Got a chance to go to Arizona for work I started in Phoenix, then on to Scottsdale, and finally Tucson. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any free time in Phoenix or Scottsdale but I did get some time to explore Tucson. Here’s the low down on my experience.
1. San Xavier’s Mission
Pictures don’t do this church justice. San Xavier’s Mission is a Tucson Historical Landmark. It is a recently restored Spanish Colonial Church. It is definitely a must-see. I’ve also had some death in my family recently so I took the time to pray. They offer tours but because I was there for work and on borrowed time I opted to enjoy on my own.
2. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro is a type of catus that is native to this part of Arizona. Every one of them looks different with its “branches” bending different ways. Let me tell you I did my research to find out the trails and the levels because I am definitely a beginning level hiker and I was starting to get sick so I didn’t want to do anything to overzealous. The warning signs about African bees, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions almost sent me running to my car. I pushed forward and was able to enjoy the sunset over this beautiful landscape. The more I travel the more I find out how beautiful and important our national parks are.
3. Greetings from Tucson
It’s no secret I’m a mural hunter so no matter the City I try to find out if they have a greetings mural. They are fun and scream I was here. The Tucson mural is extremely vibrant and fun. Unlike usual there’s plenty of parking around so stop by if you get a chance.
4. Selena Mural
The one other mural I knew I had to see was the Selena Quintanilla. I’ve been a fan of hers since I was a little girl and everyone knows the tragic story of her star extinguish by a crazed fan and theft. You know your basic mural hunter vibes.
Food
Let’s be clear the majority of my time in Arizona I indulged in my favorites that we don’t have in NYC: In & Out burger, Culver’s, Waffle house, and Raising Cane’s. When I finally got the opportunity to try some local foods I did.
Fry Bread
Lots of what I read in my research said Fry bread was a must. I had fry bread at the San Xavier’s Mission. It comes in wide varieties savory and sweet. I opted to have it with honey. I was pissed off and trying it, because how could I have never had something so delicious. It reminded me of beignets or funnel cake. It was so good and I have made my friend promise to make me some when I visit home.
Sonoran Hot Dog
I’m not generally a hot dog enthusiast so when I read that Sonoran hot dogs were a local specialty, I wasn’t very excited. I read the reviews and was told that El Sinaloense was the place to try one as they butter their rolls. I got the hot dog full dressed and a lemonade. Let me tell you how I have been craving another one since that day. It was very good nothing like the chili and cheese dogs I’m used to. It was delicious and the owner had great customer service. WARNING its cash only so be prepared!
Breakfast @ Bline
They had me at crepe pancakes. Those are 2 things I love so I figured I couldn’t lose. It’s such a cute spot with its specialty coffees and curated menu. I had the crepe pancake with chorizo and eggs scrambled. It was pretty good and its on-campus so it has a homey feel to it.