Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/41534
THIS IS TUCSON, ARIZONA Situated in the heart of Southern Arizona, Tucson is a city of stunning contrast and diversity. From the broad desert valley of world-famous saguaro cacti to 9,000-foot mountain forests of pine trees and snow, the city stands at a crossroads geographically and culturally. In the metropolitan Tucson area, a population of about one million is spread along a main valley floor of some 20 miles between mountain ranges to the east and the west and into the foothills nestled against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina range to the north, Rincon to the east and Tucson Mountains to the west. On any of the 350 days of sunshine per year, the Santa Rita Mountains can be seen some 65 miles to the south between Arizona and Mexico. It's just a 40-minute drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon, the southernmost ski resort in the United States, affording winter activities on the same day as a golf game or any of myriad recreational opportunities in the area. Outdoor activities are the norm with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, highlighted by Sabino Canyon which showcases the beauty of the desert with river-guided trails leading into the mountains. The Sonoran Desert provides a unique setting. Far from the Saharan sand dunes that most first-time visitors expect, the desert boasts a wide range of wildlife and vegetation. An afternoon drive through the Saguaro National Monument with its world-famous display of saguaro cacti highlights the unique beauty of the area. The world-famous Sonora Desert Museum, with its rich collection of desert wildlife is another popular visitors' destination. Tucson is a two-hour drive from Tombstone, four hours from Mexico's Gulf of California coast, 70 miles from border city Nogales and within hours' drives from several major international bird-watching areas. World-class astronomy facilities on four nearby mountain ranges also attract visitors and specialists alike. In addition to its natural attractions, Tucson features a wide range of cultural experiences. From the first Native American inhabitants to the earliest Spanish settlers to the current winter visitors, each group of people left its mark on Tucson. Native American, Mexican and American Southwest influ- ences are prevalent throughout the city. The Mission of San Xavier del Bac, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the original missions built by the Spanish missionaries, and the artist colonies of Tubac and Bisbee are within a few hours drive. Continuously settled for more than 12,000 years – the oldest such settlement in the United States -- Tucson has grown from a small Native American village into one of the Sunbelt growth cities of the 21st century. It is one of the premier astronomy and optics centers in the world, an important health services center and home to a renowned research institution in the University of Arizona. Tucson has held fast to its small-town ambience, despite explosive growth. Historic areas compete with new resort-minded centers for nighttime entertainment and shopping, and the University constantly holds the center of the city's attention with its athletics and cultural activities. Phoenix is a two-hour drive to the north and is home to NBA, NFL, NHL and Major League Baseball franchises. Further north lie international attractions like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Painted Desert, Monument Valley and Lakes Powell and Mead. Las Vegas is only a seven-hour road trip away, as is San Diego and other Pacific beach cities. The nights are always cooler in the desert after a splendid sunset or a mid-afternoon dousing from a summer monsoon. That's when Tucson's small-town attitude and big-city potential reveal themselves in the nighttime entertainment. From cultural events at the UA's Centennial Hall or the Temple of Music and Art, to the hot spots for a youthful population, there is something to engage almost any interest. The melding of the city's diverse influences makes Tucson a choice as a home, a vacation spot and a business magnet. With a population that includes college students, families of all backgrounds and a thriving groups of young professionals and retirees, Tucson is a city with something for everyone. PREVIOUS NEXT BACK TO INDEX 20