Arizona 2008 Official State Visitor's Guide - (Page 77) A kaleidoscope of images awaits discovery in Southern Arizona – sycamores shading canyon streams, forested sky islands, giant saguaros, fluttering hummingbirds, rolling ranch lands, tidy vineyards and the wonders of underground caverns. From the Old West of T ombstone to T ucson’s urban vitality, this is a land filled with contrasts. Tucson Framed by mountain ranges, the state’s second largest city lies in a high desert valley. Steeped in tradition yet radiating the youthful energy of a university town, Tucson bridges past and future. A strong foundation of cultural and historical diversity supports a growing modern metropolis. The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block exemplifies the melding of past and present: Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western heritages. In addition to the contemporary main structure, the complex embraces five distinctive homes built between the 1850s and 1907. La Casa Cordova, one of Tucson’s oldest buildings, is the seasonal home for El Nacimiento – a traditional Mexican nativity scene exhibition. The museum’s collections include Art of the American West, pre-Columbian works and Spanish colonial folk art. Looking for sunshine? Y ou’ll find it in Tucson 350 days a year. Resorts cater to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation – whether that comes with a daily 18 holes of championship golf, luxurious spa treatments, active recreation or quiet meditation. Surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains and desert, worldclass facilities and service ensure an energizing escape. The University of Arizona (UofA) adds academic complexities and vibrancy to the city’s character. On campus, you’ll find a number of worthwhile destinations – don’t be surprised if you spend an entire day. The Center for Creative Photography houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections – including the archives of Ansel Adams. Stop at the UofA Museum of Art where the collections range from European Renaissance to Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. Flandrau Science Center offers hands-on exhibits, planetarium and laser shows and observatory viewing of the night sky. In the same facility, the UofA Mineral Museum proves all that glitters isn’t gold, but what they have may be even more intriguing. The Arizona State Museum, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate, holds large Native American and Mexican anthropological collections. A permanent exhibit, Paths of Life, focuses not only on the origins, history and artifacts of 10 Southwest American Indian cultures but also examines their life today. Just outside the University’s Main Gate, the Arizona Historical Society Museum provides excellent orientation to important influences you’ll observe as you explore the region. A lively arts and music scene and Southwestern cuisine – a fusion of local and international influences – further testify to Tucson’s diverse cultural collage. Around Tucson Within a half-hour of leaving downtown Tucson you can be a registered dude at the White Stallion Ranch. Trail rides through the Tucson Mountains and adjoining Saguaro National Park may make you think you’ve stepped into a favorite Western movie. Traditional Western guest experiences blend perfectly with modern comfort and amenities at this working cattle ranch. Also try Tanque Verde Ranch, east of Tucson, named one of the T Ten Family Vacation op destinations by the Travel Channel, or the Cowgirl Camp, one of the authentic experiences offered at the Lazy K Bar Guest Ranch. Saguaro National Park flanks the city to the east and west; both districts encompass the striking Sonoran Desert landscape. Giant saguaro (pronounced suh-WAH-ro) cacti thrust their pleated BesT-Kept secret San Pedro House, east of Sierra Vista, is the starting point for tours to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Habitat along the San Pedro River supports 100 species of breeding and 250 species of migratory birds, as well as mammals, reptiles and amphibians. A network of trails, picnic facilities, guided walks and a gift shop well stocked with related book titles serve visitors. Field Trip at the San Pedro River ©AOT w w w.ari zonaguide.com • 77 http://www.arizonaguide.com
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