Don't know how many of you have been through AZ. I will be in Scottsdale at a conference and will have a day and a half off. I'm a grad student so i'm budget conscious. They have us set up at some hotel called Westin Kierland for free. Never been to Arizona. Sadly it seems that outdoors stuff is the thing to do and with conference obligations and the limited daylight time it looks like I have to keep things restricted. I've purchased a frommers. So many enticing things!
I have heard that one really needs a car around Phoenix so I am planning to rent one. I'm not really into golf or spas. I like history, different cultures, nice scenery. Won't be able to do anything that strenuous though. I was looking at going to the Mission San Xavier del Bac and maybe seeing the National Saguaro cactus park. Would this be doable?
Importantly, since I live in Virginia i'm interested in trying some good southwestern tastes. I will certainly be trying out frybread. Anybody have any good recommendations on restaurants? Keep in mind budgetary contraints. Hoping to hover around $10-15 a meal, and cheaper if possible. Mexican selections are always welcome. Please let me know of things to avoid. I have already heard I-10 is a nightmare!
Don't know how many of you have been through AZ. I will be in Scottsdale at a conference and will have a day and a half off. I'm a grad student so i'm budget conscious. They have us set up at some hotel called Westin Kierland for free. Never been to Arizona. Sadly it seems that outdoors stuff is the thing to do and with conference obligations and the limited daylight time it looks like I have to keep things restricted. I've purchased a frommers. So many enticing things!
I have heard that one really needs a car around Phoenix so I am planning to rent one. I'm not really into golf or spas. I like history, different cultures, nice scenery. Won't be able to do anything that strenuous though. I was looking at going to the Mission San Xavier del Bac and maybe seeing the National Saguaro cactus park. Would this be doable?
Importantly, since I live in Virginia i'm interested in trying some good southwestern tastes. I will certainly be trying out frybread. Anybody have any good recommendations on restaurants? Keep in mind budgetary contraints. Hoping to hover around $10-15 a meal, and cheaper if possible. Mexican selections are always welcome. Please let me know of things to avoid. I have already heard I-10 is a nightmare!
The Westin Kierland is one of the newest big bucks hotels in Phoenix. You are right by Kierland shopping center. There are a number of restaurants in Kierland but I wouldn't describe many of them as budget friendly. I'd recommend you go for big lunches and then snack dinner.
Tucson from the Westin is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive. Rather than Saguaro national monument I'd recommend the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Located a little farther south it actually does a better job of explaining saguaro life cycles, etc.. It also is located in the saguaro national monument.
And while I enjoy San Xavier del Bac it is a somewhat odd choice for things I've got to see in Arizona.
Restaurants in the Kierland area - you are in Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area. You need to get out of the immediate area to get good mexican. Take Scottsdale road south to Indian school and then head west to 40th Street and the TeePee Restaurant. It's where we take POTUS and is some of the best mexican around. Definitely in your price range. Something most locals do - if you see a converted McDonalds or Burger King selling Mexican food? Stop. Particularly if it is a Filibertos, Robertos, whatever as long as the name ends in ertos. Good really cheap mexican - like $5 for a meal. Try the Horchata. Its a mexican drink that is wonderfully refreshing.
Actually I don't think of I-10 as particularly intimidating/etc.. If you aren't out there during rush hour it actually is very fast. Or if you are going opposite of the traffic - out of town in the am. into town in the p.m.. The place you are going to run into trouble is in Tucson where it is road repair central. A recommendation would be to get a good AZ Road map and find out which entrance you take to get to Saguaro National Monument that is northernmost. Speedway is one of the roads you can take but I also believe you can get off not too far beyond Marana and will have a great drive through one of the largest stands of saguaros in the world.
Remember to bring your swimsuit - the Kierland has heated pools.
Originally posted by Rome Addict: The Westin Kierland is one of the newest big bucks hotels in Phoenix. You are right by Kierland shopping center. There are a number of restaurants in Kierland but I wouldn't describe many of them as budget friendly. I'd recommend you go for big lunches and then snack dinner.
Hi Rome Addict,
I was surprised to see you here. I know your posts from the Italy forum for so long that i've associated you with Italy. Never imagined to find you scurrying about in desert country!
Your advice was very helpful. Thank you thank you thank you for the good recommendations on the mexican food. No really. Its the insider advice like this that cannot be extracted from a Frommers. I will definitely put these recommendations on my list.
I am going to be in Phoenix for about 5 days. Like I said though it will be mostly for conference stuff. I am interested in the Mission Xavier del Bac mainly because I just have a long standing fascination with spanish colonial missions. I find them very peaceful, serene areas where I can stop and contemplate for awhile while learning and admiring the architecture. Plus they remind me a bit of the pics I see of European churches. One of these days i'll get to Europe!!
Regarding your advice on the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum I really wanted to see that as well but thought I might be scheduling too much. Looks like you've convinced me! I'll just abbreviate the drive through parts of the Saguaro National monument or eliminate it altogether as time permits.
I will probably post an itinerary. Now that I look at it, the trip is coming up soon. I depart on the 13th of Nov.!
I am very grateful to you Rome Addict for your detailed responses to my questions.
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,
You can also drive through Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) on the way. Just take the Avra Valley Road exit off I-10 and follow the signs. SNP, because it is a National Park, does have an entrance fee, or you can show a National Parks Pass, if you have one.
For Mexican, Karichimaka is on Mission road. Driving to or from San Xavier, you will see it on the west side of the road. Quite good, and reasonably-priced, food.
I was surprised to see you here. I know your posts from the Italy forum for so long that i've associated you with Italy. Never imagined to find you scurrying about in desert country!
If your day and a 1/2 is consecutive then definitely it isn't too much. As a matter of fact let me add one thing to your itinerary. Since you are into spanish mission architecture etc after San X drive about 40 minutes south to Tumacacori. This is a spanish mission that was built at approximately the same time. This one is a ruin but the cupola and main body of the church is still standing. In conjunction it is fascinating because you get to see a mission that has been maintained since it's creation and one left to the vicissitudes of time. Sort of a Rome, AZ. The colisseum falling down and the Pantheon being preserved.
Actually I'm one of those rara avis - an arizona native over the age of 50 (mumble).
As far as Saguaro National Park? Just a heads up. There are 2 SNP's one west and one east. The one Tucson Mike and I are talking about is SNP west. You are going to have to pay admission to drive through the park to get to the ASDM which is located in the park. The drive to and from ASDM will take you through most of the western part of the park.
The actual display at the headquarters is small and quick. Explains a saquaro life cycle. The one thing that is interesting is how it discusses lightening strikes in the park. Fast 30 minutes to see the display. The real attraction is the park itself with the huge stands of saguaro as far as the eye can see. As you leave ASDM take the road to Gonzales Pass and stop at the top at the scenic overlook. Incredible view.
Saguaro national park EAST is a significant distance away and isn't as built up.
E mail me at [email address in profile] and I'll meet you for dinner and drive you to an authentic mexican dive. ROFLMAO
[edited to remove email address]
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,
I'd second the Sonoran Desert Museum, for sure...and if you have a morning or afternoon to spend some time in Phoenix, be sure to visit the Heard Museum; fabulous kachina collection, and small but good intro exhibits to other local native american cultures...and it has a pretty cafe!
Cheers, Karen
Posts: 97 | Location: san francisco | Registered: 08 March 2007
In Tucson, if you end up in SNP-West (easiest access and more informative), and you're interested, why not take a quick drive west over the hills to Old Tucson for a "movie set" coupla hours - nothing earth shaking, but some famous westerns and TV westerns have been filmed there, kinda sophomoric, but fun nonetheless.
If you end up in SNP-East, stop at the Saguaro Corners restaurant on Old Spanish Trail for a lunch with the coyotes and javelinas outside the window!
Posts: 488 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 12 September 2006
...and you could head north to Sedona (Red Rock Country) - about 100 miles on I-17 straight north. Lots of local culture, art, crafts, museums, shopping galleries, turquoise, desert/mountain views, many outdoor activities and tours, etc.. Can get a little overrun by day trippers, but there's a reason it's popular.
It may be somehwat difficult to find cheap eats, but there are a wide range of places from which to choose - afterall, catering to tourists and day trippers is an art form in this town, so, even though you may be one among many others, the breathtaking scenery, array of distractions and things to do make it OK to let your guard down and enjoy.
Posts: 488 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 12 September 2006
Since I violated a rule about posting my e mail address let me just say that if you click on my name on this post and then scroll down to public profile my e mail is in my profile.
You can also drive through Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) on the way. Just take the Avra Valley Road exit off I-10 and follow the signs. SNP, because it is a National Park, does have an entrance fee, or you can show a National Parks Pass, if you have one.
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Hi Mike,
I've read your blog extensively and used it to plan my short sight seeing trip. I understand the SNP has two sections. I figured I would see the western part on my way down from Phoenix. Also thanks for the recommendation for the fry bread and mexican restaurant!
Originally posted by kfrer: I'd second the Sonoran Desert Museum, for sure...and if you have a morning or afternoon to spend some time in Phoenix, be sure to visit the Heard Museum; fabulous kachina collection, and small but good intro exhibits to other local native american cultures...and it has a pretty cafe!
Cheers, Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your recommendation. I was going to hit up the Heard Museum right on the first day off the plane. I understand it is by the airport (or perhaps that is some other museum i'm thinking about...). I wish I had more time to see the fascinating native american residences built into the mountains but I always aspire to more than is possible to see in such a short time. Right now I keep thinking in terms of the current sunlight time. I have to remember to account for the reduced hours of operations for many of these activities.
Originally posted by Jeff H: In Tucson, if you end up in SNP-West (easiest access and more informative), and you're interested, why not take a quick drive west over the hills to Old Tucson for a "movie set" coupla hours - nothing earth shaking, but some famous westerns and TV westerns have been filmed there, kinda sophomoric, but fun nonetheless.
If you end up in SNP-East, stop at the Saguaro Corners restaurant on Old Spanish Trail for a lunch with the coyotes and javelinas outside the window!
Hi Jeff!
You must have read my mind. I love westerns, but oddly enough the clint eastwood italian westerns (among others). But of course i've spent many hours on the old american westerns that inspired them too. Haven't had much time to watch them since grad school. I am such a big fan of Sergio Leone that I was thinking of driving around Arizona to see the shooting locations and ghost towns. In the end though I realize time is short with a day and a half, and whereas Virgia major attractions are concentrated and within 2-3 hours of each other, in Arizona there is a much wider expanse and more time is needed to catch them all. Oh well!
Originally posted by Rome Addict: If your day and a 1/2 is consecutive then definitely it isn't too much. As a matter of fact let me add one thing to your itinerary. Since you are into spanish mission architecture etc after San X drive about 40 minutes south to Tumacacori. This is a spanish mission that was built at approximately the same time. This one is a ruin but the cupola and main body of the church is still standing. In conjunction it is fascinating because you get to see a mission that has been maintained since it's creation and one left to the vicissitudes of time. Sort of a Rome, AZ. The colisseum falling down and the Pantheon being preserved.
E mail me at [email address in profile] and I'll meet you for dinner and drive you to an authentic mexican dive. ROFLMAO
Hi Rome Addict,
I really wanted to catch the Tumacacori ruins but wasn't sure if I could make it in time. I hadn't looked at the map but with your prompting I'm going to see if I can make it. I love to see historic ruins. I like going around and catching the rare, hidden, and forgotten gems. Here in virginia you can't swing a dead cat without hitting some out of the way, odd historic landmark, from old summer residences of the forefathers to odd things like Edgar Allen Poe's place or George C. Marshall's summer Home. Right now we are celebrating the Jamestown's 400 year anniversery. But i'm fascinated by the spanish influences that came before and paved the way.
I've got long lost family that I'll be seeing while i'm there, but if they get to be ornery or downright weird i'll be sure to take you up on your offer to meet and give a Hokie hello to ya!
On your way to Tumacacori you will drive by Tubac. Depending on time stop at the presidio. The presidio founding correlates in time to the forefather's landing on Plymouth rock. Oldest european fort in the U.S.. In New Mexico we have El Moro national monument which has spanish enscriptions by the conquistadors that predate the landing by 17 years.
That Eastern US stuff is all Johnny come lately. vbg.
Originally posted by Rome Addict: DJango How was the trip? Did you find good mexican food? Where did you end up visiting?
Hi Rome Addict,
My apologies for the late late reply. As soon as I came back from AZ I was thrust immediately into final examinations for class. Now that that has ended I am embroiled in comprehensive examination for graduate school (tough holiday break, right?).
I will be off in a few days for Christmas and I can talk about what I found and where I went. Hope you and your family are doing well. Same to everyone else on the board. Cheers!
