Tucson -- my hometown. Let's start with the basics, shall we?

Things to keep in mind:

Tucson, like Phoenix, is the definition of sprawl. While the city makes valiant attempts at a public transportation system, one may have to rent a car to see as much as possible. I'll convince you that it is worth it.

It is hot. Often. If you must, come for a visit in July. Be prepared for temperatures in the 105 - 110 degree range during the day. At night, it is relatively pleasant, about 75 degrees.

The best time to visit, though, is October - early April. This is high season for cultural events and general merriment. Tucson tends to slow waayyyy down from Mid - May until Mid -August. The locals are proud (strangely) of surviving the summers while all of the snow birds and college students head off to cooler climates.

Places to Stay

Cheapest: The Roadrunner Hostel Great downtown location. Haven't stayed there, myself, though have heard many good things about the place.

A little more expensive, but worth it for the $$ - Hotel Congress Right in the middle of downtown, this is the place to stay. Ask for the haunted room -- all the cool people do. John Dillinger stayed here and was captured -- so if you are on the lam, maybe this isn't the best place for you.

Hotels/Motels to avoid: Anything located on Miracle Mile. Don't be tempted to stay in any of these low cost places -- Miracle Mile is *the* place to find prostitution, meth labs and charge-by-the-hour motels.

Public Transport (If You Must)

Arizona Shuttle Many people fly into Phoenix and take this inexpensive shuttle to Tucson -- reservations on this shuttle are critical, as the seats fill quickly.

Arizona Stagecoach This airport shuttle is the cheapest way to travel into town -- taxis are very expensive. While a reservation is a good idea, most times it is not necessary, though if you have a middle of the night flight, a reservation is a life saver.

Sun Tran - The bus system is useful downtown, but has many limits. Most of the buses stop running around 10:30 pm, which reduces the amount of bar crawling and sightseeing that one can really do at night. As in all cities, the bus can be a source of great amusement -- so ride with your notebook and possibly a video camera.

Cat Tran A useful free shuttle (on most routes) around the University of Arizona. Hop on and off as you like, you don't need an ID to ride. Especially useful if visiting any of the musuems on the U of A campus, since parking is an expensive nightmare.

TICET Tucson's latest attempt to ease downtown parking woes -- this shuttle is generally useful only during business hours in the downtown area....though with the long term reconstruction of I-10, there is a new Red line that takes bar-hoppers from the U of A area to clubs on Congress. Not a bad way to avoid trying to figure all of the construction destruction.

Renting a Car

Adobe Rent a Car -- It is the cheapest place to rent *and* you can even drive their cars into Mexico! This is a local yokel kind of place -- email them at adoberental@aol.com or call (520) 320-1495 or (520) 390-6708. They even rent to the under 25 set -- though there is a modest fee to do so.

Occasionally, there is a better rate to be found at Dollar.

Places to Eat

Mexican Food -- If you come all the way to Tucson, you have to sample Mexican food. Not once or twice, but many times, all over town.

The Tamale Lady -- This is food that you may have to hunt out a bit, but so worth it. Outside of Bookman's Grant Road location stands a treasure of a woman who sells her homemade green corn tamales for $6 per dozen. Rarely there before 4:00 pm, she also makes paper thin flour tortillas, and if you are especially lucky, red chile beef tamales. Don't fool yourself into thinking that a dozen is enough -- they won't last you back to the bus stop from whence you came.

El Guero Canelo -- Best place for a Sonoran Style Hot Dog. Try one with bacon, guacamole, salsa. This is the place to go for a fantastic and super cheap breakfast. Have a hangover? Order a great big bowl of Menudo. Try to forget that some of the secret ingredients are tripe and pig's feet. So cheap. So delicious.

La Fuente Don't go for dinner. Go for Sunday brunch -- since it includes all you can drink mimosas and more delicious Mexican food than you can possibly ever eat for about $13.

Francisco's -- 3843 E Pima, (520) 881- 2710. A diner by day (Frank's) and a Mexican food hole in the wall place by night, this is great cheap Mexican food. Try the machaca burrito with the green tomatillo salsa. Or the queso sopes, made with the extra thick gordita corn tortillas. Ask for extra lime and squeeze it liberally all over your tortilla chips. They are open until 10:00 pm, or until they decide they are done for the evening.

Nico's Taco Shop -- Many many locations around town. If you see a Nico's, it is one of the local chain. Generally open 24 hours, a cash only place, has great everything -- especially the potato/bean/egg burrito -- for about $2. Get extra red sauce on the side.

Los Betos -- Also many many locations around town -- the thing to order here is the quesadilla - a monstrosity of a thing, oozes the yellow film of grease that will not come out of your pants. Taquitos are a close second -- splurge and get them with guacamole. Ya still won't spend more than $4.

Taqueria Juanitos -- A true taqueria, order the carnitas or sopes. Cash only, yet for about $5, you can sample several varieties of tacos, a cold horchata and an extra side of beans. This place is always busy and always delicious. 708 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, (520) 623-2222.

Martin's Comida Casera -- I love this place for the ever engaging yet often cranky Martin, himself, as well as the shrine like murals of Mexican Wrestlers. Martin makes everything on the menu with his own hands, but does so begrudgingly. Don't take his attitude personally, just appreciate his magical calabacitas and all of the free refills of horchata. Forget enchiladas, order chilaquiles with the egg on top. So inexpensive. Cash only -- 557 North 4th Avenue, (520)884-7909.

Taco Bron - Dang good flan. Daily specials. Go the build-your-own-burrito route -- it is larger than your head and filled with whatever sounds good. They even have vegetarian chorizo -- add that to red potatoes, grilled green onions, refried beans and tomatoes, and yummmmm.

I'm not going to lie to you, Cafe Poca Cosa is pricey. You won't get out of there for less than $15 for lunch. But it is really really good for that one time splurge. Order the sampler plate (a bit of three of the main courses) -- it comes with a helping of tamale pie. If the fruit sauce is available (either mango, banana or pear) have them slather it all over your face. The mole is also quite good -- but nothing to take your clothes off over. 110 E Pennington Street, (520) 622- 6400.

I won't (publicly) trash talk restaurants of Tucson, but there are some over-hyped not-so-great places that I would avoid. If you really want to know, PM me.

DrunkardsAll about the cheap booze! Wednesday nights at Bison Witches are $2 bottle nights. And no, I am not talking about neon yellow swill. The good stuff. The microbrews. Yeah, they have massive sandwiches that come with kettle chips for about $6, and really good queso dip with chips for $3.75. But *I* go for the cheap drinks. And the people watching. Sit in the window. Get yourself good and beered up -- then wander off down 4th Avenue for the rest of a potentially great night.Che's Lounge -- Also on 4th Ave, about 100 yards north of Bison Witches. Not my particular favorite, but they do have cheap alcohol -- and if you want to get picked up in a non frat guy/sorority sister kind of way, this is the bar for you. The up side is cheap late night drinks, like $2.50 Beam and Coke (bleh). Also have live local music and the local scenesters think that this is spiff. 346 N 4th Ave, (520) 623-2088.The Shanty - Also on 4th Ave, though south of Bison Witches. Fantastic outdoor courtyard patio with twinkly white lights and generally filled with a bit of an older crowd -- not your grandparents, but the topic of conversation tends to veer away from, 'What's your major?' Typical Happy Hour until 7:00 pm, with a nightly drink special. 401 E 9th St, (520) 623-2664.The Hut - Kind of like an airplane hangar inside -- great spot for all of your 300 rowdy friends to be obnoxious and not get kicked out. Cheap cheap drinks -- but little to no atmosphere. Across the street from Bison Witches. 305 N Herbert Ave, (520) 623-3200. Nimbus Located in the stragest place ever, near the industrial district of southeast Tucson, Nimbus has the best microbrews at super cheap prices, even when Happy Hour is over at 7:00 pm. Like a milder beer? Order the Dirty Guera -- good stuff. The food is cheap, too. Be warned though, this is a strong local hang out, walk in like you know what you are doing or you will be the recipient of many a hairy eyeball.Gentle Ben's Happy Hour, from 4- 7:00 pm, has $2.50 pints. The Raspberry Ale is bright red and sweet - my favorite. Super good with beer battered fries. Sit upstairs on the patio for a view of all the crazy co-ed action on University. Open late with a reverse Happy Hour and U of A game day specials. Wear red and say 'Yay, Wildcats,' on game day, and some drunk person will certainly buy you a beer.Metro Restaurants Though this collection of restaurants are expensive and just this side of hoity-toity, their Happy Hours are great. From 4-7 pm every day, in the bar (if you sit in the restaurant proper Happy Hour is a completely unknown concept -- the servers will give you the look of total incomprehension) the appetizers are epicurean (what?? foie gras!! or mini filet mignons??) at cheap prices (about $3-5) with good drink specials that seem to rotate throughout the week.

Things to Do (Nearly Year Round)

Visit San Xavier del Bac Mission-- built in the 1700's and called the White Dove of the Desert, this is one of the most frequently visited spots in Southern Arizona. If you go about lunch time, have a fry bread for $3. Topped with beans and salsa or encrusted with powdered sugar, a super bonus for visiting. While there, climb the hill to the east of the church to see the cave of miracles. Free.

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum Not just a zoo with all the usual animals, if you want to see snakes, hummingbirds, javelinas, big horn sheep and scorpions, go for a visit. Dispelling the idea that the desert is a barren place, the museum is interesting year round. Admission is $9, though not too bad for a full day's worth of entertainment. If you happen to be here in the summer, go for the Late Saturday Night Program. It is cooler weather, and the nocturnal animals will be out. Have dinner in the restaurant on the grounds (not too expensive, but certainly not a bargain), or pack a picnic and go to -

Saguaro National Monument in the Tucson Mountains. Also located on the far East side of the city, the West Side location is more scenic. One need not actually enter the 'official' monument and pay their ridiculous fee, just driving around on the west side of the Tucson Mountains will give you a taste of the cactus forest. From I-10, drive west from the Speedway exit, which will take you directly into prime saguaro viewing territory. If you time it well, stay for sunset at Gates Pass. Wear sturdy shoes -- nothing ruins your day like some cactus in your foot.

Sabino Canyon has water nearly year round -- bring your bathing suit and a picnic for a great afternoon. No need to take the tram to the top of the trailhead, just walk the 3.8 miles. Keep eyeballs peeled for desert critters such as tortoise, coyotes, a variety of birds and even the occasional mountain lion. The secret fun thing to do is visit the canyon at night during a full moon and watch for owls. From the Elf Owl, to the Pygmy Owl, to the Great Horned Owl, a flash light and patience are required. Watch out for skunks. There is a $5 day use fee for the Canyon -- but only if you park. If you enter the canyon on foot (which is a challenge, since the closest bus stop is about 2 miles south of the entrance) you can do so for free.

Visit the Degrazia Gallery and Mission in the Sun. One of the Southwest's most well known artists -- great photos to be had here. Free!

The Center for Creative Photography located on the University of Arizona campus, holds many archives, including that of Ansel Adams. Make an appointment to view any of the archives, or stroll through the Center's other exhibits of more than 2,000 different photographers. Free!

Museum of Art at the University of Arizona - Right across the street from the Center of Creative Photography, this museum has a lovely collection of sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz as well as a surprisingly varied assortment of works from Klee, Hopper, Moore and Rodin. Free!

Hike

Sierra Club Trail Guide

More Hikes

Even More Hikes


Some of my favorites include:

Seven Falls

Signal Hill Just for the petroglyphs -- not for a full day adventure.

King Canyon

Pima Canyon

The Old Ft. Lowell District One of the most interesting parts of town -- check out the melting adobe ruins of the 1867 fort, including a field hospital. Many events happen throughout the year, including La Reunión de El Fuerte, where long time residents open the back roads to their homes and tell stories about growing up in this area. Bring some bread and feed the ducks at Ft. Lowell Park Pond when you have had your fill of history.

The Presidio Trail -- Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Tucson -- One of the older parts of town currently being infused with millions of dollars. The highlight of your tour is placing a wish in the wall at El Tiradito -- done right at sunset for best results.

See A Show

Solar Culture-- It is a gallery, it is a venue, it is a series of artists' studios. Rarely is a show more than $5 - 8 and housed in such an intimate space (an old produce warehouse, right on the train tracks), meeting the performers is guaranteed.

Plush - Also a good spot to see shows, where even Tucson celebrities go to enjoy live music. This place has hosted The Gossip, Mono, Asylum Street Spankers, Devotchka, Sufjan Stevens and jillions of other fantastic shows. Live music nights always have a $2.50 beer special. Show tickets range in price from free - $18ish.

Hotel Congress -- This historic hotel not only has a great restaurant (The Cup) a tap room, and a grand ballroom, but it also has hosted some of the best live music in town. Recent shows: Brett Dennen, Keaton Simons, Bob Schneider, Paolo Nutini, Calexico, Jamie Cullum. Tickets range from free to $20ish, depending on the star power. Hang out in the lobby late Thursday nights to hear Salvador Duran play his flamenco love music. *Swoon.*

The Rialto -- Not always cheap and rarely free, this is one of the cornerstones of live music in Tucson. A cheapie tip: If a band is playing here, odds are high that they will turn up later at the Hotel Congress (across the street) for drinks and the occasional spontaneous show. I've seen some bands take a chance behind the turn tables after a show with some often surprisingly good results. When shows get too big for other venues, they are bumped here. Bonus: the price remains the same.

Seasonal Events

University of Arizona Poetry Center offers a free reading series, sporadic Thursdays during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Go for the poets (sometimes a thesaurus happy undergraduate, sometimes a super star like Rita Dove or Jimmy Santiago Baca) then stay for the autographs and the carrot cake and lemonade. Free!

Author Readings at Antigone's Bookstore More authors who come through town -- still no Ayun Halliday or Jen Leo, but I keep hoping. Always free!

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show happens toward the end of January through most of February and crowds accomodations all around town. If you happen to visit Tucson during the Gem Show, reservations tend to be necessary. Many of the Gem Show tents are free to visit, the expense comes in purchasing that once-in-a-life time fossil, bone carving or 29 carat ruby. Most areas of the show are open to the public, though some are dealer/wholesale only.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is the world's longest non-motorized parade that helps celebrate Tucson's other huge February event, The Rodeo. This is such a big deal in town that schools close for the day of the parade. Tucson might have an artsy side -- but it can still indulge your Old West fantasies.

4th Avenue Street Fair happens twice a year - in March and December. Free! (Though I can never resist the Festival Food -- stuff yourself for about $10.) The cool people go to IBT's (616 N. Fourth Ave. (520) 882-3053) for the last Drag Show on Sunday afternoon of the Street Fair, about 5:00 pm. For a nominal cover charge ($5-10), the Desert Divas (female impersonators) give the we're-super-exhausted-bring-on-the-bawdy version of the show.

Tucson International Mariachi Conference happens every April -- tickets range in price. If you happen to be here during this time, check it out. Of particular note is the Festival Garibaldi, which is the very last day of the conference. Held in Reid Park, all participating mariachis play a 12 hour concert in the open air for the low price of $5. Bring your picnic blankets and a little $$ and you can enjoy Nana's homemade calabacitas, tamales and tacos.

Tucson Madonnari -- Annual Chalk Festival that includes collaborations with the U of A Poetry Center and the Tucson Pima Arts Council. Watch or help create great work in the middle of downtown. Generally happens at the end of April. Free!

Annual Tucson Folk Festival happens in early May -- tickets range in price, but tend to be inexpensive.

Waila Festival -- Annual Tohono O'Odham music and food festival held on the lawn of the U of A. Generally happens mid-May. Free!

La Placita Film Series free movies projected in the middle of downtown -- every Thursday night at 7:30 from May through October.

The Greek Festival takes places annually in September. $3 cover charge gets you in to dance with priests and access to ouzo, gyros, and many choruses of 'OPA!'

Music Under The Stars has both a Fall (September) and Spring (March) season -- bring a blanket, bug spray and a picnic to this free Sunday evening classical music concert.

Fall Club Crawl is typically the first weekend of October -- see more than 100 bands across multiple stages for the low low price of $8.

Tucson Meet Yourself happens during the first weekend of October. Lovely night-time weather, tons of cheap food from all over the world (from Spain to Columbia to Thailand) and hours of performances. Free if you don't eat.

All Souls Procession strolls through the 4th Ave/Downtown area every November. Come dressed as your favorite dead person and stay for the fireball. Free!

Annual Open Studio Tour just hints at the sheer variety of artists living and working in Tucson. Work tends to be a little less expensive during the day -- and you can nosh your way from gallery to gallery. Typically in November every year. Free!

El Tour de Tucson brings thousands of bicyclists to Tucson to ride around the perimeter of town, a 109 mile trip. Free to watch, $10 -45 to ride (depending upon when you register.) Annually, mid-November.

Dear Jules, Did you hit the 500th post mark with your Cheap & Free Tucson? Poetic!

There's great stuff here, BTW. If I make it to the desert SW, I would be all over the Mexican food. The Menudo ... mmmmm. You give me things to dream about.....

quote:

Did you hit the 500th post mark with your Cheap & Free Tucson?

Yep!

Thanks! Am working on it -- more to come.....

Other Places To Eat

While I suppose it *is* possible to eat one's fill of Mexican food, I can't say that it has really ever happened to me.

Zemam's - The only place to have Ethiopian food in Tucson, this place has fantastic injera. Order the sampler plate, which has three different tastes of whatever you might care to try. While Zemam's does not serve alcohol, they have a BYOB policy and won't charge a cork or glass fee. 2731 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716, (520) 323-9928.

Ghandi Cuisine of Tucson - Of all of the Indian food places in town, this one has an inexpensive and varied lunch buffet menu. For about $5, eat your fill of samosas, pakoras, curries and kheer.

Govinda's -- Also an inexpensive Indian food buffet, this is a lovely place for dinner. With concerts, fountains and a crowd of Tucson characters, you'll find entertainment while you stuff yourself silly.

Austin's - A Tucson institution for ice cream. A 3 scoop milkshake for $3.25, a tuna melt with chips and fresh veggies for $4.50, a basket of gravy fries for $2.50. Austin's makes all of their own ice cream in house and has anywhere from 15-25 flavors, depending on the day. Seasonal flavors include pumpkin, mango, coconut and raspberry. 2920 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716, (520) 327-3892.

Yoshimatsu - Many traditional Japanese offerings at a great price. Happy Hour is a new addition, with half priced sake, California Rolls and Pot Stickers. It runs from 3- 6:00 pm weekdays. The lunch special is a bento box for less than $5.00.

Bentley's - This cafe has great coffee and it is free to park in the lot, a big challenge for most other U of A area restaurants. Try the Chai Shake with the Egg Scramble for breakfast -- they do something magical to those potatoes. This is a good spot any time of day, with free wi-fi and the bonus of being not-a-chain.

Joel's Bistro - Also in the U of A area, but along the west side of the university. Go for breakfast, sit under the citrus trees and order the fruit crepes. They also have fantastic pate de campagne sandwiches on a traditional French baguette, even comes with tiny cornichons and the special mustard -- a great deal at $7.00, it is impossible to eat it all. 806 East University Boulevard, (520)529-7277.

Brooklyn Pizza -- A slice for only $1.85! Happy Hour with all bottles of beer for $1.85!! A lunch special of a slice with a soda for only $2.31!! So cheap, so good, and so many kooky locals.

The Crying Onion - Some weekends it is just so fun to do a greasy spoon tour around the town. This little place is not quite a diner, but has all of the comforts of one. The sweet potato fries are good -- even better when you request that they are well done and made fancy style (sprinkled with brown sugar and cheese). Typical favorites include meatloaf sandwiches and homemade kilbasa. Cash only. 3684 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 531-1330.

I personally dig the sleazy motels on Stone, they offer a unique Tucson sleaze that everyone should experience.

There is a really cool little diner with a U shaped bar and a real bar in a separate room...I think it is on congress, right downtown. The way I remember it is your on 4th then you go through that underpass thing, then hang a left on congress and it is on the right. Something like that. Does this ring a bell?

quote:

There is a really cool little diner with a U shaped bar and a real bar in a separate room.

Ah -- you're thinking of Grill, which *is* a great spot...the food, eh, I don't get that excited about it. Though I do have to say that they serve a monster bowl of well done tater tots that are just the thing after a long night out on the town. They also have Captain Crunch Cereal on the menu as well, if that tells you anything.

But what makes the Grill great is the Red Room, which is the bar. Almost every night, there is some form of music in there, from a dj from the community radio station, plowing through his collection of Miles Davis, to Nick Luca, a local celeb, who plays an inspired piano. Not that this means much to anyone else, but it is the only bar in Tucson that has Kronenbourg on tap, which gives it extra credit in my book.

You can find the Grill at 100 East Congress Street, right next to the Wig-O-Rama, on the corner of Scott and Congress, open 24 hours.

Too. Many. Notes.

Thanky Muchly!!!

While in Tucson, if you're into used books, check out Bookmans... and if you're into records/cds etc, check out PDQ... it's been a while since I've been down there but they were the best place in Tucson for vinyl.