No Mirage

Tucson Strategies

• WHEN TO GO
  Tucson is lovely from November through April, though the desert climes don’t guarantee mid-winter heat. January highs in the 50s or 60s are not uncommon. The rest of the year is hot.

• GETTING THERE
  Northwest typically flies one winter nonstop daily, though they are often dramatically more expensive than flying into Phoenix and renting a car, which you will need anyway. Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is around ninety minutes north of the major Tucson resorts.

• WHERE TO STAY
  The finest full-service resort in the region is Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (520-299-2020). The Arizona Inn (800-933-1093), a small 1930s-era resort in the University District, offers a more urban take on the desert experience.

• WHERE TO EAT
  Tucson’s most notable Mexican restaurant, Café Poca Cosa (88 Broadway Blvd. E., 520-622-6400), features owner Suzana Davila’s personal take on Sonoran cuisine. Sauce (7117 Oracle Rd. N., 520-297-8575) is a lively quick-service Italian spot with tremendous pizzas and salads. Bistro Zin’s (1865 River Rd. E., 520-299-7799) rustic niche is updated versions of American comfort food. One hundred wines are available by the glass. Wildflower Grill (7037 Oracle Rd. N., 520-219-4230) is a more contemporary spot from Bistro Zin’s proprietors.

• LEARNING MORE
  Fodor’s Arizona is a great guide to Tucson and the region. Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau (100 Church Ave. S., 800-638-8350).

• THE FINE PRINT
  AMARC 6000 Valencia Rd. E., 520-618-4800 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 Kinney Rd. N., 520-883-2702 Center for Creative Photography 1030 Olive Rd. N., 520-621-7968 Evergreen Air Center Pinal Air Park, Marana, 520-682-4181 Mission San Xavier del Bac 520-294-2624 Old Town Artisans 201 Court Ave. N., 520-623-6024 Pima County Courthouse 115 Church Ave. N. Saguaro National Park 2700 Kinney Rd. N., 520-733-5158 Sabino Canyon 5900 Sabino Canyon Rd. N. Tucson Museum of Art 140 Main Ave. N., 520-624-2333