Photo by Tiiu Loigu
Top of the World… It’s that moment when you just want to stay in it. Learn more at VisitTucson.org/TopOfTheWorld
FIRST-EVER Tucson Festival of Films New festival takes city’s proud connection to the silver screen and creates a Big. Film. Party. Tucson certainly has a proud film history, not just in the number of films shot here, but in the quality of the directors who chose Southern Arizona as a location. See highlights of Tucson on film at filmtucson.com. From John Ford's 1939 Stagecoach (that made John Wayne a star) to Steven Soderbergh's 2000 Oscar-winning film Traffic and new films shot each
year, it's clear Tucson loves the movies and filmmakers love the location. In that spirit, the inaugural Tucson Festival of Films, coming in October, will feature the very best from the city's eight longest-running film festivals. Expect a variety of genres from the participants – Arizona International Film Festival, Arizona Underground Film Festival, Loft Film
Temple of Music and Art Fest, Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tucson Cine Mexico, Tucson Film & Music Festival, Tucson International Jewish Film Festival, and Tucson Terrorfest — in what may be the first collaborative event of its kind. The credit for pitching this partnership goes to Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. He envisioned spotlighting Tucson's legacy of filmmaking while
consolidating in (mostly) one place the city's eclectic collection of film festivals. The result is more than just first-rate films, world premieres and indie flicks awaiting discovery — it's a celebration of Tucson and fotovitamina film, with fiestas, surprise guests, music and food. The Tucson Festival of Films will run October 8-10, 2015, with most films screening at the historic Temple of Music and Art in downtown Tucson. The organizers have some great films up their sleeves, but most of all, as the event's slogan promises, it'll be a Big. Film. Party. For more info, go to TucsonFestivalofFilms.com.
Exclusive screenings, world premieres, live events and surprise guests. Buy Your Tickets Now at TucsonFestivalofFilms.com
Let's eat Here’s great news: there are plenty of choices when you’re looking to eat downtown. The difficult news: You’ll have to pick something. Plus, there are even more options when you jump on the Sun Link Streetcar, including Agustin Kitchen on the west end of the line, Ermanos, The Coronet and others on Fourth Avenue, and University area spots like Pasco, Frog and Firkin, Boca and Wilko.
Destination: Downtown Dining, drinks, events and excitement are easy to find in the heart of Tucson How do you get off the beaten path without breaking the bank or losing an entire day in transit? Tucson’s a quick drive away from the Phoenix area, but still an entirely different experience, free-spirited and authentic. If you haven’t been to downtown Tucson lately, you’re in for an incredible surprise.
from the minute brunch is served at Cup Café until last call at Club Congress, a nightclub that offers a truly eclectic lineup of entertainment, from DJs playing feet-moving jams to
The Coronet
Where to stay You can obviously get to Tucson’s urban core from one of our excellent resorts, ranches, B&Bs or hotels, or
El Charro
Downtown Clifton
Hotel Congress if you’re looking for an immersive, uniquely urban experience, the Hotel Congress and the recently revived Downtown Clifton both offer an opportunity to take in Tucson culture 24/7. Hotel Congress, built in 1919, welcomes guests to their forty rooms with their Southwestern Art Decoadorned lobby, a hotbed of activity
high-caliber poetry readings. Something is happening all the time, yet the rooms provide a place to slow down by going back in time: they have retro furniture, rotary phones and no TVs (but do have air conditioning). Go to hotelcongress.com for more information, including the Labor Day weekend extravaganza HoCo Fest, which is celebrating Club Congress’ 30th anniversary with an outstanding lineup of musical acts. The Downtown Clifton packs a lot of Tucson into their ten rooms near the 5 Points intersection, just south of the main drag of Broadway/ Congress. Pulling in, the first thing
you’ll notice is a large-scale mural facing the street: an original work by Danny Martin, two Day of the Deadstyle cowboys in front of a bright pink and yellow sunset. The joyful energy of the mural carries over to the entire property, whether it’s the selection of records to play in the lobby, 70’s-era paperback novels on the nightstands, or the remarkable selection of local goods in the minibar (try the Whiskey del Bac, a locally made spirit smoked using mesquite wood). Your Clifton room key even gets you discounts at local restaurants. Book your stay in the middle of downtown Tucson's excitement at downtowntucsonhotel.com.
What to choose? The locally focused, farm-to-table innovation at Proper, Americana done perfectly at HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, or a world of influences with the taste of the Southwest from James Beard award winner Janos Wilder at Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails? Mexican food? Head to El Charro Cafe or Cafe Poca Cosa. Pizza? The highend craft of Chris Bianco at Pizzeria Bianco, the craft pizza with a great beer selection at Reilly. Oh, there’s also the classic flavors presented beautifully at 47 Scott. Tucson’s waiting for you with great places to stay, endless excellent dining options, events and entertainment nearly every night and a culture that welcomes yet keeps you on your toes. Go to visittucson.org to start your adventure.
On Top of the world Tucson is full of experiences you just can’t get anywhere else creating a visit you won’t soon forget You know the feeling of when you Mt. Lemmon itself might be reason hear a song that’s special to you. Maybe to come. In the winter, it becomes it’s overheard playing in the grocery America’s southernmost place to ski store, vaguely floating above the noise or a great place for an impromptu of people going about their business. sledding session. The rest of the year, Maybe it comes on the radio when you it’s a place to cool off, ride bikes, hike least expect it. It’s an emotion captured or just grab a cookie and enjoy the in notes, rhythm and lyrics. We all have forest. The ski lift even operates when these lockets of experiences ready to pop up when memories and a song collide. Can you have that same connection to a place? We call that feeling “Top of the World,” and our latest video, featuring music by country star Randy Houser, captures some of those moments, when everything’s right, Riding Mt. Lemmon comfortable and free. The lyrics to “Top of the World” put that there isn’t snow, providing a great experience into song: “Don’t it feel like look at the wildlife of the area and we’re mile high, can’t breathe; you metro Tucson. The 27-mile drive to can see everything, moon, the stars ... the top of the tallest mountain in the it’s like we own it.” Santa Catalina Mountains itself is an While you absolutely can be a mile enjoyable and relaxing experience. high in Tucson (the shots you see in the There are multiple spots to pull off the video overlooking the city are at Windy road and take in the views. Point on Mt. Lemmon, about 6,600 Want to feel like the most important feet above sea level) and our dark skies person in the world for a few days? mean the stars are bright and clear, Consider a stay at one of our you can get that feeling in countless destination spas, both ranked among ways here. the best anywhere. Frequented by
S
Santa Catalina Mountains celebrities and luminaries (although the staff will never tell tales), Canyon Ranch and Miraval capture the natural beauty of the desert and provide a health-focused experience that will make it hard to go home. Both spas offer a seemingly infinite number of programs and services designed to help you finish your stay a better
person — and tools to take home to continue your growth. If you haven’t been, you’re in for the time of your life. If it’s been awhile since your last stay, you’ll be surprised by new offerings, like beekeeping classes at Miraval, but still taken aback by the overall luxury of the experience. Another way to capture that feeling
is at one of Tucson’s sublime resorts (you can find a great deal of information at realtucsonresorts.com), including Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalinas. Combining
Twinkie included with the Agustin Shrimp Caesar Salad. The menu changes seasonally, but this is the rare restaurant where you really can’t go wrong, and isn’t that the sort of meal that memories are made of?
the University of Arizona) will throw a poached egg on any of her tacos for an extra dollar, which should get her an award of some sort, but her salsa-making skills are still the real star. Yes, there are chipotle and habanero at play, but also salsas where tahini or blueberries or something equally unexpected ends up perfecting whatever Chef Maria decides to transform into salsa each day. And, of course, there are
Saguaro National Park vintage style and modern luxury, Hacienda del Sol will unveil 32 new guest rooms in October to go with the beautiful gardens, refreshing pools and incredible dining. How about a meal that will temporarily make you forget where you Agustin Kitchen are, but full of flavors that Thankfully we have you’ll remember forever? Agustin a number of superb Kitchen plays a big part in the “Top options, especially of the World” video, with glimpses when the soul of of customers enjoying the delicious Mexican cuisine cuisine of Chef Ryan Clark. With shows up, which it American and French influences does in surprising riffing on the local ingredients and ways in Tucson. Chef heritage of the American Southwest, Maria Mazon at Boca each dish offers a delicious surprise, (located adjacent to like a bite-size parmesan take on the
Cafe Poca Cosa
And if you take in all of this delectable food, you might need to work off some extra pounds. Thankfully, the opportunities to get outdoors in Southern Arizona are plentiful. Bicyclists can take on dozens of mountain biking trails; road cyclists have The Loop (a no-motorized vehicles path nearly surrounding the city) or a ride up Mt. Lemmon for the most adventurous and strong. Those wanting to stay on their own two feet have countless options in every direction, from relaxing strolls through Saguaro National Park or Sabino Canyon to challenging hikes in the Santa Catalina Mountains. And then, there are the stars. Tucson has a “dark skies” ordinance, so most nights you can look towards the sky and see more gleaming lights above than you ever imagined were out there, ready to inspire. Plus, if you want to take it to the next level, there are observatories on Kitt Peak and Mt. Lemmon where you can set up an appointment to use world-class telescopes to see the night sky as you never have before. Wherever you end up Tohono Chul in Tucson, expect an delicious Sonoran hot dogs experience you won’t soon forget all over town, including those and a stay that will both recharge and served by BK’s and El Guero relax. We’re in the business of making Canelo, the two restaurants memories here, like a song you (each with multiple locations) can’t forget. Even if it’s just, as Randy that claim the title of Best Houser sings, looking at a “sunset Sonoran Dog. You can find from [a] truck bed,” in Tucson, you’ll a guide to this superior feel on top of the world. culinary experience at For more information, go to best23milesofmexicanfood.com. visittucson.org/topoftheworld.
Arizona Wildcats
'bear down' for the game
2015 home football schedule ArizonaWildcats.com
Wilbur and friends
Sept. 3 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Nov. 14
Texas San Antonio Northern Arizona University UCLA Oregon State Washington State Utah
For others, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and former classmates. If you have some connection to The University of Arizona, walk around the lawns for a bit. You’ll likely hear your name called or see a familiar face. Tailgating is about the anticipation of the big game, but it’s also about community. Even if you didn’t come with a large group, the bond of common fandom will likely mean you soon have a hot dog in one hand and a beverage in the other. After an outstanding 2014 season, the Wildcats will be serious
contenders for the Pac-12 South title. With 13 starters returning, including quarterback Anu Solomon and linebacker (and Nagurski, Lombardi and Bednarik award-winner) Scooby Wright, each of the six home games this year will be hot tickets. Make sure you have your seats and place to stay set up early. Both the Tucson Marriott University Park and the Aloft Tucson University are within walking distance to campus, the lovely Adobe Rose Inn and Arizona Inn are just down the street, and most area resorts and hotels are just a quick drive to campus. For more information, go to arizonaiswildcatcountry.com.
Before University of Arizona football games, a small city pops up next to the stadium Starting six hours before kickoff and continuing until the players come through the tunnel to the sound of pyrotechnics and an ecstatic crowd, tailgating before a University of Arizona football game is serious business. As the area around Arizona Stadium fills up with tents, trailers, grills and RVs, the number of fans — generally in red, with moments of blue — multiply. It’s game day and for devoted supporters of the Wildcats, there’s no better place to be than with friends, family and fans tailgating. Walking around, the spectacle is quite a sight. A giant Wildcat helmet to the left, a giant red doubledecker bus (imported from England) to the right. Getting a pass to tailgate isn’t easy — 250 passes are available to season ticket holders and Wildcat Club members, and there’s generally a waiting list — so those lucky enough to get a spot tend Arizona Stadium to take the responsibility of entertaining the faithful seriously. Ground, it’s an opportunity to connect Talk to the old-school tailgaters and his own childhood past to his parenting they’ll tell you stories of rescheduled present: “I've been tailgating since age weddings, ducking out of kids’ soccer five. My earliest memory is pretending games, overnight drives and the to be Theopolis "T" Bell trying to elude determination to be at every game. my dad on the wet grass of the Mall. The game-day experience is a Now it's my turn to chase my sons special one. For Tucsonan Jason and their friends.”
TUCSON FALL EVENTS
2015
When the weather cools down, Tucson heats up with an endless lineup of amazing events. See the action, be the action, and stay on the edge of your seat with top-flight sporting events, eclectic festivals, spectacular parades and quirky gatherings.
EVENT
DATES DA A
LOCATION
Nightfall at Old Tucson
10/01 10/ /0 - 10/31
Old Tucson
Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta
10/01 10/ /0 - 10/04
Hi Corbett Field
10/08 10/ /0 - 10/10
Temple of Music and Art
Tucson Meet Yourself
10/09 - 10/11
Downtown Tucson
Tucson Fashion Week
10/15 - 10/17
Scottish Rite Cathedral, Moen Mason Gallery, Old Main
Helldorado Days
10/17 - 10/18
Tombstone, AZ
Pride in the Desert
10/17
Kino Sports Complex
World Margarita Championship
10/17
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
Tubac Anza Days
10/17
Tubac Presidio State Historic c Park rk
Loft Film Fest
10/21 - 10/25
The Loft Cinema
Glow: A Nighttime Art Experience
09/19, 09/26, 10/17, 10/24 10/1
Triangle L Ranch, Oracle,, A AZ Z
Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games
11/06 - 11/08 11/0
Rillito Regional Park
e This yearly celebration of life and loss culminates with one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring parades on the planet.
11/ 11/07 - 11/08
Downtown Tucson
Holiday Artisans Market
11/20 - 11/22 11
Tucson Museum of Art
El Tour de Tucson
11/21
Start/Finish in Downtown Tucson
Tucson Marathon Weekend
12/05 - 12/06
Oracle to Oro Valley, AZ
Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts
12/05 - 12/06
Oro Valley Marketplace
4th Avenue Winter Street Fair
12/11 - 12/13
4th Ave. between 9th St. & University Blvd.
More than just baseball, enjoy music, food and fun at this annual nn nual fiesta!
Tucson Festival of Films The inaugural festival will feature exclusive screenings and surprise guests. ests.
Top designers and models strut their stuff during this dazzling event.
Watch local chefs & mixologists compete for the title of “Best Margarita”.
All Souls Procession Weekend
See why Tucson is a cycling capital at this highly attended annual race.
Enjoy abundant food and shopping all along quirky, colorful 4th Avenue. Av
Venture off the beaten path and find your Tucson treasure. Go to VisitTucson.org/Events for a complete list.
EXPLORE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
CONNECT WITH TUCSON's OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Search Visit Tucson in the App Store to interact with live links and video so you can explore Tucson like never before.
Travel the region for only $20 with the Tucson Attractions Passport. Be amazed at the stories you can tell with Tucson as your playground. It’s a Book of Fun! Learn more at visitTucson.org/Passport. Download the Free Mobile App on the iTunes Store or Google Play. Available on the iPad
Enter to Win the Film Lover’s Getaway! Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a sanctuary known to attract the Silver Screen’s most legendary stars, is offering a chance to win a fabulous getaway. Includes a Two-Night Stay for Two, a Couples Massage, and Two Passes to the Tucson Festival of Films on October 9-10, 2015.
Simple Pleasures. Understated Elegance.
Enter to Win at VisitTucson.org/FilmFest