Downtown Tucson is a hub for University of Arizona students, residents, businesspeople and visitors to enjoy the unique attractions and gorgeous weather. Photo from City of Tucson

Tucson has perhaps focused their downtown area on three major t’s: transportation, trade and tourism.

A southern Arizona paradise, Tucson draws visitors throughout the year to encounter its unique attractions and gorgeous weather. The city embraces its position as a tourism hot spot, as tourism continues to be a significant driver of the local economy. Visit Tucson is a high-performing organization that works diligently to bring tourists, conferences, trade shows, and sporting events to the Tucson area. Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and the City Council have found a way to provide additional funding to Visit Tucson by having them share equally with the city any lodging tax dollars over and above current levels.

The continued renewal of downtown will no doubt bring even more visitors to the Tucson area. A proposed 136-room, $36 million upscale boutique hotel is proposed that will forever change the landscape in downtown Tucson and will additionally generate an influx of tourism dollars. Another highly anticipated hotel project will bring another 180 rooms right to the Sunlink Streetcar Line.

The Tucson Sunlink Streetcar is a 3.9-mile streetcar that connects major activity centers in the city. The streetcar saw its millionth passenger in May 2015. Photo from the City of Tucson

The City of Tucson is also fast becoming known as a logistics center due to I-10, I-19, and proximity to Mexico, Union Pacific Rail Line, the Tucson International Airport, and the Port of Tucson. In the International trade arena, the city has partnered with Visit Tucson to utilize their office in Hemosillo, Sonora as an extension of the economic development office located in Tucson. The city’s international trade specialist travels to the office monthly to meet business owners interested in exploring how to expand into the Tucson market.

The Tucson Sunlink Streetcar. Photo from the City of Tucson

Additionally, the city collaborates with Pima County and supports plans to construct a new limited access road from I-19 to I-10 called the Sonoran Corridor. This large infrastructure project will open up large tracts of land for industrial uses in the future, and will further solidify the Tucson region as a prime logistics center.

The city’s purposeful partnerships with other local organizations continue to bring more business and more visitors to the downtown area.

Downtown Tucson continues to be one of the hottest development markets in the region. City infrastructure expenditures and the Sunlink Modern Streetcar are certainly primarily contributors to the private investment the city is now experiencing. Downtown Tucson has been transformed in the last few years thanks to well-placed public and private investment dollars. However the lure to downtown extends beyond on-trend restaurants and housing. The area has welcomed many new businesses from the well-established to creative newcomers. These newest professional tenants have generated new construction, converted warehouses and breathed new life into historic homes and buildings. They are the next wave of newcomers to downtown Tucson and their presence will attract talented entrepreneurs and high-quality jobs to the available office space downtown.

The Rialto Theater is a mainstay of the Downtown Tucson area. Photo from the City of Tucson

The City of Tucson has driven the revitalization of downtown. Policies and incentives put in place by the mayor and city council have been geared toward turning downtown into an economic development engine. The city currently has 21 incentive tools that have made new development projects a reality in downtown.

Students are also injecting life into downtown like never before, with students from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management using co-working space downtown to house their student-run companies. Student-run businesses are part of a burgeoning innovation district and shared work environments are quickly becoming the new way to office for young professionals and startups.

The City of Tucson has also established the Small Business Assistance Line, which attracts callers on a daily basis. The help provided ranges from how to obtain a city business license to how to establish a new business in Tucson. The Economic Initiatives Office also staffs the Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Commission, which meets monthly to facilitate the success of small businesses.

Tucson City Hall. Photo from the City of Tucson.

The Tucson City Council have led the economic development effort for the city by proposing incentives and assistance programs, bringing new businesses to the city and supporting those that are already operating there.

Downtown Tucson is once again becoming a vibrant urban core and both seasoned and young professionals want to be part of its future.

A view from above in Downtown Bisbee. Photo from City of Bisbee

Historically known as the “Queen of the Copper Mines,” Bisbee, Arizona, is now a charming destination for travelers to experience history and culture.

After large-scale mining operations became obsolete, the city evolved into an artist’s colony, a tourist attraction and a relaxing place to relocate. Visitors will delight in strolling the sidewalks of this community, experiencing art galleries, small specialty shops, bookstores, cafes and local restaurants.

The City of Bisbee has evolved into an artist’s downtown, full of galleries, shops, bookstores and local restaurants. Photo from City of Bisbee

Bisbee is also home to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, an ideal location for history buffs to learn about copper, architecture and Bisbee’s past. Many will also come to Bisbee to take the Copper Queen Mine Tour, a look into the days when copper was dominant in Bisbee’s culture.

Many visit Bisbee for the Copper Queen Mine Tour. Photo from City of Bisbee

NerdWallet ranked Sierra Vista as one of the best small cities in the nation based on economic health, affordability and quality of life, in a study published on June 1.

Out of more than 1,300 cities with a population of less than 75,000, Sierra Vista is ranked 44, making it the top Arizona community on the list. The study ranked cities using data from the 2007 and 2013 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, giving equal weight to the three categories considered: affordability, economic health and quality of life.

“I’m not surprised to see our community recognized for what those of us who call it home already know—Sierra Vista is a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller says.

In an April, 2015 analysis, NerdWallet also ranked Sierra Vista as one of Arizona’s top 10 places for young families.

“Clearly, Sierra Vista is already on the radar,” says Assistant City Manager Mary Jacobs.

The key attributes identified by NerdWallet also surfaced in the City’s own recent community survey that is being used to develop a concise and memorable brand message.

“Sierra Vista is filling its economic development toolbox with vital elements like this research, along with the brand messaging and powerful collateral, all of which work in unison to help make our community vision a reality,” Jacobs says.

To learn more, read NerdWallet’s report at www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-small-cities-america-2015.

Photo Courtesy: Cronkite News Online

Just south of Eloy, Picacho Peak has been used as a navigational landmark for hundreds of years, and was the site of Arizona’s only Civil War battle. The 3-mile round trip stretch has been rated as “moderate” by most hikers due to its well-maintained trail and easy walking with trail elevation in most areas with only one steep section aided with steel handrails and cables. While on the trail you can expect to see an abundance of wildlife, enjoy the natural surroundings away from all the bustle of the city, as well as possibly a glimpse of petroglyphs from the historic Hohokam tribe.

With the ease of the trail, one can take the time to appreciate the view, mixed with a little bit of history, and a 360-degree breathtaking view of the surrounding Sonoran desert, what’s not to love?

The park re-opens to the public on September 13. Catch some practice hikes in the valley and then hit the trail just as summer starts to turn to early Arizona fall.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/ 

The Sierra Vista Aquatic Center, aka “The Cove,” is a 36,500 sq ft facility that contains 11,347 sq ft of pool water surface, which equates to over 575,000 gallons of water. The Aquatic Center boasts a 0′ depth, or “beach”,’ entry and eight 25 yard lap lanes for lap and competitive swimming, and a wave machine with several wave patterns for Open Swim. Smaller children can enjoy a water play area of less than 2-feet of water where they can pretend to be pirates on the pirate ship slide.For those looking for a more relaxing time, there is also a warm water therapy pool that is always 92 to 94 degrees and complete with water jets. The diving pool includes two 1 meter diving boards and one 3 meter diving board. And just for fun, there are two enclosed tube slides that will take you on a ride inside AND outside the building! The Cove also has locker rooms for men, women, and families with small children. Lockers are available free of charge for the day, however, customers are strongly encouraged to bring a lock in order to secure their valuables. Locks are also available for purchase at the front desk. A snack bar and outdoor patio are available as well to hang out and take a break from all the fun. For more information, please visit: http://www.sierravistaaz.gov/

Climbing more than 6,000 feet,the Sky Island Scenic Byway begins with forests of saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert and ends in a cool, coniferous forest on the Santa Catalina Mountains. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views and a climate change that would be similar to driving from Southern Arizona to Northern Montana. Each thousand feet up is like driving 600 miles north offering a unique opportunity to experience 4 seasons in one trip.

The scenic drive begins at the outside edge of Tucson. If you are coming from I-10, take exit 256 and follow East Grant Road for 8 miles. Turn left onto East Tanque Verde Road and continue for three miles until East Catalina Highway on your left. The start of this scenic drive is in 4 miles as you enter the Coronado National Forest. This road is sometimes referred to as Mount Lemmon Highway or Hitchcock Highway.

If you are traveling this route in the winter, keep in mind that temperature differences from bottom to top is around 30 degrees and that upper portions may be closed due to snow. And in any season — bring water, extra clothes and gas up beforehand as there are no stations along the Catalina Highway.

As the road climbs among the Saguaro cacti and brittlebush, enjoy hairpin curves as you arrive at the Babad Do’ag Viewpoint (V1) which overlooks the desert cacti studded Tucson Valley, the Rincon Mountains, and the Tucson Basin. There are interpretive signs at the lookout and if you’re up for a longer hike — try the moderate 5-mile round trip Babad Do’ag Trail. Incredible desert vistas of saguaro, wildflowers and mountains await.

Continuing up the road, you enter the Molino Canyon. The road hugs the canyon’s cliff until the Molino Canyon Overlook (V2). The overlook offers a short hike to a creek and series of waterfalls. Towards the center of the canyon is the Molino Basin, home a campground and trailheads for a variety of hikes. Hiking here is especially fascinating due to the transition from desert to a forest dominated by cottonwood, oak, sycamore and willow trees within a very short distance.

Each turn of the road reveals a new perspective. As you enter Bear Canyon, the forest transforms once again into a lusher, cool environment with flourishing cypress, juniper, pine, sycamore, and walnut trees. Granite pinnacles soar into the sky, and with rocky outcroppings and stony hoodoos, some of Arizona’s best rock climbing is found here.

Next stop, Windy Point (V3) offers the most amazing views along the entire drive. Wind-whipped rock formations, views of the Huachuca, Patagonia, and Santa Rita Mountains, and the Tucson Basin await at 6,400 feet of elevation. On clear days, you may even see the Sierra de San Antonio in Mexico.

Geology Point Vista (V4), offers another spectacular viewpoint. Sweeping panoramas and precariously perched rocks create a surreal and photogenic landscape.

From here, you climb through forests of ponderosa pine. Rose Canyon Lake (W1) is stocked with trout and surrounded by absolute beauty; this seven-acre lake is a perfect stop for fishing, picnics, and camping in the Rose Canyon Campground. Keep an eye out for the turn off to Rose Canyon. Shortly afterwards, you arrive at the San Pedro Vista (V5) which overlooks the San Pedro River Valley, a desert between the Tortilla and Galiuro Mountains. From this stop, enjoy the 4-mile hike around Green Mountain to the General Hitchcock Campground.

Shortly after the viewpoint is the Palisade Information Center (I1). Self-guided displays inform about the Coronado National Forest and it’s a great location to get more information about hikes. Two of the most popular are the Butterfly Trail (H2) and Crystal Springs Trail (H3) with trailheads one mile from the center. Both trails are long, but you need not do the entire trail to enjoy the shaded, dense forests. Butterfly Trail (H2) features such a diverse biology, it has been designated a Research Natural Area. Wildflowers and butterflies are abundant and having a species field guide will come in handy. If you are up for a challenge, the medium-to-difficult Crystal Springs Trail will bring you to Mount Lemmon’s summit.

Experience the sky up close at the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter (A1). There are daytime and after-dark programs using their new 32-inch Schulman Telescope which is open to the public.

This scenic drive officially comes to an end as you arrive in the quaint town of Summerhaven, which features a General Store, shops and restaurants. While here, consider a few short side trips. For spectacular views in every season, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the US, can be reached via East Ski Run Road. The ski hill offers an opportunity to ride the ski lift for breathtaking vistas at 9100 feet. Continue a few miles further and join onto Summit Road (T1). At the road end is the actual summit of Mount Lemmon, an amazing way to end this scenic drive.

Photo courtesy of americansouthwest.net

The Sibley Mansion was home to Roy and Belle Sibley. Roy was a mining company managers and his wife was the town’s first postmaster. In 1908, the Sibleys started their work on the mansion. There were 20 rooms within the mansion, it was built of stone and had polished oak floors, picture windows and full-length mirrors. The mansion was the center for social activities in the area. It is rumored that the Sibleys entertained some of the social elite including the governor of Arizona. While the Sibleys moved out of the home in 1910, Martin Tew turned the property into a ranch and called it Monte Bonito in 1917. Tew was a nature lover and wrote poetry, which he shared with others by leaving it on trees for people to read. In 1933, the Arizona Molybdenum Corporation was mining in the area. When the San Diego Union reported Copper creek as a town that was crime-ridden and wild, residents cleared the town out and businesses, including those at Copper Creek, closed. Copper Creek/ Sibley Mansion is brought back to life as residents venture to see the spectacular piece of historic Arizona. The trail begins at the intersection of River Road and Copper Creek Road. Visitors are to tread cautiously, though, as there is active mining and cattle ranching in the area.

This Archaeological park features a multi-use trail and interpretive signage about the Julian Wash archaeological site and St. Luke’s Orphanage, which also used to be at this location.

Visitors of this park will get to learn about Tucson’s 4,000-year history of continuous settlement and agriculture.

There are also bike routes within this park. Travelers have found a 40.42 mile bike ride within the area. This particular bike ride has a total ascent of 534.79 feet and has a maximum elevation of 2,814.76 feet.

Another route within the park showcases the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert as it travels form Santa Cruz River Park to S. Rita Road in southeastern Tucson. The trail offers views of distant mountains and connects several other parks together.

Photo courtesy of Skytamer.com

While airplanes are meant for the skies, the Border Air Museum has made a place for the huge aircrafts indoors, well at least via textual and photographic information.

The museum was a gift to the city of Douglas by the deceased Richard Westbrook and his wife Irma. The Border Air Museum was established to house Richard’s collection of air history that he had researched for a number of years.

Douglas was a popular space for aviation in the early 1900s. In 1908, a group of Douglas men formed the “Douglas aeronautical club” and built a glider from mail order plans. By 1909, the group had a motorized airplane of the canard-pusher design, the first airplane in Arizona. In 1913, planes that were used in the Mexican Revolution came to Douglas. After World War I, the barnstormers (these were the pilots who performed tricks with their airplanes) arrived. In 1928, the city purchased what would become the first international airport in the Americas in 1928.

The museum brings Douglas’ aviation history to life via photos, newspaper articles, letters, magazines and journals, among other times.

This historic park preserves the ruins of three early Spanish colonial missions. The area was originally visited by the Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691. The King of Spain expelled the Jesuits and replaced them with Franciscans in 1767 and construction was begun by the Franciscan Catholics on the massive adobe church about 1800, but it was never finished.

The Tumacacori National Monument (now the National Historical Park) was established in 1908

These ruins and the culture among it has changed over time; people are encouraged to visit and experience this changing heritage. The unique park also provides opportunities for walkers, bird-watchers and equestrians. There is a popular 4.5-mile stretch of trail between Tumacacori and Tubac for those looking for a good hike filled with remnants of Arizona’s past.