The city of Tucson, Arizona, is known as “Old Pueblo.” Originally settled by the natives of the Sonoran Desert, it is the oldest city in the United States. In fact, Tucson was once considered to be the “New Mexico” of America. The city has many cultural traditions, and many of these are still prevalent today. Several of its attractions are listed below, as well as other interesting facts about Tucson.
The Valley of the Moon: This live children’s show combines music, dance, and drama in a spectacular and highly interactive experience. This entertainment complex has a nearly 100-year tradition, and is open on the first and third Sundays of every month. The calendar of events changes often, but some regular offerings include magic shows, movie nights, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters. While you’re there, make sure to bring your camera and your imagination.
Tucson’s green spaces: Even though the city is a popular year-round destination, it’s not all about the desert. Tucson is an incredible place to go hiking or cycling, and the city’s more than 120 parks make it an ideal location for outdoor adventures. Tucson has many world-famous courses, and many offer equipment rental and pro shops. With so many attractions, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad place to play golf in Tucson.
The city has a central core centered on the University of Arizona, which has a lively downtown, and endless outdoor space. The city is also home to diverse hobbyist communities that are well worth exploring. There’s plenty to do for the whole family in Tucson. And no trip to the desert would be complete without a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. There, you’ll discover the city’s diverse flora and fauna.
As far as local politics go, Tucson is known for its voluntary partial-publicly-financed campaigning. Candidates for council and mayor must collect at least two hundred dollars from each registered voter. This allows them to spend a maximum of 33C/per registered voter, and 64C/per household for mayor. The total spending limits for each council race were $79,222 in 2005. In addition to the contributions, Tucson candidates receive matching funds, which equates to 1:1 ratio of public funds to private donations.
Another fun thing to do in Tucson is to drive through the beautiful Catalina Mountain Range. This scenic highway stretches about 25 miles east of Tucson, and provides breathtaking views of the city. Located near the top of Mt. Lemmon, the town is home to some charming log homes. There are several hiking trails and a general store and various shops to browse. There’s even a ski resort at the base of the mountain.