Tucson: A picturesque escape

(MENAFN- Arab News) Named one of the sunniest cities in the United States Tucson Arizona enjoys over 350 days of sunshine a year. Hot in the summer but enjoyable at night outdoor activities sports and exciting events are ongoing year around. Late summer and early winter rains have created a unique and green desert landscape which attracts visitors from near and far to this Southern Arizona city.
With an area of 365 kilometers Tucson is at an elevation of 806 meters and is encompassed by the Sonoran Desert which extends from Northern Mexico to Southern Arizona. Five mountain ranges the Tucson Santa Catalina Rincon Santa Rita and Tortolita Ranges encircle the city. Standing at almost 2792 meters Mount Lemmon is the highest point of the Santa Catalina Mountain range which is located in the Coronado National Forest and was named after Sara Plummer Lemmon a botanist who made it to the top in 1881.
Tucson is also bordered by Catalina State Park to the north Coronado National Forest to the northwest Saguaro National Park East and West and the Native American Tohono O'odham Nation to the south. Only 184 kilometers from the capital Phoenix currently Tucson is the 32nd largest city in the United States (2nd largest in Arizona) with a million residents and welcomes more than 7 million visitors a year. Aside from being the point of convergence for the Santa Cruz and Rillito Rivers the desert landscape is scattered with saguaro cacti while aspen and pine fill the mountain peaks.
Founded on August 20 1776 Tucson is one of the oldest constantly populated areas in North America. The Hohokam Native Americans inhabited and cultivated the land for 4000 years before the Spanish soldiers and missionaries settled there in the 1600s. The Spanish ultimately founded the 'Presidio San Agustin del Tucson' and the 'Mission San Xavier del Bac' which are two of the most quintessential and historically notable constructions in the area. Tucson was a part of Mexico until 1854 when it officially became a part of the United States of America. Years later between 1860 to 1880 was the time of the 'Old West' era when cattle ranchers settlers minors and the Apaches clashed all across the Southwest region. It was incorporated into Arizona in 1877 (which makes it the oldest in Arizona) three years before the appearance of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880. The incorporation and railroad both resulted in developing and heightening the multicultural roots of Tucson with the arrival of new inhabitants embracing the traditions of the Tohono O'odham and Mexicans already living there.
Rich in history and culture Tucson today is a center for museums art galleries spas hiking horse riding sports golf festivals rodeos conferences and showcases as well as the home of the first university in Arizona the University of Arizona which was established in 1885 and has a campus of 50000 students and faculty from all across the globe. Tucson is also home to several annual events that draw audiences and contributors from all over the world such as the Tucson Rodeo 'La Fiesta de los Vaqueros' the 'El Tour' bicycle race the 'Tucson International Mariachi Conference' the 'Tucson Gem Mineral and Fossil Showcase' the 'Tucson Classic' and the 'Tucson Festival of Books.'
With 26 historical and art museums to choose from Tucson promises something for all types of museumgoers examples being the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum the Center for Creative Photography the International Wildlife Museum the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) the Tohono O'odham Nation Cultural Center & Museum Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum and the Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson. When it comes to art galleries Tucson is a hotspot in Arizona with over 200 arts related associations and many galleries. For contemporary glass art the Philabaum Glass Gallery and Studio gives a platform to renowned glassblowers' work. The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is an attraction that includes the home adobe brick gallery and chapel of celebrated painter Ted DeGarzia. Other examples are the Desert Artisans Gallery and the Madaras Gallery.
Known for its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere Tucson is also world renowned for its destination spas Canyon Ranch and Miraval in addition to eight resort spas. With the extensive views of the desert and foothills the spa experience of state-of-the-art treatments in Tucson promotes wellness and provides an exceptional escape.
Aside from Tucson being green as a result of the ample flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert the city is finding new ways of being green. Through expansive implementation of solar power Tucson is set to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as one of the 13 titled 'Solar Cities' in the United States which were awarded $500000 to complete this plan. In 2008 Tucson was ranked 17th on a list by the Brookings Institution of US cities with lowest carbon emissions as well as 6th for cleanest air (by the American Lung Association). It was also ranked 6th in 2010 for lowest year around particle pollution (American Lung Association). In addition to these initiatives and rankings the City of Tucson Waste Management offers a successful recycling pick up service. With over 20 farmers markets and hundreds of miles of bike paths throughout the city Tucson is striving to support green initiatives and promote sustainable values.
For outdoor adventures abundant scenic views a vivid art scene a relaxing getaway or all of these combined Tucson is the place to be.

[email protected] /* */