Spiritual Shopping
Kachinas, carved and painted figures called tihu by the Hopi, an American Indian tribe from Northern Arizona, were originally used to teach children about Hopi life and religion. Today, these effigies representing spiritual and natural beings have become a popular art form coveted by collectors. Find Hopi kachinas at Gallery West Classic Native American Art (6420 N. Campbell Ave., 520-529-7002), Mac's Indian Jewelry (2400 E. Grant Rd., 520-327-3306), Grey Dog Trading Co. (2970 N. Swan Rd., 520-881-6888), and Silverbell Trading (7119 N. Oracle Rd., 520-797-6852).

Rock 'N' Roll
Beat the heat with indoor, air-conditioned family fun at Tucson's only roller-skating rink, Skate Country (7980 E. 22nd St., 520-298-4409). Themed sessions include Tiny Tots, for kids 12 and under; Adult Skate; Top 40; 70s Disco; and Dollar Night, where almost everything from admission to snacks is just $1. Rent skates there or bring your own. See www.skatecountry.com for a schedule of events.

"A" Mountain
Perhaps Tucson's most notable, or should we say most easily noted, landmark is "A" Mountain. Rising above downtown, the peak has witnessed the history and growth of the city. Stjukson, meaning "spring at the foot of the black mountain," was the name of the original Native American settlement in the shelter of the peak. The US Army named the mountain Sentinel Peak for its strategic importance. Since 1916, U of A freshmen have made a yearly tradition of painting the now-namesake letter "A." You can drive to the top of the peak to enjoy a panoramic view of the city Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Phone 520-791-5909.

Air, Space & Defense Museums
One of the largest collections of historic aircraft in the US is at the Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd. Its Space Gallery offers a historical look at space travel, while several hangars house memorabilia, airplanes, and exhibits. More than 275 aircraft are on display, inside and out, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission fee. Phone 520-574-0462. Another sure bet is the partly underground tour at the Titan Missile Museum. You can see the massive 760-ton rollback silo door, visit the launch-control center, and experience a simulated launch.

Main Gate Square
Searching for some U of A gear—a hat, T-shirt, or maybe a pair of Wildcat flip-flops? Find collegiate gear and much more at this bustling hub of university students, faculty, visitors, early risers, and night owls who gather at the many coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs after a day of shopping (or studying). Located within walking distance of the museums, sports facilities, and attractions on campus, Main Gate Square (on University Blvd. between Park and Euclid Aves.) features everything from banking, tanning beds, and electric bikes to salons, chic clothing, specialty stores, and even a hotel.

Museums of Fine Art
The permanent collection of The University of Arizona Museum of Art includes Spanish and Renaissance art, as well as 19th-century American, contemporary, and modernist works. It's on the U of A campus just south of Speedway Blvd. and east of Park Ave. near the pedestrian underpass. Phone 520-621-7567. Since the completion of a $2.7-million renovation, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block (downtown at the corner of N. Main Ave. and Alameda St.) has been able to display more of its fine collection and attract larger traveling exhibits. The museum renovated the historic Hiram Stevens House into the Palice Pavilion for its permanent collection of pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, and Latin American folk art. You can also visit the John K. Goodman Pavilion of Western Art, Corbett House (a local model for the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century), and La Casa Cordova, with its 19th-century period rooms. Phone 520-624-2333. And don't miss Café à la C'Art (520-628-8533) for a little something to snack on.

Tucson Originals
Hungry? Why not try something different and head to one of the independently owned restaurants that make up the Tucson Originals? The name says it all. These unique local eateries specialize in regionally inspired dishes that not only make your mouth water but also put your mind at ease, because Tucson Originals give back to the community that inspires them. Tucson Originals help define the flavor of Tucson, with such restaurants as Elle, Wine Country Restaurant (3048 E. Broadway Blvd., 520-327-0500), Tavolino (7090 N. Oracle Rd., 520-531-1913), Maynard's Market & Kitchen (400 N. Toole Ave., 520-545-0577), and El Charro Café (6310 E. Broadway Blvd., 520-745-1922; 6910 E. Sunrise Dr., 520-514-1922; 311 N. Court Ave., 520-622-1922; 7725 N. Oracle Rd., 520-615-1922; 4699 E. Speedway Blvd., 520-325-1922). Visit www.tucsonoriginals.com for a complete list of Tucson Originals restaurants.

La Encantada
For some of Tucson's premier upscale boutiques, national retailers, and unparalleled mountain and city views, head to this 2-story open-air complex for a complete day of shopping. Six unique restaurants—offering everything from sushi to wine flights—and a gourmet grocer complement the impressive selection of stores. At the northwest corner of Campbell Ave. and Skyline Dr., 520-299-3556, www.laencantadashoppingcenter.com.

Stroll Fourth Avenue
Called Tucson's "most eclectic shopping district," the avenue has numerous boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafés, jewelry stores, furniture stores, and more. Adding to its charm, the historic shopping and dining district hosts free entertainment at various stops along the avenue the 1st and 3rd Sats. of the month. In spring and winter, don't miss the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, with more than 400 artisans plus food and live entertainment. Phone 520-624-5004 or check out www.fourthavenue.org.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Wandering through this living museum is like taking an enchanted walk through the desert—with no fear of snakes or critters. There's lots of information, plenty of shade and water, and close-up views of bobcats, prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks, Mexican gray wolves, scorpions, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, quail, and more. Aviaries offer a birder's haven. The internationally famous museum has seasonal fine dining and year-round casual dining. Trained museum docents give live-animal demonstrations and seasonal guided tours. Admission fee. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct.-Feb. and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mar.-Sept. 2021 N. Kinney Rd. Phone 520-883-2702 or visit www.desertmuseum.org.

Let's Bowl!
If you're wondering where the action is, try a little moonlight, a little music—and the crack of the pins. Golden Pin Lanes (520-888-4272) sponsors Kosmic Bowling Mon.-Sat. Bedroxx (520-744-ROLL) features Club Bedroxx on Fri. and Sat. with top-40 music, videos, and a live DJ. Or try Cyberbowl—a discolike atmosphere complete with lights, fog, and music—at Lucky Strike Bowl (520-327-4926), Cactus Bowl (520-327-6561), Tucson Bowl (520-747-1363), Santa Cruz Lanes (520-622-2186), or Fiesta Lanes (520-887-2695). Event nights vary according to location. Call for details.

Tubac & Tumacacori
Situated 45 miles south of Tucson off I-19, Tubac was once the site of a Spanish presidio. Today, it's the town "where art and history meet," offering prints, pottery, jewelry, batiks, paintings, restaurants, lodging, golf, and more. Drive south to Tumacacori or hike the 4.5-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to Tumacacori National Historical Park (520-398-2341) to see a Franciscan mission built in the early 1800s and a garden like the one grown by the padres 200 years ago. Phone the Tubac-Santa Cruz Visitor Center at 520-398-0007 or visit www.toursantacruz.com.

World-Class Spas
Some of the nation's premier spa getaways are right here in the Old Pueblo, including multiyear winners of Condé Nast Traveler's Best Spa award Canyon Ranch Health Resort (520-749-9000) and Miraval (520-825-4000). Both Westward Look Resort's Sonoran Spa (520-917-2467) and the spa at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (520-529-7830) provide programs to meet individual guests' needs. Nature-inspired spa services are available to guests at Hashani in the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa (520-791-6117), while Red Door Spa at the Westin La Paloma Resort (520-742-7866) pampers its guests with a eucalyptus sauna. Omni Tucson National Resort (520-877-2367) offers the Desert Stone massage, and Touch of Tranquility Spa (520-615-9608) features a number of signature services. Gadabout SalonSpas (520-325-0000) also offers many relaxing options, including a spa exclusively for men.

Caves & Caverns
Cave explorers of all ages and abilities can have a field day in Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park, near Benson, has been described as an underground nature preserve. Providing spectacular sights in a football-field-sized room, this living cave also features a 58-foot-tall stone column dubbed "Kubla Khan." Reservations are recommended (520-586-CAVE, www.azstateparks.com). Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 17 miles east of Tucson on Old Spanish Trail (520-647-7275), is a cave that has earned its name—it's one of the largest "dry," or dormant, caves in the country. In the 1880s, outlaws sought refuge in the passageways and secret exits, and rumor has it there is hidden treasure within. Coronado Cave, near the Mexican border and part of Coronado National Memorial (520-366-5515), is a more primitive cave, but it's worth the effort to enjoy the cool temperature and calcite formations. Flashlights are required for exploring the cave. All caves except Coronado Cave charge admission fees.

International Wildlife Museum
This natural history museum features more than 400 displays of mammals, birds, and insects from around the world. Interactive computer programs and hands-on exhibits provide educational entertainment. View hourly nature films in the Wildlife Theater and enjoy lunch at the Oasis Grille. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Located at 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd. (the west end of Speedway Blvd.), 5 miles west of I-10. Visit www.thewildlifemuseum.org or call 520-629-0100.

Movie Madness
At Cinema La Placita, located in downtown Tucson, view American classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and Some Like It Hot beneath starry skies. With only a $3 admission fee and free popcorn, there's no excuse to miss Audrey Hepburn and other stars projected on the big screen outdoors. Bring a blanket for the lawn—although plastic chairs are provided—and your favorite movie munchies to 110 S. Church Ave. every Thurs. at 7:30 p.m. May-Oct. Call 520-326-5282 or visit www.cinemalaplacita.com for upcoming shows.

Ices & Creams
Tucson summers demand the occasional relief of a frozen confection. Sample sherbets, gelato, snow cones, frozen yogurts, and milk shakes at the many malls, shops, and restaurants in the area, and don't forget the shaved-ice cones in dozens of flavors from roadside vendors in Tucson's barrios. Try Austin's East (6129 E. Broadway Blvd.), a 50s-era diner that makes its own ice cream on the premises and is known for delicious milk shakes. Other local favorites include Frost, A Gelato Shoppe (7131 N. Oracle Rd., 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd., 2905 E. Skyline Dr., Ste. 286), Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt (4210 N. 1st Ave.), and Santa Barbara Ice Creamery (1058 N. Campbell Ave.).

Photography Center
Established in 1975, the U of A Center for Creative Photography is one of the finest institutions of its kind. Patrons may request appointments to view photos from the permanent collection, including works from the archives of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. It's located just east of the westernmost U of A pedestrian underpass (park in the garage at Park Ave. and Speedway Blvd.). For current exhibitions, phone 520-621-7968 or visit www.creativephotography.org.

A Family That Plays Together...
Find something the whole family can enjoy every Sat. and Sun. at Family Friendly Weekends—from story time at the main library and hands-on activities at the Tucson Children's Museum to live music at Club Congress and lectures at the Tucson Museum of Art. Try the fare at an iconic restaurant or walk the Presidio Trail to learn more about the area's history. The possibilities are endless, and it all happens right downtown. Dial 520-624-1817 or see www.familyfriendlyweekends.org.

Casino Fun
You can bet Tucson has its share of casinos. Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel, owned and operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation (7350 S. Nogales Hwy., 520-294-7777, www.desertdiamondcasino.com), deals up live blackjack, slots, bingo, and poker, among other games. Or check out its 2nd area location in Sahuarita at I-19 and Pima Mine Rd. (520-294-7777). Also, Casino of the Sun, owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Nation (7406 S. Camino de Oeste, with a 2nd location, Casino del Sol, at 5655 W. Valencia Rd., 800-344-9435, www.solcasinos.com), brings a little piece of Vegas to the Old Pueblo, offering live blackjack, video poker, slot machines, bingo, and more. If you're not having any luck with the one-armed bandit, grab something to eat—from Mexican food to prime rib—or catch a show; most casinos offer big-name entertainment. You must be 21 or older to enter any of the casinos.

Summerhaven
This little village's claim to fame is revealed by its name. Just below the summit of 9,157-ft. Mt. Lemmon, Summerhaven offers cool mountain air, mountain streams, views, and the sound of gently rustling leaves. Picnic, browse for antiques, hike, bike, shop, ride the ski lift, eat homemade fudge, or savor delicious pie and coffee at a café. Follow Catalina Hwy. north through Coronado National Forest.

Old Town Artisans & More
In the historic Presidio district, Old Town Artisans (201 N. Court Ave., 520-623-6024) is a haven for those seeking beautiful arts & crafts or a relaxing lunch in a wonderful courtyard at La Cocina Restaurant & Cantina (520-622-0351). The historic adobe structure is filled with items ranging from prickly-pear-pad spoon rests and handmade gargoyles to dried-flower arrangements, Western wear, and handcrafted jewelry and pottery. Nearby, you'll find historic homes, El Charro Café (520-622-1922)—the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the nation—and more. It's a great area for shopping and sightseeing.

Queen of the Night
Experience the unique and mysterious night-blooming cereus at Tohono Chul Park's annual Bloom Night. The park, located at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, boasts 340 of these mystical and aromatic plants, the largest collection in the world. When a majority of plants are deemed ready to bloom, the park hosts a special night—usually in June—when visitors can hear the Tohono O'odham legend of the "Queen of the Night" and join guided tours of the park with luminarias to light the way. For more information and the specific date of 2009's Bloom Night, visit www.tohonochulpark.org or call 520-742-6455.

Stargazing
Southern Arizona is an astronomer's delight and home to the most prestigious observatories in the world. Kitt Peak National Observatory has yielded numerous major astronomical discoveries and has the world's largest on-site collection of optical telescopes. Phone 520-318-8726 or see www.noao.edu. For another starlight adventure, visit Starizona, an astronomy-focused store that hosts free star parties 4 nights a week. Call 520-292-5010 or go to www.starizona.com. Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter's Sky Nights provides public viewings through a high-tech, 24-inch reflecting telescope on the summit of Mt. Lemmon. Call 520-626-8122 or log on to http://skycenter.arizona.edu.

Body Surfing
Don't you need an ocean to do that? Well, sometimes. But even in this desert town you can get a fair imitation at Breakers Water Park, 8555 W. Tangerine Rd., just off I-10 (520-682-2530, www.breakerswaterpark.com). In addition to the Splash Zone and the Splash Canyon inner-tube slides, they've got 5 more slides, including 4 400-foot double-loop slides and a speed slide, along with a huge wave pool and a play area for the little ones. Splash Park at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (3482 E. River Rd., 520-877-6211) features a large concrete pad with water buckets, hoses, fountains, and other water features to beat the heat. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public.

Exploring Bio2
The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 currently serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies that monitor global environmental change. This 3.1-acre glass-and-steel complex—originally designed as a research center for sustainable space colonization—contains a million-gallon ocean, rain forest, savannah, marsh, and desert. Visitors can explore various parts of the attraction and go on an "under the glass" guided tour. Visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tours offered daily. On AZ Hwy. 77 at mile marker 96.5, about 25 miles north of Tucson. Admission for adults is $20; $18 for seniors, military, and AAA members; $13 for kids ages 6-12; ages 5 and under free. Phone 520-838-6200 or visit www.b2science.org.

DeGrazia's Haunt
Many works by one of Tucson's most famous artists, Ted DeGrazia, are housed in DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Built by the artist with the help of close friends, the compound of low-slung adobes (constructed of materials from the surrounding desert) at one time served as his home and studio. The permanent collection includes works by DeGrazia; rotating exhibits and a gift shop round out the mix. In 2009, a yearlong centennial celebration commemorates the life and legend of the renowned artist. The 10-acre site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located at 6300 N. Swan Rd. Phone 520-299-9191 or visit www.degrazia.org.

Tombstone
About 70 miles southeast of Tucson is the "town too tough to die," where Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp fought the Clantons at the famous OK Corral. Fuel up at Big Nose Kate's Saloon, Longhorn Restaurant, or Six Gun City, and pop in to some of the town's quaint shops and galleries, including The Shady Lady's Closet for Western attire and Arlene's for Native American jewelry, pottery, and rugs. Relive the exciting times of the Old West with historical tours, shoot-outs, reenactments, and a walk through Boothill Graveyard. To get to Tombstone, take I-10 to Benson and head south on AZ Hwy. 80. Phone the Tombstone Office of Tourism/Bird Cage Theatre at 520-457-3421, or the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce at 888-457-3929, or see www.tombstonechamber.com.

Sabino Canyon
Enjoy narrated tours through the place where mammoths roamed, ancient Hohokam people made irrigation dams, pony soldiers discovered swimming holes, and the Civilian Conservation Corps built bridges and cut hiking trails. Trams run daily, with multiple stops, including one at the trailhead of a lovely 2.6-mile one-way hike to Seven Falls. Evening shuttles run (by reservation) just before each full moon Apr.-June and Sept.-Nov. When there's water in the creek, a round-trip trail from the lower portion takes you up to cool, clear pools. Swim, laze, or play lizard on the rocks. Be sure to stop by the visitors center. Located on N. Sabino Canyon Rd. (520-749-2861). Fees for parking and the tram. Phone ahead for tram schedules and stops.

Bisbee
When you visit this old mining-town-turned-artists'-enclave and wander among the steeply tiered hillside houses, you'll understand why people speak so fondly of this little town. For locally made products, visit The Copper Shop (520-432-4455), Uptown Tribal (520-432-7818), Optimo Custom Hatworks Milliner/Renovator (520-432-4544), and Twist (520-432-3046). Find handcrafted wearable art and collectibles at The Gold Shop (520-432-4557), Jewels by Jon (520-432-5315), Finders Keepers (520-432-2900), and Penny Lane Thrift & Gift (520-432-3241). Located about 90 miles southeast of Tucson on AZ Hwy. 80. Phone the Bisbee Visitor Center at 866-2BISBEE or visit www.discoverbisbee.com. Check out our Bisbee special section for a broad selection of restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions.

Monsoons
A welcome fact of life in this desert, our late-summer rainstorms are glorious. Cloud-gaze throughout the day, watching wispy cirrus-type clouds gradually build into huge, threatening cumulonimbus clouds (thunderheads). Then relish their late-afternoon power as they dump buckets of rain in just minutes—flooding streets, cooling the air, and often creating spectacular sunsets as waning rays of light tint the undersides of the clearing storm clouds.

Reid Park Zoo
If you see a young giraffe learning to run across an open field; a polar bear taking a plunge; or ostriches, cranes, and other birds sharing an African grassland with antelope, you must be at Reid Park Zoo. The zoo has carefully created natural habitats and multispecies exhibits—a pleasant setting for animals and visitors alike. The South American exhibit has jaguars, bears, and capybaras. Don't miss the rhinos, elephants, tigers, and lions, too. In June, enjoy family friendly activities and films at MonZOOn Magic on Fri. nights. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m.; movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Located in Reid Park off 22nd St., between Alvernon Way and Country Club Rd. Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special event hours and admission fees vary. Phone 520-791-3204 or visit www.tucsonzoo.org.

Culture for Kids
Tired of TV? For stimulating entertainment, try the Tucson Children's Museum at 200 S. 6th Ave. The museum focuses on participatory exhibits and displays geared to learning and exploration. Check out Dinosaur World, the Fire Station, Art Studio, and Ocean Discovery Center. There's also a museum store filled with toys that are educational as well as fun. Visit www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org or phone 520-792-9985.