Tucson, AZ
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States, and is home to the University of Arizona.
Major incorporated suburbs of Tucson include Oro Valley and Marana northwest of the city, Sahuarita south of the city, and South Tucson in an enclave south of downtown. Communities in the vicinity of Tucson (some within or overlapping the city limits) include Casas Adobes, Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells, Midvale Park, Tanque Verde, Tortolita, and Vail.
Tucson was founded as a military fort by the Spanish when Hugo O’Conor authorized the construction of Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón. The United States acquired Tucson via treaty from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase on June 8, 1854.
In 2017, Tucson was the first American city to be designated a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO. So it’s safe to say that food lovers will definitely have an enjoyable time trying out the different gastronomic treats that Tucson has to offer.
Tucson received this distinction from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), because the food here tells the story that dates back 4,000 years. The city’s culinary heritage is a tapestry of Mexican and Native American traditions. Eating local means honoring history and every bite is an experience.
Trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts can visit Mount Lemmon, the highest peak of the Santa Catalina Mountains that reaches an elevation of 9,157 feet (2,791 m) above sea level. A major destination for cyclists, Mount Lemmon is ranked the second most difficult climb in the world by Bicycling Magazine.
Catalina Highway stretches 25 miles (40 km) and the entire mountain range is one of Tucson’s most popular vacation spots for cycling, hiking, rock climbing, camping, birding, and wintertime snowboarding and skiing.
Near the top of Mt. Lemmon is the town of Summerhaven. In Summerhaven, visitors will find log houses and cabins, a general store, and various shops, as well as numerous hiking trails.
Another tourist spot worth visiting is the Ski Valley which hosts a ski lift, several runs, a gift shop, and nearby restaurant.