The Wall Street Journal-20080212-Off the Beaten Track - Tucson

Return to: The_Wall_Street_Journal-20080212

Off the Beaten Track / Tucson

Full Text (336  words)

Travel editor Andrea Petersen on what to do and where to eat and stay in this laid-back Arizona city.

-- What to do: Tucson draws tourists fleeing winter's freeze with mild temperatures, sunny skies and stunning mountain views. Head to Saguaro National Park West for hikes among the desert scenery (www.nps.gov/sagu). Gates Pass is a picturesque spot to watch the vibrant reds and oranges of Arizona's sunsets. For a close-up look of the plants and critters that inhabit the desert, check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Wandering the outdoor paths, you can spot everything from prairie dogs to hummingbirds (Tel. 520-883-2702, www.desertmuseum.org).

-- Where to eat: Tucson has an eclectic culinary scene, but is particularly known for its fantastic Mexican food. The downtown outpost of El Charro Cafe is a lively, casual spot that has been around since 1922. Try a generous margarita and the Enchiladas Banderas, three enchiladas (including the delicious barbacoa shredded beef) topped with flavorful -- and colorful -- sauces arranged to look like the Mexican flag (311 N. Court Ave., Tel. 520-622-1922, www.elcharrocafe.com). Barrio Grill is a glossy bar/restaurant serving food with a Southwestern edge. Entrees include fresh fish of the day tacos with black beans and guacamole served with habanero tomatillo salsa (135 S. Sixth Ave., Tel. 520-629-0191, www.barriofoodanddrink.com).

-- Where to stay: The Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast Inn has a terrific location downtown within walking distance of bars and restaurants. The meticulously restored 1870s home has six antiques- laden rooms (one with a claw-foot bathtub) and a small pool. Owners Chuck Bressi and Jeff DiGregorio whip up a lavish breakfast and will happily point you to their favorite dinner spots (Rooms from $185, Tel. 877-670-9022, www.royalelizabeth.com). The Tucson area has a wealth of swanky spas. Canyon Ranch has a particularly passionate following. Regulars return year after year to partake of the resort's dizzying array of healthy activities, including everything from yoga classes and hikes in the nearby mountains to massages and high-tech medical tests (Rates vary, Tel. 800-742-9000, www.canyonranch.com).