Tucson’s artistic side really shines in some unexpected places in the city, a few of which Henk and I discovered by accident, some intentionally, and each had its own unique appeal. Here are a few of the more unusual places where you can discover art in Tucson, and a little farther afield.
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is perhaps the most well-known religious pilgrimage route in the Christian world. What you may not know (and certainly Henk and I did not) is that Texas has its own El Camino de San Antonio, involving 5 stops along a 14-mile (22.5km) route, and this route also has a connection to the European Camino.
When Henk and I decided to visit Tucson, Arizona this winter, it was primarily for its dark desert skies and the opportunity to visit some of the area’s many astronomical observatories. What we didn’t realize was that our January visit happened to coincide perfectly with the city’s premier food and wine event: the SAVOR Culinary Festival, a food festival/fundraising event that takes place at Tucson’s Botanical Gardens every year. So of course, we put this item on our list of must-do’s while in the city, and would recommend that anyone visiting the city in January should do the same. Here’s why.
No, it’s not a museum dedicated to the latest Jurassic Park-themed movie. But on a recent visit to Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Henk and I did have the chance to see free-flying raptors (NOT the velociraptor kind), local Arizona wildlife, a mini-aquarium, on-site art gallery and yes, even a few animatronic dinosaurs. All of this variety is what makes a visit to this outdoor museum/garden/attraction one of the most unique things to do in Tucson, and why visitors of all ages and interests will find that there’s something here for everyone.
