactive and action packed stunt show that features family friendly comedy, explosions, and high falls! The shows vary from twenty to thirty minutes in length and occur two to three times a night.
55 locals recommend
Trail Dust Town
6541 E Tanque Verde RdKids (and adults!) of all ages delight in the many rides and attractions located in Trail Dust Town. You can try your hand at gold panning or test your reflexes at the interactive shooting gallery. There is an antique carousel and covered wagon themed Circle the Wagons Ferris Wheel. No visit is complete without a trip around the town on the C.P. Huntington miniature train!
Our FAVORITE part of Trail Dust Town is the Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros show. A very interactive and action packed stunt show that features family friendly comedy, explosions, and high falls! The shows vary from twenty to thirty minutes in length and occur two to three times a night.
If you're in search of an activity the whole family will enjoy (and one that allows you to escape the heat for a few hours), attend a performance at the Gaslight Theatre. Offering everything from musical comedies and melodramas to Westerns and sci-fi spoofs, the theater receives praise from visitors for its reasonable prices and fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, the theater serves beer and wine, soft drinks, pizza and free popcorn, among other kid-friendly eats.
50 locals recommend
Gaslight Theatre
7010 E Broadway BlvdIf you're in search of an activity the whole family will enjoy (and one that allows you to escape the heat for a few hours), attend a performance at the Gaslight Theatre. Offering everything from musical comedies and melodramas to Westerns and sci-fi spoofs, the theater receives praise from visitors for its reasonable prices and fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, the theater serves beer and wine, soft drinks, pizza and free popcorn, among other kid-friendly eats.
Shopping
Tubac Village is open year 'round and features more than 100 shops, fine art galleries and working artists' studios, dining, lodging, and area golf. Established in 1752, Tubac is located 45 miles south of Tucson and 15 minutes north of the US/Mexico border. This small town on the Santa Cruz River in Southern Arizona, has played a large part in shaping the history of the American West and has a long tradition of abandonment and reclamation, stretching back hundreds of years. The community of Tubac continues this practice of reclamation today with its successful efforts to save the Tubac Presidio Historic State Park.
La Entrada de Tubac
2221 I-19 Frontage RdTubac Village is open year 'round and features more than 100 shops, fine art galleries and working artists' studios, dining, lodging, and area golf. Established in 1752, Tubac is located 45 miles south of Tucson and 15 minutes north of the US/Mexico border. This small town on the Santa Cruz River in Southern Arizona, has played a large part in shaping the history of the American West and has a long tradition of abandonment and reclamation, stretching back hundreds of years. The community of Tubac continues this practice of reclamation today with its successful efforts to save the Tubac Presidio Historic State Park.
Setting a standard for luxury shopping in the Sonoran desert, La Encantada is a two-level, outdoor specialty center that celebrates the splendor of old-world Spanish traditions alongside modern sophistication. The first and only luxury shopping center in Southern Arizona, La Encantada delivers world-class upscale brands to Tucson, including Louis Vuitton, Brooks Brothers, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Michael Kors, lululemon athletica, kate spade New York, Apple and Tiffany & Co. Along with being the hot spot for fashion mavens, La Encantada is Foothill’s premier dining and social destination.
229 locals recommend
La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrSetting a standard for luxury shopping in the Sonoran desert, La Encantada is a two-level, outdoor specialty center that celebrates the splendor of old-world Spanish traditions alongside modern sophistication. The first and only luxury shopping center in Southern Arizona, La Encantada delivers world-class upscale brands to Tucson, including Louis Vuitton, Brooks Brothers, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Michael Kors, lululemon athletica, kate spade New York, Apple and Tiffany & Co. Along with being the hot spot for fashion mavens, La Encantada is Foothill’s premier dining and social destination.
Essentials
Just a short drive from the house. If you need to get your groceries or fill a prescription, this is the place we go.
Fry's Pharmacy
8080 S Houghton RdJust a short drive from the house. If you need to get your groceries or fill a prescription, this is the place we go.
Anything you need at anytime...this is where we suggest you go. Very new and very clean.
54 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
2711 S Houghton RdAnything you need at anytime...this is where we suggest you go. Very new and very clean.