Downtown Tucson is changing rapidly. There is no doubt. Teaming with new life brought in by the streetcar, restaurants, apartments and other revitalization programs such as the mural project, downtown Tucson is becoming a lively place to be, whether you like history or hip-hop, from El Presidio del Tucson to the restored Fox Theatre, to the Historic Rialto Theatre, to the Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block or the Children’s Museum or just food and fun, you will find it here. Several new apartments and hotels have been built or are in the works.
Visit the Hotel Congress, have a drink at the bar where John Dillinger and his gang hung out. Check out the hallway photographs. The Cup Café has great Sunday brunches or head across the street to Maynard’s Market & Kitchen.
During the weekdays, for a good look at the history of Tucson, visit the Presidio Museum or the new Southern Arizona Heritage Museum. The Presidio often has Walking tours of Downtown and will explain how this town of Old Pueblo came to be.
Children’s Museum of Tucson Is Newly Remodeled; New Exhibits!
When our 4 grandchildren were young, my job as Grandpa was weekly field trips. I would scout out venues that were educational, but also interesting
The Beautifully Restored Fox Theater: Downtown Tucson
We enjoy going to the Fox Theater in Downtown Tucson, particularly for live performances. It’s a lot like living in Manhattan where we could enjoy a delicious dinner, then walk only a block or two and take in some of the best theater in the world.
El Charro Cafe’. In Search of The Best Mexican Restaurant in Tucson!
Tucson has a lot of Mexican restaurants and not all are worthy of a second visit. Knowing which ones are best is most important when you have visitors from out-of-town. After all, you don’t want to be embarrassed by taking them to one that they aren’t going to rave about.
Artisan Studios
First on my list of last minute Christmas shopping ideas is the Old Town Artisan Studios. Much overlooked, it is full of great little stocking
Veinte de Agosto Park – Downtown Tucson
Veinte de Agosto Park is an acre of grass & trees in the heart of downtown Tucson at the point where Congress & Broadway split
Hub Restaurant & Creamery – Downtown Tucson
UPDATE June 2014: It has been about two and a half years since I first reviewed Hub (see original review below). Since then I have
Downtown Tucson Parking Lots & Garages
Parking meters are $1.00/hour, some with 1/2 hour to 2 hour limits 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday downtown or 7 days a week around the
Downtown Tucson Parking Lots & Garages
Parking meters are $1.00/hour, some with 1/2 hour to 2 hour limits 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday downtown or 7 days a week around the
El Presidio Inn Bed & Breakfast – Tucson Historic Neighborhood
The Presidio Inn Bed & Breakfast IS authentic Tucson. A real 1886 Victorian adobe example of high-class 19th century Territorial architecture. I want you to experience this unique home for several reasons:
It is not a replica. This was the home of a wealthy family living in a dusty village on the outer edge of the American frontier more than 125 years ago. This at a time when most people here lived in shacks, tents, or dirty, dreary boarding houses.
The J. Knox Corbett House
A historical tour of the J. Knox Corbett House, a Tucson merchant’s home from the early 20th Century.
An elegant two-story, stucco-covered brick structure built in the mission revival style, was completed in 1907 and lived in by members of the Corbett family for fifty-six years. J. Knox Corbett and his wife Lizzie Hughes Corbett built the house on the northwest corner of the block next to the Stevens House and near the Tucson Museum of Art.
The Tucson Museum of Art: A Video Introduction
An Overview of the oldest and largest art museum in Southern Arizona. The Tucson Museum of Art has both permanent and rotating exhibits as well as historic houses, a cafe and museum store.
El Presidio del Tucson, Arizona Territory
A reenactment celebration at the Presidio San Agustin de Tucson which takes place several times a year.
AHS Tucson Downtown History Museum
The Arizona Historical Society’s Tucson History Museum is about life in early Tucson. This is a small but very worthwhile museum if you want to understand the history and cultural heritage of Tucson.
La Cocina Cantina
You can dine indoors or in the Old Town Artisan’s courtyard, enjoy the creative cocktails or local beers at the bar, listen to live music under the stars, and dance until the wee hours. Great fun in a historic setting!
Cafe a la C’Art
Cafe’ a la C’Art is a small, but fine country-style restaurant in the Art Museum’s courtyard. You can dine inside or be seated on the patio. Great sandwiches and salads, but of particular interest is their delectable baked goods.
Judy Michelet, her son Mark and his wife Shirley take pride in presenting artistically crafted menu items based on traditional Southwest cuisine flavors. You will enjoy!
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen – Downtown Tucson
Maynard’s is located in the historic Tucson Train Depot a few yards from where Wyatt Earp killed Frank Stillwell after the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
No point in going to elaborate, detailed descriptions of their extensive menu.
Cup Cafe at the Hotel Congress
The Cup Cafe is a downtown tradition enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Creative dishes, eclectic wine list, freshly baked desserts, full bar, indoor or patio seating.
Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Located at the west end of the restored Train Depot is the Transportation Museum. I know. When I first heard about it I wasn’t in
Hotel Congress – Downtown Tucson
Built in 1919, the same year my father was born in Tucson, the Hotel Congress served passengers arriving at the train depot across the street.
