Proud to Be A Little Out There

Affectionately known to locals as "Fourth", this area was hip back when most hipsters we know were still in diapers. Find local artisans and boutiques offering curated selections of vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, handcrafted and imported wares, hard-to-find books and anything else you might want to go digging for. Tucson's notable Food Conspiracy Co-Op, which has been selling organic, bulk, and locally produced food and more since 1971, exists alongside a swath of cafés, restaurants, thrift shops, bookstores, and tattoo parlors. Some of the cities best-loved eateries proudly call Fourth home, from old-school Mexican spots and classic pizza joints to gluttonous burger joints and straight-forward sandwich shops – this area has a flavor all its own.

One of this area's greatest offerings is the legendary Fourth Avenue Street Fair, held in spring and winter every year. The fair is a 50-year-old, family-friendly shopping and entertainment tradition that includes artists from around the country, carnival food, local entertainment, and lots to see and do.

Biosphere 2 serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its ability to combine varying scales, precise manipulation and fine monitoring together in controlled experiments provides scientists with the unique opportunity to explore complex environmental questions.

In this one-of-a-kind facility, UA researchers are using the Landscape Evolution Observatory, the world's largest laboratory experiment in earth sciences, to answer questions about how physical and biological processes control the evolution of landscapes and how water flows through the environment. In the simulated rainforest, scientists are studying how plants cope with high temperatures and drought to better understand how climate change may affect forests. Outside, researchers are growing plants beneath solar panels, pairing renewable energy with agriculture as they explore innovative ways to grow nutritious food crops while increasing energy output.

The University of Arizona has supported Biosphere 2 research since it took over management of the iconic facility in 2007. The University acquired the facility in 2011.

A Golfer's Dream

With more than 40 courses throughout the region players of all skill levels will find endless options in Tucson. Our rich golf tradition is embodied by Cologuard Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions Tour event played each March. Cologuard Classic, PGA TOUR Champions Golf Tournament returns in Spring 2024 and will take place on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Course at La Paloma Country Club at Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned golfer, Tucson, Oro Valley, and the surrounding areas have a course for you.

Check out the link below from Visit Tucson where they compiled all of the areas best courses.

A unique downtown Tucson experience

Some of the greatest cities in the world are home to vibrant market districts. The Gadsden Company, Mission District Partners and Rio Development are working to add Tucson, Arizona to that list. This dynamic district combines housing, shopping, restaurants, markets and beautifully diverse architecture to create Tucson’s premier transit-oriented development. Located on the West-End of Tucson’s Modern Streetcar line the district is anchored by two shopping centers Mercado San Agustín and the MSA Annex, both situated along the beautiful tree lined Avenida Del Convento.

Tucson’s Craft Beer scene still feels like a secret we get to keep. It is home to some of the best beer in the United States that doesn’t get the mass recognition of big cities like San Diego, Portland, Phoenix,etc. You are always close by to some incredible beer experiences and hoppinh around town finding your next flight with friends is a breeze in the downtown area. Much like the chefs who put our food scene on the map, Tucson's brewers take traditional techniques and add their own spin to make something entirely new. From sour ales fermented with cactus fruit to stouts infused with Mexican spices, local ingredients and flavors inspired by the Sonoran Desert come through in just about every glass they pour.

On top of the incredible selection from our local breweries, the scene has also led to an overall appreciation of good beer from around the world. Mildly put, Tucsonans love beer. To fill this need are a number of locally owned tap houses that keep the creativity flowing with selections from some of the best breweries on the planet.

So now that the secret is out, come raise a glass in Tucson, and cheers to one of the best beer towns around.

Description gThe best 23 miles of Mexican food."

Visitors to Tucson may have heard that phrase — or seen the little purple sign that carries that message while exploring downtown Tucson. The city's Mexican food scene has ample credibility to back up that statement.

Situated 70 miles north of the Mexican border, Tucson is home to some of the best Sonoran-style Mexican food in the country. And it's not hard to find these restaurants. Several are situated close together — head south of Fourth, Sixth and 12th avenues to find clusters of top-notch Mexican restaurants.oes here