It’s time to ring in 2016! We ready to take on the New Year and do even more around Tucson. We want to bring you the best in eat, shop and play in Tucson and now we want to help you tackle 2016. There are a lot of things to do around Tucson so it can be hard to pick a place to start. We have created our 2016 bucket list: 10 things to do around Tucson this year. Check out our picks, and get ready to take on the New Year with us!
1. Visit 12 of Tucson’s breweries
Thanks to Tucson Foodie, there is a handy guide to 12 breweries in Tucson. Local brewery stops include: The Address Brewing, 1912 Brewing Company, Barrio Brewing Company, Nimbus Brewing Company and more! Beer lovers will especially love this tour! It is a great way to experience Tucson food and drink culture.
2. Hike Finger Rock Trail
If you live in Tucson, you’ve most likely seen the spire-shaped rock rising from the ground that resembles a thumb. The climb to the top is 4.5 miles long and it is pretty steep, so you might want to go on easier hikes to get used to it before you tackle this.
3. Take a trip to Callaghan Vineyards
Venture an hour south of Tucson for a visit to Callaghan Vineyards. It is an award winning vineyard with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-5pm. Go for a girls trip, a romantic getaway or the wine connoisseur in your life.
Callaghan Vineyards: 336 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ, USA. +1 520 455 5322
4. Attend the binocular stargazing program with Kitt Peak National Observatory
Credit: P. Marenfeld (NOAO/AURA/NSF)
Kitt Peak National Observatory is a signature spot in Tucson. Located in the Quinlan mountains, it is 55 miles southwest of Tucson and is hope to the largest array of astronomic instruments in the world. The visitor’s center is located on the UA campus on Cherry Street. There are a variety of programs and workshops put on by the observatory and visitor’s center. In October, they host a binocular stargazing program open to the public! We want to attend this year.
5. (Attempt to ) Finish the burrito challenge at La Botana.
Ever see those wacky food challenges and wonder if you think you can take them? One we have always wanted to try, but never have, is the burrito challenge at La Botana. The challenge is to finish a 5lb burrito in 45 minutes. This beast of a burrito is filled with your choice of meat, potatoes, rice, jalapeños, salsa and cheese, plus another hearty topping of cheese. If you finish the meal, you get to eat for free and your photo goes on the wall of fame. If not, you have to pay the $20 for the burrito and accept defeat.
La Botana: 3200 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
6. Hike the Wild Burro Trail
Tucson is a city with many different hiking and biking trails. One little known trail is the Wild Burro Trail and serves as a gateway into the Tortolita Mountains. It is a moderate hike that covers 7.12 miles round trip. The trail is open to dogs, horses, bikers and hikers. We want to tackle it in 2016.
7. Visit the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Tucson is home to many different museums and there is one unlike any other. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a unique destination in Tucson. It is a educational and interactive museum filled with miniatures. The permanent exhibits include: The Enchanted Realm which displays magical scenes with snow villages, fairy castles, witches and more. The History and Antiques gallery takes you through time with scenes featuring one of the oldest miniature houses in the United States from 1775. Exploring the World displays how the rest of the world has created and used miniatures in other cultures. It is a fascinating museum experience that you can’t miss.
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures: 4455 E Camp Lowell Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712
8. Go to Savor Food and Wine Festival
This February, we cannot miss the Savor Food and Wine Festival. On Saturday, February 6, 2016 head over to the Tucson Botanical Gardens for a taste of Tucson’s culinary scene. Every year this event grows in showcasing the talents and flavors of Southern Arizona’s culinary arts. This year will feature up to 40 of the finest chefs and local restaurants from the region. Foodies can’t miss this festival! There will also be craft beer, wine and spirits tastings.
Tucson Botanical Garden: 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
9. Spend a full weekend enjoying Tucson Festival of Books
Tucson Festival of Books is a Tucson tradition any book lover can’t miss. It features talks and signings from both national and international authors, and of course, thousands of books. This year’s festival is happening from March 12-13, 2016 along the UA campus mall. Aside from being a fun and educational event, it is also a tremendous opportunity to give back. Since the festival was launched in 2009, it has given back more than $1,250,000 to local literacy organizations. We want to be there the entire festival this year to check out all of the signings and events.
10. Splurge at Core Kitchen + Wine Bar
Take the trip over to nearby Marana to Core Kitchen + Wine Bar. Located inside the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain, this upscale restaurant is serving up truly incredible dishes. For our next special occasion we want to spoil ourselves, and our loved ones here. Dinner is served here daily from 5:30pm – 9:30pm and they offer an awesome wine experience on Friday evenings from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Menu items include dishes like Pinto’s Cast Iron Jambalaya (day boat scallops, laughing bird shrimp, andouille sausage, salt springs mussels, fire rice, and sweet & smoked paprika pulled chicken) and Kilt Lifter Short Ribs (brown ale braised beef, with onion beignets, thyme roasted carrots and a drizzle of honey). It is sure to be a true culinary experience.
Core Kitchen + Wine Bar: 15000 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658
There you have it this is our 2016 bucket list: 10 things to do around Tucson. With so many things to do around Tucson it was hard for us just to choose 10 activities. What would be on your Tucson bucket list? Let us know in the comment section below what you think.We always want to provide you with the best of eat, shop and play around Tucson. So stay tuned to our blog and let us know about new things to do around Tucson that you’re excited about.
Images Via: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
