Gene’s Guidebook
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Lots of beautiful trails here for hiking and mountain biking. The Starr Pass Resort Loop is a nice one-hour walk in the desert. Well-marked with maps and signs.
Starr Pass Trail
Starr Pass TrailLots of beautiful trails here for hiking and mountain biking. The Starr Pass Resort Loop is a nice one-hour walk in the desert. Well-marked with maps and signs.
Sweetwater Trailhead
4001 N Tortolita RdLots of well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails.
Beautiful, popular hiking spot--a local favorite. (But I don't visit often because dogs aren't allowed.)
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Sabino Canyon rekreativt område
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadBeautiful, popular hiking spot--a local favorite. (But I don't visit often because dogs aren't allowed.)
Nice desert hiking loops, dog friendly. Well-marked with maps and signs.
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Painted Hills Trailhead
3590 W Anklam RdNice desert hiking loops, dog friendly. Well-marked with maps and signs.
24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
East Willow Spring DriveAnnual mountain bike race put on by Epic Rides, every February.
Nice network of trails. Not as crowded as Sweetwater. And a little less technical than Starr Pass trails. We start at the 36th Street trailhead. https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8012738/robles-trail-system
Robles Pass
Nice network of trails. Not as crowded as Sweetwater. And a little less technical than Starr Pass trails. We start at the 36th Street trailhead. https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8012738/robles-trail-system
Another fun mountain biking area after you've been to Starr Pass, Sweetwater, and Robles. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/6390787/tortolita-preserve-loop
Tortolita Preserve Trailhead
6250 W Moore RdAnother fun mountain biking area after you've been to Starr Pass, Sweetwater, and Robles. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/6390787/tortolita-preserve-loop
Start here to do the bottom half of the famous Lemmon Drop black diamond downhill trail. Steep and technical, expert terrain! Get a ride up from Homegrown Shuttles. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/303006/lemmon-drop
More info: http://homegrownmtb.com/2019/09/26/bikemag-2/
Bug Spring Trailhead
Catalina HighwayStart here to do the bottom half of the famous Lemmon Drop black diamond downhill trail. Steep and technical, expert terrain! Get a ride up from Homegrown Shuttles. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/303006/lemmon-drop
More info: http://homegrownmtb.com/2019/09/26/bikemag-2/
More mountain biking trails to the north. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4741853/golder-ranch-trail-system
East Golder Ranch Drive
East Golder Ranch DriveMore mountain biking trails to the north. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4741853/golder-ranch-trail-system
Beginner-friendly trails with trailside "art" and purpose-built features.
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Fantasy Island
9500 E Irvington RdBeginner-friendly trails with trailside "art" and purpose-built features.
This MTB Project link is one of the better AZ Trail sections for mtn. biking: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3644762/azt-pistol-hill-to-three-bridges. Home Grown Shuttles provides shuttle rides for this section: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/684367/azt-bellota
Arizona Trail
Arizona National Scenic TrailThis MTB Project link is one of the better AZ Trail sections for mtn. biking: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3644762/azt-pistol-hill-to-three-bridges. Home Grown Shuttles provides shuttle rides for this section: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/684367/azt-bellota
More west side trails: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000581/tucson-mountain-park-loop
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Tucson Mountain Park
8451 West McCain LoopMore west side trails: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000581/tucson-mountain-park-loop
There are two locations: East and West. Good for hiking and sight sightseeing. Not so much for mountain biking.
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Saguaro National Park
There are two locations: East and West. Good for hiking and sight sightseeing. Not so much for mountain biking.
Food scene
Open for breakfast and lunch. Homestyle Mexican food downtown. Outdoor seating with a gift shop inside.
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The Little One
151 North Stone AvenueOpen for breakfast and lunch. Homestyle Mexican food downtown. Outdoor seating with a gift shop inside.
Vegetarian food that even non-vegetarians love. Creative Southwestern-inspired food and coffee drinks. Some outside seating. There is also a 4th Avenue location.
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Tumerico
2526 E 6th StVegetarian food that even non-vegetarians love. Creative Southwestern-inspired food and coffee drinks. Some outside seating. There is also a 4th Avenue location.
Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas
2510 E 6th StAsian tea house, walking-distance.
Authentic taqueria in South Tucson. The shrimp tostada is a favorite.
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Taqueria Pico De Gallo
2618 S 6th AveAuthentic taqueria in South Tucson. The shrimp tostada is a favorite.
Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th AveQuality local coffee shop. Try the monsoon mocha or the mole mocha.
Not exactly near the apartment, but worth the trip. Wood-fired pizza in a small space in a strip mall.
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Fiamme Pizza
4706 E Sunrise DrNot exactly near the apartment, but worth the trip. Wood-fired pizza in a small space in a strip mall.
Walking-distance locally owned Tucson sandwich shop. You can't go wrong with The Cowboy.
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Baggin's Gourmet Sandwiches #4
2741 E Speedway BlvdWalking-distance locally owned Tucson sandwich shop. You can't go wrong with The Cowboy.
The onigiri (stuffed, nori-wrapped rice balls) and don bowls (rice bowls with toppings) are fantastic, with a neat courtyard inside a shipping-container market with boutiques, restaurants, bars. Outside seating.
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KUKAI
267 South Avenida del ConventoThe onigiri (stuffed, nori-wrapped rice balls) and don bowls (rice bowls with toppings) are fantastic, with a neat courtyard inside a shipping-container market with boutiques, restaurants, bars. Outside seating.
Indian Twist
4660 E Camp Lowell DrOur favorite Indian food in Tucson.
Year-round Sunday morning farmer's market. This is a NICE market that (on Sundays) takes place at an old quarter horse race track. Lots of local food products and prepared foods in addition to local produce, meat/eggs, coffee, cheeses, dates. Often there are great local gift and plant/catcus vendors too.
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Heirloom Farmers Market - Rillito Park
4502 N 1st AveYear-round Sunday morning farmer's market. This is a NICE market that (on Sundays) takes place at an old quarter horse race track. Lots of local food products and prepared foods in addition to local produce, meat/eggs, coffee, cheeses, dates. Often there are great local gift and plant/catcus vendors too.
Lovely cafe with quality sandwiches, pizza, salads, coffee, pastries, wine & beer. Small section of groceries, including local greens and meats, fancy chocolate, artisan bread. Easy and good.
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Time Market
444 E University BlvdLovely cafe with quality sandwiches, pizza, salads, coffee, pastries, wine & beer. Small section of groceries, including local greens and meats, fancy chocolate, artisan bread. Easy and good.
Great Mexican (the taquitos are my fav) in a lovely Southwestern courtyard setting surrounded by shops and restaurants. Pro Tip: The River Road location is often not as crowded. Nice outside seating in both locations.
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Seis Kitchen
1765 E River RdGreat Mexican (the taquitos are my fav) in a lovely Southwestern courtyard setting surrounded by shops and restaurants. Pro Tip: The River Road location is often not as crowded. Nice outside seating in both locations.
Noodleholics
3502 E Grant RdGreat for take-out. Homemade noodles.
Cartel Coffee Lab
2516 N Campbell AveSome of the best coffee in town.
LemonShark Poke - Tucson
2501 E Grant RdPretty good poke! Not far from the casita.
Same owner as Tumerico, but offers meat as well as vegetarian options.
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La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StSame owner as Tumerico, but offers meat as well as vegetarian options.
Sightseeing
Charming market with eateries & shops surrounding a courtyard that hosts a farmers' market.
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Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoCharming market with eateries & shops surrounding a courtyard that hosts a farmers' market.
Worth a visit for the "Raptor Free Flight" presentation (which takes place once or twice a day). Check for days and times: https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/rff_index.php
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdWorth a visit for the "Raptor Free Flight" presentation (which takes place once or twice a day). Check for days and times: https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/rff_index.php
Watch thousands of bats take flight.
*DURING THE SUMMER ONLY*
Thousands of bats live under the North Campbell Street bridge (just south of River) each summer and they take flight at sundown in the summer. At Campbell and River, you can park at the southwest corner of St. Philips Plaza or across the bridge and walk across the wash if there is no water in it.
Also check it out on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/campbell-avenue-bat-colony-tucson
209 N Campbell Ave
209 North Campbell AvenueWatch thousands of bats take flight.
*DURING THE SUMMER ONLY*
Thousands of bats live under the North Campbell Street bridge (just south of River) each summer and they take flight at sundown in the summer. At Campbell and River, you can park at the southwest corner of St. Philips Plaza or across the bridge and walk across the wash if there is no water in it.
Also check it out on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/campbell-avenue-bat-colony-tucson
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
1 Burruel StQuiet.
Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
196 N Court AveLearn about Tucson's history here.
Titan Missile Museum
1580 W Duval Mine RdSomething different!
Beautiful campus, wonderful for walking or just hanging out. I never get tired of looking at the architecture and landscaping. There is often parking on Cherry Street (on the weekends and holidays), or it makes for a nice walk from the Casita.
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The University of Arizona
1200 East University BoulevardBeautiful campus, wonderful for walking or just hanging out. I never get tired of looking at the architecture and landscaping. There is often parking on Cherry Street (on the weekends and holidays), or it makes for a nice walk from the Casita.
A re-creation of the Spanish Colonial walled garden that was part of Tucson’s historic San Agustin Mission. Located on its original site west of downtown Tucson.
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Mission Garden
946 W Mission LnA re-creation of the Spanish Colonial walled garden that was part of Tucson’s historic San Agustin Mission. Located on its original site west of downtown Tucson.
100+ miles of paved walking and bike path that circumnavigates Tucson with various parking/access points. https://www.tucsontopia.com/chuck-huckelberry-loop/
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The Loop
Chuck Huckelberry Loop100+ miles of paved walking and bike path that circumnavigates Tucson with various parking/access points. https://www.tucsontopia.com/chuck-huckelberry-loop/
Shopping
Unique shopping center with boutiques, restaurants, bar, and cafe all made from repurposed shipping containers. Outdoor seating only. Really good casual Japanese food a Kukai.
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MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoUnique shopping center with boutiques, restaurants, bar, and cafe all made from repurposed shipping containers. Outdoor seating only. Really good casual Japanese food a Kukai.
Not particularly close to the apartment, but this is where I buy my jeans. Located in a nice strip mall with other shops, restaurants, and a Whole Foods market.
Loop Jean Company
7047 N Oracle RdNot particularly close to the apartment, but this is where I buy my jeans. Located in a nice strip mall with other shops, restaurants, and a Whole Foods market.
Copper Spoke Cycles
5626 E Broadway BlvdHigh-performance bike shop with quality service and repair.
Southwestern decor: furniture, mirrors, art, switch plates, greeting cards, paper flowers.
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Borderlands Trading Company
7700 E Wrightstown RdSouthwestern decor: furniture, mirrors, art, switch plates, greeting cards, paper flowers.
Amazing selection of Mexican pottery. Some furniture and decor as well too. Perfect social distancing shopping as it's mostly outside with a few neat gift "sheds." Integrated with a local nursery, so lots of plants too.
Zocalo Village
3384 E River RdAmazing selection of Mexican pottery. Some furniture and decor as well too. Perfect social distancing shopping as it's mostly outside with a few neat gift "sheds." Integrated with a local nursery, so lots of plants too.
OK Feed & Supply
3701 E Fort Lowell RdLocally owned pet store.
Shops with Southwestern-inspired art and gifts that surround a peaceful courtyard. The outdoor cafe was nice the last time I was there.
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Old Town Artisans
201 N Court AveShops with Southwestern-inspired art and gifts that surround a peaceful courtyard. The outdoor cafe was nice the last time I was there.
Popular shopping district with fantastic food coop, cafes, restaurants independent book store.
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North 4th Avenue
North 4th AvenuePopular shopping district with fantastic food coop, cafes, restaurants independent book store.
Longtime local bookstore. Good selection of cards, calendars, notebooks. A nice option for desert/southwestern gifty stuff too (some pottery, cactus socks, cactus candy and pens, magnets, etc.).
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Antigone Books
411 N 4th AveLongtime local bookstore. Good selection of cards, calendars, notebooks. A nice option for desert/southwestern gifty stuff too (some pottery, cactus socks, cactus candy and pens, magnets, etc.).
Giant used bookstore. A Tucson institution. Multiple locations.
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Bookmans Midtown Entertainment Exchange
4841 E Speedway BlvdGiant used bookstore. A Tucson institution. Multiple locations.
Locally owned high-quality, great selection outdoor gear and desert-friendly clothing, shoes, luggage, guidebooks, local outdoors info, unique gifts.
Summit Hut
5251 E Speedway BlvdLocally owned high-quality, great selection outdoor gear and desert-friendly clothing, shoes, luggage, guidebooks, local outdoors info, unique gifts.
Neighborhoods
One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods--mostly residential with some local businesses (as well as the convention center). Just south of downtown. Classic Tucson architecture. Check out the El Tiradito shrine at night when hundreds of candles are usually burning: 420 South Main Avenue
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Barrio Viejo
One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods--mostly residential with some local businesses (as well as the convention center). Just south of downtown. Classic Tucson architecture. Check out the El Tiradito shrine at night when hundreds of candles are usually burning: 420 South Main Avenue
Great for walking, with wide streets and friendly neighbors. I love looking at the historic homes and interesting cactus and other landscaping plants. And Christmas decorations during the holiday season.
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Sam Hughes
Great for walking, with wide streets and friendly neighbors. I love looking at the historic homes and interesting cactus and other landscaping plants. And Christmas decorations during the holiday season.
Yoga
Best yoga in Tucson. They are/were offering outdoor classes in the parking lot during the pandemic.
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Yoga Oasis
2631 N Campbell AveBest yoga in Tucson. They are/were offering outdoor classes in the parking lot during the pandemic.
City/town information
Southwestern art and shopping about 45 minutes away. Many places have outdoor shopping. Nice day trip. Can combine it with a visit to the mission (Tubac Presidio State Park).
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Tubac
Southwestern art and shopping about 45 minutes away. Many places have outdoor shopping. Nice day trip. Can combine it with a visit to the mission (Tubac Presidio State Park).