Enjoying Tucson and Broadmoor

Tucson has been a North American city, trade center, and constantly inhabited destination for thousands of years. The Spanish explorers and missionaries were visiting this area half a century before the pilgrims set sail. There have been established European settlements downtown and nearby since the 1680s. Tucson and surrounding areas have been a part of native empires, O’odham and Yaqui peoples, Spain, Mexico, New Mexico and AZ Territory, and in 1912 USA. Keep that in mind as you enjoy the differences and unique food, history, and people.

Back in the 1950s, when most the USA was bulldozing city centers to make way for federal freeways, Tucson’s eclectic locals were fighting to keep our history. As a result we don’t have much of a highway system. So major surface roads are busy. Consider avoiding Broadway, Speedway, and Grant when traveling east-west. Instead, route yourself down 22nd, 6th, or Ft Lowell. North-south voyages try bumpy Tucson Blvd.. 6th St and Tucson Blvd routes may have slower speed limits, but generally smoother traffic flow, and much more pleasant scenery of historic and unique neighborhoods.

If you have a free evening take a look at what’s playing. Tucson doesn’t get big national acts often, and instead has about 4x the number of local and touring acts per capita then you see in any other city except Austin. Check Facebook events for music in Tucson. Also you can check out the websites and instagram of some famed nearby local venues: Rialto Theatre, 191 Toole, XO Roasters, Hotel Congress, Tap and Bottle, Iron Johns, House of Bards, Tucson Symphony, Tucson Pops, even Che’s Lounge and St Charles Tavern on weekends. There are dozens more. Tucson Weekly and Tucson Sentinel list too.