Tips for Your Tucson Stay
Food Scene
Walk around the corner (take a right out of the driveway & a right on Elmwood) and you're at a great local Italian restaurant PLUS a great coffee shop / bakery all in the same great space. No reservations accepted, so be prepared - but the wait is generally worth it. Large restaurant and a lovely patio area. Coffee shop & bakery feature a large assortment of pastries and great coffee in a bright airy room with patio (and wifi!).
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Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
60 N Alvernon WayWalk around the corner (take a right out of the driveway & a right on Elmwood) and you're at a great local Italian restaurant PLUS a great coffee shop / bakery all in the same great space. No reservations accepted, so be prepared - but the wait is generally worth it. Large restaurant and a lovely patio area. Coffee shop & bakery feature a large assortment of pastries and great coffee in a bright airy room with patio (and wifi!).
Easy walk from the studio, casual restaurant on Broadway Blvd featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
Easy walk from the studio, casual restaurant on Broadway Blvd featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Convenient. This local boutique hotel has a full service restaurant & bar and is only a block away from the Studio. It's hotel prices but the convenience factor may be worth it.
Lodge On The Desert
306 N Alvernon WayConvenient. This local boutique hotel has a full service restaurant & bar and is only a block away from the Studio. It's hotel prices but the convenience factor may be worth it.
Locally owned coffee shop with free wifi. Non-dairy alternatives, pastries, sandwiches.
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Crave Coffee Bar
4530 E Broadway BlvdLocally owned coffee shop with free wifi. Non-dairy alternatives, pastries, sandwiches.
Classic Tiki bar just down the street with a solid menu ranging from burgers to bulgolgi. Walkable through the neighborhood - map it and stroll over. Beware the Scorpion! It's a big-as-your-head tropical drink. Deadly Mai Tais as well. Funky 1960s original vibe.
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Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge
4625 E Broadway BlvdClassic Tiki bar just down the street with a solid menu ranging from burgers to bulgolgi. Walkable through the neighborhood - map it and stroll over. Beware the Scorpion! It's a big-as-your-head tropical drink. Deadly Mai Tais as well. Funky 1960s original vibe.
James Beard Award Winning bread created with centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains. Barrio Bread loaves are known for a chewy interior and amazing crusts. In 2016 Don was named one of the Top Ten Bakers in America by Dessert Professionals magazine. He also received the Leveraging Your Localness award from Bite Magazine, Good Food Finder USA and Local First Arizona. Broadway Village Shopping Center - check first for open hours.
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Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AveJames Beard Award Winning bread created with centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains. Barrio Bread loaves are known for a chewy interior and amazing crusts. In 2016 Don was named one of the Top Ten Bakers in America by Dessert Professionals magazine. He also received the Leveraging Your Localness award from Bite Magazine, Good Food Finder USA and Local First Arizona. Broadway Village Shopping Center - check first for open hours.
At Broadway & Country Club (west of Reid Park), Bisbee Breakfast Club has a faithful following already. Their sister company, Ombre Coffee, is right next door.
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Bisbee Breakfast Club Broadway
2936 E Broadway BlvdAt Broadway & Country Club (west of Reid Park), Bisbee Breakfast Club has a faithful following already. Their sister company, Ombre Coffee, is right next door.
Wood-fired Napoli pizza in a light, friendly space at Broadway Village Shopping Center. Small space, tables for 2 along the wall, and common space dining in the middle.
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Falora Pizza
3000 E Broadway BlvdWood-fired Napoli pizza in a light, friendly space at Broadway Village Shopping Center. Small space, tables for 2 along the wall, and common space dining in the middle.
Great shareable plates, eclectic, well-presented dishes, good service. Fun cocktails, too.
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Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdGreat shareable plates, eclectic, well-presented dishes, good service. Fun cocktails, too.
Pizza! And great small plates, casual Italian. Great speak-easy in the basement and beer garden out back, too!
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Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E Pennington StPizza! And great small plates, casual Italian. Great speak-easy in the basement and beer garden out back, too!
Upscale restaurant, locally-owned, in old train station. Creative cuisine.
Right across the street is its sister property, the venerable Hotel Congress: club, live music and Cup Cafe for more casual gnosh. You get a true Tucson flavor.
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Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole AveUpscale restaurant, locally-owned, in old train station. Creative cuisine.
Right across the street is its sister property, the venerable Hotel Congress: club, live music and Cup Cafe for more casual gnosh. You get a true Tucson flavor.
Table-side salsa, mega-margaritas, mariachis - it's the whole enchilada! Locally owned, always busy.
https://www.ggrill.com/reservations/
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Guadalajara Mexican Grill
4901 East Broadway BoulevardTable-side salsa, mega-margaritas, mariachis - it's the whole enchilada! Locally owned, always busy.
https://www.ggrill.com/reservations/
Bar none, best ice cream, including vegan options that are incredibly tasty. Also try Hub restaurant across the street, where the creamery got its start.
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Hub Ice Cream Factory
266 E Congress StBar none, best ice cream, including vegan options that are incredibly tasty. Also try Hub restaurant across the street, where the creamery got its start.
Our favorite place to end up on a Sunday bike ride. Wonderfully prepared food, excellent espresso, patio, cocktail lounge. Across from Tucson Convention Center downtown.
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The Coronet
198 W Cushing StOur favorite place to end up on a Sunday bike ride. Wonderfully prepared food, excellent espresso, patio, cocktail lounge. Across from Tucson Convention Center downtown.
Food Truck! Fish tacos, ceviche, shrimp cocktail. Northeast corner of 6th Ave and 22nd St. Open Monday - Saturday only. Check their FB page for updates on times, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cocteleria-La-Palma-Mariscos-Y-Mas/745555235478196
1137 S 6th Ave
1137 South 6th AvenueFood Truck! Fish tacos, ceviche, shrimp cocktail. Northeast corner of 6th Ave and 22nd St. Open Monday - Saturday only. Check their FB page for updates on times, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cocteleria-La-Palma-Mariscos-Y-Mas/745555235478196
Like the sign says "Elegant Dining Elsewhere" - Frank's is a Tucson institution, old-style diner. Small mid-town restaurant, nothing fancy, just reliably good food. "Eat, tip and get out" is one of the well-known sayings there. At nite it flips to mama's kitchen-style Mexican food. Check it out! http://www.franksrestaurant.com/
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Frank's & Francisco's Denoche Restaurant
3843 E Pima StLike the sign says "Elegant Dining Elsewhere" - Frank's is a Tucson institution, old-style diner. Small mid-town restaurant, nothing fancy, just reliably good food. "Eat, tip and get out" is one of the well-known sayings there. At nite it flips to mama's kitchen-style Mexican food. Check it out! http://www.franksrestaurant.com/
Mama's cocina style Mexican food served with a smile. Busy in the evenings, casual dining. Home-made chips and salsa with some heat!
Benny's Mexican Restaurant
2702 E Grant RdMama's cocina style Mexican food served with a smile. Busy in the evenings, casual dining. Home-made chips and salsa with some heat!
Raijin Ramen
2955 E Speedway BlvdExcellent ramen noodles! Always busy - go early. Slurp away!
Modern, bi-level counter-serve featuring gourmet coffee, plus sandwiches, vegan eats & cocktails. Multiple locations.
245 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
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Caffe Luce
245 E Congress StModern, bi-level counter-serve featuring gourmet coffee, plus sandwiches, vegan eats & cocktails. Multiple locations.
245 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
Super deal on Mexican breakfast! Small, family-run traditional Mexican food. Go before 10a to get a good spot. Good Micheladas too!
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El Sur
5602 E 22nd StSuper deal on Mexican breakfast! Small, family-run traditional Mexican food. Go before 10a to get a good spot. Good Micheladas too!
Good Asian food, mainly Vietnamese but also some Malay, Chinese. There are 3 in town - downtown, Campbell & near the Trident III on Craycroft.
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Miss Saigon Downtown
88 N 6th AveGood Asian food, mainly Vietnamese but also some Malay, Chinese. There are 3 in town - downtown, Campbell & near the Trident III on Craycroft.
Great locally owned restaurant with fresh, authentic Mediterranean foods. Our favorite fresh take out for lazy summer nights in!
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Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant
1138 N Belvedere AveGreat locally owned restaurant with fresh, authentic Mediterranean foods. Our favorite fresh take out for lazy summer nights in!
Chef Steve creates tasty beautifully presented food, & wife Maudi is a host extra-ordinaire! Locally owned and operated - Steve is a longtime, well-known Tucson chef. Reservations recommended - west side of Campbell at Skyline.
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Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E Skyline DrChef Steve creates tasty beautifully presented food, & wife Maudi is a host extra-ordinaire! Locally owned and operated - Steve is a longtime, well-known Tucson chef. Reservations recommended - west side of Campbell at Skyline.
Steak, seafood, cocktails - all at a locally-owned restaurant. Charro Steak is the newest member of the restaurant family. The original El Charro Cafe has been in continuous operation by the family since 1922 - America’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.
https://www.charrosteak.com/
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Charro Steak
188 E Broadway BlvdSteak, seafood, cocktails - all at a locally-owned restaurant. Charro Steak is the newest member of the restaurant family. The original El Charro Cafe has been in continuous operation by the family since 1922 - America’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.
https://www.charrosteak.com/
This busy & funky little conglomeration of food, libations & shopping in the Mercado District immediately west of downtown is a great place to explore. https://mercadodistrict.com/annex/
Be sure to check out the MSA ANNEX SUMMER NIGHT MARKET (more here on Tucson Foodie's post https://tucsonfoodie.com/2021/07/29/msa-annex-night-market-july/)
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MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoThis busy & funky little conglomeration of food, libations & shopping in the Mercado District immediately west of downtown is a great place to explore. https://mercadodistrict.com/annex/
Be sure to check out the MSA ANNEX SUMMER NIGHT MARKET (more here on Tucson Foodie's post https://tucsonfoodie.com/2021/07/29/msa-annex-night-market-july/)
NOT a Bar altho it has one on-property! Historic locally-owned property with lovely full-range spa. Great restaurant for a nice brunch, cocktails on a lovely patio, wonderful desert grounds, & great spa treatments, too! National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona; member of Historic Hotels of America.
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Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol RdNOT a Bar altho it has one on-property! Historic locally-owned property with lovely full-range spa. Great restaurant for a nice brunch, cocktails on a lovely patio, wonderful desert grounds, & great spa treatments, too! National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona; member of Historic Hotels of America.
Drinks & Nightlife
Pubs, bars, social scene.
South of downtown, often with outdoor live music, a little off the beaten path. Pinball, shuffleboard. Voted Best New Bar by Tucson Weekly staff - 2016. Zondra is an awesome bartender!
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Saint Charles Tavern
1632 S 4th AveSouth of downtown, often with outdoor live music, a little off the beaten path. Pinball, shuffleboard. Voted Best New Bar by Tucson Weekly staff - 2016. Zondra is an awesome bartender!
great local bar - forever! Hit HH for best drinks. In Hotel Congress.
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Congress Tap Room
311 E Congress Stgreat local bar - forever! Hit HH for best drinks. In Hotel Congress.
Live music! Local, national and international groups. http://www.rialtotheatre.com/
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Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress StLive music! Local, national and international groups. http://www.rialtotheatre.com/
Tap Room Bar, Live Music, DJs, patio scene, plus restaurant (Cup Cafe).
http://hotelcongress.com/
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Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StTap Room Bar, Live Music, DJs, patio scene, plus restaurant (Cup Cafe).
http://hotelcongress.com/
Incredibly diverse selection of beer, wine, cider with staff to recommend what you're in the mood for! Also tasty plates.
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Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th AveIncredibly diverse selection of beer, wine, cider with staff to recommend what you're in the mood for! Also tasty plates.
Owls Club
236 S Scott AveBar with mixologists.
Great intimate venue for music, drinks. A live music venue with a non-profit twist. Part of the Rialto Theatre family. Box office is open one hour before posted door times for every show. Check show listing for details on age restrictions, times and line-up.https://www.191toole.com/
191 E Toole Ave
191 East Toole AvenueGreat intimate venue for music, drinks. A live music venue with a non-profit twist. Part of the Rialto Theatre family. Box office is open one hour before posted door times for every show. Check show listing for details on age restrictions, times and line-up.https://www.191toole.com/
Arts & Culture
Gallery, grounds and museum - famous local artist. Great grounds and view from the gallery, wonderful iconic paintings - http://degrazia.org/
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DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdGallery, grounds and museum - famous local artist. Great grounds and view from the gallery, wonderful iconic paintings - http://degrazia.org/
Count on the TMA for well-curated exhibits and artisan markets, too. Gift shop features local art, pottery etc.
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Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveCount on the TMA for well-curated exhibits and artisan markets, too. Gift shop features local art, pottery etc.
Wonderful botanical gardens has a Butterfly Habitat, lots of native plantings arranged beautifully. Through May 31st: Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden & Life. Tucson Botanical Gardens was selected as the only institution to receive this extraordinary exhibition designed by one of the world’s premier botanical gardens, the New York Botanical Garden.
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Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon WayWonderful botanical gardens has a Butterfly Habitat, lots of native plantings arranged beautifully. Through May 31st: Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden & Life. Tucson Botanical Gardens was selected as the only institution to receive this extraordinary exhibition designed by one of the world’s premier botanical gardens, the New York Botanical Garden.
On the University of Arizona campus, it's the Southwest's oldest and largest anthropology museum. Featuring Native cultures of the region through content-rich exhibits, dynamic docent tours, engaging programs, exciting travel tours, hand-on workshops, a research library, and an educational museum store.
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/
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Arizona State Museum
1013 E University BlvdOn the University of Arizona campus, it's the Southwest's oldest and largest anthropology museum. Featuring Native cultures of the region through content-rich exhibits, dynamic docent tours, engaging programs, exciting travel tours, hand-on workshops, a research library, and an educational museum store.
http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/
Open by appt only during the summer. Always worth the visit. Photography gallery showcasing the icons of the history of photography as well as the contemporary artists changing its course.
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Etherton Gallery
340 S Convent AveOpen by appt only during the summer. Always worth the visit. Photography gallery showcasing the icons of the history of photography as well as the contemporary artists changing its course.
Parks & Nature
Saguaros are majestic - great hiking trails, too. You'll fall in love with their unique beauty.
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Saguaro National Park
Saguaros are majestic - great hiking trails, too. You'll fall in love with their unique beauty.
Huge palm trees line pond with paved walking trail, benches, shady spots. "a unique 101-acre park that features a perennial warm spring and pond that is home to an exceptionally rich mix of plants and animals..."
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Agua Caliente Park
12325 E Roger RdHuge palm trees line pond with paved walking trail, benches, shady spots. "a unique 101-acre park that features a perennial warm spring and pond that is home to an exceptionally rich mix of plants and animals..."
Only a few blocks from the studio (10 minute walk at most), Reid park has a baseball stadium with five practice fields, an outdoor performance center, two covered public pools, and a 24-acre zoo along with playgrounds, gardens, and picnic areas. There are also two 18-hole golf courses, a tennis and racquetball complex (Reffkin Tennis Center), and an indoor recreation center. Its paved loop is ~2 miles, great for walking, running or biking.
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Reid Park
900 S Randolph WayOnly a few blocks from the studio (10 minute walk at most), Reid park has a baseball stadium with five practice fields, an outdoor performance center, two covered public pools, and a 24-acre zoo along with playgrounds, gardens, and picnic areas. There are also two 18-hole golf courses, a tennis and racquetball complex (Reffkin Tennis Center), and an indoor recreation center. Its paved loop is ~2 miles, great for walking, running or biking.
Walking paths take you through this lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that also features an art gallery and wonderful cafe / tea room. North Tucson off Ina Road.
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Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del NorteWalking paths take you through this lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that also features an art gallery and wonderful cafe / tea room. North Tucson off Ina Road.
Biggest city park with an activities center that has everything from pottery to basketball, tennis to aerobics. Senior pricing available, low cost regardless! 2 blocks southwest of studio. https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/RandolphCenter
Randolph Recreation Center
200 S Alvernon WayBiggest city park with an activities center that has everything from pottery to basketball, tennis to aerobics. Senior pricing available, low cost regardless! 2 blocks southwest of studio. https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/RandolphCenter
Great spot to catch views of surrounding mountains. Viewpoints easily accessible from parking lot. Top of peak.
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Sentinel Peak Park ("A" Mountain)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd SGreat spot to catch views of surrounding mountains. Viewpoints easily accessible from parking lot. Top of peak.
Sightseeing
Great for kids and adults. See the desert wildlife and flora. https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Sonora Desert Museum
Great for kids and adults. See the desert wildlife and flora. https://www.desertmuseum.org/
An old Spanish mission south of downtown Tucson. Recently restored, the main church is also open to the public - you may get lucky and witness a ceremony! "influenced by Byzantine and Moorish design" It's located on the Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. Easy drive from mid-town Tucson.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdAn old Spanish mission south of downtown Tucson. Recently restored, the main church is also open to the public - you may get lucky and witness a ceremony! "influenced by Byzantine and Moorish design" It's located on the Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. Easy drive from mid-town Tucson.
Our Tucson downtown is ever-evolving. For the latest of what's going on in the area, visit https://www.visittucson.org/
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Downtown
Our Tucson downtown is ever-evolving. For the latest of what's going on in the area, visit https://www.visittucson.org/
The Tucson area observatories are world renowned. Visit Kitt Peak observatory and see why astronomers love our area! Southern Arizona has some of the clearest skies in the U.S.—about 350 nights of viewing a year. Car needed! https://www.visittucson.org/astronomy
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
The Tucson area observatories are world renowned. Visit Kitt Peak observatory and see why astronomers love our area! Southern Arizona has some of the clearest skies in the U.S.—about 350 nights of viewing a year. Car needed! https://www.visittucson.org/astronomy
Essentials
Laundry services, grocery and supermarkets etc.
With locations around town, you can drop off dry cleaning or laundry. If you’re here longer term ask them about pick up and drop off services.
Sparkle Cleaners | Mendel's Wife the Tailor
3853 E Broadway BlvdWith locations around town, you can drop off dry cleaning or laundry. If you’re here longer term ask them about pick up and drop off services.
Fry's Food And Drug
2480 N Swan RdLatin American focused grocery store. Great deals on juicy small Mexican limes and other produce. Perfect spot to stock up on herbs and spices with the little packets, good tortilla selection too.
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Food City
2950 S 6th AveLatin American focused grocery store. Great deals on juicy small Mexican limes and other produce. Perfect spot to stock up on herbs and spices with the little packets, good tortilla selection too.
Pharmacy, convenience store and liquor store all in one. Just a 3.5 block walk from the Studio.
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CVS
825 E University BlvdPharmacy, convenience store and liquor store all in one. Just a 3.5 block walk from the Studio.
Need to send a package, get something printed or faxed, maybe even notarized? Try the UPS store on Broadway Blvd, a short walk from the studio.
The UPS Store
Need to send a package, get something printed or faxed, maybe even notarized? Try the UPS store on Broadway Blvd, a short walk from the studio.
Fresh produce at reasonable prices. Also vitamins, herbs, small wine and beer area, butcher counter and deli counter.
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Sprouts Farmers Market
4645 E Speedway BlvdFresh produce at reasonable prices. Also vitamins, herbs, small wine and beer area, butcher counter and deli counter.
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway BlvdFor specialty items and hard-to-find organics.
Less expensive than Whole Foods with good local, organic food. Bring your own bag - they have some boxes available for transport. Located near a wonderful pizza place (Falora) and Cashew Cow.
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Natural Grocers
3016 E Broadway BlvdLess expensive than Whole Foods with good local, organic food. Bring your own bag - they have some boxes available for transport. Located near a wonderful pizza place (Falora) and Cashew Cow.
The Home Depot
3689 East Broadway BoulevardLaundromat in same shopping center as the Sprouts. Drop off or DIY.
Look online for tucsonlaundromatnearme dot com (sorry Airbnb won’t allow us to insert links)
Tucson Laundry Centers On Swan
4669 E Speedway BlvdLaundromat in same shopping center as the Sprouts. Drop off or DIY.
Look online for tucsonlaundromatnearme dot com (sorry Airbnb won’t allow us to insert links)
Getting Around
Routes 8 (Broadway) and 3 (5th/6th) for going East/West, Route 11 (Alvernon) going North/South. Stops within just a couple of blocks from the studio depending on direction.
Download routes here in PDF: http://www.suntran.com/routes.php
Complete routes & times: http://www.suntran.com/PDF/Maps/Shelter%20Map%20-%20Aug%2016.pdf
Sun Tran
3920 North Sun Tran BoulevardRoutes 8 (Broadway) and 3 (5th/6th) for going East/West, Route 11 (Alvernon) going North/South. Stops within just a couple of blocks from the studio depending on direction.
Download routes here in PDF: http://www.suntran.com/routes.php
Complete routes & times: http://www.suntran.com/PDF/Maps/Shelter%20Map%20-%20Aug%2016.pdf
If you decide to rent a car after you've been here a few days, this could help you avoid the airport fees.
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1545 N Stone AveIf you decide to rent a car after you've been here a few days, this could help you avoid the airport fees.