Sonoran Desert Blossom and Cactus Bud Casita Guidebook

April
Sonoran Desert Blossom and Cactus Bud Casita Guidebook

Coffee

Wonderful local, globally minded coffee shop and roaster. A great place to swing in for a snack, grab and go and pick me up while exploring Downtown. 403 N 6th Ave. Check out their newly opened second location where they play vinyl records and have some local literary and vintage offerings. No wifi at this location: 196 W Simpson
104 locals recommend
Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th Ave
104 locals recommend
Wonderful local, globally minded coffee shop and roaster. A great place to swing in for a snack, grab and go and pick me up while exploring Downtown. 403 N 6th Ave. Check out their newly opened second location where they play vinyl records and have some local literary and vintage offerings. No wifi at this location: 196 W Simpson
A great place to have coffee. They roast their own and also offer decaf espresso... in case you think of it too late in the day like I tend to! They also offer wifi and a sweet little patio.
60 locals recommend
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del Convento
60 locals recommend
A great place to have coffee. They roast their own and also offer decaf espresso... in case you think of it too late in the day like I tend to! They also offer wifi and a sweet little patio.
Grab a coffee or smoothie on the go! They also carry Bubbe's Bagels which are the best in town. Perfect stop on your way to Saguaro National Park West!
15 locals recommend
Coffee Times Drive-Thru Espresso
3401 E Speedway Blvd
15 locals recommend
Grab a coffee or smoothie on the go! They also carry Bubbe's Bagels which are the best in town. Perfect stop on your way to Saguaro National Park West!

Food scene

Plant based vegan/vegetarian Latin inspired food. This place is THE BOMB. Delicious flavors, super fresh and beautiful. The friendliest customer service as well. We love this spot. And, the meat eaters won't miss the meat!
72 locals recommend
Tumerico
2526 E 6th St
72 locals recommend
Plant based vegan/vegetarian Latin inspired food. This place is THE BOMB. Delicious flavors, super fresh and beautiful. The friendliest customer service as well. We love this spot. And, the meat eaters won't miss the meat!
A wonderfully delicious and festive place to have a meal. Fantastic outdoor dining in a lively atmosphere. Sometimes, there is live music! Located in the Mercado San Augustin and close to the MSA Annex. A fun area to spend the afternoon.
140 locals recommend
Seis Kitchen
1765 E River Rd
140 locals recommend
A wonderfully delicious and festive place to have a meal. Fantastic outdoor dining in a lively atmosphere. Sometimes, there is live music! Located in the Mercado San Augustin and close to the MSA Annex. A fun area to spend the afternoon.
In the heart of Downtown, Obon has great patio seating as well as a wonderful bar offering delicious cocktails.
53 locals recommend
OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E Congress St
53 locals recommend
In the heart of Downtown, Obon has great patio seating as well as a wonderful bar offering delicious cocktails.
Locale is right down the street. Walk there for delicious pastries/breakfast and espresso in the morning or early afternoon! For dinner, their patio is exquisite, and their Italian food is amazing. Elevated, yet casual, fresh and authentic with a lovely wine list and great service. Wear your stretchy pants, because you'll just want to keep eating. This place is one of our faves.
32 locals recommend
Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
60 N Alvernon Way
32 locals recommend
Locale is right down the street. Walk there for delicious pastries/breakfast and espresso in the morning or early afternoon! For dinner, their patio is exquisite, and their Italian food is amazing. Elevated, yet casual, fresh and authentic with a lovely wine list and great service. Wear your stretchy pants, because you'll just want to keep eating. This place is one of our faves.
Time Market is a GEM. It is a wonderful place to get lunch. Enjoy on their patio, or take it to go. The European style grocery/market is stocked with lovely organic and local produce, a great wine/beer selection and pantry staples from all over the place. They also have cookbooks and kitchenware. This local favorite has been a staple in Tucson since 1920.
148 locals recommend
Time Market
444 E University Blvd
148 locals recommend
Time Market is a GEM. It is a wonderful place to get lunch. Enjoy on their patio, or take it to go. The European style grocery/market is stocked with lovely organic and local produce, a great wine/beer selection and pantry staples from all over the place. They also have cookbooks and kitchenware. This local favorite has been a staple in Tucson since 1920.
This place is THE BEST. They offer one of the most delicious refreshments on the planet... Tea Snow. Located near the house, pop by their drive through on your way to the National Park. Our favorites are the "Zephyr" and the "Bayou," but, they are all delicious.
Transit Tea
2645 East Speedway Boulevard
This place is THE BEST. They offer one of the most delicious refreshments on the planet... Tea Snow. Located near the house, pop by their drive through on your way to the National Park. Our favorites are the "Zephyr" and the "Bayou," but, they are all delicious.
Delicious Japanese food located in the MSA Annex. A great place to poke around the shops and grab a bite to eat.
21 locals recommend
KUKAI
267 South Avenida del Convento
21 locals recommend
Delicious Japanese food located in the MSA Annex. A great place to poke around the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Great local beer with a nice patio. They have a food truck out front to grab a bite. Sometimes, they even have live music. We love this spot.
15 locals recommend
Motosonora Brewing Co
1015 S Park Ave
15 locals recommend
Great local beer with a nice patio. They have a food truck out front to grab a bite. Sometimes, they even have live music. We love this spot.
Charming with fresh handcrafted pasta, bread, espresso and gelato. Cooked to order lunch from 11-2, or take home to cook fresh pasta.
11 locals recommend
CERES Pasta
77 West Washington Street
11 locals recommend
Charming with fresh handcrafted pasta, bread, espresso and gelato. Cooked to order lunch from 11-2, or take home to cook fresh pasta.
Delicious and fresh breakfast and lunch spot in a really cool area of Tucson. 5 Points. Vibrant menu with a little market and delicious coffee drinks. It's lovely to sit outside on the patio.
36 locals recommend
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 South Stone Avenue
36 locals recommend
Delicious and fresh breakfast and lunch spot in a really cool area of Tucson. 5 Points. Vibrant menu with a little market and delicious coffee drinks. It's lovely to sit outside on the patio.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/dining/don-guerra-barrio-bread-tucson.html This bakery is something truly special. Go experience this amazing bread and support Don Guerra as he marries his roots, ingredients of the region and artisanal bread making.
52 locals recommend
Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne Ave
52 locals recommend
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/dining/don-guerra-barrio-bread-tucson.html This bakery is something truly special. Go experience this amazing bread and support Don Guerra as he marries his roots, ingredients of the region and artisanal bread making.
A contemporary neighborhood bistro that encompasses the spirit of Tucson and the Southwest. Elevated SW inspired cuisine near to the house in a wonderful atmosphere. One of our favorite places to go for a date or a special delicious dinner.
63 locals recommend
Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway Blvd
63 locals recommend
A contemporary neighborhood bistro that encompasses the spirit of Tucson and the Southwest. Elevated SW inspired cuisine near to the house in a wonderful atmosphere. One of our favorite places to go for a date or a special delicious dinner.
If you have a bagel craving, look no further... there is NO other bagel in Tucson besides Bubbe's. They are long fermented and kettled boiled and incredibly delicious.
Bubbe's Bagels
1101 North Wilmot Road
If you have a bagel craving, look no further... there is NO other bagel in Tucson besides Bubbe's. They are long fermented and kettled boiled and incredibly delicious.
"The Coronet, where classic sensibility meets international cuisine. We care deeply about all of our ingredients and our products. We absolutely love food! The harmony of inspired collaboration is evident on the plate and on the palate. The meats are all sustainable and considerately sourced, the seafood always on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood watch list of best choices. Our menu is seasonally inspired and the fruits and vegetables are organic when possible. We have an omnivores gusto, nevertheless many of our dishes can be savored by vegetarians, vegans, and gluten dissidents. There is always a bounty of fruits and vegetables. The Coronet enjoyed its original location in the historic Coronado Hotel for 5 years. It relocated to the territorial adobe landmark Cushing Street in the fall of 2019. We are grateful to be able to operate in this legacy location that has been the home to the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant – lovingly operated by the Rollings family since 1972. Our phenomenal staff is headed by executive chef Tanner Flemming. Sally Kane, Gregor Kretschmann, and Matthew Cordes are the proprietors. We want everyone to feel well cared for and to enjoy themselves through the pleasure that only comes when eating wonderful food, drinking wonderful drinks, and being somewhere that allows one to transport, for a moment, into the present. We care that our proteins are ethically sourced with minimal environmental impact. We also source organic and/or local produce & other goods whenever possible."
78 locals recommend
The Coronet
198 W Cushing St
78 locals recommend
"The Coronet, where classic sensibility meets international cuisine. We care deeply about all of our ingredients and our products. We absolutely love food! The harmony of inspired collaboration is evident on the plate and on the palate. The meats are all sustainable and considerately sourced, the seafood always on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood watch list of best choices. Our menu is seasonally inspired and the fruits and vegetables are organic when possible. We have an omnivores gusto, nevertheless many of our dishes can be savored by vegetarians, vegans, and gluten dissidents. There is always a bounty of fruits and vegetables. The Coronet enjoyed its original location in the historic Coronado Hotel for 5 years. It relocated to the territorial adobe landmark Cushing Street in the fall of 2019. We are grateful to be able to operate in this legacy location that has been the home to the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant – lovingly operated by the Rollings family since 1972. Our phenomenal staff is headed by executive chef Tanner Flemming. Sally Kane, Gregor Kretschmann, and Matthew Cordes are the proprietors. We want everyone to feel well cared for and to enjoy themselves through the pleasure that only comes when eating wonderful food, drinking wonderful drinks, and being somewhere that allows one to transport, for a moment, into the present. We care that our proteins are ethically sourced with minimal environmental impact. We also source organic and/or local produce & other goods whenever possible."
"Located in the same property as The Coronet & Nightjar, where the beautiful Barrio Viejo sets the tone for a peaceful breakfast or lunch with friends, an exceptional coffee break, or a quiet respite for a snack and a drink. Free high speed wifi makes us a great choice for your remote workplace. This lovely little counter service cafe is a place where guests can enjoy honest fare made with integrity, sustainable proteins, and local ingredients whenever possible. The Mercantile features homemade goods from The Coronet & Meyer Avenue Cafe, an array of items for the taking including beer, wine, Caffe Luce coffee, maya tea, and well considered gifts. We want everyone to feel cared for and to enjoy themselves through the pleasure that only comes when eating wonderful food, drinking wonderful drinks, and being somewhere that allows one to transport, for a moment, into the present."
7 locals recommend
Meyer Avenue Cafe
353 South Meyer Avenue
7 locals recommend
"Located in the same property as The Coronet & Nightjar, where the beautiful Barrio Viejo sets the tone for a peaceful breakfast or lunch with friends, an exceptional coffee break, or a quiet respite for a snack and a drink. Free high speed wifi makes us a great choice for your remote workplace. This lovely little counter service cafe is a place where guests can enjoy honest fare made with integrity, sustainable proteins, and local ingredients whenever possible. The Mercantile features homemade goods from The Coronet & Meyer Avenue Cafe, an array of items for the taking including beer, wine, Caffe Luce coffee, maya tea, and well considered gifts. We want everyone to feel cared for and to enjoy themselves through the pleasure that only comes when eating wonderful food, drinking wonderful drinks, and being somewhere that allows one to transport, for a moment, into the present."
An amazing collection of shops and restaurants all together in a collection of shipping containers. An awesome place to hang out. We love Kukai for Japanese food, Decibel Coffee Works for delicious coffee and pastries and Westword for a cocktail (they also have a bottle shop/liquor store at the Annex).
68 locals recommend
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del Convento
68 locals recommend
An amazing collection of shops and restaurants all together in a collection of shipping containers. An awesome place to hang out. We love Kukai for Japanese food, Decibel Coffee Works for delicious coffee and pastries and Westword for a cocktail (they also have a bottle shop/liquor store at the Annex).
Near to the house and a great little spot for craft cocktails.
34 locals recommend
Sidecar
139 S Eastbourne Ave
34 locals recommend
Near to the house and a great little spot for craft cocktails.
Found in South Tucson, Rollies should not be missed. Delicious birria and flat enchiladas. A fun and festive atmosphere. YUM!
14 locals recommend
Rollies Mexican Patio
4573 S 12th Ave
14 locals recommend
Found in South Tucson, Rollies should not be missed. Delicious birria and flat enchiladas. A fun and festive atmosphere. YUM!
Wonderful sushi and Japanese cuisine. Great for carry out as well. The N Wilmont location is closest to the house. http://www.sachikorestaurant.com
11 locals recommend
Sachiko Sushi
1101 N Wilmot Rd
11 locals recommend
Wonderful sushi and Japanese cuisine. Great for carry out as well. The N Wilmont location is closest to the house. http://www.sachikorestaurant.com

Take Out/Delivery

Delicious Greek food super close to the house. Head's up, their portions are HUGE.
6 locals recommend
Opa's Best Greek American Cuisine
4590 E Broadway Blvd
6 locals recommend
Delicious Greek food super close to the house. Head's up, their portions are HUGE.
Japanese food/Sushi a five minute drive from the house.
13 locals recommend
Kazoku - Sushi & Japanese Cuisine
4210 E Speedway Blvd
13 locals recommend
Japanese food/Sushi a five minute drive from the house.
35 locals recommend
Renee's Organic Oven
7065 E Tanque Verde Rd
35 locals recommend

Markets

+OPEN EVERY SUNDAY 9AM – 1PM (OCT– APR) 8AM – 12PM (APR 16 – SEP)
20 locals recommend
Heirloom Farmers Market - Rillito Park
4502 N 1st Ave
20 locals recommend
+OPEN EVERY SUNDAY 9AM – 1PM (OCT– APR) 8AM – 12PM (APR 16 – SEP)
Markets held every week at St. Philip’s Plaza: Saturday Artisans’ and Farmers’ Market – 8a-12p (summer) and 9a-1p (winter) Sunday Farmers’ Market – 8a-12p (summer) and 9a-1p (winter)
9 locals recommend
FoodInRoot Farmers' Markets
4280 N Campbell Ave
9 locals recommend
Markets held every week at St. Philip’s Plaza: Saturday Artisans’ and Farmers’ Market – 8a-12p (summer) and 9a-1p (winter) Sunday Farmers’ Market – 8a-12p (summer) and 9a-1p (winter)
This is a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants. Really close to Seis as well. Open all year round. Plus... there is a night market here in the summertime: +LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MAY 28TH / JUN 25TH JUL 30TH / AUG 27TH /SEP 24TH
68 locals recommend
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del Convento
68 locals recommend
This is a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants. Really close to Seis as well. Open all year round. Plus... there is a night market here in the summertime: +LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MAY 28TH / JUN 25TH JUL 30TH / AUG 27TH /SEP 24TH

Grocery Stores

A 7 minute drive from the house.
186 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway Blvd
186 locals recommend
A 7 minute drive from the house.
A 12 minute drive from the house.
24 locals recommend
Natural Grocers
3016 E Broadway Blvd
24 locals recommend
A 12 minute drive from the house.
A 10 minute drive from the house.
130 locals recommend
Safeway
1940 E Broadway Blvd
130 locals recommend
A 10 minute drive from the house.
A sweet local market. You will find local produce and specialty items here. Good, prepared food and also a restaurant attached. This place is great!
57 locals recommend
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th St
57 locals recommend
A sweet local market. You will find local produce and specialty items here. Good, prepared food and also a restaurant attached. This place is great!
149 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
4645 E Speedway Blvd
149 locals recommend

Sightseeing

A must for travelers of all ages. Plan a day trip (40min west) and pack a lunch or grab one at their café where they have a variety of foods & drinks.
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney Rd
670 locals recommend
A must for travelers of all ages. Plan a day trip (40min west) and pack a lunch or grab one at their café where they have a variety of foods & drinks.
Reid park is really close to the house and offers a variety of swings slides and climbing structures the kids will enjoy. It's wonderful to stroll around the park on the walking path. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the covered pavilions and grab a cold treat at the ice cream truck (usually there daily) – also located next to the park is the Reid Park Zoo and Edith Ball Recreation & Aquatic center.
43 locals recommend
Reid Park
43 locals recommend
Reid park is really close to the house and offers a variety of swings slides and climbing structures the kids will enjoy. It's wonderful to stroll around the park on the walking path. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the covered pavilions and grab a cold treat at the ice cream truck (usually there daily) – also located next to the park is the Reid Park Zoo and Edith Ball Recreation & Aquatic center.
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is a must see. Watch the saguaros turn into pine trees as you gain elevation. In the summer, it's the perfect place to catch some cooler weather. It can be up to 30 degrees cooler up there. Windy Point Vista is our favorite lookout, and is about 50 minutes away from the house.
485 locals recommend
Mount Lemmon
485 locals recommend
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is a must see. Watch the saguaros turn into pine trees as you gain elevation. In the summer, it's the perfect place to catch some cooler weather. It can be up to 30 degrees cooler up there. Windy Point Vista is our favorite lookout, and is about 50 minutes away from the house.
The park is a MUST SEE. It feels like being on another planet. We like to speculate whether or not the saguaro switch places when we aren't looking! You'll likely see javelina, coyotes, roadrunners and quail (among other desert creatures) on your trip. As always, bring lots of water, sunscreen and layers! What an incredible place.
320 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park
320 locals recommend
The park is a MUST SEE. It feels like being on another planet. We like to speculate whether or not the saguaro switch places when we aren't looking! You'll likely see javelina, coyotes, roadrunners and quail (among other desert creatures) on your trip. As always, bring lots of water, sunscreen and layers! What an incredible place.
A magical and informative place to connect with native planting. Casually stroll and explore the day away here at this not to be missed Tucson sweet spot. The gift shop is a great place to get a souvenir and to support local artists. There is also a delicious restaurant at the center of the garden called "Edna's Eatery." It's a lovely place to have breakfast or lunch.
260 locals recommend
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon Way
260 locals recommend
A magical and informative place to connect with native planting. Casually stroll and explore the day away here at this not to be missed Tucson sweet spot. The gift shop is a great place to get a souvenir and to support local artists. There is also a delicious restaurant at the center of the garden called "Edna's Eatery." It's a lovely place to have breakfast or lunch.

Swimming

Pool is open year-round with indoor & outdoor facilities. It's a good idea to call before making plans to ensure the hours haven’t changed. (520) 791-5643
6 locals recommend
Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center
3455 E Zoo Ct
6 locals recommend
Pool is open year-round with indoor & outdoor facilities. It's a good idea to call before making plans to ensure the hours haven’t changed. (520) 791-5643